God

Are you for same-sex marriage ("For Question 6," Oct. 31)? God ordained marriage to be between one man and one woman. He gave no other options. Our loving God's plan is always perfect and for our own good. Will you defy Him? "Make no mistake about it, no one makes a fool of God. " (Gal. 4:16) Carolyn McComas, Fallston

God doesn't think he's a doctor. Surely you know that ancient wheeze. It comes to mind because the Associated Press Stylebook editors at the American Copy Editors Society's national conference in New Orleans last week restated their preference to restrict the use of the term Dr. to M.D.s and osteopaths. And, I think, dentists. Oh, and veterinarians. (Chiropractors can go roll a hoop.) Why people who spend the workday probing into other people's orifices are more worthy of dignity and respect than someone who has mastered quantum mechanics or Babylonian cuneiform continues to baffle me. But then, I was ten years in universities where Doctor was a more common form of direct address than dude .* I'm fairly sure that at one point at The Baltimore Sun we established that the courtesy title could be applied to any person possessing an earned doctorate.

I listened to President Obama's decision to back gay marriage with disbelief and disappointment ("Obama endorses gay marriage," May 10). As someone who voted for him in the hope he would be a great leader, I am dismayed that he lacks the moral fortitude to lead. I am neither Democrat or Republican. I vote for who I perceive is the best person for leadership. I was fooled once, but I won't get fooled again. Mr. Obama, who has on numerous occasions said that he is Christian, apparently believes that the Bible was written only for some of us and not all. God has clearly said that He is against same-sex marriages.

It amazes me how many people have no fear of God. We have a short time on Earth and then we have all eternity to spend either in heaven or hell. So many politicians are eager to pass a gay marriage bill ( "On the brink of gay marriage in Maryland," Feb. 16). So many politicians support abortion. Either they don't believe in God, or they don't believe God. The Ten Commandants were given us for a reason. A lot of people are going to have a rude awakening when they die. Tim Weber, Baltimore

The article ("Keeping the faith?" April 6) concerning the Orioles opening day on Good Friday included comments made by various people. One, in particular, states that his tradition of going to church on Good Friday has gone by the wayside. He stated, "life is too busy," and he will be in the stands for the Camden Yards opener. This is a sad commentary on the times we live in. We are too busy to spend some time with God, but we can find time to indulge our pleasures. Rudolph Zanella, Catonsville

I find it unbelievable that Dan Rodricks , in his Sunday column, thinks that the laws God gave us to live by are antiquated ("Ben Carson's conservative views are drawn from the Bible" Mar 30). The problems we face in this world today come from that same line of thinking. If we never turned our backs on God, we wouldn't live in a world on the edge of self destruction that exists today. All I can do is pray that the Lord opens Mr. Rodricks' eyes to the truth before He returns to take His church home.

Teresa Cherry was out running errands when she saw the question floating over Interstate 95. "Are you good without God?" the electronic billboard asked. "Millions are." The Baltimore woman does not believe in the existence of a supreme being. And in that moment, she did not feel so alone. "My friend and I were just discussing a few days ago whether or not there was a community of others like us in Baltimore," said the 28-year-old Cherry, a student at the Community College of Baltimore County.

Editor: I am writing in response to Adam Obest's letter (A time for civilized debate …) which appeared in The Aegis Dec. 19.  He stated, "Our society glorifies murder: in the movies, in video games, in all the downright desensitizing entertainment. "   I agree with this but there is more. Our society has helped create the mess we're in right now.  Our country has legally allowed the killing of unborn children and made laws to protect immoral behavior. We seem to have lost our moral compass and our children are confused.

Indiana's Richard Mourdock, Illinois' Joe Walsh and Missouri's Todd Akin aren't doctors. They are Republicans running for the U.S. Senate or the House of Representatives. But they appear to have special knowledge of how a woman's body works, not to mention the mind of God. Mr. Mourdock is the latest, saying last week that if a woman became pregnant as a result of rape, "that is something God intended to happen. " Mr. Akin, like Mr. Mourdock a candidate for the Senate, famously said in August that a woman's reproductive processes would shut down during "legitimate rape," and she wouldn't conceive.

John Pielmeier's theological thriller "Agnes of God" is more interested in questions than in answers. Even if you've seen a few productions of this drama since its Broadway debut in 1982, you may not be sure what to make of the central mystery that's once again explored in a solid production at the Audrey Herman Spotlighters Theatre. The playwright's immaculate conception for his play involves a young nun whose secret pregnancy prompts an investigation to learn which men would have had access to the cloistered convent.