In Today's Culture, Do You See Evidence of a War on Christianity?

--Jeff Winter, Seattle, Wash.

Yes, I do. In today's society unfortunately "freedom of religion" has really been implemented and interpreted as "freedom FROM Christianity."

The world ignores the murder or oppression of Christians in countries like Saudi Arabia or Indonesia yet thinks the violence over cartoons of Islam to be acceptable and justifiable. The Bible instructs us to pray for our enemies and those that oppress us. Islam requires submission to their religion or death. Yet the world sees Jesus as the one who was wrong?

--Trisha Marsh Johnson, Athens, Ga.

There is no war against Christianity. But, there is a backlash against those who fanatically and often venomously try to push their beliefs upon others, be it in the street in front of an abortion center, in front of a school board or in the legislative halls.

Any belief that must be sold with fear or force or requires the support of civil law is a weak religious doctrine.

--C. L. Waltemath, Portland, Ore.

Materialist culture battles Christianity. It's an undeclared war, subtle, at times active, most times passive. It's selfishness versus selflessness; greed, charity; doubt, faith.

Few people think of themselves as casualties in this fight. Yet Christianity, when practiced more than forty minutes on a Sunday, reveals the fracturing energy contained within anger, bigotry, impatience, and legions of other faults.

But secular narcissists see only other people as broken. None truly enjoy peering at their own splitting image. The answer for many? Destroy the cross-shaped mirror that pains you.

Christians, to win this struggle, need practice that most demanding virtue -- forgiveness.

--Lawrence P. McGuire, Waldorf, Md.