Mailbag

‘Remember those who are in prison’

Dec. 15 Francis Schaeffer noted that the Romans persecuted Christians, even though they were taught to obey the government and love others, because they worshiped Jesus only, not the state. Also, he wrote, no authoritarian state can tolerate those with absolute moral standards by which they can judge the state. This explains the Chinese government’s actions against these Christian dissidents. It may one day explain the actions of the American government as well.—Yvonne S. Smith, La Verne, Calif.

‘Good gifts’

Dec. 15 While the entire nation mourns the loss of innocent life in Newtown and the 24/7 news media can’t seem to look away, I read this morning of the Kimyals’ reception of God’s Word translated into their language. Truly, it lifted my heart and my eyes to the Lord.—Elaine Neumeyer, Big Canoe, Ga.

This column matches a move in our home group to start teaching on practical applications of the Bible in everyday life. The Bible is the perfect instruction manual. I wish sometimes I could just take a bite out of it and have it infuse every cell with its nutrition.—Carolyn Schlicher, Elizabethtown, Pa.

‘Our culture of deceit’

Dec. 15 Before reading this column I saw a report about a new book of “tips” for “enhancing” your stay at a hotel. Three were so unscrupulous, such as lying about whether you used the mini-bar, I could hardly believe a news service would publish such trash. No wonder my hotel costs are going up.—David G. Hansen, Centerville, Ohio

I also do not like being lied to. I usually reject advertising claims as outright lies. It’s sad that many people, having heard so many offers of a costly “free” gift, cannot accept the offer of free salvation promised by our Lord and Savior.—Gene Bohot, Chino, Calif.

‘Carrying on the family business’

Dec. 15 My parents were home missionaries and nondenominational. They started a Bible camp in 1943 and many Sunday schools in an area where the local churches were hostile to the idea. I had never considered what “carrying on the family business meant” except in economic terms. Thank you.—Tim Carl, Barbourville, Ky.

‘Mistakes were made’

Dec. 15 Thank you for covering the confusion around the Benghazi attack and the events afterward. We must demand answers to the many questions remaining.—Alexander Phillips, Rochester, Minn.

‘Leading with our chin’

Dec. 15 Many thanks to WORLD for the great articles. I was amused by Marvin Olasky’s comment about people writing in to cancel subscriptions—even people who don’t have one! Please do not cancel ours.—Dwayne Frank, Cedarville, Ohio

Cast my subscription in concrete. We need a reliable earthly source of truth, and I am grateful for your intent to provide it.—Thomas Sandlin, Liberty Hill, Texas

Notable Books

Dec. 15 Your Spotlight on the new sequel to The Wind in the Willows claimed that Grahame’s classic was “often imitated but never sequeled.” Au contraire! Readers should sample William Horwood’s four delightful sequels. Two of them—Toad Triumphant (1995) and Willows at Christmas (1999)—come about as close to Grahame as you can get.—Joseph W. Smith III, Montoursville, Pa.

‘Cared to death’

Dec. 15 On the day I shared with my fellow employees this article about the destructive impact of Obamacare on the medical device industry, other media reported that many Democrats were leaning toward delaying the tax due to its impact on the economy. An atheist I work with told me that WORLD “hit the nail on the head.” Your credibility, consistency, and concern in presenting the truth makes all the difference.—Brian F. Fleck, Biglerville, Pa.

‘Campus ministry conflict’

Dec. 15 I urge Daniel Harman to stick to his guns in the matter of Cru allowing women to teach the Bible in mixed-gender meetings. When an organization’s policy disagrees with Scripture, a person should disavow that policy and move elsewhere.

—Daneen Campbell, Loganville, Ga.

‘Bound by blood’

Dec. 1 Jesus put no qualifiers on forgiveness, such as whether the offender has asked for it. It is an act of obedience to Jesus Christ, regardless of the circumstances. Is it easy? Absolutely not, yet He calls for it just the same.—Charlie Vaughn, Austin, Nev.

I loved Janie Cheaney’s statement, “Forgiveness is not an initiative, but a response.” Many believers carry an unrealistic burden that they ought to forgive regardless of whether the other party is even aware of his offense. Thank you for explaining that forgiveness requires two, and that many well-meaning believers have simply relinquished their hurt and anger to God. This brings relief but it is not forgiveness.—Carolee Winrich, Shell Beach, Calif.

I agree that Christians should not be lectured to forgive heinous crimes, but disagree that “forgiveness that wasn’t requested isn’t true” and that to do so is like a “blank check” to continue sinning. Mark 11:25, where Jesus commands us when praying to, “if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them,” looks like unsolicited forgiveness to me.—Peggy Wheeler, Suwanee, Ga.

Trying to forgive when there has been no confession or repentance is confusing and futile. Cheaney’s admonitions not to seek revenge and to look to God for vindication ring true and give direction for my steps in times of trial. Then the resulting peace can replace condemnation for not forgiving, and there can be freedom without judgment of the offending party.—Sharon Skinner, Carlsbad, N.M.

‘Tipping point?’

Dec. 1 Thank you to Joel Belz for summarizing the historical significance of the 2012 election. America showed that the majority depends on the state and that its faith is in man, not God; in one of us and not in the One with us. How sharp are the distinctions. Jesus says that we are to go and make disciples, and America has throughout the world. Now it must, ever more fervently, do so within its borders.—Carmen Julius, Edinburg, Pa.

The election had ruined my hope but I concluded I couldn’t quit. We organized a meeting of people from three churches to discuss the problems facing a nation we thought we knew. Now with statistics we are understanding. Belz’s column was encouraging. We are discussing which approach we will take going forward: spiritual or political?—Dave Dirksen, Iowa Falls, Iowa

‘Beating the system’

Oct. 20 I believe we are a lot closer to a Christian-hostile nation than many of us would like to admit. What are we doing to prepare for this? Are we taking advantage of the freedoms we have available and praying for those who are not as blessed as we are?—Marlin Hostetter, Lancaster, Pa.

Corrections

Micheal Flaherty was referring to Philippians 4:8 (“Keep running the race,” Dec. 15, p. 30).

The MAF airplane delivering Bibles to the Kimyal tribe in Indonesia was a Cessna 208 Caravan (“Good gifts,” Dec. 15, p. 79).

Stephanie Perrault wrote the review of Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away (Jan. 12, p. 23).

WORLD Around the World

Kpalime, TogoSubmitted by Lynne Yagel

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