For those wages

I recently took my 14-year-old daughter to the local grocery store where her older sister had been hired at 14. The store owner told me that she probably would not hire my daughter because of the new minimum wage increase ("Paying the price," Oct. 24). For those wages, she would rather hire an adult. The minimum wage jobs were never meant to support families. They were meant to give people job experience to move on to better paying jobs. Unfortunately, my daughter will not be able to have that experience. -Jody Fayman; Lincoln, Neb.

Toward boiling

Thanks for "Enemies within" (Oct. 24) about establishing an enemies list. Janie B. Cheaney's concern about the demonization of political opponents seems very important and it ought to be a two-way street. I sense that we're hurtling toward a boiling point that will make the 1960s seem like a pleasant walk in the park. -Jason Aaron Leininger; Mt. Pleasant, Mich.

There is no possibility of civil discourse or cooperation with any political faction intent on destroying the Constitution. In characterizing its political opponents as the "enemy," the present administration is being clear-headed and honest. They perceive clearly the unbridgeable gulf between godless fascism (under whatever name) and our constitutional republic. -Ed Morris; Amarillo, Texas

I was disappointed that "Enemies within" did not admonish right-wingers for the venom they have directed toward Democrats and our duly elected president. A pastor, who calls Democrats "Demon-crats," once said to me, "As long as you are a registered Democrat, you may squeak yourself into heaven, but the Lord will never be able to use you at all in His service down here." I'm a conservative Democrat because I cannot align myself with the "Family Values" Republican Party that uses the most un-Christian rhetoric and often seems to defend even adulterers, secret homosexuals, and other hypocrites. -Evelyn R. Smith; Charleston, W.Va.

Not retired-retreaded

Thank you for recognizing an organization of retirees who use their "non-working years" to serve the Lord ("Roving retirees," Oct. 24). We serve with a similar organization. We are blessed and basically healthy and love to say, "We're not retired, we're retreaded." -Bill & Sue Kablack; Hamilton, N.Y.

We traveled with RVICS for close to 18 years, staying in some places as long as two years. We have done everything from laying foundations to roofing, and everything it takes to run a camp from unplugging toilets to food preparation to dressing like a clown. People thought we were crazy, but it was a wonderful life. -Bud & Anita Wolfenberger; New Market, Tenn.

Funny and substantial

I must disagree with Megan Basham's review of Ricky Gervais' The Invention of Lying ("Agenda comedy," Oct. 24). My wife and I saw it and found it not only hilarious but offering some substantial food for thought. The "religion" that Mark was backed into inventing ultimately let him down and he was forced back to the simple truth that love must be based on honesty and transparency. -Donald Reiterman; Hemet, Calif.

Just not enough

Flash Forward ("Forward glimpse," Oct. 24) sets up fascinating questions over the issue of dealing with knowledge of the future. Alas, we may not stick around for the answers because the producers have trotted out the usual sexual politics and an in-your-face lesbian affair. Too bad they think that a fascinating story, strong characterizations, and excellent production values aren't enough. -Jim Heggie; Camano Island, Wash.

Natural witness

"Breaking down barriers" (Oct. 24) illustrates a wonderful and natural way to witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ. In many churches evangelism committees struggle to find outreach opportunities, many of which turn into make-work or one-time events. "The fields are white unto harvest," but maybe we miss opportunities because we don't look closely at our personal gifts and the options right in front of our faces. -Dave Troup; Lee's Summit, Mo.

What we want

Thank you for "Control that tongue" (Oct. 10). As a middle-aged Christian, over the years I've seen a great increase in how often the charge of legalism arises any time a believer dares to suggest that we have a responsibility to obey God's Word. As "Low fidelity" (Oct. 10) mentions with regard to camcorders, Americans "want three things: ease of use, continuous availability, and low price." Aren't those the same things our culture wants in a religion? -Lydian Davis; Tempe, Ariz.

So many Christians nowadays get offended at the idea that we actually have to live the Christian life-don't we know it's all about grace? Thank you for your defense of old-fashioned obedience worked out in our daily lives. -Helen Stafford ; Little Rock, Ark.

It's as if the new legalist is no longer someone who tries to get to heaven by his works but anyone who looks to Scripture for moral guidelines. Sabbath-keeping is a simple law, designed to give families much needed time with each other and their Creator, but if I whisper the notion of actually trying to keep it, my Christian friends think I've gone off the deep end. -Timothy Tillman; Waupun, Wis.

Two views

Please cancel my subscription immediately. After several years of enjoying WORLD, we are irreversibly put off by the influence of John Calvin and most recently the disrespectful headline "Jesus & strippers" (Oct. 10). -Foy Meyer; Castle Rock, Colo.

"Jesus & strippers" was one of the most heartwarming accounts I have ever read. God's timing was wonderful as this real-life story provided a perfect illustration of Jesus seeking and saving the lost for a message I was preparing to preach at a nearby prison. -Chip Junghans; Pleasanton, Calif.

Not the point

I agree that Rediscovering God in America II by Newt and Callista Gingrich did not penetrate very deeply into the subject of religion and civil life ("Surface treatment," Oct. 24). However, I was dismayed by the last sentence in the review. Documentaries should be evaluated by their treatment of the subject and not the past marital failings of the producers. -John A. Dullnig; El Paso, Texas

In person

Marvin Olasky is hopeful that the internet, in ending the dominance of the traditional college classroom, creates a level playing field for Christians to reach more people ("Class without rooms," Oct. 10). But what you think the internet brings to higher education depends on what you value in higher education. "Why," says the undergraduate, "should I go to the lectures when I can buy the book?" The answer lies in the classroom experience; sound judgment is most efficiently taught in person. -Jason M. Rampelt; Moon Township, Pa.

How to help

Thank you for all your coverage of Africa. Because of it we are now sponsoring an orphan and praying about adopting a child from Africa. The five books you highlighted recently ("Books to campaign by," Oct. 10) helped us understand how we can more effectively help those God is laying upon our hearts. -Steve Stucky; Lynnwood, Wash.

Set apart

I was glad to see the Spotlight (Oct. 10) on Emerson Eggerichs' Love and Respect. For me, what set the book apart was the acknowledgment that your marriage might not be perfect and your spouse may never change, but that still does not remove the responsibility of husbands and wives to obey the commands of Scripture. -Tim Miskimen; A. San Sai, Thailand

A clearer look

Living in liberal southern California, I am deeply grateful for your faithful reporting of much important news, always from a biblical standpoint. WORLD always provides a clear new look at people, events, and trends, with plenty of challenge to make us readers rethink what the media want us to hear. -Harriet G. Johnson; Duarte, Calif.