Mailbag

'Outside the camp'

July 28 Thank you for this reminder about the Muslim world. The difficulty with the "Common Word" documents and Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi's words, "a genuine democracy and stability," is that for Muslims the rest of us are simply dhimmis, protected people. Our protection would be on their terms and would not last long. I do not believe that Western secular leadership will ever understand this. -John Monroe, Carrollton, Texas

As a scholar of Islamic history, I reject the Salafist doctrine of the "uncreated Quran," which forbids the use of reason to understand its origins. I withdrew my signature from the "Christian Response to the 'Common Word'" because I am alarmed that influential evangelical leaders refuse to have a realistic view of Islamism. The Muslim Brotherhood seeks to re-establish the Caliphate, make the Quran its constitution, and jihad its domestic and foreign policy. But some Muslims are fighting for the reformation of Sunni Islam and political freedom in the Muslim world. We in the West must continue to support them. -Judith Rood, La Mirada, Calif.

The photo with the victim's spilled blood was a graphic reminder of the inherent evil we see in this world. The press in America seldom shows the tremendous evil of innocent slaughter. This is true evil and we must never forget it. -Neil Johnston, Grand Prairie, Texas

'Democracy and dualism'

July 28 Thank you for laying out the plight of persecuted Christians in Egypt and for warning about radical Islam. If our government leaders would study the foundational documents of Islam (including the Quran and Hadith), note what they say about Muslim attitudes and policies toward us "infidels," and study the history of the spread of Islam by the sword, we all would be more secure. -K. Spevacek, Avondale, Ariz.

I'm not surprised. Islam demands its adherents convert or conquer the whole world. Our lack of response to this threat is speeding its fulfillment, both from wars outside our borders and from the spread of Islam within. Thank God He is in control. -Rich Thorne, Bettles, Alaska

'Path to destruction'

July 28 In her excellent column Andrée Seu Peterson says, "Things are moving at breakneck speed now," and that pretty much sums it up. So often we hear of some celebrity "coming out" as a homosexual or some politician endorsing homosexual "marriage." -Dick Dickerson, Mechanicsville, Va.

Borrowing a page from the comic books, Peterson portrays homosexual activists as crafty and malevolent super-villains. But healthy Christian engagement with homosexuals must begin with truth-telling, not caricature. -Andrew Needham, Durham, N.C.

This was the best synopsis I have read on the state we are in now. Mothers like me have been trying to hold up the dike so our children would have a society that was morally "normal" and biblical, but the dike burst. I have very deep dread for current and future generations, but the Lord knows what is happening and He is faithful. -Janet Mulvanny, Shoreline, Wash.

Sometimes I have Elijah moments where I feel that so many, even in the church, seem to be blind to how rebellion against God has infiltrated every part of our society. But this column reminded me that God has preserved many who have not bowed the knee to Baal. -Sharon Henning, Longview, Texas

'Heaven and earth'

July 28 Janie B. Cheaney reminded me to lift my eyes up past the hills of earth's troubles to see the Lord, whence cometh our help. Her faithful words rekindled hope for me both about our world situation and my own health as I recover from cancer surgery. -Rick Porter, Yarmouth Port, Mass.

Cheaney quotes the saying that "we don't want to be too heavenly-minded for any earthly good, do we?" But as C.S. Lewis noted, it is only as we are heavenly-minded that we are any earthly good: "If you read history, you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next," from the apostles to the Christians who abolished the slave trade. -Paul Enns, Tampa, Fla.

Dispatches

July 28 I know that WORLD is opposed to the idea of same-sex marriage, but in reporting on Barney Frank you appeared to have accepted the redefinition of marriage. Whatever Frank and Jim Ready did, they were not "married" or "wed," not according to the correct definition of the words. -Ben Firth, Anchor Point, Alaska

'Faceburglary'

July 28 It's good basic advice not to share photos and updates via Facebook while on vacation but that may not be enough. If others traveling with you or people you're visiting post a picture and "tag" you, it's going to appear for your friends and acquaintances to see that you're away.

-Sally Foisey, Blair, Neb.

Looking Ahead

July 28 President Obama certainly is dialing back the wattage of star power for his 51st birthday celebration-he's even giving us ordinary folk a chance to celebrate with him. For a mere $3 donation to his campaign, "you'll be automatically entered to join me for my birthday in Chicago." I joined his mailing list and the solicitations have been very entertaining. -Gerri Hawes, Allen, Texas

'The organization man'

July 28 Maybe I'm connecting the wrong dots, but it sounds like Chief Justice John Roberts made a political decision in the Obamacare case to make the Supreme Court a less politically charged institution. But was the attempt politically correct, or incorrectly political? -Mark Anderson, Wilmington, N.C.

'Innocence IDed'

July 28 Jurors also need to improve their game and not be intimated by prosecutors, judges, or other jurors. They must base their vote on hard evidence. Have we forgotten that we start with the presumption of innocence? -Larry Marsh, Colton, Ore.

'Identity kept'

July 28 Regarding the controversy over a recent SBC resolution, some have misconstrued the remarks of Pastor David Platt, who is also head of our parachurch ministry, Radical. He does not advocate throwing out the "Sinner's Prayer" but has expressed concern over authentic conversion. He also voted in favor of the resolution that declared the prayer a "biblical expression of faith." -Angelia Stewart, Radical, Birmingham, Ala.

Books issue

July 14 As a fourth-grade teacher, I encourage my students to read, read, and read during their summers. I try to do the same. How wonderful to see your regular reading recommendations. From them I purchased We the People, Gospel Powered Humility, and The Intolerance of Tolerance. Also I found your Randy Alcorn recommendations to be pure gold. All in all, I have found a delightful month of reading. -Patrick Davis, Sacramento, Calif.

Being constantly bombarded with bad news, worrisome news, and prospects of a disastrous future, it's refreshing to read in WORLD of the many excellent and good things that are going on in the world. Your articles give hope for the future that, after all, not all is lost. -Roger A. Faber, Westminster, Colo.

Correction

The NAE received $1 million from the National Campaign for the Prevention of Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy; Proverbs 5:18 begins, "Let your fountain be blessed" ("Cashed out," Aug. 11, p. 39).

WORLD around the world

Lake Geneva, Wis. Submitted by Brian Smith

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