To the editor: Opposite to what Randall Balmer believes, evangelical Christians on the so-called proper should not socially detached. They do an awesome deal to deal with social points. (“Evangelical Christians once agitated for women, prisoners, the poor and ending slavery. What happened?” Opinion, Dec. 11)
The place is the left relating to marriage, households and the Ten Commandments? I believe the proper and the left have a unique thought of how you can obtain an acceptable expression of their religion.
In a nutshell, Balmer’s feedback quantity to a political screed that twists the whole lot to suit his leftist opinions. Good works, as many evangelicals will let you know, don’t get you into heaven — fairly they’re a outcome and an indication of your acceptance and perception in Jesus. Good works don’t dismiss unhealthy conduct.
I believe Balmer could also be mistaking leftist political objectives for faith. Maybe his politics are his faith.
Nathan Put up, Santa Barbara
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To the editor: For all of the theological turbulence of the previous two centuries, up to date evangelicalism’s guiding star has emerged. It’s eternally against the rise of secularism by no matter means doable, together with the fee of democratic sins.
Therefore, evangelicals now preach democratically repugnant priorities as their religion’s salvation: Divert public-school funds to spiritual colleges. Push for revisionist historical past to white-wash or outright bury infamous faith-based travesties. Elect politicians who abide demagogic sloganeering over crucial pondering. Appoint judges who favor theocracy over democracy.
By no means thoughts the rank ungodliness of becoming a member of forces with ultra-conservative politicians. Simply do their bidding to prevail in America’s ever-widening tradition wars — you recognize, combat like hell.
J.R. Groves, Pacific Palisades
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To the editor: Balmer asserts that “white evangelicals for the reason that rise of the non secular proper have embraced an agenda that exalts capitalism and cares little for ‘the least of those.’”
I’m a white evangelical who defends free-market capitalism (to not be confused with crony capitalism) because the financial system producing the very best way of life for the best variety of folks. That features “the least of those,” specifically, immigrants fleeing the poverty and oppression of failed socialist regimes resembling Cuba and Venezuela.
Obedience to the teachings of Jesus compels me to donate financially to quite a few charities — native, nationwide and worldwide — that support the poor and oppressed.
Philip Ross, Palos Verdes Estates
