March 21

‘The kids are not all right’

I have been providing counseling for those who struggle with same-sex attraction for 27 years and have dealt with many strugglers, but God is with me. Given the political climate in the gay community, it took courage for WORLD to publish this article.

Elton L. Moose / Springfield, Ohio

Not to minimize the harm done to children of same-sex relationships, but millions of children are harmed daily because of divorce. Is it not foolish to think that we can stem the tide of same-sex relationships when we cavalierly accept divorce and remarriage?

Don E. Johnson / Addy, Wash.

‘Shot selection’

Thanks for readdressing the vaccine issue as it deserves: with more respect for differing interpretations concerning our duty to God and our neighbors, with nuance, complexity, and an understanding of how very difficult the issue has become. And thank you for reaffirming my faith in WORLD’s integrity as a publication.

Lynn Barton / Medford, Ore.

I hoped that your article would be balanced but was very disappointed. You rubber-stamped the orthodox medical views and did not even cover the biblical reasons to avoid shots.

Mike Nielsen / McCook, Neb.

Parents are not stubbornly refusing to vaccinate because of conspiracy theories or anti-government attitudes. We want answers! Why aren’t those who have experienced adverse effects from these shots listened to? It makes no sense. We have become a culture built on fear and bullying.

Cheryl Kvalvik / Honolulu, Hawaii

Why not hold off on all but the most critical vaccinations until a child reaches age 6, then administer them one at a time with a three-month evaluation period before the next injection? It would be a bit more expensive but cost much less than taking care of autistic children.

Allan H. Beeber / Orlando, Fla.

I wonder how many of the young parents interviewed in this article are fully informed of the risks regarding vaccines. I was not as a young parent.

Jackie Horton / Moorpark, Calif.

‘Stirring up a hornet’s nest’

The vaccination issue lends itself to hyperbole and a herd mentality. Most vaccines are necessary and effective, but it’s reasonable to leave room for some of us to doubt the effectiveness, safety, or practicality of individual vaccines. It is possible to make an informed decision contrary to the medical establishment, but convincing others of our findings, especially regarding measles, is like trying to communicate in a hurricane.

Dave McLane / New Florence, Mo.

Only by getting the arguments out in the open can we ever resolve an issue. When did Americans become so sensitive? It’s gotten out of hand.

Mark J. Anthony / Monument, Colo.

‘Acronym absurdity’

Great, thought-provoking writing that is wonderfully connected to God’s authoritative Word: “Let God be true though every one were a liar.”

Anajean Altman / Laguana Woods, Calif.

I appreciate WORLD’s scriptural approach to digesting the current news, in this issue particularly Andrée Seu Peterson on LGBT (I’ll use her version wherever appropriate) and Marvin Olasky’s willingness to “stir the nest” when necessary.

Lyle Nelson / New London, Minn.

‘First thing in the morning’

Thanks for Joel Belz’s commentary on how to start the morning. I sometimes get caught up in reading the news and have to rush through my Bible reading and prayer. Thanks for helping me be a better steward of time with our Lord.

Bob Coulter / Cove, Ore.

Amen! Thanks for the insight in how to deal with news. Every day the news is more appalling, but God’s Word stands fast and true.

Neil Slattery / Fort Worth, Texas

‘Rocking the boat’

I enjoy watching Fresh Off the Boat with my wife and relate to Eddie even though I’m white. But as a dad, I wish it was more family-friendly, and the episode where Eddie gets a sex-ed lesson from his father is appalling.

Paul Cooper on wng.org

‘Historic tragedy’

I deeply appreciate your coverage of the callous destruction of historic artifacts and manuscripts at the hands of ISIS, but to call it a “tragedy” understates the terrorists’ culpability. The word atrocity might be better.

Kit West / St. Louis, Mo.

‘The Church’s reply’

Thank you for reframing my depression over the 21 Tripoli martyrs to a more biblical perspective.

Pam Shafer / Anderson, Ind.

‘Roots fervor’

As a music lover I eagerly read each review by Arsenio Orteza. He has introduced me to numerous worthy artists and most recently Mike Farris. Orteza missed the boat a little on U2’s No Line On The Horizon a few years back, but made up for it with his review of Songs of Innocence.

Rob Parham / Colorado Springs, Colo.

March 7

‘True lies’

As a psychologist, I read your article on North Korean torture victim Shin Dong-hyuk with great interest. Given the well-researched phenomenon of the misinformation effect, we should not be surprised that Shin altered the details of his mother and brother’s execution or other features. Shin was not lying; his memories were influenced by his trauma and the questioning of his biographer.

Jeffrey C. Danco / Bridgewater, N.J.

Mailbag

In my original letter to WORLD commending your Jan. 24 pro-life issue, I mentioned that we “had four children, one of whom has Down syndrome.” But the published version referred to our “Down syndrome child.” We all need to remember that despite each of our personal disabilities, we are people first. Our label should not precede our personhood.

Liza Hopper / Greensboro, N.C.

February 21

‘Small tales’

We live in a time with a strong propensity to inflate and exaggerate. Sadly, even in our churches our words often do not reflect reality. We have borrowed the language of the marketplace. At issue here is how much we are interested in integrity and holiness, how much we truly desire to please God.

Sven Trenholm / Adelaide, Australia

When Townhall discontinued its magazine, my subscription was transferred to WORLD. I am truly impressed. There are so many positive faith-based stories that are much more pleasant to read than all the negative political stories that fill up most other magazines.

Dave Dahlke / Port Orchard, Wash.

Correction

The town of Megyer, Hungary, is offering visitors a chance to be temporary deputy mayor (Quick Takes, March 21).

WORLD Around the World

Sebring, Ohio Submitted by Frances Beaty

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