Mailbag

‘Houses divided’

Sept. 20 There is only one race of humans, all descended from Adam and Eve. The real issue is how people act and live, not the color of their skin. We must stop sustaining this divisive and irrelevant distinction based on appearance and not substance. —Lee Edmonds, Cooperstown, N.Y.

Racial activists such as Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson place much emphasis on the Ferguson incident, but you hear little from them about the many innocent African-Americans of all ages being gunned down by other blacks. —P. Kliora, Waukegan, Ill.

Michael Brown reportedly had just robbed a convenience store and viciously attacked the police officer prior to the shooting. If that’s true, this does not appear to be an unprovoked shooting of a black man by a white officer but instead a tragic death resulting from a criminal assault. —MaryJo Dawson, Trinidad, Colo.

‘Eagle shot’

Sept. 20 When we left our Boy Scout troop for one that was changing to Trail Life, those we left behind cited tradition and opportunity to earn the Eagle award. But tradition is hollow or even destructive without Christ as its end, and we can do without an Eagle award from an organization that regards Christian morality as optional or outdated. I’m thankful that John Stemberger and others had the courage to realize that scouting was worth rescuing from BSA. —Bill Ferguson, Tulsa, Okla.

Some Christian families remained in BSA for reasons other than earning the Eagle award, such as the chance to be loving examples for openly gay children. Who else will show Christ to these boys? And what are we teaching our sons about loving those whose lifestyles are not condoned by the Bible? —Carolyn Wadley, Columbia, S.C.

‘Worthy lives’

Sept. 20 It gives me solace that I will meet my mom again in Christ’s presence, even though the person I knew and loved is gone, decimated by Alzheimer’s. Watching my father fulfill his marriage promise to care for her is a great blessing. All of life is worth something, not just the parts we can stomach. God bless people like my parents who teach others the value of life with their blood, sweat, and tears. —Joseph McCoy, McAllen, Texas

I serve in a ministry where there is much darkness and sadness in children’s lives, so I loved the reference to Augustine: “Evil is negation. Love and beauty are the realities.” Thank you for reminding me that the power of God’s goodness shall overtake the night. —Joy Martin, French Camp, Miss.

Janie B. Cheaney’s columns offer much spiritual insight. They are an invitation to reflect and a challenge, a deep reminder of the holiness of God and His desire to touch our lives. —Bob Fore, Atwater, Calif.

Every believer should regularly consider Christ’s measureless sacrifice on the cross, but I rarely take it further to ponder all it should mean to me. Thank you for the very insightful observation that “what your life means to you is secondary; the real issue is what it means to Christ.” —Paul Zierk, Blue Hill, Maine

‘“I will not settle”’

Sept. 20 I loved Marvin Olasky’s tribute to his grandfather. I plan to save it for inspiration in times of fear. —Jan Mansfield, Buffalo, N.Y.

At a time when we read about children being used as shields, shunted across borders as illegal immigrants, and beheaded in a religious war, it is good to read about one child who was inspired by his very courageous grandfather. —Barbara DeVault, Lakeland, Fla.

This is a beautiful tribute. Thanks to Olasky for sharing some pre–World War I history, his grandfather’s story, and most of all God’s faithfulness. —Sandy Ykema, Parkesburg, Pa.

‘True and necessary’

Sept. 20 Bravo for clearly explaining WORLD’s reporting indicators. Thank you for your candor and willingness to address uncomfortable issues with grace and transparency. —David Rasmusson, Russellville, Ark.

I agree with Joel Belz. If we are to judge people by their fruit, someone has to inspect it; and so we must have publications like WORLD to inform us. Let’s put aside worries about being divisive and depend on God to lead us to those we should support. —Sandy Yerger, Littlestown, Pa.

‘A harvest of neglect’

Sept. 20 I too have a neglected garden due to a son’s graduation, traveling, another son’s marriage, and so on. I had planted cucumbers, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, and some basil and parsley. But the rhubarb, oregano, dill, and cilantro volunteered from last year, we had sufficient rain, and so there is a harvest of bounty. Keeping a garden keeps me in step with the words of the Lord. —Sally Dawson, Abingdon, Va.

Thanks for Mindy Belz’s reminder to look for God’s gifts in the midst of neglect, pain, and craziness. And her writing on world events is often a gracious glimpse into another perspective; she applies to journalism Christ’s command to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” —Peter Kubasek, Loveland, Ohio

‘Lost and found’

Sept. 20 If we could live every moment as if we’re lost in a parking garage on the edge of panic, maybe we’d be closer to where God wants us to be. —Pamela Romano, Garfield, N.J.

Dispatches

Sept. 20 You missed an opportunity. Even secular media noted that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie finally tied the knot in response to urging from their children. In a society that doesn’t revere marriage, out of the mouths of babes comes a statement that it’s important to them. —Elaine Neumeyer, Big Canoe, Ga.

‘The new normal’

Sept. 20 I’m concerned that leading your reviews section with this item makes the movie seem more important than it is. What’s more, by forcing readers to wade through the minutia of the show’s plot, it stirs up empathy for the characters’ plight before getting to the point, namely, that the show is “pushing and reflecting a cultural shift toward acceptance of homosexuality.” —Diana Smith, Phoenix, Ariz.

‘A novel recommendation’

Sept. 6 I loved seeing Daniel Silva’s new novel, The Heist, recommended for high-school students. However, while this novel may be appropriate, Silva’s earlier novels have, as you have noted in earlier reviews, very graphic depictions of sex and violence. Parents should be cautious about handing them to teenagers. —Joan Nitschke, Billings, Mont.

‘A little religion’

Sept. 6 I have seen the same flaw in the Christian divorce statistic this article noted. In my counseling experience as a pastor, the divorce rate for committed believers is much lower than among other couples. Those who fail to date like disciples often reap the harvest of marital crisis. —David Lunsford, Ferndale, Wash.

‘After the day’

Sept. 6 God used this essay to touch some long-standing angst in my heart. Sure, I’ve read Paul’s words hundreds of times, but for some reason Robin Williams’ death, the Dead Poets Society movie, and Megan Basham’s thoughts all came together to provide a lightbulb moment. Thank you. —Douglas Monk, Monticello, Iowa

‘Books of the year’

June 28 I always enjoy the annual books issue, and this year I had my public library order two from the list. The Great Debate was so instructive that I ordered my own copy so I could write in the margins. Thanks to Janie B. Cheaney for the review. —Mel Raab, Prosperity, S.C.

WORLD Around the World

Democratic Republic of the Congo Submitted by Jon Cassel

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