Mailbag

"Their future is now"

(Nov. 5) What a timely cover story. The vivid description Mindy Belz gives us of the young Afghan Hameed could have been written about young people in many other parts of the world. The rapidly expanding and coalescing global youth culture, whose members see themselves as having more in common with each other than with their parents' culture, blurs the geographic boundaries that divided previous generations. This is a historic opportunity for the church. Jonathan Taylor; York, S.C.

The future of Afghanistan will be dismal if the Afghan people depend on the American and NATO military forces to do the job for them. If the Afghan people truly want a Taliban-free country, they have to get into the fight or the Taliban will return as soon as the foreigners leave. Elizabeth Kerr; Ontario, Calif.

"A better exit strategy"

(Nov. 5) I appreciated this column. Mindy Belz is right there among them. We don't get this in the mainline news. Jim Greeley; Catonsville, Md.

"Getting grace"

(Nov. 5) What a beautifully crafted article truly revealing our Father's heart of mercy and grace to undeserving sinners. For too many Christians grace is little more than a prayer we chant before receiving a meal. Grace is not a theology or just a church doctrine. Grace is a person, and His name is Jesus-this is the heart of the gospel. Frank Stephens; Shingle Springs, Calif.

This article was right on. As a homeschooling family, we feel the pressure to "do it all right" and joined a church of homeschooling, modestly dressing, and well-intentioned people all trying to do the same. We quickly realized that many there thought they had found the magic formula. No surprise that subtle legalism and self-righteousness were seeping in. Alicia Taylor; Houston, Texas

I am encouraged by Elyse Fitzpatrick's epiphany of grace. However, if one of my children slapped another child, he would simply get a spanking he would never forget. Bradford Winship; Laurence Harbor, N.J.

Susan Olasky's article on homeschooling was excellent. Keep preparing these Christ-centered articles. David Junker; Mitoyo, Japan

"Male call"

(Nov. 5) I know firsthand what effects irresponsibility has on a family. I grew up without a father in the home, and as I grew older I started looking to these kinds of men for affirmation. I learned that we as women need to set the standard higher in order to help men have higher standards. They do not have to pursue us if we hand ourselves over. Jenna Steigleder; Sandy, Ore.

"Defining the 'test' clause"

(Nov. 5) The facts that Mormons may be secretive about some of their ideas and practices, and that some of their places are out of bounds for non-Mormons, piques my curiosity but doesn't particularly bother me. In some instances (e.g., a Muslim who is wobbly on Sharia law), there may be legitimate concerns about a candidate's religious convictions. But I think that candidates for public office should be judged for their stands on public issues. Al Vander Hart; Jesup, Iowa

I think Mormonism is a cult for all kinds of reasons, but I also believe that Mitt Romney has all of my values, both fiscal and social, so I hope he defeats President Obama. If Romney wins, Mormonism will be uplifted, but that bothers me a lot less than having a left-wing Democrat in the White House. Andrew Engelman; Stuart, Fla.

"Quit worrying"

(Nov. 5) Thanks to Andrée Seu for her transparency about worrying. It is strange how it is more encouraging to read someone who is honest about her weaknesses than someone who pretends to have none. Leland Olson; Minneapolis, Minn.

I consider myself a world champion worrier but took some comfort from Seu's description of her own affliction. Her observation, "It's the hypothetical you overlook that will kill you," made me smile. Dennis Pfleger; Detroit, Mich.

"No solutions"

(Nov. 5) Thank you for your thoughtful reporting on the Zuccotti Park protesters. I run a small business that, by God's kindness and our hard-working team, has had three consecutive years of sales growth despite difficult economic circumstances. My CFO tells me that last year, over 60 percent of our company's income went to pay taxes: federal taxes, state taxes, duties and tariffs, property taxes, and employment taxes, not to mention the taxes our employees pay. How much is enough? How do I invest in products, people, and promotional activity when two-thirds of every dollar is appropriated by the government? Demonizing those in a position to offer their fellow citizens employment seems a poor solution to our "deep" problems. Michael Kane; Portland, Ore.

"Turning inward"

(Nov. 5) This article does not take into account that many believers today give outside of their local churches. Those who give to missions and other good organizations usually do so as part of their "tithe," not on top of it. Churches are facing financial hardship and must spend more money on themselves-is that a sign of "turning inward" when so many of her members give to the Lord's work outside the local church? Dean Cernek; Falcon, Colo.

I appreciate Tim Dalrymple's intent to address the problem of mainline churches turning inward with their limited giving, but would point out that it is impossible to "tithe" 2.38 percent of your income. To tithe is to give a tenth of our increase to the Lord as a covenant response to God's faithful provision. Benjamin C. Davis; Springfield, Mo.

"DeMint's prescription"

(Nov. 5) Marvin Olasky asked Sen. DeMint, "When the GOP had a majority in both houses, why was there no healthcare reform?" What we had before Obamacare was the best the free market can do in a culture that wants "free" healthcare paid for by somebody else. The only way to fix the healthcare system is to remove the third-party payers (aka "health insurance") from the equation so that market forces can work again. Tom Pittman; Bolivar, Mo.

"Sound and fury"

(Oct. 22) In your article about several Muslims convicted of criminal charges for disrupting a speech by the Israeli ambassador, one protester's father commented that he brought his family to America for peace, freedom of speech, dignity, and honor. Apparently he thought his son's right to freedom of speech outweighed the rights of 700 people to hear the speech. There are rights and responsibilities in this country, which is what makes it great. Linda Decker; Ely, Nev.

"No laughing matter"

(Nov. 5) I have enjoyed cartoonist Gary Varvel's work, and it was good to learn more about him. I am always amazed at how God's people are positioned in every important arena. Al Shirah; Big Canoe, Ga.

"No turning back"

(Oct. 22) What a contrast in one issue: Steve Jobs ("A god of our age," Oct. 22) and Scott and Janet Willis, whose six children were killed in an accident. I know who has the better testimony. Gregory A. Donovan; Quarryville, Pa.

I very much appreciated Andrée Seu's column. I'm 31 years old and since the age of 15 have battled ulcerative colitis. I've had 12 surgeries and lost my entire large intestine to the disease. Some days feel like I'm a hostage in my own home due to my illness. However, the testimony of the Willis family has been so humbling and inspiring. I now feel joy that I've never known in all my years of battling my illness. I hope that I will always be able to say, "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth." Lori Hewlett ; Huntsville, Ala.

WORLD around the world

Chennai Beach, India Submitted by Roy Philip

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