June 13

‘Is your nonprofit ready?’

Your cover image of gay marriage toppling dominoes was compelling, but you could easily have labeled the dominoes “polygamy,” “age of consent,” and “incest.” Gay marriage is not the end; it’s only the beginning.

Ed Krause / Saline, Mich.

This story and “For the sake of the children” (March 21) resonated with me. A close relative in a long-time lesbian relationship invited me to her wedding some years ago. I accepted, but after I couldn’t respond that I supported same-sex marriage she retracted the invitation and cut me out of her life. I really love her, but I believe I was faithful.

Gina Kelley / Milwaukee, Wis.

I am glad you continue to address current issues from a Christian perspective. I don’t always agree with each reporter, but that’s good.

Paul Matlock / Pagosa Springs, Colo.

‘The family business’

Thank you so much for the reminder of how bruising pastoral work is, and how a pastor and his family need to be surrounded by people praying hard for them.

Jennifer Eason on wng.org

As a deacon’s daughter, I related to so much in this article. God still reminds me of His grace through the years I felt “on display” and unable to measure up.

Debbie Slingo on wng.org

‘Forgive us our debts’

David Skeel’s use of Scripture as a defense for bankruptcy seems flawed. Yes, the Year of Jubilee called for a return of property, but both parties would have factored the next scheduled Jubilee into the terms. And the debt forgiveness Jesus encouraged was grace the creditor should extend, not something the debtor could claim.

Stafford Walker / Zionsville, Ind.

As an experienced bankruptcy attorney, I’d like to add that people must pass a screening process involving credit counseling before filing. Most cases are legitimate, caused by things beyond their control. Many who file have been trying to pay for months or years and have received money from church and family but realize that cannot continue.

Mitchell Marczewski on wng.org

‘Silent affection’

Society tells us a father’s love must be demonstrated in words. It’s a shame that so many children have missed out by failing to recognize their father’s love language.

Nathan Gesner on Facebook

As we learn to reach out in love in unfamiliar languages, we will grow in Christ. May we begin today.

Ursula Adrian Smith on Facebook

‘Last man standing’

We are two of those driven out of the Democratic Party over the life issue. It just became harder and harder to stay and fight. Good for Rep. Lipinski and others. They need much prayer.

Kathleen Isaacson on wng.org

‘Destructive instruction’

Joel Belz wonders about the educational background (public vs. private) of those involved in the violence across the country in recent months. A better question: Were they raised by loving, committed fathers?

Jim Irish / North Augusta, S.C.

I understand that removing God, prayer, and the Bible from public schools has real consequences. But as an educator it is hard for me to see this as solely our fault. Please don’t use educators as scapegoats.

Todd Taylor / Riverside, Calif.

‘Never everland’

I agree with Megan Basham. The movie was fun but delivered the same old message of false hope and misplaced optimism.

Steven Tenpenny on wng.org

We certainly can’t cure the world through the power of positive thinking, but we can make it a better place. Being dismissive of hopeful ideas embodied in a film like this seems pretentious.

Peter Grooms on Facebook

‘Taken and destroyed’

Thank you for Roberta Ahmanson’s insightful perspective on the sale of St. James the Great Episcopal Church. The actions of the Los Angeles Episcopal Diocese are very troubling. I am part of the exodus that has moved to offshoot Episcopal churches in Southern California.

Jim Gilliam / Oceanside, Calif.

‘No way out’

I cannot defend much of the implementation of the Common Core curriculum or the federal government’s co-opting of standards, but as a 30-year high-school math teacher I believe the materials for math are a vast improvement over what we were using.

Ken Thwing / Morganton, N.C.

From what little I have seen of Common Core, it has very little common sense. God help us when these kids can’t make or fix anything.

Forrest Chandler on Facebook

‘Winners taking all’

The presbytery’s charge against Pastor Lowe of “observed dysfunctional exercise of pastoral authority and leadership” is just politically correct intolerance. The denomination is intolerant of Christ’s true shepherds performing their God-given responsibilities.

Richard Hawkins on wng.org

‘In extremity, opportunity’

So often we read an article, groan in despair, and have no clue what we can do to help. A thousand thanks for giving us concrete ways to do something for Iraqis.

Gail Van Den Berg / Waxhaw, N.C.

May 30

‘Growing pains, great gains’

Regarding your story about Christianity in China, I am happy to add that the Holy Spirit is also at work in the registered church. In many places the gospel is preached, souls are saved, the Bible is taught, and our Lord enthusiastically worshipped.

Ray Feeck / Argos, Ind.

It is good that the Chinese Christians have an opportunity to develop theology that comes out of their own culture. Most things in the Bible should be interpreted the same in both cultures, but building an American church in China has never been a good idea.

Daniel A. Breithaupt on wng.org

‘No concessions’

Congratulations to Joel Belz for defending the right of Americans to offend Muslims deliberately. What is constitutionally protected, however, isn’t necessarily wise. The gospel claim that Jesus is the Messiah is offensive enough to Muslims without inciting angry passions over silly drawings.

Don Poundstone / Portland, Ore.

I appreciate Belz standing up for free speech, but our freedoms are affecting believers around the world. I visited a West African country that paid dearly after the Charlie Hebdo event in January. Muslims destroyed many churches as well as the homes and businesses of many believers.

Amy Fields / Duncanville, Texas

Corrections

The Ascol family’s struggles with the church occurred in 2011 (“The family business,” June 13, 2015).

King Belshazzar drank from stolen goblets and saw writing on the wall (“What’s the story?,” June 27, 2015).

WORLD Around the World

Seoul, South Korea Submitted by Melissa Lee

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