November 1

‘The return of the security moms’

I read WORLD for its gospel perspective, but recently news through any avenue produces in me a gripping, strangling fear. An elder in my church recently prayed Psalm 91, reminding me that I need not fear “the terror of the night” or “pestilence that stalks in darkness.” The Lord will not keep me from all pain, but instead of being paralyzed by fear I can look forward to the rewards God promises for faithfulness.

Joy Martin/French Camp, Miss.

‘Incident in Room 304’

As a retired nurse, I applaud Andrée Seu Peterson. I do not consider providing food and drink to patients “heroic,” merely compassionate. Although some consider elder care a burden and a waste of resources, these patients are people created in the image of God.

Cindy Armstrong/Katy, Texas

Peterson suggests that biblical principles require the use of a feeding tube for patients in a persistent vegetative state. But many Christian physicians would disagree, and such bioethical decisions are complex. The Christian Medical & Dental Associations and The Center for Bioethics & Human Dignity both provide helpful position statements on their websites. As a physician I often help families face difficult decisions. Where there is room for Christians to differ we should not add to their distress by claiming a biblical imperative where one might not exist.

Brent Jeffries/Asheville, N.C.

The “poor quality of life” argument is a lie from the pit of hell designed to teach us that we determine our own life’s quality. Peterson did the right thing. Everyone should delegate a medical power of attorney, with decisions hashed out ahead of time, so that the state doesn’t jump in to solve family disputes.

Graced on wng.org

In my nursing career with geriatric patients, I often heard them say they had no desire to eat, but in my haste and anxious desire to care I often attempted to feed them anyway. Both my parents, near the end of their lives, said the same. Their peaceful ends taught me that God has a caring plan even for the process of death, when one can no longer eat or even lift a spoon.

Carol Bodge/Wilder, Vt.

I have been working on my own “Health Care and Power of Attorney” document. The statement, “I want only comfort care and I do not want artificial administration of food or fluids,” gave me pause as I envisioned my body parched and cracked. Christians should be informed about hospital practice and prayerfully inform our survivors of our desires for end-of-life care.

June Ruyle/Sun City West, Ariz.

‘Fire and Fury’

I took my wife to Fury after reading your review. After two hours of violence, she left the theater emotionally drained and wishing she had not seen it. But after she read the review herself, she is grateful for such hard men who brought us victory and glad she saw the movie—and I am glad Megan Basham is one of your reviewers.

Paul Maul/Castle Rock, Colo.

It’s the doctrine of vocation. You serve Christ by serving your neighbor wherever God has placed you, including as a soldier.

Julie on wng.org

This movie was as gritty as the mud on the soldiers, and it was not afraid to delve into their faith. Quoting Isaiah 6 before the final battle was chilling. My wife and I wonder often whether, if a major war erupted, everyday citizens would step forward and say, “Send me, Lord.” I pray so.

Bradley Crump/Marion, Ind.

Awesome performances! Going to see it again!

Jonnybernthal on Twitter

‘Lifetime achievements’

Unfortunately, Republicans in Congress will vote for liberal judges anyway for fear of the press. Sad, but that’s where we are. The days of men and women with spines in public office are probably over.

Tessa Dunn on Facebook

‘Small wonders’

After reading this article, all I hope for when I exhale my last breath in this world is to be in the same state of grace and embrace my future life the way Kara Tippetts does.

Gene Pomiak/Hemet, Calif.

I’m not sure which is stronger: the desire to see life and feel grace like Tippetts, or the fear that I might get the chance.

Mom23IS on wng.org

‘A test of true diversity’

The pressure on Christian schools, flower shops, bakeries, and so on to cater to lifestyles in ways that would violate their constitutionally guaranteed religious freedom should be firmly met with Luther’s famous quote: “Here I stand; I can do no other. God help me.”

H. Eberhard Roell/Boulder, Colo.

‘Let it be seen in me’

It was 1972, I suppose, my second year in college. My roommate and I showed up at Lost Valley Ranch and were invited to stay the night and eat with the “paying” guests. Bob Foster came to sit with us, and I’ve never forgotten the power of his presence. He had personal strength coupled seamlessly with humility.

Tidnup on wng.org

‘Pilgrims passing through’

Carolyn McCulley’s statement, “We aren’t meant for this life. We’re passing through the land of the dying into the land of the living,” is a succinct and effective statement of the gospel.

Ron Mears/Alpine, Calif.

‘The 7th betrayal’

Thank you for your sobering yet compelling stories from the Balkans. For many Americans, this part of the world fell off the map after the war ended 20 years ago.

Tim Laitinen/Arlington, Texas

‘Notable books’

I am confused about Janie B. Cheaney’s review of four children’s books about the Muslim experience. Is it the church’s responsibility to endorse anti-radicalization materials? Bringing young Muslims to more moderate positions does not get them closer to Jesus.

David Arbour/Danbury, Conn.

‘Cold shoulder’

In my experience as a scientist, most are indeed highly competent and are comparable to your average white-collar professional with respect to warmth. Unfortunately, the few scientists with bloated egos or overeager university communications departments are the ones who land in the public eye.

Caminho on wng.org

Quick Takes

The spokesman for the Richmond school district said that the school swings were removed because they were “the most unsafe of all the playground equipment.” Do they intend to keep going down the list until there’s nothing left?

Laura W on wng.org

October 18

‘Transparent sinner’

Thanks for your interview with Elyse Fitzpatrick. What joy it is, knowing that Christ came for sinners, that we Christians can learn our whole lives how to “die to our goodness.”

Katy Hopkins/Rockford, Ill.

October 4

‘Set aside the scowl’

The Christian frowns Belz describes are the result of an unbiblical focus on politics rather than the fruit of the Spirit. Of course we ought to be concerned about the condition of our culture, but we should address our culture while living out the grace and peace God gives us.

Neil Evans on wng.org

Correction

The headline “Hijacking the plains” (Nov. 1, p. 44) was inappropriate and offensive given the terrorist attacks on 9/11. WORLD regrets the mistake.

WORLD Around the World

Kigorobya, Uganda Submitted by Les Gutzwiller

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