Worth the trip

Having been in Washington for the Inaugural festivities, I was expecting an upbeat, exciting article, but anyone who had not attended the ceremonies would think that it was just another dreary day in D.C. ("'The unfinished work of freedom,'" Jan. 29). The spirit in Washington was electric. We met new people, made new friends, and had a great time as we waited in security lines. All the festivities were worth the trip, from the cold opening ceremonies at the Ellipse to the Elite Ball at Union Station. -Cindy Bunker; West Hartford, Conn.

The use of photos, graphics, Bob Jones's text, white space, and the large picture of the old presidential Cabinet all add up to such an informative article that I'm putting it on my refrigerator ("New term, new team," Jan. 29). What a treat for the eyes and the mind. -Spencer Morrison; Atlanta, Ga.

The goodbye Bible

I am appalled to hear that Zondervan is going forward with the "gender-accurate" TNIV Bible ("Beyond stealth," Jan. 29). If Zondervan does put this Bible out, they can say goodbye to my business. -Michele Meszaros; North Wales, Pa.

Your reporting on the TNIV is one-sided and ignores a reputable body of Christian scholarship. There's another side to this story that only gets partially reported, and that after being carefully filtered through WORLD's bias. -Andrew Weaver; Pittsburgh, Pa.

Obviously, the IBS and Zondervan have chosen to go their own way. If Da Vinci Code-type biblical accuracy is what they want, that's fine. Let them market their fiction through Wal-Mart and Target. Perhaps it's time for the Christian community to disassociate from the IBS and Zondervan once and for all. -Ron Everett; North Olmsted, Ohio

I too prefer a "formal equivalence" translation, like the English Standard Version, that sticks close to the original wording. But I don't fault more "dynamic" versions that try to convey the "meaning" even more than the words. -Ken Schenck; Marion, Ind.

The beauty of exegesis is the ability to read into a text anything you can get away with. It doesn't surprise me that IBS was able to "find" a conflict between the guidelines of the Forum of Bible Agencies and the Colorado Springs Guidelines regarding "gender-accurate" language. After all, the "dynamic-equivalent" theory of translation is not restricted to just the Bible. -Steven Van Epps; Glen Burnie, Md.

It seems ironic that the TNIV, considered to be gender inclusive, has a men's devotional Bible and a women's devotional Bible. -Jody Burkett; New Palestine, Ind.

Work outside

What is the condition of the church when faith-based initiatives ("Bureaucracy plus plastic chairs," Jan. 29) require money from the government rather than power from the Holy Spirit? -Don Small; Burlington, Kan.

In the Cincinnati area, Volunteers of America joined with the Executive Service Corps of Cincinnati to leverage 10 faith-based organizations' social services initiatives with small grants. Retired executives and others volunteer their time to help these organizations perform their social support activities more effectively. There is no direct handout of funds to individuals, but the results will positively affect thousands of other volunteers and multiples of troubled youths, prisoners, and the poor. Thanks to Rep. Rob Portman and other public officials who have diligently supported this means to help nonprofit organizations do their work outside government bureaucracy. -Paul Hoeting; Cincinnati, Ohio

Better ways

Of course homosexuality is sin, but there are better ways of spreading truth than walking down a public sidewalk and shouting Scripture at those who pass by. I am saddened but not in the least surprised that the "Philly Five" are now facing jail terms ("The Philly Five," Jan. 29). If Christians are going to make real, lasting progress, they must stop trying to guilt people into change and start living the lifestyle that demonstrates the love and forgiveness of God. -T. Ethan Glassel; Eden Prairie, Minn.

Hear their pain

I feel sorry for the rap artists who lacked parental guidance ("Parental laments," Jan. 29). Maybe more adults should listen to these lyrics and realize the pain that so-called painless divorce, as well as unmarried motherhood and abandonment, causes the children who are caught up in it. Unfortunately, the Christian community doesn't do enough to reach these children. -Doris Heyns; Cape Coral, Fla.

Thanks to Gene Edward Veith for poignantly articulating something I've felt for years: that the many angry and bitter expressions emanating from our culture are merely results of my generation's decaying family values. As a Gen-Xer, I pray that we Christians will not condemn our social "mirrors" but boldly shine the light of Jesus Christ for this hurting, lonely generation. -Mark Lazarony; Wernersville, Pa.

No need

Shame on Marvin Olasky for suggesting parents could use Coach Carter as an object lesson in diligence and discipline ("Work, study," Jan. 29). If parents used the Bible to teach our children that we should please God in all that we do, we wouldn't have to resort to movies with sexually provocative images, violence, and offensive language. -Elizabeth Patchet; Eau Claire, Wis.

This is war

Regarding the Abu Ghraib scandal, I agree that the United States should refrain from barbaric interrogation practices ("Stunted intelligence," Jan. 29). However, there is nothing wrong with inflicting a little pain or discomfort. This is war, and our soldiers should have in their arsenal methods of extracting necessary information while still maintaining a high level of professionalism. -Jared McDaniel; Wray, Colo.

Mini pearl

To make a budget PC somewhat comparable to the Mac Mini ("The little Apple," Jan. 29), you have to add FireWire, a dedicated video card, DVD/CDRW capability, anti-virus protection, Windows XP Pro, a longer warranty, and some decent software. Suddenly buying a keyboard, mouse, and monitor doesn't look so bad. -Philip Gomez; Snellville, Ga.

Natural result

I disagree with James Emery White that the church's chief priority is evangelism ("Time saver," Jan. 29). We were created by God to worship Him and to have an intimate relationship with Him. When Christians develop a passionate, intimate relationship with God and in turn become true worshippers of Him, evangelism becomes a natural result. -Frank Nolton; Ortonville, Mich.

Humbling

I found "Behold the man" (Jan. 22) most humbling and instructive. Thank you to Andree Seu for sharing Eric's testimony. May the tribe of the truly humble increase and may we among the "prideful sophisticates" repent. -Sarah Leslie; Morgantown, W.Va.