That might be the blind side of American conservatism: the unwillingness to simply assert that it is better to be poor, free, and righteous than rich and beholden to sin. I certainly didn't hear that at the Christian Coalition's Road to Victory convention, although they presumably believe it. I'm a conservative myself, and have been since before I took my religion seriously, but sometimes it's disheartening to see the emphasis placed on wealth, all across our political spectrum. Perhaps this has always been so in America.
Eric M. Johnson
Arlington, VA
The "right" to die is inalienable. It is a decision for the individual, and it is a decision that fights every natural imperative to stay alive. Whatever compels an individual to overcome all those imperatives must matter to him very much indeed. It would appear extremely doubtful that any presumed "duty" to die could succeed in overcoming those imperatives.
Abortion, on the other hand, takes away from an individual the "right" to life. That is also inalienable. The victim of abortion hasn't the opportunity to elect to live or die and society should protect him.
Robert C. Rhodes
Queens Village, NY
It seems to me that we Presbyterians should be careful about throwing rocks when we are in the proverbial glass house. I would offer Mr. Leit- hart's article as Exhibit A of an attitude that has contributed to the precipitous fall in Presbyterian Church membership (while evangelical churches have continued to win souls to Christ and to grow and prosper). Faith in God is primarily intuitive, not logical, rational, and intellectual.
Mr. Leithart's sneering put-down of "nineteenth-century revival hymns with their sentimental lyrics set to syrupy melodies" is offensive. There is a more powerful sermon in most of these favorite old hymns than is heard from the pulpit of most churches. . . .
William C. Parish
Charlotte, NC