Letters: Women preachers and attacking politicians

RE: Saddleback pastor says he will encourage women to preach

Not only in regard to women deacons and pastors, it seems as though when a church “shifts” from what is called the norm, it always begins with, “We believe.” Never, to my knowledge, is the statement, “Being led by the Spirit.”

I remember years ago when River Bend Church in Austin first ordained women deacons. I can remember Gerald Mann saying, “We believe it is time to ordain women as deacons.”

F.A. Taylor
Copperas Cove, Texas

RE: Editorial: Attacking politicians starts at home

Thank you for clearly addressing an issue that has been bothering me a lot lately. It seems to me, as society, we have forgotten how to have civil discourse. The outright contempt with which we hear members of one political party vilifying members of an opposing political party is horrific to me.

Plus, the casual way in which we listen and sometimes even agree is the most disturbing aspect of all, because as we surround ourselves with this wickedness, we lose our sensitivity to the evil of it and actually seem to begin to consider it normal.

I’m thankful that as a Christian, I can still feel outraged over the situation, while still doing my best to hold at least a modicum of respect for all parties. That is becoming more and more difficult, though, because the speech is so horrible and the words so harsh, I have to constantly remind myself these are people God loves. Therefore, I am also called to love them.

You are correct when you state this begins at home; however, I believe it’s firmly reinforced by much of what passes for public media. When did we devolve into having liberal media versus conservative media? How can we tell what’s true anymore? Where’s Walter Cronkite when we need him?

Thank you for being a voice of reason in a world drowning in shouts of discord, hatred and fear. Please continue to speak with wisdom and love about some of the most serious issues of our time.