Drilling me softly

Thanks to Marvin Olasky for his "third definition" of the word proselytize in the March 3 issue ("Nonnegotiable"). I represent a group of Christian dentists who have daily opportunities to share the good news of Jesus with our patients. It is never coercive, nor does it involve bribes, but, as Mr. Olasky so aptly put it, we present Christ in a manner that lets them decide. One of my partners is fond of saying that "we never shove the gospel down anyone's throat; we simply drill it into them a little at a time." - William Zouhary, Rossford, Ohio

Rational

I have been enjoying WORLD for about a year now. Your columns, "The proof is in," "Nonnegotiable," and "What's in a name?" (March 3) were especially appealing to me. It is awesome that you folks provide such a rational balance to critical issues that face us in government, politics, faith, and other areas. - Daniel Dunkelberger, Pasadena, Calif.

Outdone again

The picture of Bill Clinton, chin in hand and pleased as punch, was delightful beneath the subtitle of Andree Seu's article: "Clinton did to himself what his detractors could never do." Mr. Clinton has outdone us again. - Katie Jett, Eastaboga, Ala.

Enough

I love your magazine. It is always informative, but could we just move on and have a moratorium on Bill Clinton. I had to look at his dishonest face for eight long years. I just don't want to see any more pictures of him, and you had two in the March 3 issue. - Diana Wiley, Polk, Ohio

Tragic

Until Rabbi Daniel Lapin pointed it out in "Weeping about our families" (Feb. 24), I hadn't realized that Jewish groups are over-represented among religious organizations in the pro-abortion movement. How tragic. Wouldn't Hitler be amused to see the abortion industry working toward what his gas chambers failed to do? - Paul Ratzlaff, Orland, Calif.

Grateful

"A life, spared" really touched me and gave me a sense of gratitude for my mother who chose not to have an abortion. - Lori Montgomery, 15, Newton Falls, Ohio

If they could

Regarding the "Life issues" edition, there comes a time in many lives when the only option is long-term care, and the devil in the details is the cost, of course. My husband's care, as his eighth year in long-term care comes to an end, costs $5,000 per month. It provides care good enough to keep him alive but not a quality of life that would be desirable for him. I believe that he and many others like him would choose euthanasia if they could. Since this is not an option, what I would really like to see is financial assistance to families in my situation. - Mrs. A.J. Peterson, Fairlawn, Ohio

Just the facts

I've had a difficult time deciding whether to continue my subscription, but have decided to cancel. There have been some insightful articles, such as the one on prison rape ("Brutality behind bars," Feb. 3). However, I find some of your remarks to be like a "beating over the head." Whatever happened to reporting the facts and letting the truth set you free? - Laura Hauge, Placerville, Calif.

No fear

I appreciate very much Mr. Olasky's support of "compassionate conservatism" ("In from the cold," Feb. 10). Unfortunately, some evangelical leaders seem to still lack the "compassionate" part when opposing President Bush's faith-based public-assistance plan with Pharisee-like fervor. We should uphold religious freedom and then show our "wares" in love and grace; and we should have no fear when "fringe religions" want to join us in caring for those in need. - Dieter Fischer, Grass Valley, Calif.

Gone, but not forgotten

I was sorry to read about the passing of R.J. Rushdoony ("Reconstructionist leader Rushdoony," March 3). He was a great apologist, and his book, Politics of Guilt and Pity, helped shaped my views on welfare and poverty issues. - Star Parker, Los Angeles, Calif.

Sound familiar?

Andree Seu's article "What's in a name?" (March 3) points to the favor in which Bill Clinton was once held, if only by the gullible. Perhaps it is time for the real problem to be exposed to allow some small measure of compassion for this man. So here's one possible diagnosis from the Merck Manual: "Antisocial personality (previously called psychopathic or sociopathic): Persons with this personality disorder callously disregard the rights and feelings of others. They exploit others for materialistic gain or personal gratification.... Often they do not anticipate the negative consequences of their antisocial behaviors and typically do not feel remorse or guilt afterward. Many of them have a well-developed capacity for glibly rationalizing their behavior or for blaming it on others. Dishonesty and deceit permeate their relationships. Punishment rarely modifies their behavior or improves their judgment and foresight; it usually confirms their harshly unsentimental view of the world." - Frank C. Jackson, Seattle, Wash.

Not so fast

I am not so sure that Andree Seu is right that Clinton is finished politically. If the media continue to take care of him as they have for the past eight years, he can get away with anything. - Miriam Covalt, Wichita, Kan.

A voice crying

How can you eulogize as merely "long and controversial" the ministry of a man who spent the last 35 years of his life trying to awaken the church in the West to the atrocities our brothers and sisters have endured ("The voice of Voice of the Martyrs," March 3)? The desire of Richard Wurmbrand's heart was to make known to us what he saw and experienced behind the Iron Curtain. I saw firsthand his passion not to let us forget those who were, and are, suffering for the sake of Jesus Christ. While much of the church swallowed the Communist Party line, that there was freedom of religion, Pastor Wurmbrand often stood like a John the Baptist, crying in the wilderness. We see, now, that he was right all along. - Wes Denham, Troy, Mo.

Me, too

Thank you so much for "A life, spared" (Feb. 24). I, too, am adopted. My birth mom had just turned 16 a week before she gave birth to me. My parents took me home when I was 18 hours old. I will never forget my birth mom because of the gift of life she gave me. Because of her, I can build and fly airplanes with my dad, raise llamas, and ride horses. I'm also able to tell other people about the beauty of adopting a child. - Abbey Furey, 14, Malvern, Ohio

Sooner than later

I don't think we need to look far into the future-maybe 20 years-to see the poisoned fruit of Roe vs. Wade ("As time goes by," Feb. 24). That is when baby boomers will hit the welfare system, and when the two people working to support every boomer will have to decide what to do with them. Thanks to Roe vs. Wade, boomers have been raised on the notion that if someone-even your own flesh and blood-stands in the way of your personal peace and affluence, you can view them as subhuman and discard them. - Richard C. Asper, Watertown, S.D.

Blessing

The "Life issues" special edition was a blessing. I will place it the reception room of my medical office for my patients to read, with the hope that its message will touch and change many lives. - Richard A. Hansen, Creswell, Ore.

Take three

Please note that our renewal is for three years. We look forward to your magazine in our home. We generally agree with your viewpoints in editorials, although not always, and we appreciate the irony and humor you use to get your points across. And thank you for showing us a way of applying our faith to our worldview. - Larry & Anita Uhlir, Paw Paw, Mich.

Corrections

The columnist quoted as describing some implications of the Endangered Species Act was Debra Saunders (March 10, p. 12).

Pennsylvania has 67 counties (Feb. 24, p. 61). - The Editors