Drubbin' Dubya

After reading "Dubyafest" (Sept. 11), as a Republican I find myself appalled by what I've been hearing about the attacks against President Bush and the Republican Party this election campaign. Based on what I know about the issues and what the Democratic Party is saying about President Bush's positions, I can't believe that the American people would pay much attention to what they have to say. It's unbelievable what President Bush has had to contend with. -Martha E. Smith; Gresham, Ore.

Performed daily

As a Christian Army officer currently serving in Iraq, I have pondered the future of this country over and over again. We must have the "glass half full" approach if there is any hope for the new Iraq ("Half full or half empty?" Sept. 11). The fact that this new government may allow missionaries to freely spread gospel tracts should be enough reason to thank our Lord for what has transpired and also cheer for the soldiers over here as we seek to win hearts and minds by brave acts performed daily. -Philip M. Jorgensen; Flagstaff, Ariz.

In space and time

Andree Seu's thought-provoking article on the persistent relativism in our culture was right on target ("History channels," Sept. 11), but I disagree with her passing comment concerning the theology of Karl Barth. Donald Grey Barnhouse wrote in 1934 that Barth was "not only a great theologian, but a great Christian." -Jeff Dunlap; Exton, Pa.

I was so encouraged by Andree Seu's "Nothing more than feelings" (Aug. 28). I have pondered and even lamented over my heart being "deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked." It was a lovely reminder of how we need the Savior every day. -Pat Brown; Lebanon, Ore.

Casey law

In "Liberal oligarchs" (Sept. 11), Gene Edward Veith seems to have succumbed to the same fallacy that snagged Judge Casey: that court decisions are law. The Constitution is clear that only Congress, not the courts, has the authority to pass laws. Sure, the courts should normally follow existing precedent, but that should never stand in the way of justice and the rule of law. Rather than citing the Supreme Court precedent, Judge Casey should have upheld the law and let his decision be appealed. -Scott English; Yorba Linda, Calif.

Judge Casey's decision in favor of partial-birth abortion defies conscience, human nature, the Bible, and the Constitution. He's a wolf in sheep's clothing. -Ken Totten; Niles, Mich. I look forward to Mr. Veith's insights on culture. I have a passion for worldview and his articles add to my education each week. -Mike Fullilove; Long Beach, Miss.

Older still

In "Sardis's survivors" (Sept. 11), you mention that the synagogue in Sardis is the second oldest after the one at Masada. However, there are older synagogues at other places, such as Gamla in Galilee (called "the Masada of the north," which was destroyed in the First Jewish Revolt) and the Herodium in Judea (Herod's burial site later reused by Jews). The remains of the synagogue at Sardis are from the third century (although one probably existed earlier), while the earliest ones are from the first. -William L. Krewson; Philadelphia, Pa.

Over too soon

I am thoroughly enjoying the entries, each interesting in its own way, in the Worldview Fiction Contest ("Truth and fiction," July 3/10). I am also enthralled by the comments and critiques offered by the readers. I think that the contest provides excellent Christian entertainment, discussion, and growth. The only bad part is that this will all be over too soon. -Rick Chezum; Los Osos, Calif.

Editor's note: Read entries at worldmagblog.com.

When in Rome . . .

I don't believe that bisexuality is equivalent to promiscuity or debauchery ("Bi and by," Sept. 4). It is just a natural sexual propensity. Many bisexuals practice serial monogamy, and those who practice polyamory do it in a responsible way, with agreements with every partner and open and honest relationships. To criticize bisexuality is the same as criticizing the customs of a foreign country. -Judy W. Tsang; Thornhill, Ontario

"By and bi" presents clear logical reasoning on the current issue of homosexuality. However, as an actor, I am constantly surrounded by those who say that's just the way they are. I do not try to convince them that they are wrong or convict them with terms such as "biverse." How do I love them? How do I relate to them and embrace them as another sinner like me? This isn't just a political battle over traditional families, it is a spiritual battle involving real lives and lost souls-and that should break our hearts. -Bethany Lind; High Point, N.C.

More credit

I don't think Joel Belz gave WORLD enough credit for its coverage of tax protesters ("Taxing story," Sept. 4). WORLD covered the Indianapolis Baptist Temple and its principled stand against the IRS on the matter of income-tax withholding some years ago ("Under law, not grace," Jan. 27, 2001). -D. Eric Schansberg; New Albany, Ind.

Live free

We are losing liberty because we insist on the government paying for our expenses ("Losing liberty," Sept. 4). I recently got an appeal from an organization that wrote, "We are not tax-exempt. If you rely on such a receipt, simply deduct 30 percent of what you planned on giving to us and keep it to pay the taxes." What a great concept. Let's take full responsibility for our actions (and money), quit whining, and live debt-free, trusting that even if we have to pay with our life and liberty for speaking the truth, He will not forsake us. -Susanne Zimmermann; Barboursville, Va.

Back and forth

I will not be renewing my subscription. The Bible teaches us to flee sin, and so I cannot understand how your reviewers can sit through those films without being highly offended at the first profanity and promptly beating a hasty retreat. -Don Faber; Grand Rapids, Mich. Thank you for the excellent work in not only reporting the news from a Christian perspective but in the truly good work you produce with respect to movies, books, music, and issues that are (or should be) important to the church. -Fred Greco; Clinton, Miss.

Corrections