His side

Thank you for featuring Kenneth Starr and giving him an opportunity to tell his side of the story ("An honest cop," Nov. 13). I have to admit that I was one of those who wished Mr. Starr could sink down to James Carville's level and trade heavyweight media blows. After reading the article, however, I think it is just as well that Mr. Starr followed the dictates of his conscience and his office. It's clear to me that Mr. Starr did exactly what he was supposed to do and that the process was fatally poisoned with politics. I appreciate his sacrifice and sincerely hope that we will be privileged to see him appointed to the Supreme Court someday, even though that might seem improbable today. - Hunter Baker, Houston, Texas

Deserves respect

Ken Starr's humble courage in handling the Clinton impeachment process shows strong character on his part. A lesser man would have gone for the kill, but Ken Starr simply did his job. A humble demeanor that refuses to "hit below the belt" is an attribute that all Christians should strive to have. This man deserves the respect of everyone in the nation-especially the president's. - Matthew Detmer, Greenville, S.C.

Softballs

I love WORLD, but you let us down in this softball interview of Ken Starr. I would have wanted to know why he never personally interviewed Monica Lewinsky, why his investigation of Whitewater was derailed by the Monica issue anyway, and why the reports of Larry Klayman's small Judicial Watch group were so much more on target. - Mark Dattoli, Elmhurst, Ill.

Captured the experience

Bob Jones's profile on Ken Starr was his best work to date. It captured the very sense and struggle that most of us "inside the Beltway" experience day in and day out. Many Christians who work in Washington will be encouraged by this article. - Larry Reagan, Lusby, Md.

Subversion's OK?

So Mr. Starr has "nothing but praise" for the politicians who judged the president? In acquitting Mr. Clinton, the Democratic senators nullified the law because they didn't like it. If that happened regularly in courtrooms, attorneys like Mr. Starr would be howling mad that the law had been subverted. - Bill R. Dickson, O'Brien, Fla.

A hero

Your article gave WORLD readers a chance to see Ken Starr for who he really is. He is not only "an honest cop"; he is one of my heroes. - Ted Rydmark, 17, Molalla, Ore.

Good grief!

I love WORLD, but was perplexed by the short piece on Charles Schultz ("You're almost 50 years old, Charlie Brown!" Nov. 13). I was a good Charlie Brown man in the '60s when it "peaked." Good grief! That strip is more creative and humorous than ever. Long live Mr. Shultz. Long live "Peanuts." - Lee Seese, Everett, Pa.

Nothing to deserve this

As a fruit lover, "The fruit basket" (Nov. 13) was such a blessing to me. I joyously planted and harvested my first garden this summer. When Mrs. Cheaney wrote, "What did I do to deserve this?" I understood why the answer is, "Nothing." - Karmyn Love Sindlinger, Salem, Ore.

Faithful witness

I was touched by "Millennium's end" (Nov. 13) about Kristin, the homeschooled girl who wanted a career where she could have an effective Christian witness. I, too, have struggled in my prayers to understand the rapid deterioration of American culture. Perhaps America won't be reclaimed for Christ. As the influence of evil mounts, it gets harder to focus on the fact that in America we do have much to be thankful for, while keeping in mind that someday the Lord will return to gather up the faithful. - Mary E. Traeger, Forsyth, Mo.

Second to none

Although many careers can bring glory to God, if Kristin is ever called to be a wife and mother it should not take second place to any career. The world may finally take notice if Christian mothers would get their priorities straight and nurture their families as "a reasonable service to God." - Dayle Johnson, Amesbury, Mass.

Hogwash

All that stuff you dumped on Kristin about how it's God's job to save America and how you can serve God with a marriage, family, and spiffy career may sound spiritual, but it's a bunch of hogwash. You basically told an American Christian kid with fire in her belly and zeal in her heart to be fat, dumb, and happy like the rest of the lukewarm, materialistic American church. - Jack Burhenne, Leroy, Ohio

Surrender not

"Praying before playing" (Nov. 13) described the Christian athletes as choosing "humility over rebellion" by not defying the ruling against prayer inside the football stadium. Prayers have been offered in Jesus' name at public events since America's founding. Shall we so timidly surrender our freedoms or pay the costly price to protect them? - Cookie Kelly, Huntsville, Ala.

Expect persecution

"Make them ask for it" (Nov. 13) says that Christians should live so that those who live in our pagan culture will like what they see and want to change. This is a good idea, but people are sinful and inclined to continue living in sin. To live an exemplary life will certainly draw some, but it will repel others, and in turn invite persecution. The Bible warns that followers of Christ can expect persecution. - Dale Hooper, Lindale, Texas

Search update

Thank you for the update, "Missionary search" (Nov. 6). We have been praying for these three men since they disappeared six years ago in Colombia. It is good news to hear of this search attempt by American and Colombian authorities. Their wives and children need to know whether they are dead or alive. - Joan Bartholomew, Burbank, Calif.

Hardly heirs

I just wanted to point out, as a former Nine Inch Nails fan before I became a Christian, that Trent Reznor and NIN are hardly heirs of Kurt Cobain and Nirvana ("Nihilistic nails," Nov. 6). NIN have been around since the late 1980s, before Nirvana. They have just stuck around longer since Mr. Reznor hasn't committed suicide. - Kelley Chapman, Birmingham, Ala.

Happy birthday

My wife got me a subscription to WORLD for my birthday, and it is a great gift. Then you sent me a book, How Now Shall We Live?, and that was also a great birthday gift. Thank you very much. I am devouring the book and would like to recommend it to anyone who wonders what is wrong with the way people are thinking these days. I also recommend your periodical to all I know. Keep up the good work. - Reade Clayton, Brookneal, Va.

Moral magic

Regarding the statement that "witchcraft plays no role" in Tolkien's writing ("More clay than Potter," Oct. 30), even though Gandalf performed what we would call "magic," WORLD's original statement is correct. Although Gandalf was called a wizard in the book he was an Ainur, an order of immortal beings created by the high true God-Iluvatar-who created everything. The Maia were sent to serve in the administration of Middle-Earth, but some, led by Melkor, later fell into evil and rebelled against the faithful Ainur. Gandalf is like an angel, and his "magic" was the inherent power of such beings (poorly understood by ordinary folk), wielded justly for righteous causes. Tolkien's works do indeed remain consistent with a Christian moral framework. - Eric Blievernicht, Terre Haute, Ind.

Not one

I have been criticized for my view that none of the GOP candidates except Bush and Forbes have a realistic chance to win and that conservatives should look closely at supporting these two ("Does 'W' mean winner?" Oct. 16). I am asked: Why not stand for principle? My answer: Not a single Republican candidate passes my test of truly standing for principle, which I define as being faithful to the Word of God and the Constitution of the United States. This is not a case of principle versus pragmatism. Every single candidate has made "pragmatic" deviations from the Constitution or the Bible here and there. Therefore it makes the most sense to choose one with reasonably good views and a realistic chance to win. - Mike Farris Home School Legal Defense Assoc., Purcellville, Va.