Letters From Our Readers

Readers of The Good News share their thoughts

Clear perspective on current events

Let me first thank you for the free educational service you provide in the public interest. My biblical knowledge has grown by leaps and bounds, and, not only that, it is now accurate. Thank you especially for The Good News. I subscribe to several magazines that cover the news of Christianity, and yours was the only one to respond to our national crisis with the Bible's perspective about current events.

I followed with interest what Billy Graham had to say. I was disappointed because he basically said he did not know why these events had transpired. Your articles hit the nail on the head. They restored my confidence in Scripture. If nothing else, this issue has prompted me to contact the local congregation [of the United Church of God] here, and I began attending services.

V.V.G., Mobile, Alabama

Your literature transforms the reader, making him or her understand the daily news, local or global, from a deeper point of view. My congratulations and thanks for a job well done.

M.B.S., Miami, Florida

As a regular subscriber to The Good News, I have come to enjoy and appreciate your articles for the accurate, concise and easy-to-read stories in each issue. When I read an article, I know that I can turn to the Scriptures and cross-reference and study them and find your interpretation to be fairly close to what the writer of the Scriptures meant.

R.B.H., West Valley, Utah

Complaints about our coverage

I have been reading The Good News for quite a long time and enjoy it. But I am not comfortable with the coverage. You dwell much on America and Europe. Why can't you cover more of the world where there are more conflicts? Your examples dwell much on America, especially the Sept. 11 attack. Be reminded that most readers are in Africa, Latin America and Asia, where they are experiencing more conflicts.

P.M., Malawi

Although the majority of the world's population lives in Africa, Latin America and Asia, more than 80 percent of our readers reside in the United States. However, we do try to cover major issues that affect people in all areas of the world. Because of the main focus of biblical prophecy, we feel it especially important to address events in the Middle East and Europe, as well as report on declining values in the English-speaking world. Our free booklet The United States and Britain in Bible Prophecy will explain why. By the way, there is a "World News and Trends" item about Malawi and southern Africa on page 15 of this magazine.

The rebirth of English Catholics

Your March-April Good News was most interesting, with many worthwhile and studied articles. But there is a suggestion in the article "The Rebirth of English Catholics" ["World News and Trends"] that the Catholics of England are a threat or a menace to English society. I think this way of thinking is unfortunate. In the past there were dreadful times of intolerance with a lack of charity among different believers. Queen "Bloody Mary" Tudor reigned for five years and was the cause of 300 Protestant leaders to be burnt to death, much against advice. Likewise 360 Catholics were put to death by hanging, decapitation or left to starve in prison. These times have passed, and we must respect different Christian views.

Dr. J.C.M., Durban, South Africa

We did not intend to suggest that individual members of the Roman Catholic Church in England are a threat or menace to British society. However, religious persecution is far from over in the world. Currently Christians are experiencing intense persecution in several areas of the world. Our free booklet The Book of Revelation Unveiled explains how this will greatly intensify in the future.

Observes the seventh-day Sabbath

I am 70 years old and have been an ordained minister. I was a Sunday-keeper for many years but started asking myself: How come the Bible says that Saturday is the Sabbath? Eventually my wife and I realized that Saturday is the true Sabbath. As a result of my acceptance of the seventh-day Sabbath, I discontinued my association with the group that ordained me. I was impressed with what I read on your Web site and would like to know more about you. My wife is Hispanic, so could you please send me information in Spanish also.

N.C.C., Hardin, Montana

You may want to obtain free copies of our booklet Sunset to Sunset: God's Sabbath Rest and the companion publication God's Holy Day Plan: The Promise of Hope for All Mankind. Together they explain the biblical reasons for observing the weekly Sabbath day (from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset) and God's seven annual festivals—expounding the foundational scriptures undergirding the worship services of the United Church of God. We publish these booklets in Spanish as well.

Young reader

Thank you so much for making your Web site available. I was so scared of death until I read the booklet Does God Exist? After reading it I felt in a way relieved because now, when I go to sleep tonight, I will not fear that morning will not come. Basically, you saved my life as I am only 15 years old.

J.D., Internet

Italian reader

I really appreciate The Good News. We saw it on the floor of a shopping mall in New York City. My wife and I decided to look it up on the Net, and ever since we have learned so many truths in the Word of God. The Good News really sees into the future, even before the events become reality.

K.M., Italy

Bible Study Course

I have just received my first lesson. I got it yesterday and was so glad that I read the whole thing. I hope the rest to follow will be just the same or even better.

A.D., Brazil

I have thoroughly enjoyed Lesson 4 [about suffering]. With it, through the Holy Spirit, I have come to understand the value of choices. I know now that wrong choices can bring grave consequences. Man must learn from his mistakes or he will never come to receive his inheritance. That is a certainty.

G.S., Umatilla, Oregon

Published letters may be edited for clarity and space. Address your letters to The Good News, Box 541027, Cincinnati, Ohio 45254, U.S.A., or E-mail gninfo@ucg.org (please be sure to include your full name, city, state or province, and country).