Problem churches

I really enjoyed the interview with Ronald Sider ("Resisting labels," May 14). It reminded me that Christianity is much more than warming a pew on Sunday. It is following in our Savior's footsteps and applying His principles to every area of life, including such problems as hunger, poverty, and visiting those in prison. Too many Christians relax in their churches and ignore the problems right outside the church door. Are we going to be part of the problem, or are we going to wash the feet of those less prosperous than we are? -Dan Dendulk; Ft. Myers, Fla.

How disappointing that Ron Sider continues to advocate his "plunder the rich" economic views. He still advocates public policies that would essentially redistribute their wealth by force. I know many people who are gainfully employed because of the jobs rich people have created. -Mark Morley; Olathe, Kan.

Mr. Sider is correct that evangelicals need to look a lot more closely at how current government and corporate policies are contributing to economic injustice and destroying people's lives. There is a whole lot more to this issue than just promoting capitalism and free markets. He is asking some legitimate questions. -Jack Burhenne; Leroy, Ohio

I found nothing in Mr. Sider's utopia-on-earth vision that turns hearts to Christ and saves lost souls. Jesus never called upon a secular government, as Mr. Sider does, to do the kingdom work via taxation. Mr. Sider, however, is correct in observing that too many Christians are not performing as Christ taught. We should pray for him and us to know and obey God's will. -Richard W. Hawkins; Lake Havasu City, Ariz.

Hail to the chief

Many thanks for Hugh Hewitt's column on our accomplished president ("100 days, part II," May 14). I rate George W. Bush as the greatest president at least since World War II, and that's saying a lot considering how great Ronald Reagan was. -Marilyn Braley; Houston, Texas

Sad reality

I agreed with much of Marvin Olasky's "Poker and purpose" (May 14), but the sad reality is that sometimes no available employment addresses one's calling. After four years of unemployment, I have just landed a job in insurance sales. Is this my great calling? I can't see that it is, although I am open to the idea that, after four years of searching with bankruptcy looming large, I might be well-advised to see if it can be a calling of some kind. Young folks ought not to imagine that they can necessarily find a job that fulfills a calling if they only set their minds to it. -Ken Menzel; Glen Ellyn, Ill.

The belief that some jobs are unworthy is why U.S. citizens collect welfare while millions of illegal immigrants labor with pride and dignity. -David R. Schubert; Bay City, Mich.

A person might never find the dream job and end up waiting tables for decades. Has that person then failed? Many people will take a boring job because they need to pay the bills. Even if we don't feel that a job is using our talents or promoting God's kingdom, we must still do our jobs heartily, for God rather than for men, and we must be salt and light in the workplace. -Leah B. Shaw Chock; Alexandria, Va.

Unbelievable

I am excited about the initiative, from Democrats for Life of America, to reduce abortion 95 percent in 10 years by dissuading women from having abortions ("The new pro-choice," May 14). It will put pressure on Republicans and even pro-life groups to make effective legislative changes. -Kenneth Woodard; Greenville, S.C.

Unbelievable! I never thought I'd live to see Democrats propose such a noble goal. -Jeffrey R. Cousins; Washington, D.C.

Overdue

I think winnowing of the church is long overdue ("Papal pruning," May 14). When poll after poll shows that the majority of "born-agains" and "evangelicals" do not live in accordance with Scripture, when a nation whose majority is supposedly Christian has to debate the morality of abortion, euthanasia, and homosexuality, then the church is clearly not as it should be. And while winnowing the church will certainly make it stronger, we must remember that the primary scriptural reason for this discipline is to ensure the salvation of those being disciplined. -Peter Salvatore; Shirley, N.Y.

Adoption credit

I admire the way Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth, have promoted adoption ("Papa of pop," May 14, 2005). Some may also be interested to know that a federal adoption-expense tax credit of up to $10,630 per child is available for 2005. Claiming this credit on their federal individual income tax returns may open the door to adoption for families who have been hindered by their finances in the past. -Eugenia H. Kornegay; Mt. Pleasant, S.C.

Wrong answers

I am a Bible college student and am very familiar with the Scriptures and evangelical theology. However, I have felt a distance between myself and God for some time now. After reading "Mental filibusters" (May 14), I realized that I have been more focused on theology than on God and on having the right answers instead of enjoying and proclaiming God's love through Christ. -Britney Smith; Seaside, Calif.

Miguel's telling Mrs. Seu's mother that her kindness will not get her to heaven does not strike me as winsomely Christian but obnoxious. A more humble approach perhaps would have been for Miguel to suggest that her actions resemble that of the Good Samaritan, and then go on to speak of the eternal mercy and kindness of our Savior. -Peter Ledic; Danville, Calif.

Death dealt

Angele entered an abortion clinic and paid the workers to kill her child ("Rowan's story," May 7). They did. The fact that she changed her mind gives no one the right to expect the clinic's death-dealers to suddenly become life-givers. Under the law, no person was harmed and no crime committed. I hear Judas's anguished realization, "I have betrayed innocent blood!" and the Pharisees' cold reply, "What is that to us? It is your affair." May God forgive that poor mother and heal her pain. -Jenny Swope; Derry, N.H.

Timely

For weeks now WORLD has been arriving before its publishing date. Then I read that WORLD has a new distribution center ("Special delivery," May 14). So, congratulations to WORLD, USPS, and Fry for timely delivery of an excellent product. -Neil Golan; Auburn, Wash.

We, too, are missionaries in Papua New Guinea. For the first time since we have subscribed to WORLD, we received an issue (May 14) in the same month in which it was meant to be delivered. We don't mind the late arrival-we still read every word. -Tim & Bonnie-Sue Harper; Kimbe, Papua New Guinea