Letters: Feb. 28, 2005

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The 25 Most Influential Evangelicals

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ARTICLE ON THE 25 most influential Evangelicals in America [Feb. 7]. At a time when Christianity in the U.S. is finally beginning to recover from the televangelist debacles and other overpublicized problems of the past, it was encouraging to see a mostly positive report on the good things that are happening in Christian ministries today. Those who are wary of evangelical activists need to understand that true Christians are not bigots, hypocrites or crooks. We just want to live our lives to please God as best as we can, take care of our families and help people--not because we think we are better than others and not for our own personal gain but for the souls of those for whom we pray.

CHRISTOPHER HART Saginaw, Mich.

YOUR COVER IMAGERY, THE CHRISTIAN cross in front of the Stars and Stripes, was chilling. Since the beginning of the disastrous Bush presidency, we have been inundated with an aggressive brand of Christian religiosity from leaders whose intolerance rivals anything we have heard from the Islamic zealots in the Middle East. What ever happened to free religious choice?

SARA J. RICHEY Chowchilla, Calif.

YOUR STORY ON EVANGELICALS MADE ONE thing quite clear: There is money to be made if you can convince people you have a direct line to God.

HARRY WASTRACK Sterling, Va.

THANK YOU FOR THE GRACIOUS recogiItion of me in your article. I think, however, you missed something: the most influential and greatest Christians are the people all over America you've never heard of. They have a deep concern for the most needy among us, especially those who do not know Jesus Christ.

STUART EPPERSON, CHAIRMAN SALEM COMMUNICATIONS Camarillo, Calif.

GOD PROTECT US FROM RELIGIOUS fanatics of any faith who are convinced they know the truth and have a right to impose their beliefs on others. The narrowing of the separation of church and state in the U.S. is a frightening trend that conjures up images of religious persecution rather than religious freedom. It is a mystery to me how people who claim to be followers of Jesus can wage war, seek to disenfranchise those who differ from them, and justify torture.

MARY LINDBLAD Northfield, Ill.

EVANGELICALS ARE VERY INFLUENTIAL IN our nation and, contrary to what some believe, they are not all bad. The individuals you spotlighted are some of the best. From the hard-hitting Pentecostal style of T.D. Jakes to the purpose-driven leadership of Rick Warren, Evangelicals were given a degree of respect and appreciation that they are not often accorded in today's world. I pray all Evangelicals will follow their example.

JAY PROSSER Guntersville, Ala.

IF JESUS CHRIST PREACHED INCLUSION, acceptance and forgiveness, why are so many of today's so-called Christians preaching exclusion and intolerance?

GABRIEL REYES Los Angeles

WHILE THERE ARE PECULIAR PEOPLE AND ideas among all groups, conservative Christians are not crackpot extremists. Evangelicals care about people from all walks of life and hope they will have a personal relationship with God.

CURT CHRISTENSEN St. Charles, Ill.