Mailbag

"Biblical callings" (Dec. 4)

Once I was leading a meeting of mostly under-supported missionaries when one commented, "If our support doesn't improve I guess I will just have to get a real job." His comment really bothered me and later I wished I had replied, "Being a missionary is the real work. Everything else is just making a living." After reading these articles, my answer now would be that real work is for a person to fulfill his God-given calling with his whole heart, soul, and strength. Jerry Miel; Tucson, Ariz.

This is the first WORLD on which I have written, "Do Not Discard." I've got two children in college and six more behind. There was excellent counsel throughout the issue. I just wish you'd written it (and I would have read it) in 1972. Randy Simpson; Fairfield, Pa.

Your section on "Biblical callings" was excellent. Christian ministry in the marketplace has many dimensions. It's very exciting for a believer to discover that in his own work he participates as God's agent to further His ongoing work on earth. Alec Woodhull; Rockford, Tenn.

My vocation requires me to serve freed murderers, rapists, and perpetrators of crimes against children. Each day is a true challenge of learning how to love your neighbor as yourself. In a society that generally calls for the blood of the guilty, I must remember they are equally as eligible for God's grace as I was. James A. Lee; Belleville, Mich.

"The happy warrior" (Dec. 4)

Thank you for this excellent article about the ministry of Dr. Hugh Ross. He and his team continue to reveal the scientific evidence for an ancient earth. I am convinced that someday this evidence will be accepted by the vast majority of evangelical churches. Stanley A. Watson; Wooster, Ohio

It was disconcerting that the article on Ross didn't mention that his viewpoint requires there to have been death before the fall. God Himself pronounced creation "very good." Are we to understand, then, that animals ripping each other to shreds for millennia is "very good?" Tom Eynon; Winchester, Mass.

Reasons to Believe has been very valuable to me and many other like-minded scientists who value how the ministry meshes science with the infallible Word of God. Ross' admission that discontinuities are research opportunities is good to hear from a Bible-believing scientist. Orvin Bontrager; Aurora, Neb.

Hugh Ross is a fine Christian and an outstanding scientist, but I strongly object to the hermeneutical principles he employs to arrive at what I call a compromise between macro-evolution and biblical creationism. Jim Haack; Omaha, Neb.

I appreciated the article on Hugh Ross. As a young student in the '80s I struggled with many of the weaknesses of the Young Earth position (not to mention evolution) and felt I lived a life in two distinct boxes: science and faith. The Old Earth position allowed me to reconcile many of my concerns. Ray Luse; Spokane, Wash.

"Working for good" (Dec. 4)

I loved "Working for good." I'm going to start college next year and have observed that sometimes people's attitudes toward their work aren't that great. When I described my ideal job recently, a friend told me that I was "young and full of dreams," but I don't think that's a bad thing. This article gave me hope that it's possible to have a fulfilling vocation in which I can serve others and glorify God. Carly Bergthold; Nashville, Tenn.

"Body of work" (Dec. 4)

Whoa! A Christian painting nudes? That seems clearly out of sync with the tenor of the Scriptures and WORLD's philosophy. David L. Burkholder; Bridgewater, Va.

It is refreshing to see a Christian organization provide for dialogue on controversial issues. Although I am unlikely to view Ed Knippers' artwork, I like subscribing to a magazine whose managers are secure enough to investigate a broad range of perspectives. Don E. Johnson; Addy, Wash.

"Deep or broad?" (Dec. 4)

It's a balancing act, but I vote that WORLD should go broad to attract newcomers. Although I would hate to lose the WORLD that challenges me, there are already many publications that dig deeper. Bev Roe; Hamilton, Ohio

We vote, with the man Joel Belz interviewed, for deep. We rely on WORLD to tell us what we won't hear anywhere else and to take us deeper than the other news outlets. Kenneth & Nancy Whisler; Edinburg, Pa.

Stay the course focusing on the "insiders"-please! I am continually flabbergasted at the staggering level of ignorance among believers on almost every important topic. That includes national and international events, and, God help us, the Bible. Kirby J. Killman; Pasco, Wash.

I think it's a no-brainer-what's the point in preaching to the choir? They already know the story. Bill Peck; Abingdon, Md.

"Your calling" (Dec. 4)

As a senior in public high school, I have recently felt battle-weary in trying to be pure and kind against the norm. This column refreshed and inspired me with the insight that while politeness may look like dorkiness to some, God's light can shine more brightly in us even as the world grows darker. Kayla Murrish, 17; Troy, Mich.

"The unified life" (Dec. 4)

Bully for Marvin Olasky, both for following his calling and for the notion that work is more fun than the lack of it. At age 65 I retired from the work I had done for 40 years. I have since written four books and am continuing my Christian newsletter. A year ago, at age 71, I began practicing a modest talent for juggling and now have a ministry to assisted-living facilities in the area. All of this has been in obedience to God's calling, otherwise I would have likely, as Olasky put it, "shrunk back and been destroyed." Terry Dodd; Cumming, Ga.

Quick Takes (Dec. 4)

Regarding the article on the "science of slurp," I told my cats that Dr. Stocker had come to the conclusion that "cats know more about fluid mechanics than dogs." Their only comment as they sauntered away was, "Well, duh. . . ." Joan Vance; Manitowoc, Wis.

"Called to adopt" (Dec. 4)

My husband and I really enjoy the magazine and I especially appreciate the articles on adoption. We adopted our son in 2008 and had an open relationship with his birth-mom until she died tragically 14 months later. So many women shy away from adoption until they realize what open adoption can be like. We miss our son's birth-mom and wish she could still be a part of our lives. Lesa Harr; Sioux Falls, S.D.

"Misfiring spark" (Dec. 4)

Regarding the comment that "sex is the source of women's power": Speak for yourself, Janie B. Cheaney. I get my power the same way the men do, through my education and hard work. I wouldn't place all my hope for a daughter's future in a secular movement like SPARK, but I think that the Girl Activists have a better idea than Cheaney gives them credit for. Pride and Prejudice femininity is not the only alternative to "pop tarts" as role models for girls. Laura Hendrickson; Chula Vista, Calif.

"Slumps that go on and on" (Nov. 20)

This was a good interview highlighting how an anti-business administration hurts hiring. However, it missed a key reason that this slump is going on and on, namely the enormous debt accumulated by households prior to the crash. Servicing this debt drags down other spending, keeping GDP and employment low. Scott Buchanan; Lambertville, N.J.

Thank you

Thank you for your faithfulness in these difficult times. The WORLD magazines we receive are truly a blessing to the men here. Ron Evans, Senior Chaplain, Jackson Correctional Institution; Malone, Fla.