God

The two highest profile pitchmen for Question 6, Rev. Donte Hickman Sr. and Rev. Delman Coates, who in my opinion are not worthy of the title "Reverend," gave this reason for their support: "Let the church be the church, the state be the state, and God be the judge" ("Voices for marriage freedom," Nov. 11). This is nothing more than the blind leading the blind with both falling into the ditch. We have a very important warning about ministers who come in sheep's clothing. Inwardly, they are ferocious wolves who can be identified by their fruit.

Regarding your story about two Christian pastors who supported Maryland's same-sex marriage law, it is a real tragedy when men who profess to represent God to their constituents promote a measure that sanctions homosexuality ("Voices for marriage freedom," Nov. 11). The same Bible that Rev. Delman Coates holds in the photo accompanying the article states that homosexuality in both men and women is an abomination. Just because the law was approved by Maryland voters doesn't make it right.

A Brooklyn Park man was sentenced Tuesday to 20 years in prison for trying to kill his estranged wife in an bloody attack that took place a month after she left him in the wake of what prosecutors said was an earlier assault. "The difference between this case and a murder case is only the grace of God," Anne Arundel County Circuit Judge Paul A. Hackner told William C. Ward III, 44. The judge also cut off contact between Ward, a construction worker, and the couple's three sons - one of whom saved his mother's life - telling Ward that the only way for Rachel Ward and the children to move along in life "is for you not be a part of it" unless a family law judge says otherwise.

Regarding Dan Rodricks ' recent column on Catholics' view of same-sex marriage, what I don't get is equating subordination of discipleship to the teachings of the Catholic Church ("A priest speaks up for same-sex marriage," Nov. 4). The people of God responding to the Rev. Richard T. Lawrence's preaching the word of God confirm the "radicality" of God's love in the flesh and the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. As disciples, our lives are not based on personal views. Rather, we are all slowly shaped and recreated out of God's unconditional love for us, including those joined in same-sex unions.

Maryland is my home. Who would want to live elsewhere? We are America in miniature with our mountains, farmland and beaches. Our citizens are welcoming from Street to Saint Mary's and Frostburg to Federal Hill. That is why it is troubling to see neighbors battle against neighbors over the issue of Question 6. Some on both sides polarize their neighbors in an attempt to prove their side more worthy. I will tell you where I stand on the issue, but first let me share my beliefs, as I don't think Marylanders like me have had their voices recognized.

I will be voting in favor of gay marriage come Election Day. Here are my sentiments on the subject in poetry form. Ah, this too shall pass - all the fuss about marriage. Cast to the dogs everyday - that institution - by married men and women - fighting over children like dogs barking over bones - fighting over house keys, car keys, bank accounts - airing tons of grievances for onlookers and lawyers as spectator sport before laying to rest in divorce caskets their vows - "In sickness and in health, for better or worse, for richer or poorer," a bunch of lies rolled out for the ceremonies in church.

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

Will the negative media coverage created by Indiana Republican Senate candidate Richard Mourdock's incendiary remark, "even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, it is something that God intended to happen," be drowned in Hurricane Sandy's floodwaters? That would be convenient for Mitt Romney. The GOP presidential nominee offered a brief statement condemning Mr. Mourdock's outrageous view of this important women's health issue, but he made little effort to distance himself from Mr. Mourdock politically.

As a devout Christian, I have spent the majority of my 62 years in close relationship with a God of love, compassion and acceptance. Once who created me in His own image, to live in His ways on this earth, and to care for the other creatures who He created, whether human or not. He commanded me in Baptism to lead a good life and to worship Him. In Confirmation, I accepted His challenge. Later in life, I took on more responsibilities to make known His holy word to others in all that I do each day, whether personally, or in business situations.

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.