September 19

‘Unwanted’

The photograph of abortion carnage was revolting. Several years ago, when my children were elementary-school-aged, they sobbed when we explained to them what abortion meant. I wept again for pity, shame, and horror while reading your article.

Dan McCoy / Sarver, Pa.

I enjoy your magazine but am astounded by that photo. My mother broke down into sobs. I appreciate that you are shedding light on this horrific practice, but the photo was unnecessary.

Adriana Maljanian, 15 / Altadena, Calif.

This article was super-informative and must have been hard to write. Thank you to Jamie Dean for her work in keeping Planned Parenthood’s feet to the fire.

Paul Matlock / Pagosa Springs, Colo.

‘Arrogant blowhard’

Thank you for stating bluntly the truth about Donald Trump. As a pastor who longs for God’s people to think biblically about politics, I am disheartened by how many evangelicals support this blowhard.

Ken Langley / Zion, Ill.

I am baffled and frustrated. I was appalled at how many Christians did not vote in 2012 because Romney is a Mormon. I never imagined I might find myself in the same predicament; but if Trump is the GOP nominee, I won’t vote. I will conclude that God is judging our nation and letting us go our own way—a terrifying thought.

Patricia Rupprecht / Troy, N.Y.

I thought I was subscribing to a Christian magazine, but your attack on Trump was most unchristian. Please cancel my subscription.

Tony Rohl / Grass Valley, Calif.

Excellent analysis of Trump. He boasts that he can finance his own campaign so big money cannot buy him; but, even worse, he is big money. Do we trust him to sign bills that would place his businesses at a disadvantage? Does it seem credible that he would advance small-government proposals?

Dorothy Gable on wng.org

I am no fan of Trump, but other politicians are just as bad, in different ways, and better at hiding the truth about themselves.

Tom Burley / Alto, Mich.

Evidently we need evangelical voices such as WORLD to explain why Trump should be unacceptable to Christians, and Joel Belz did an excellent job. Trump is like a Third World strong man: boastful, derisive of opponents, and too contemptuous of his fellow citizens to bother to explain his policies. The sooner he is off the political circuit, the better.

Rich Gaffin / Burke, Va.

People see Trump as a leader. With millions out of work, a tidal wave of illegal aliens, and an effeminate Congress that refuses to hold this horrible administration accountable, many will vote for someone who will turn it around.

Jan Patrice Planer on Facebook

We wouldn’t have Trump if we had leaders with spine, purpose, and a positive vision for this country. But it’s still early; God is sovereign and He’s got it covered.

Marianne Bono / Tallahassee, Fla.

Trump’s wealth means he may not have to “worry” about being politically correct, but his liberal views on social issues need little adjusting to fit into the left’s agenda. During the campaign he’ll throw conservative Christians a bone or two; but if he’s elected, I don’t imagine this emperor will invite us to court.

Laura Murphy on wng.org

‘Aimless affection’

Thank you for Janie B. Cheaney’s helpful analysis of the misguided use of the term “unconditional love.” We can expect unbelievers and the biblically illiterate to create a god to their own liking, but believers should recognize the deception.

Brian Solik / Louisburg, N.C.

This column reminded me of the lyrics from “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”: “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.”

Elizabeth Plumberg / Denver, Pa.

‘The sound of silence’

Thank you for covering again the persecution of Christians, this time of the Assyrians and our government’s tragic refusal to take them in. It brings one to tears.

Kirby Spevacek / Surprise, Ariz.

When I read that quote from the administration, I at first felt angry and helpless; but then I remembered the God I serve: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses; we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” I will continue to pray for the Assyrian Christians.

Lori Lui on wng.org

‘Serious play’

As a Christian video game fan, I’m glad to read about people of faith approaching video games in this way. I am looking forward to playing it when it comes out.

Sarah Parks on wng.org

‘The dying evangelist’

This is a beautiful story and encouraging for those of us suffering from chronic pain.

Porter Versfelt III on Facebook

‘Narcos’

I watched Narcos based on your review. It was an interesting history lesson and a compelling story, but it also had much violence and graphic sexual scenes.

Denny Long / Seattle, Wash.

‘That’s good! That’s bad!’

David Wilkerson’s The Cross and the Switchblade was one of the most difficult books I ever read. I threw it down on the floor several times, saying, “David, God is not like that.” I then decided to test God, according to the Bible, and since then have been discovering that He is merciful, gracious, loving, and even miraculous in His dealings with His children.

Lyle Nelson / New London, Minn.

September 5

‘Testing the limits’

The Sept. 5 issue is one of the best ever. The articles on education made me more serious about working to get the Nevada school choice option to Michigan. Why should parents fill the state pot and pay again if they want something different? I also loved the article about the courageous Chinese parents starting their own schools.

Christine Crowner/ Saline, Mich.

It is truly alarming how much power the College Board has. The problem is not that its tests teach factual falsehoods but that its emphasis on certain subjects teaches students what society should value. I hope suitable alternatives to the College Board tests arise quickly.

Andrew Willis / Homer Glen, Ill.

August 8

‘Little platoons, under attack’

Thanks so much for another Hope Awards issue. How refreshing it is to hear believers working to provide hope and encouragement amid all the tragedies in the world.

Bill Curtis / Worcester, Pa.

Correction

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley in June called for the removal of the Confederate flag, which was then flying on a flagpole on the grounds of the Capitol (Mailbag, Sept. 5, 2015).

WORLD Around the World

Alton Bay, N.H. Submitted by Ellen Decker

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