Mailbag

"Truth detector"

(Jan. 28) I very much appreciated the article about Lila Rose and her efforts to expose the lies and cover-ups of Planned Parenthood. This article was a great contrast to the "30 under 30" recently profiled in Forbes as "disrupters" who are "reinventing" the world. I was struck by how trivial some of their efforts in business and other areas seemed. To me, Rose qualifies as a disrupter of the world. You can argue over her tactics but you have to respect her tenacity and drive for truth. Anita L. Reichling; New Hampton, Iowa

If all Christians had Rose's courage, commitment, and perseverance, the pestilence of abortion would be only a bad memory. Ed Young; Carmel, Calif.

One can only admire Rose's passion, commitment, and effectiveness. She justifies her deceptive methods by citing events chronicled in God's Word where lying had a good outcome, but one wonders if God endorsed the lying or allowed the good outcomes, despite the deception, for His own purposes? Craig La Chance; Keaau, Hawaii

"Gifts from God"

(Jan. 28) We could relate to the woman who felt looked down upon for having her seventh child at age 35. That is part of why we gradually transitioned from a doctor to a midwife at the hospital, until finally ending up with a midwife and home birth for our 11th child when my wife was 45. Children are a blessing but our society, in general, doesn't think so. Dave Jorgensen; Howard Lake, Minn.

After 35 years of age and three children, a woman is often scrutinized for her conviction to remain open to life. Visits to doctors can leave behind a feeling of loneliness and defeat. It is exciting to see a movement of women who recognize what a huge gift it is to be allowed to co-create life with God. Lisa King; Princeton, Minn.

"One step at a time"

(Jan. 28) I get the human logic of "incrementalism" as a pro-life strategy, but suppose we had faith in God and His Word and didn't compromise with the world? We have given the devil too many footholds in terms of exceptions for rape, incest, and the "health of the mother." Bonnie Zaruba; Batavia, Ill.

"Steve Jobs and my child"

(Jan. 28) Thank you for including the articles about abortion and the effects it has. Abortion can change a person's life forever. I was adopted from Russia and am so glad my birth mother chose life. Renee E. Knolle, 13; Marietta, Ohio

"The new fundamentalists"

(Jan. 28) Joel Belz did a great job of showing how we need to remember the "fundamentals" of anything we do, but should not try to corral others. Bob Ostrich; Apache Junction, Ariz.

Belz observes that there is "an insidious form of fundamentalism structured around an ever-growing list of do's and don'ts" appearing "in back offices of regulatory agencies." True, and sadly so. Roger Hudgins; Bartlesville, Okla.

Krieg Barrie's illustrations are thoughtful, concise, and top-class. Katharine Birkett; Saddle Brook, N.J.

"Houses of God"

(Jan. 28) I was pleasantly surprised to see the Jiansu Road Church pictured in WORLD. I attended Sunday worship there several times and through an interpreter learned that the preaching was biblical. On Friday nights, as an expatriate, I was allowed to teach an English Bible study there while five other Chinese Bible studies occurred with about 300 in total attendance. The government stopped the Friday night Bible studies in July 2011. We are praying that the studies will commence again. Malcolm Kinsinger; Washington, Ill.

"The Firm"

(Jan. 28) My husband and I love WORLD, but we were disappointed and surprised by the tough critique of The Firm. To call the show an "embarrassment" and "bland" is quite harsh, especially after only a few episodes. My husband (an attorney) agrees that the pilot's outcome is unrealistic and morally incorrect, but the show highlights many interesting and difficult legal concepts in a realistic manner. We think it's intriguing. Jessica Richardson; Raleigh, N.C.

"Clamping down on chimp research"

(Jan. 28) As a longtime member of PETA, I agree with Daniel James Devine that it's biblical to treat animals with kindness. But because research involving injections, biopsies, and viral infection causes pain, it is all the more reason to be against all animal research, whether it be performed on a chimp or a mouse. I consider myself a creationist who believes we have a responsibility to treat all animals with kindness and respect. Katrelya Angus; Sierra Madre, Calif.

Box Office Top 10

(Jan. 28) Thank you for introducing us to Kids-In-Mind.com. It is so helpful for us in deciding which movies are appropriate for our family. I am sometimes surprised by WORLD's positive reviews of some movies, such as We Bought a Zoo, as I find it difficult to bring my family to see a movie in which the Lord's name is used in vain. I now use Kids In Mind before showing a video at home as well. Carol Novak; Middleville, Mich.

"For the birds"

(Jan. 28) Thank you to Andrée Seu for a sane look at pets in our lives and the trend to elevate the value of animals above that of humans. Some groups are pushing for states to stop euthanizing pets. What about unborn human babies, killed because it is not convenient for parents to have them, and even just-born babies who survive abortion but are reportedly left to die? Ruthie Carlson; Lakewood Ranch, Fla.

"Picking up the bricks"

(Jan. 28) Janie B. Cheaney's column creatively captured how people struggle to find community and a meaningful place in it. And she profoundly prescribed the remedy: the redemptive love of God, which is the real power and glue of community. Thank you for skillfully inspiring us. Steve Ardhuerumly; Auburn, Ind.

"Web of grace"

(Jan. 14) You mention that China's church "really needs education." Really? China has the largest church in the world, most of it underground, and it is growing. It has also overcome extreme persecution. Maybe they should educate us. Phil Green; Denver, Colo.

"College bubble"

(Jan. 14) I attended only one year of college yet have a niche career and a very nice salary. I've found that a few years under your belt in the workforce after high school provides some direction in pursuing a college degree. With the rising cost of higher education these days I wish more parents, and young adults, would wise up in this area. They would save themselves so much heartache in the long run. Vince Onken; Victorville, Calif.

"Risky regulations"

(Jan. 14) Regarding the EPA's new mercury rules, I find it ironic that the EPA is saying that eating fish will expose our children to mercury. Yet the government is almost forcing us to install in our homes the new fluorescent light bulbs, which contain mercury. Jody Fayman; Lincoln, Neb.

"Departures"

(Dec. 31) I was pleased to see you highlighted Paul Baran. I was privileged to work with Paul at a small R&D company in Palo Alto in the 1970s. He was brilliant yet humble. Considering the incredible contribution he made to the development of the internet, I'm amazed that he's not more widely recognized. Anne Smith; Redding, Calif.

Correction

David Eisenhower resigned from the Eisenhower National Memorial committee in January, joining with other Eisenhower family members in disapproval of architect Frank Gehry's concept ("Mystic chords," Feb. 11, p. 20).

WORLD around the world

San Raymundo, Guatemala Submitted by Hank Lamb

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