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Theologian John Milbank, whom you profiled as one of your innovative thinkers [INNOVATORS, Dec. 17], claims that there is no universal truth, as some philosophers assert, yet he uses this to "prove" that Christianity is the true creed. Milbank, like many philosophers, thinks he has found a way out, an answer to everything, but he is obviously still in the fight to prove his religion right. The truth is, he has not proved anything, and nobody ever will. We simply need to enjoy the wonders of life, feeling good and loving and helping others. Thought isn't for getting somewhere; it's for living. ASAF NAYMARK North Miami Beach, Fla.
Physicist Julian Barbour has an unconventional theory: time does not really exist; it's an illusion created by the nature of our ability to perceive events. Can I then infer that your magazine is also an illusion and the subscription bills I get are a product of my faulty perceptions? JIM MCINVALE Columbia, Mo.
Whose God Is It, Anyway?
Roger Rosenblatt's essay "God Is Not On My Side. Or Yours" feebly yet correctly points out the foibles associated with believing God is on one culture's side to the exclusion or detriment of another's [ESSAY, Dec. 17]. Rosenblatt does not, however, address a fundamental and perhaps more morally viable option: Can't God be on everyone's side? Maybe God joins with those who practice the apostle Paul's simple yet profound command to do everything in love. HARRY J. AVERELL Gainesville, Fla.
Rosenblatt says he doesn't believe in seeking or finding God, and yet he is awed by the mystery of God. No wonder. If I didn't believe in seeking or finding a pineapple, a pineapple would forever be a mystery to me. The fact is, Rosenblatt isn't reveling in God's mystery. He's celebrating his own apathy. How is Rosenblatt sure that God can't be known? MICHAEL BRUNER Malibu, Calif.
Like Rosenblatt, I don't believe that God micromanages the universe. Saying "God bless America" is no solace to me. The pulling together of America since Sept. 11 and the military victories in Afghanistan have been of some comfort. A rewarding victory will be when Americans grow to truly respect all nonoppressive religions as well as the choice to be nonreligious. DICK MASTIN Alto, N.M.
More Than a War Movie
Thank you for your article on the movie Black Hawk Down [CINEMA, Dec. 17]. Even though I consider myself an antiwar, liberal, all-you-need-is-love woman bored to tears by war movies, I've been eagerly awaiting this film ever since reading Mark Bowden's brilliant book of the same title. I hope every American will look beyond the labels "war movie" and "failed mission" and see the moving story about heroes willing to give their lives for their country, humanity and ideals that most Americans, including myself, give only lip service to. KARIN ANDERSON Marina del Rey, Calif.
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