God have mercy

After hearing about him on Moody radio one evening late in 1997, I've kept a small slip of paper in the back of my Bible on which I had scribbled, "PTL in State College, PA. Dr. Eric Harrah, abortion doctor, saved 11-1-97," reminding me to pray for a man I'd never met. I had often wondered how he was doing but had not heard or read anything. The note is now stained with tears after reading your article ("Selling celebrity," Sept. 2). Lynn Vincent wrote clear and valid warnings to the church. How often we put new believers in positions of leadership, worship, or teaching, without taking the time to let them "prove" themselves and to be observed while being discipled. I will not stop praying for Mr.Harrah. May God have mercy on him as He has had mercy on every one of us. - Sydney Fissori, Libby, Mont.

No match

Thank you for your thought-provoking and spiritually challenging cover story about the exploitation of Eric Harrah's dubious conversion. The body of Christ should be the first to expose its mistakes, pro-life zeal should always be tempered with wisdom, and healing sinners through Christ should be a priority in the Christian walk. I'm sad for Mr. Harrah's false start. Clearly Mr. Harrah's skin-deep Christianity was no match for his addictions, and I'm disappointed with those who mishandled his discipleship. However, reading this article made me all the more grateful for my own conversion 12 years ago. - Jo Littin-Taich, Charlotte, N.C.

Just can't learn

Your "cautionary tale" about Eric Harrah was important and well balanced. It also illustrates a lesson that Christian ministries cannot seem to learn. In June of 1972, a major evangelical ministry moved to center stage (literally) Kris Kristofferson, described as a new believer of a few weeks. The results of that day's concert were predictable and disastrous, but he turned away from whatever his newfound beliefs may have been in just a few weeks instead of months or years. Hopefully this most recent lesson will last for a while. - Jim Heggie, Camano Island, Wash.

Still walking

I am a former homosexual and live in State College, where Mr. Harrah lived. Although I never met him, for obvious reasons his story has been of interest to me. I came out of the lifestyle before he did, and his story was one of encouragement and assurance to me for some time. I understand the temptations he faced. However, I am not allowing his recent decision to discourage me and am continuing to walk free. - J.K., State College, Pa.

Brother left behind

I feel we have allowed a brother to fall and have failed to go back for him. When Eric needed spiritual nurturing, discipleship in God's Word, and private, personal counseling the most, he was offered a first-class ticket to the church lecture circuit, honorariums, and basketfuls of "God bless you, brother." We at The 700 Club waited two years after his conversion before we told his story. Now, we find ourselves alongside many other Christians in Eric's life, praying that he will be restored and that we, as the body of Christ, will get a second chance to minister to a brother we left behind. - Andy Freeman, Virginia Beach, Va.

Under construction

For many evangelicals, the "dynamic testimony" of a celebrity, rather than the Holy Spirit, is seen as the real power to reach others. When that's the case, it's easy to disregard common sense, ignore God's Word, and exploit those converts for our own purposes. Then, when it turns out badly, we can shrug our shoulders and declare that our intentions were good. Well, we all know what road is paved with good intentions. - Kenneth D. Lueke, Bad Axe, Mich.

Enjoyable insight

As usual, your latest issue provided great enjoyment as well as valuable insight into noteworthy current events. The free spending of the Republican Congress has largely been ignored by the national media, and it is gratifying to see WORLD's exposure ("Tax-and-spend Republicans," Sept. 2). Marvin Olasky's comments on Christophobia should remind Christians of our call to boldly proclaim the gospel ("Fear of the Lord," Sept. 2). Further, "Omega point" poignantly illuminates the difference Christian faith causes in all areas of our lives, including work. - Drew Thompson, Roswell, Ga.

Is now a good time?

After being convicted of my less-than-godly approach to telemarketers, I've decided to take a "ministry" approach ("Don't touch that dial," Sept. 2). I ask them, up front, for "a couple of minutes of their time." All eight so far have been glad to accommodate. Then I ask, "If you were to die tonight, where would you land, in heaven or hell?" And then, "If God said, 'Why should I let you into heaven?' what would you say?" Not one of the callers knew about Christ's work on Calvary for their sin. Now I look forward to telemarketers' calls. After all, it may be the most important call that telemarketer ever places. - Tammy Kobza, Fremont, Neb.

Atheism established

I enjoyed "Fear of the Lord." I would add that the Supreme Court's 1947 Everson decision expelled all forms of theism from public settings related to any level of government, by articulating a previously undiscovered intent of the framers of the Constitution to form a "wall of separation." This firmly established atheism as the national church of the United States and every state, county, town, city and school board in the country. Ironically, this was the exact opposite of what the framers intended when they passed the Establishment Clause, which was never intended to apply to state or local governments, as Justice Rehnquist noted in his dissent in Wallace vs. Jeffre. The only hope for undoing the "establishment" of atheism is for the Supreme Court to admit its mistake and return to a construction of the Establishment Clause as the framers intended. - Frederic B. O'Neal, Windermere, Fla.

Focus

Thank you to Andree Seu for a needed reminder to keep our spiritual viewfinders properly focused in the midst of life's endless enterprise ("Omega point," Sept. 2). - Vicki Johnson, Madison, Ala.

Provocative

Andree Seu's unusually candid and provocative writing has become a favorite of mine. "The living room" (Aug. 19) is one of the most powerful articles I have read this year. "Sackcloth and ashes" (Aug. 26) made me seriously consider some of my attitudes toward President Clinton. - Eric Rankin, Hull, Iowa

You too

I found "Sackcloth and ashes" very heartening. None of us are able to throw the first stone, but will all be required to appear at the Last Judgment. As much as we detest Mr. Clinton's moral behavior, the words of our Lord are indeed relevant, "But unless you repent, you too will all perish." - Jimmy Meyer, Sasolburg, South Africa

Actions after

President Clinton's refusal to resign after the Lewinsky scandal was as if Adam and Eve had demanded to stay in the garden, or Moses insisted on entering the promised land. This is what has bothered me-his actions after his sins became public, not so much the sins themselves. - J. Shields, Lilburn, Ga.

Actions after

President Clinton's refusal to resign after the Lewinsky scandal was as if Adam and Eve had demanded to stay in the garden, or Moses insisted on entering the promised land. This is what has bothered me-his actions after his sins became public, not so much the sins themselves. - J. Shields, Lilburn, Ga.

Redeemable

The review of The Green Mile (Video Rentals, Sept. 2) did not mention that it had two very good messages: It is not unjust to execute someone for their crimes, and even criminals facing capital punishment are human and ought to be treated with dignity. I thought it was one of the most redeemable movies of the year. - Ryan Todt, Atlanta, Ga.

True north

I was very glad to see your article on Stockwell Day and Canadian politics (Minister in his prime," Aug. 19). My family and I are proud that here in the "true north, strong and free," an outspoken Christian conservative can still gain so much support. - Candice VandenHaak, Burlington, Ont.

Well done

Thank you for a job well done. As a subscriber for the past year, I believe you have been faithful to your mission statement and "What we stand for" (June 10). Have I agreed with everything you have written in the last year? No. But that could happen only if I were writing all the articles, and that would be one boring news magazine. - Douglas G. Treut, Rosendale, N.Y.