Letters

January/February

I enjoyed reading your article "Old Time Religion ... Is It Good Enough for You?" in the January/February issue of Baylor Magazine. The story made a lot of interesting points, but I disagreed with D. Michael Lindsay that "mixing and matching of faiths is a very recent phenomenon." One only needs to look at the Old Testament prophets' railing against the Hebrews' incorporation of Canaanite, Babylonian or other religious practices to see that maintaining orthodoxy is a long-standing problem for any religious tradition. What is new in our 21st century experience is the high volume of messages regarding religion and faith that we are bombarded with thanks to communication technology. The result is a populace so overwhelmed with information that all messages seem equal in merit, contributing to our country's prevailing attitude of religious relativism. I completely agree with the article's message that Christian churches must work harder to educate the faithful on the fundamental principles of Christianity and Scripture.

Charlie Whelan, BBA '97, San Antonio, Texas

While I was reading the latest edition of Baylor Magazine, I was distressed by the opinions expressed by Dr. Derek Davis ("American values challenged by initial ruling on pledge," Insights, January/February). I agree wholeheartedly with Dr. Davis that the phrase "under God" is embraced by nearly all Americans. I disagree, however, that this should in any way dictate how a court should decide whether or not the phrase violates the United States Constitution. ... The Constitution is the only foundation of our system of government that protects the minority from the majority in the exercise of our precious civil rights. Dr. Davis advocates that because the majority of Americans believes we are a "nation under God" and that the law is dictated by the people for the people, that the Pledge of Allegiance should continue in its present form without challenge. This is absolutely contrary to the ultimate authority of the U.S. Constitution. ... Baptists have held firm against government intrusion into religious matters because of their persecution in England at the hands of a state-sanctioned church. It is difficult to say the phrase "under God" violates the Constitution because of the public furor concerning the issue, but it is exactly the position dictated by the U.S. Constitution and a denomination that has continuously argued for the separation of church and state.

Christopher L. Thetford, BA '85, Houston, Texas

Thank you so much for sending copies of the Baylor Magazine. I wanted to share, especially, the articles on homeschooling. ... Our family (Bolger) is a First Family of Baylor (1997), and Baylor means everything to us. My husband, George, BA '52, and I read the Baylor Line and Baylor Magazine from cover to cover. Thanks again.

Lucy A. Gant, Deland, Fla. For an update on homeschool admissions, please read the Web Extra.

March/April

I read with great interest "The Struggle for the Heart and Soul of Baylor" having heard a variety of opinions regarding the University's vision and direction. If indeed classes remain small and the teacher/student relationship a priority, as was characteristic of my Baylor experience, I wholeheartedly support the proposals of Vision 2012.

Educating from a framework of truth will not dilute or compromise intellectual pursuit or the quality of education. If these goals are carried out with integrity, Baylor will produce graduates who are constant and true to lead in a world that desperately needs stability. God bless you in your effort.

Laurel Staffel Babb, BA '73, San Antonio, Texas