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CARTER, ROGERS CONTROVERSY

To carry Rogers' Bible

Your articles on former president Jimmy Carter were excellent and true. Mr. Carter couldn't carry Adrian Rogers' Bible. Jimmy Carter left the Southern Baptist Convention mainly because it was too outspoken on sin – specifically the sins of abortion and homosexuality.

Bert Messer Tallahassee

Dialogue on presidents

I recently came across an old issue of the Florida Baptist Witness, and I am writing to you in response to your editorial in the Dec. 8, 2005 issue. In regard to the alleged dialogue between former president Jimmy Carter and ex-SBC president Adrian Rogers, that the editor devoted all his time, energy, and with zealot kind of enthusiasm filled the article with half a page of information on the disputed subject is astounding. It is clear to the readers that Mr. Smith was on a personal crusade and literally “got out of his way” for an interview to champion a disagreement that was totally based on personal grounds. I wonder if there is any ulterior motive in putting those comments in print. As far as the content of Jimmy Carter's book is concerned, to me everyone is entitled to his thinking and opinion, especially as a writer. Mr. Smith should have no problem in understanding that aspect as he himself exercises that freedom all the time in his editorial. Jimmy Carter's personal note to Mr. Rogers and an open letter to Florida Baptist Witness shows no less his Christian attitude and personal integrity.

Christopher H. Yue Orlando

A question of heroes

This is my response to your response to Mr. President Jimmy Carter. Mr. Adrian Rogers was a great Christian leader, but neither he nor you will ever measure up to his greatness. You stick to your heroes, Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, Kissinger, Ollie North and the Bushes. I'll stay with Carter.

Morris Crady Jacksonville

Rogers' legacy continues

Thank you so much for your article, “What did Adrian Rogers tell Jimmy Carter?” Adrian Rogers led me to Christ in Memphis 31 years ago. I have always admired his firm, loving spirit. It's refreshing for me to read the Witness and see such an unapologetic stand for conservatives and the values they hold near and dear with the Word of God. Thanks, James, for writing to Florida Baptists with such a clear message. “Jimmy Carter owes Adrian Rogers an apology.” That one statement from a state paper editor shows me that Adrian Rogers' godly influence on this convention continues.

Darrell P. Orman Stuart

HURRICANE KATRINA

Baptists help community

“Greetings in the lovely name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” I am writing to say “thank you” for all the assistance you gave after Hurricane Katrina. You came to the rescue of the people in the Cypress Shores Community. The work was hard, the hours were long, the beds were often uncomfortable, but the food and fellowship were great. Because of your sacrificial giving of time, talents, truckloads of supplies and financial resources, we were able to meet most of the needs in our community. We tore out sheetrock, carried out debris, cut trees, gave out supplies, replaced sheetrock, cleaned up yards, listened to the cries of and prayed with heartbroken people, but most of all we shared the Gospel. Your work will not go unnoticed and its impact will only be known in eternity. Thank you again. It is indeed a joy to be part of the Body of Christ. Especially when the Body cares for people the way you have cared. God bless you. I'll see you at the House.

Randy Johnson Mobile, Ala.

BLESSINGS

Church nurtures child

How touching was the story of Haley Amlong and the ministry of First Baptist Church in Winter Haven in her name. We know firsthand the joy and the value of a church surrounding a family and loving beyond measure. Our Christopher (who is also a Down's child) has for 19 years been on the house and grounds staff of First Baptist church in Eustis, having been placed as a result of partnership through school and church that long ago. He has been nurtured, loved, respected and guided. We wanted him to have a place in the community and a sense of self all his own. The church's motto: “a Family of Encouragement” is what we would wish for little Haley. May her home church bless her as has ours.

Sue and Joe Crumpton Eustis

PATRIARCHY

Safe families

I am writing to oppose the view of Russell D. Moore when he says in the Dec. 8 issue, “patriarchy is good for women, good for children, and good for families.” Patriarchy is a system in which it is believed that God intends for men to dominate women and children. This leads to the belief that men actually own women and children and can do with them as they please, as with any other property they own. This belief is responsible for much domestic violence in which men beat women, also much abuse in which men sexually molest girls. The church would do well to oppose patriarchy in all its forms. Without patriarchy women and children would be safer and families would be happier. Sorry, Brother Moore, but I believe you are wrong.

Carmen L. Conner Leesburg