Deep sorrow

As evangelical believers, we are experiencing a deep sorrow at the loss of Pope John Paul II ("Cardinal rule," April 16). Without apology we call him our brother in Christ, a fellow-heir to the kingdom. Would it have been so hard for anyone writing for or quoted by WORLD to do the same? It seemed that the people you quoted spent as much time distancing themselves from the Catholic Church as they did lauding John Paul's life, work, and influence. -Paul Stone & Keri Holmes; Winterset, Iowa

Whatever happened to the Reformation? Hugh Hewitt's article about "Prayer for Rome" (April 16) expressed how many evangelical leaders and their followers appreciated John Paul II because of his great "witness for the common ground of Christianity." I doubt the Reformers would agree with this. Some died in the flames contending for the faith rather than submit to the Catholic Church. -Janet Scott; Greenacres, Wash.

This "magnificent man of courage, resolve, intellect, and good humor" who Mr. Hewitt so highly uplifts taught that anyone who believes that salvation is by grace alone is condemned to hell. Cancel my subscription. I do not want your filth in my mailbox any more. -Thomas A. Zeller; Badger, Minn.

Have mercy

I read Andree Seu's column on depression, "Out of the blue" (April 16), while sitting near my wife, Gretchen, who was lying in bed where she had been for hours, sobbing, shaking violently, and begging for someone to help her. Mrs. Seu advised us to "Pray, pray, pray" and rely on God who raises the dead, but today Gretchen feels trapped in a dead body. "How's your diet?" She can barely eat anything and has lost 50 pounds since last August. "How's your sleep life?" She can barely get out of bed. Mrs. Seu's formula might help for someone who is just down in the dumps, but for someone facing the real thing, it is a slap in the face. However, I agree wholeheartedly that this condition is "common to man, the prescription is still faith, and the grace for it is inexhaustible." Lord, have mercy. -Leland Olson; Minneapolis, Minn.

Finally, a biblical response to depression. It is refreshing to know that some haven't sold out to the psychobabblists who insist on treating depression only with drugs and endless introspective counseling. True biblical counseling addresses the sin factor, explores the purpose of pain in the context of discipleship, and steers the heart toward God's will. -J.L. Rivera; Orland Park, Ill.

Andree Seu does a disservice to those of us who are diagnosed with depression, a mental illness. We need the church's support to seek help and take medications. We don't need old-fashioned attitudes and religious platitudes to condemn us. -Kathy McKelvey; Lancaster, Pa.

Thank you for recognizing God's purposes in suffering. If David had lived today we wouldn't have the Psalms because he would, no doubt, be on Prozac. -Jim Koerber; Blanchester, Ohio

Driving for dollars

John Dawson's article on college students trying to get into the NBA was very biased ("Stern proposal," April 16). What could be better than playing a sport you enjoy and getting paid for it? I think it's great these students have made up their minds instead of wasting time and money wandering through college like so many others. -Ralph Wyer, 15; Arroyo Grande, Calif.

Welcome antidote

Many thanks for the wise and trenchant interview with Patrick Kavanaugh ("Timeless music," April 16). His views on classical music serve as a welcome antidote to your tiresome lists of best-selling rock, country, and other pop-music CDs. -Don Poundstone; Temecula, Calif.

Alternatives needed

Gene Edward Veith described how King's College was denied accreditation on specious grounds ("Conformity enforcers," April 16). He concluded that conservatives and Christians "are needed now more than ever" and should enter academia after battling discrimination. Yes, where circumstances and gifts allow, but Christians need an alternative academia (just as conservatives started their own alternative media), and the world needs Christians to work through an alternative academia. -Greta Krawczyk; Memphis, Tenn.

Fearless

I just read the story of Heather Swenson's ministry in Nepal to my high-school class ("Open and shut," April 16) and challenged them to be as fearless as she is. They were riveted. -Cynthia Gill; Bloomington, Minn.

Not fair

"Philadelphia story" (April 2) reminded me of my reaction after James Dobson's interview with repentant serial killer Ted Bundy. I slammed my fist on the table and bemoaned, "He's going to heaven and he doesn't deserve it!" Immediately, I realized that I certainly don't deserve heaven either. In a fallen world we cry out for justice, but we get His grace and mercy instead. -Sharon Lindsay; Sedalia, Colo.

Disappointed

I was disappointed with WORLD's coverage of the controversy surrounding the Southern Slavery booklet, and was disappointed on two counts ("Douglas Wilson and slavery," April 30). First, the article contained some factual errors about the controversy itself. The article assumed that the passages with citation problems in our booklet were in fact "stolen" and "plagiarized." WORLD does not have to believe our denials, but in a story dedicated to the subject, WORLD should at least have recorded them. Secondly, WORLD neglected to take account of the larger story here in Moscow, and unwittingly became an active participant in that larger story. This happened despite our request to either place the story in its proper context, or leave it alone. The result is that the readers of WORLD still do not know the basic facts here. -Douglas Wilson; Moscow, Idaho

WORLD's brief notice regarding "Slavery as It Was" inaccurately stated that sections of the booklet were "stolen." The portions that were labeled "plagiarism" came straight from my lecture notes which were not referenced and I neglected to go through them carefully and reference them properly before submitting them for inclusion in the booklet. There was never any intent to "steal" anything or deceive anyone, however. I always made plain in lectures that this material was drawn from Time on the Cross and was not my own. Though it may be acceptable to note this orally, it is inappropriate and inexcusable not to make plain your sources when you publish material. Since I did not do this, I deserve all the blame for this sloppy, inexcusable, and unjustifiable action. My negligence is culpable but it was not thievery-and none of this was Doug Wilson's fault. As far as this story is concerned, the blame is all mine. -Steve Wilkins; Monroe, La.