Mailbag

The answer

As our country finds it more and more difficult to understand and to influence the overwhelming chaos in the world, it is wonderful to read of our president as a man of prayer, morals, and unwavering convictions ("Holding the line," June 5). There have been mistakes, and each new day finds more reports of violence, economic uncertainties, and conflicts that seem to have no answer. But the truth is that Jesus Christ is the only answer, and I thank God that President Bush realizes that seeking Him is the most important thing he can do each day. - Steve McQueen; Beaver, Okla.

Divided

Having recently been elected to my third four-year term as a school board director for a 13,000-student public-school district, I have come to the same conclusion as Joel Belz and some influential members of the Southern Baptist Convention ("Public divide," June 5). I can no longer encourage Christian parents to send their children to our blatantly secular public-school system, and certainly not if they're serious about ensuring their children receive a biblical worldview education. To the extent that I can influence the curriculum, and help provide a quality education for those students whose parents are not concerned about such things, I believe that God is calling me to serve my community on the school board. Sometimes it's a lonely job. - Carl Johnson; Silverdale, Wash.

As the Pinckney-Shortt resolution points out, the choice is clear. If we are to take responsibility for our children receiving a Christ-centered education, we can no longer turn them over to the state for anti-Christian indoctrination. - Doug Pruiett; Richmond, Va.

As a retired teacher from a family of public-school teachers, I'm thankful our grandchildren either attended private schools or were homeschooled. I admire those teachers with integrity and common sense who remain in our schools, and there are isolated districts that haven't yet lost their moral compass. But sending our children to public schools today is like taking them to a restaurant where good food is occasionally served, but more and more often there is "poison in the pot." - Kathryn Thompson Presley; Bryan, Texas

I'm not going to argue that the public schools aren't in dire straits, but I think WORLD should consider the impact you are having on Christian educators in this country when you attack public education. I see the pain in my wife's eyes when she reads such columns. She teaches at a large public high school in a very rough part of Dallas, where the light of the gospel is needed the most. Yet I fear that if some Christians had their way, that place would never see the gospel. - Steve Brown; Dallas, Texas

As someone homeschooled until I entered a public school in seventh grade, I agree that the public-school system has problems, but I don't believe that a "mass exodus" is the way to fight this godless environment. I believe churches and families should do a better job of teaching their kids to fight for their faith, much like my church has. - Lisa Grace Duvick, 15; Ames, Iowa

This matter calls for prayer and insight on the part of the parents. We need to honestly assess each child's strengths and weaknesses. Those who show the ability to withstand temptation and also influence their peers in a godly manner are desperately needed in our public schools. Those more easily swayed would benefit from a more sheltered environment. Our nation needs public, private, and home schooling. May the children in each school be molded into the best possible witness for God. - Kevin Hull; Alexandria, Ohio

Canadian fruit

The application of Muslim law in Canada ("Theocracy, Canadian style," June 5) should be a warning to the United States about the fruits of postmodern tolerance. Our founders asserted religious freedom, as defined by the Second Amendment, while religious tolerance attempts to equalize all religious beliefs. Let us hope that our leaders, particularly in the judicial branch, understand the difference. - Shane Atkinson; Nolensville, Tenn.

Real leaders

As a black conservative, I was glad to hear a voice such as Mr. Cosby's speaking out about the problems in black American families ("Cosby's diagnosis," June 5). Regarding Cal Thomas's comments about "black leadership," I want to clarify that it is not always represented by the Jesse Jacksons and the Al Sharptons of the world. My leaders are the J.C. Wattses, the Colin Powells, and even the James Dobsons and William Bennetts. - Paul Denham; Averill Park, N.Y.

As one of your black readers, I appreciate when you highlight the achievements of black Americans, Christian or not. Although Mr. Cosby took some flak from liberals, he echoed what many of us not just believe but have seen firsthand. It's frustrating to see media caricatures that reinforce negative stereotypes of minorities, but even more disheartening when some people live up to such stereotypes. Not all do. - Danette Matty; Roseville, Minn.

Golding's grasp

» As a public high-school history teacher, I'd be lost without your insight into current events. Thanks, too, for Gene Edward Veith's column about The Lord of the Flies ("Golding's anniversary," June 5). Golding had a real grasp of man's fallen, sinful nature. I often discuss with my students whether we are born inherently good or inherently evil. One look at The Lord of the Flies shows both our propensity to fulfill the desires of the flesh and our need of a savior. - Mark Albert; Hamilton, Mont.

Straw column?

In "Worth a mass" (June 5), Andree Seu does a nice job of spotlighting the high tension between Catholic politicians and the faith they simultaneously profess and dismiss. Unfortunately, she portrayed the Catholic Church's system for dealing with marriage-annulment requests as a straw man, summarily torched with a verse of Scripture. Mrs. Seu provides no insights into annulment from an established, orthodox Catholic voice, just some quirky quotes from a lone priest whose credentials on the subject at hand, or lack thereof, are never disclosed. - David Pearson; North Branford, Conn.

Minority voice

Kudos to WORLD for allowing a minority voice to be heard ("Here comes the flood," May 29). Gays as an overt subculture are here to stay. How are we as Christians going to respond? With anger and prejudice, or with "salt" and charity? - David Gressman; Brea, Calif.

Worth 1,000 words

For years now I've appreciated Krieg Barrie's illustrations which accurately portray (without words) the crux of whatever subject is being presented. His works are impressive week after week. - Stacy Burger; Indianapolis, Ind.

Evolving nightmare

I, like Joel Belz, am not surprised at the atrocities at Abu Ghraib ("No preservatives," May 22). Those who perpetrated the abuse played out the postmodern, relativistic worldview that permeates our society. Our kids are taught that they are the result of random chance, blobs of cells that have evolved over billions of years. Thus, life has no meaning, no value, no dignity, and there is nothing beyond the grave. Because truth is relative, no one can condemn you because your behavior cannot be measured against an absolute standard. This worldview will, in the end, destroy this country unless we repent of our rebellion against God's moral absolutes and He brings a revival in our land. - Frank Nolton; Goodrich, Mich.

Nakedness, debauchery, lewdness, sexual innuendos - none of these surprise me in Iraq when it is pictured with American youth who have just passed through the largest sexual revolution in history ("The image war," May 22). We continue to foster an open-sex society in the name of free speech. The Constitution surely blushes for such interpretations. - Richard Shumaker; Elgin, Ill.

On point

Thank you for publishing the points of view on the Federal Marriage Amendment by Mike Farris and Don Wildmon ("Point, counterpoint," May 22). If Mr. Wildmon wishes that Congress would implement Mr. Farris's proposal, why isn't he working for it? Doesn't he believe God is big enough to give us the whole pie? - Susan Willis; Storrs, Conn.

Both "Point" and "Counterpoint" missed the real point: No amount of legislation can correct wayward hearts. The fight for traditional values continues to alienate the people that we could be reaching as a mission field. Those who complain about wanting their institutions and their children protected must be sure to actually protect their institutions in the first place (like marriage from adultery and divorce) and teach their children well. - Matthew Loftus; Bel Air, Md.

Correction

Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor was on Dec. 7, 1941 ("Around the horn," June 19, p. 37).