Mailbag

Course correction?

The ongoing controversies over diversity, equity, and inclusion make it clear that we need to look for another solution. I’d suggest there is no better place to start than the true DEI, which happens to be Latin for “God.” (It is the root of our word deity.) While we can debate the best way to apply DEI in our society and relationships, in a marvelous way, each of those three DEI principles is fulfilled in an ultimate sense through belief in the Son of God.

There is diversity in a Church that consists of people from “every tribe and nation.” I have traveled to many countries and had wonderful experiences of worship in different cultures and languages, and it always amazes me how rich our bond is in Christ despite our temporal differences. The fact that the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) commands us to go out into all the world to make disciples shows how important diversity is to the completion of God’s kingdom plan.

There is equity in that we are one body in Him and have an equal outcome in eternity. Our secular divisions of race, economic status, and even gender are abolished in Christ (Galatians 3:28). And we have a source of wisdom that enables us to promote equity here and now in our society (Proverbs 2:6-9).

There is inclusion of all who believe, regardless of their past transgressions. Not only are our sins paid for by Christ’s death on the cross, but we have the free gift of His righteousness deposited to our account (Romans 5:6-11). This incredible transaction covers sinners such as Paul, Peter, King David, and even me! The best thing is that there is no uncertainty in how it is applied. It is based on the unchangeable love of God through Christ.

As we leave behind a fractious election season and approach the celebration of our Savior’s birth, next time you see the letters DEI, remember our loving God who enables life-changing transformation of our relationships with each other and with Him, through the gospel and grace of Jesus Christ.
     Mark Rienstra / Lansdale, Pa.

WORLD notes

My heart is broken for the struggles many of you at WORLD are going through. Honestly, I was almost overwhelmed with tears. As I sit here, I realize how grateful I am for all of you. I have been a subscriber for a number of years and have seen the recent changes taking place at WORLD—changes that have taken courage of conviction and purpose. I sincerely believe you all at WORLD are forerunners of what needs to occur in the Body of Christ. We are called to be salt and light to the Earth, not hidden under a bushel. You are leading the way for us.
     Tom Hovsepian / Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii

May our LORD bless, protect, and restore you and your families—there in North Carolina, and in all of the other affected areas. May He bring all of you through these hardships in peace.
     David Esteban Ortiz / Bethlehem, Pa.

U.S. briefs

Montana’s relaxed zoning laws will lead to overcrowding, increased traffic, and, most concerning, a greater need for government control. The closer we’re packed together, the more rules emerge—understandably so. High-density living in a diverse, independent country strengthens government power. Instead of encouraging this, why not follow the idea in the “Western land lock” article and create new cities on unused land? Taking that one step further, offer low-income or legal immigrant families a one-acre plot along with training and resources for a self-sufficient farm?
     Jacqueline Pata / Ontario, Calif.

The mysteries of mind

The books by David Bentley Hart referenced in this review seem to be mind-stretching, but when I perused Amazon.com, I found another book by Mr. Hart titled That All Shall Be Saved: Heaven, Hell, and Universal Salvation. I’m a bit shocked that an author with this material is being highlighted in WORLD. Universal salvation contradicts Matthew 25:46, in which Jesus says, “Then they [the unsaved] will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
     Herbert Cheung / Old Bridge, N.J.

Political cartoons

I have always appreciated WORLD’s desire to offer nonpartisan and balanced reporting. One area where I feel that the magazine has fallen short of these aspirations has been the political cartoon section. Every issue seems to offer a one-sided sampling of right-wing cartoons that satirize the left. While I appreciate the satire, there are also plenty of great cartoons that satirize the right, yet these are rarely included. Why the imbalance? It seems to me a Biblical perspective should point out the foibles of both ends of the political spectrum.
     Stephen Hess / Waukesha, Wis.

Perils of pregnancy

I appreciate Chelsea Boes’ reviews. But in regard to Your Brain on Pregnancy, she wrote, “The book attacks the widely accepted myth that women experience depression during pregnancy mainly because of fluctuating hormones.” That did not sit well with me (having dealt with hormone-driven mood swings until I went through menopause). In a few minutes of research, I found articles suggesting hormones are a factor in pregnancy and postpartum depression. Since the word “myth” is so commonly thrown around to describe things that the Bible says are true, I’m probably overly sensitive to it. Otherwise, the review was good. I keep my phone near me when I read my local newspaper and most other news sources, because I regularly feel the need to fact-check their statements. I don’t usually need to do that with WORLD. This was a rare occurrence. I love the integrity all of you bring to journalism.
     Trish Kimminau / Tucson, Ariz.

Gaza’s day after

I just read the article “Gaza’s day after” and enjoyed every minute of it! Jill Nelson’s writing is outstanding. She illuminates a complex Middle East situation in clear prose. We need more reporters like Jill, who have the courage to reveal the uncomfortable truth.
     Karen Davis / Exton, Pa.

Evidence vs. surrender

Unbelievers already know God exists (Romans 1:18-23). No amount of clear evidence or logical proof will convince them to believe, repent, and trust Christ, because sinners are by nature anti-God, dead in sin, with hard hearts and darkened minds. A person will believe and submit to Christ’s lordship only if the Holy Spirit has converted the person, and the only means the Holy Spirit uses for conversion is the message of God’s law and grace in Scripture, because “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). Therefore, when speaking to an unbeliever about spiritual matters, stay with the Word of God, and trust the Holy Spirit to do what He will.
     Gerald J. Knight / Auburndale, Fla.

Though Andrée Seu Peterson hinted at the real reason for the double standard of proof for Jesus’ lordship as opposed to Julius Caesar’s existence, the “why” of it is to me the main point. My belief in Caesar’s existence requires nothing from me. On the other hand, to admit that Jesus is the Messiah requires everything from me. It is a change of lordship from me to Him! So I am terribly biased when I judge ­evidence. Who wants to give up control? Romans 1:18b speaks to this: We suppress (deny, avoid, contest) the truth in “unrighteousness”—that is, with self-protecting motives.
    Nick Cava / Lake Grove, N.Y.

A look in the book

I just wanted to thank you for the addition of the crossword puzzle to your new monthly magazine. We were recently informed that our local news­paper (with crossword puzzles) is discontinuing its print edition. My husband’s puzzle fix will be continued with help from WORLD!
     Terry Barnhart / West Branch, Mich.

Monthly WORLD

I like the new, bigger magazine with the heftier book section. But only one page of children’s book reviews per month equals half as many as you were covering before. I rely on WORLD’s reviews to find great books for the many kids in my life, not just the adults.
     Julia Shanholtz / Williamsburg, Pa.

As a busy dad and pastor who struggled to keep up with the bimonthly issues, I’ve enjoyed the longer-form news stories.
     Kevin Corley / Clanton, Ala.

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WORLD Mailbag
PO Box 20002
Asheville, NC 28802

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