Homosexual activists have stolen the triangle, the church's symbol for the Trinity, and the rainbow, God's sign to Noah. I think Christians should not give credence to this theft by using illustrations conceding the symbol to the homosexual crowd, Krieg Barrie's top-notch artistry notwithstanding. - Greg Wallace, Moweaqua, Ill.

What parent?

I am thankful for "What about the kids?" (Blog Watch, Dec. 6), which cites arguments about the negative effects on children being reared by two people in a homosexual relationship. The photo of the children protesting is startling; what kind of parent has a child that young protesting publicly for the adults who should be protecting him? - Prudence Rumley, Sturtevant, Wis.

Can't be both

I lay the blame for the deplorable theological collapse among so-called believers on political correctness ("Unbelieving 'born-agains,'" Dec. 6). Many pastors are so eager to fill the pews and the coffers that they've developed "the user-friendly church" while ignoring "Thus saith the Lord" for fear of offending someone. - Roger A. Faber, Westminster, Colo.

Regardless of what they call themselves, the term unbelieving born-agains is an oxymoron. One cannot be both. - Don Oyer, Mattoon, Ill.

Pastors have their work cut out for them-to teach what is true and the implications of those truths. Most believers sadly hold contradictory worldviews simultaneously. Thanks for being honest, and calling us to arms. - Bryan P. Crotts, Huntersville, N.C.

The church doesn't expect much from newcomers to the faith: Attend the next candidates class, be baptized, and go to Sunday school. But such programs provide precious little to ground anyone in the faith, certainly not enough to equip the believer to do battle against today's pagan culture. Early church catechumens trained for three years before being admitted into the communion of faith. Is it any wonder that "born-agains" are ignorant of or do not believe the foundations of the faith? - Dave Costilow, Chillicothe, Ohio

School districts in our area do not allow equal access, but our homeschool support group found a local Kiwanis Club to sponsor a homeschool Key Club. Also, the South Carolina Scholastic Press Association amended its constitution to allow our homeschool student newspaper to join. Doors are open if you have the willingness to find them. - Kelly Moxley, Mountain Rest, S.C.

Home educators need to determine whether God's moral principles are more important to them than team sports or other large-group activities, including academics. You just can't always have it both ways in this world, and the sooner our kids learn that, the stronger they'll be for Christ. - B.L. Wiedenbeck, Oregon, Wis.

Coffin's corner

I commend Mr. Andrew Coffin. Unabashed conviction about entertainment choices is of utmost importance in our entertainment-driven culture. I was enthralled by Mr. Coffin's careful assessments of The Cat in the Hat, Looney Toons: Back in Action, and Elf (Culture Beat, Dec. 6). - Brian D. Baker, St. Davids, Pa.

Holiday focus

Andree Seu's column was right on ("'Tis the season," Dec. 6). We as a family are fed up with the commercialization of the celebration of our Savior's birth. This year we gave gifts only to those under 18 years old. The rest of us drew names from a hat. We gave a gift to a church, Christian organization, or needy person in honor of our family member. This relieves so much the pressure of Christmas shopping and allows us to keep our focus on the Lord. - Lois Pinneo, Newberg, Ore.

What revival?

I have lived and ministered in France since about 1980, and Mr. Siemon-Netto's article ("Fervor and optimism," Nov. 29) was quite a surprise. I pray with all my heart that he is correct, but the evangelical circles I know in France are not experiencing great revival, the French Reformed Church is still very much involved with left-wing political and social causes (including Bush-bashing and homosexuality), and every Catholic priest with whom I've spoken bemoans the lack of interest in faith in the lives of the younger generation. Perhaps my own circles are way too small. Perhaps God is really going to do something great here again. I hope so. - Tom Blanchard, Ugine, France

Keep dancing

As an alumni who was skeptical at first, I believe that Wheaton College's new student standards hold students to a higher standard ("Gotta cut footloose?" Dec. 6). Students are given responsibility, general standards, and freedom-what the Bible does for us-not a long list of rules. - Matthew Elliot, Geneva, Ill.

Doomed to perish

I agree with Mr. Olasky that in modern America we live in a pluralistic society ("Pluralism by providence," Dec. 6). However, pluralism is not a blessing to any nation, nor should it be the goal of the church. Francis Schaeffer had much to say about this question, but so did many other Reformed theologians. James H. Thornwell, for example, said that the standard of right is God's law and "the nation that will not serve Him is doomed to perish." A Christian state that recognized Jesus as King (as opposed to "we the people") would not tell Irish Catholics to "go home and starve." - Jeff Kessler, Rossville, Ind.

The pink-tuxedoed Democrat donkeys on the cover of the Dec. 6 issue inspired me to let you know how much I enjoy your occasional, satirical cartoon covers. - Cindy Terry, Albany, N.Y.

One dictionary defines idolatry as "immoderate attachment or devotion to something." If this doesn't describe the attitude of a majority of Christians toward Christmas, I don't know what does. - Pete Dean, Englewood, Colo.

Job well done

Thank you for your good reviews of the O'Brian books and the movie ("Worth seeing ..." Nov. 29). I watched Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World the afternoon of its general release and was not disappointed. The moviemakers did themselves proud, so, in the language of 1805, "I give you joy on a job well done!" And Mr. Veith is correct, the complexity of the characters cannot be portrayed in one movie. I'm ready for another. - Collins D. Weeber, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Make the case

The government has no business licensing adults seeking pleasure in each other's company but every reason to promote (and if necessary, license) a stable, nurturing environment for the raising of its next generation of citizens. Until conservatives make a compelling case for the state's interest in "traditional" marriage, they are going to lose ("Backlash," Dec. 6). Religious preferences, popular with the voting public, have no bearing on the debate taking place in the courtrooms of unelected judges. - Tom Pittman, Bolivar, Mo.

Home stand

Thank you for your article on homeschoolers participating in public-school activities ("Home-field advantage," Dec. 6). Throughout our high-school years my brother (10th grade) and I (12th grade) have been involved with soccer, basketball, and track teams at our local public high school. Teammates said that getting to know us has dispelled their negative notions of homeschooling. - Jacob Fast, Eagan, Minn.