Hot err

The United States has about 4.6 percent of the world's population, but consumes over 1/3 of its natural resources and generates 20 percent of its pollution ("Putting Kyoto on ice," Aug 8). Is it really impossible for us to live more simply and allow others to have what they need without destroying creation? In my experience, those who fight for the environment do so because, Christian or not, they have a profound love for what God has given us and they wish to give our children a physically and spiritually livable planet. Those who oppose them are seeking to protect their wealth and lifestyles, or avoid the difficulties of finding different careers. It's pretty clear what is of God here and what is not. I would beg you in the name of Jesus to reconsider these things. Jesus said that we simply cannot serve God and mammon. We must choose whom we will put our primary trust in. To trust our investments and markets first is not to trust him. To give of ourselves to what he made and what he cares about is. - C. Scott Church, Bothell, Wash.

Gas bags

In your issue on global warming, you placed a chart on page 15 showing the model predictions vs. satellite data. Did you notice that the spikes of warmer temperatures came every four years-at election time! Seems to me that global warming comes primarily from all of the politicians' hot air. - Andrew C. Hefty, Macclenny, Fla.

Oversight

It must have been an oversight! I enjoyed Chris Stamper's review of Saving Private Ryan in the Aug. 8 issue, just as I enjoyed the movie. It really did make me appreciate my parents' generation and their sacrifice for the rest of us today. Mr. Stamper leaves out a very salient point for a review in a Christian magazine like WORLD. He notes that the movie is "rated R for violence and gore" but fails to mention the language. I have been in the military and the talk there is properly reflected in the movie. Some folks, though, who read WORLD and trust you implicitly are not going to be happy when they get in the theater and realize the reviewer did not prepare them to hear the air turned blue. - Wayne Herring, Memphis, Tenn.

No honor here

Chris Stamper must have seen an edited version of Saving Private Ryan since the one he saw shows American soldiers acting with "bravery and honor." In the one I saw, an American murders Germans surrendering at Omaha Beach. These same Americans, our heroes, all want to murder a German prisoner who had the misfortune of doing his job and killing one American. Did Americans ever kill prisoners in WWII? Yes. Were they men of honor who did so? No. This movie takes the position that killing prisoners is wise. In that, Steven Spielberg has broken new moral ground in American cinema. - Wayne Wilson, Acton, Calif.

Who's wimpy?

The review of Saving Private Ryan was good and well-deserved. However, one thing about it bothered me: the line "those veterans deserve respect from the wimpier generations." I agree that the veterans deserve respect, but how can you classify any one generation as "wimpy" compared to the veterans who fought WWII? I'm in the dark as to how a generation could be weak just because it hasn't gone to war. After all, the brave soldiers who fought WWII were only ordinary men empowered by God to accomplish the defeat of Hitler. - Daniel Bagley, Meridian, Idaho

I'm lost

In the past I have appreciated the movie summaries your magazine has published. Not Chris Stamper's article about the movie Saving Private Ryan. I am somewhat lost to understand why he would give a "must see" twist for Saving Private Ryan without giving a complete warning to parents concerning the language. Yes, the blood and gore is extreme in this movie, but so is the profanity. This movie may display the heroism displayed by troops in WWII, but does this make the movie acceptable? What about the standard of not accepting material that is offensive. Such language in its extreme use surely cannot be acceptable. - Bill Pevey, Athens, Ga.

Shocked and ashamed

How in the name of all that is holy can you write favorably of Saving Private Ryan? This film contains many uses of the "F" word. I am shocked and ashamed of you. Do not expect me to renew my subscription! - Bob Brown, Louisville, Ky.

Voice crying in the wilderness

Lately, it seems your coverage of movies has been receiving some pretty poor reviews of their own from some readers. Given this negative response, I would like to weigh in on the positive side. Your coverage frequently serves as an excellent guide for Christians considering going to these movies (and thereby supporting them financially). You also do a good job exposing underlying messages being taught by the producers, such as your evaluation of Titanic as primarily being a sales pitch for fornication. Until we have a moral society that can discern these amoral themes beautifully packaged in great cinematic experiences, your coverage continues to be a voice crying in the wilderness, even if it is not appreciated by the masses. - Mark Stang, Woodstock, Ga.

Spared from filth

I am thankful for your faithful reporting on Hollywood's wares. Many times your reviews have warned me about movies that would have certainly offended me. And sometimes when I have not read your reporting I have unknowingly rented filth in the guise of family viewing. - Bryan L. Bracy, Dalzell, S.C.

On target

William H. Smith hit the nail on the head in "He must be kidding" (Aug. 8). Could this be why the church has had little impact on our postmodern culture? Several years ago I came to the sad realization that I had spent a good part of my life as a believer either ignoring "uncomfortable" scriptural principles and commands or finding loopholes to get around taking his word at face value. The heart is deceitful and desperately wicked as the Scripture says, and we need continual cleansing so that, as the psalmist stated, "then I will teach transgressors your ways and sinners will be converted unto you." - Laurie Liberati, Columbia, Md.

Easy to forget

Thank you for "He must be kidding." As a 27-year-old Christian single in a professional career, I need to hear the reinforcement of 1 Corinthians 7:39. God does require me to marry in the Lord! I have made decisions in the past not to date gentlemen who do not have a personal relationship with our Lord, but I am currently dating a man who does not. It is easy to get caught up in the thought process that he may come into that relationship and the Lord may use me in that process. I know what I have to do to honor God. I know I have narrowed my choices, but it is worth it. - Ilene L. Rees, San Angelo, Texas

God did say

Thanks for the article "He must be kidding." William Smith warns of the pressures inclining us to look for a loophole to free us from doing what the Bible really says. His example of the Sabbath is most needed. It would be great if the church could bring itself to believe the last part of that commandment as well: "For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them." - Pete Hurst, Newport News, Va.

Blessed for rebelling?

Is it just me or are other Christians tired of being admonished to "pay our taxes" ("He must be kidding")? I wonder about Mr. Smith's view of our founding fathers and their belief that civil disobedience can be both justified and scriptural. Paul commanded us to obey those in authority, yet these 13 colonies saw no theological quandary in putting King George in his place. Isn't it amazing how God has blessed us, the most rebellious nation on earth? - Randy Rogers, Shenandoah, Iowa

Cancel

Please cancel the remainder of my subscription to WORLD. I thought it would be more like Time or Newsweek. - Gerry Kirsch, Cocoa, Fla.

Haircut harmony

I enjoyed Marvin Olasky's "Summertime" (Aug. 1), and could relate to his "confession." My wife has cut my hair since 1950, almost 50 years. She started with a hand-operated hair clipper, and I jokingly told her if she did a good job, I'd purchase electric hair clippers. Not only did she cut my hair, but also our three sons' until they were married. I'd recommend it for all couples, for those that "cut hair" together, stay together. We are all married to our first and only wives. - John Newcomer, Rockford, Ill.

Nix the scandal updates

It has bothered me for quite a while that a Christian magazine would stoop to the level of tabloids and other magazines and be doing "scandal updates," as well as bad-mouthing our president. The Bible says that we are supposed to respect the authorities that God puts over us. - Katie & Eryn O'Banion, Okmulgee, Okla.