RE: Baylor Rejection of LGBTQ+ Grant

Baylor’s motto is “Pro Ecclesia, Pro Texana, Pro Mundo”—“For the Church, for Texas, for the World.” But the university’s recent decision to refuse a $643,000 grant to the Diana Garland School of Social Work from the John and Eula Mae Baugh Foundation, and the subsequent explanation of the rejection sent out over the president’s signature, does not represent a decision made for the Church, for Texas, or for the world.

The very purpose of the grant was “an academic study on LGBTQ inclusion in the church to address loneliness.” The Church was the setting for the study that sought to address the problem of disenfranchisement, misunderstanding, and isolation for the LGBTQ community as well as for many other marginalized persons. In our current cultural climate where so much anti-LGBTQ, anti-abortion, and other gender or sexuality-related legislation is being passed in our state and others or at the federal level, this action by Baylor feels like just one more harsh slap in the collective faces of our neighbors in Texas and around the world.

It is disappointing that Baylor regents and administrators seem to have capitulated to pressure from influential alumni, donors, religious leaders, and other critics of the grant. The university’s action makes me wonder if a more realistic motto for the university might be Pro Exclusio, Pro Pecunia, Pro Inhumanitas—“For Exclusion, For Money, For Inhumanity.”

Robert P. Sellers
Hewitt, Texas

RE: Baylor Rejection of LGBTQ+ Grant

I’m writing to give my perspective on Baylor in light of the statement by Dr. (Linda) Livingstone regarding the returning of the grant money designated for LGBTQIA+ advocacy.

First, I was greatly relieved when Baylor chose to return the grant money. It was the right thing to do. However, I do not believe it was done because of moral courage or a sense of conviction, as I’ve seen others claim. I believe it was done because of pressure from supporters. The reason I see it this way is because I am not convinced the leadership of Baylor actually has biblical convictions. Dr . Livingstone’s statement about returning the money was logically incoherent.

On the one hand, she touts Baylor’s commitment to a biblical sexual ethic, while at the same time she speaks of a commitment to provide a “loving and caring community” for LGBTQIA+ students. While we certainly want to show love and concern to everyone, including those within that community, my desire is to love them to repentance, calling them out of darkness. I have seen no indication that Baylor has the same desire. In fact, they have university-sanctioned student organizations (such as Prism) that specifically advocate for sexual immorality. I am frankly stunned that anyone finds this acceptable at an institution that claims to be Christian. The officially stated position of Baylor does not line up with their actions.

Moreover, in the last week or so, I have learned that Baylor is an official partner of Baptist Women in Ministry. This is an organization that advocates for the full affirmation of women in all areas of Baptist ministry. Their website states that they are “committed to celebrating and supporting LGBTQ+ women and open and affirming congregations,” and their advocacy includes “women of every . . . gender identification or expression.”

Frankly, I am convinced that Baylor and Truett Seminary are no longer holding to the Christian faith, regardless of their official public pronouncements. I am deeply disturbed that the faithful givers of Texas Baptist churches, through their gifts to the BGCT, are supporting an institution that is actively encouraging the moral insanity of our depraved culture. What’s worse is that Baptist parents are being deceived into believing that if they send their children to Baylor, they will be sending them to a pillar of Christian virtue. My desire is to see the BGCT sever ties with Baylor and Truett, except for continuing the Baptist Collegiate Ministry as they would at any other secular university so that we might help win the students to Jesus. I do believe that Baylor is a fine academic institution. I no longer believe it is Christian. Therefore, my goal is to see them no longer a benefactor of Texas Baptist money, except as I stated, in our efforts to lead the students to Jesus.

Mike Miller
Senior Pastor
Central Baptist Church
Jacksonville

RE: Letters: Editorial on SBC attendance

I just read the letter to the editor responding to Editorial: Tiny fraction of Baptists deciding for the whole.

Just to add to the numbers, I would note the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting held in Dallas, Texas, June 11-13, 1985, had more than 45,000 messengers gathered, and I was there. Probably the highest percentage representation, as well, but too many people and therefore too unwieldy a meeting.

David Appleby
Port Neches, Texas

For many years, those in church leadership have discussed—bemoaned—the number of people who participate in local church, associational and convention decision-making. Not many people do, and it’s been that way just about everywhere for a long time.

As I’ve interacted with people in person, by email and via social media since publishing my editorial response to the 2025 Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Dallas, some of us have discussed reasons for the low involvement.

In one Facebook comment thread, I asked “why don’t more of those [Southern Baptists] who disagree [with positions being pushed during SBC annual meetings] come to the conventions as messengers and make their position known as clearly as those [with whom they disagree].”

The commenter responded, “Because most people work …” I heard this as a former pastor used to people thinking pastors only work on Sundays, and only about 30 minutes at that.

But the commenter continued: “Because most people work, have other things to do, or just go on about their life, don’t feel that the convention affects their church directly, … because a lot of people feel it’s not that big of a deal or don’t realize the long-term impact.”

To David Appleby’s and Dustin Slaton’s point, if all possible messengers showed up at an SBC annual meeting and voted, the SBC would need a different way of counting votes other than a visual “Yeah, that looks like a majority to me” count of raised ballots.

And to what I take to be the Facebook commenter’s point—and one of the points I’ve made many times over many years, what reason do more potential messengers have to make the sacrifice or investment to attend meetings and to vote? The majority are telling us by their absence they don’t have a good enough reason to go to the meetings.

RE: Editorial: Tiny fraction of Baptists deciding for the whole

Thanks for the message of this article. It was needed. Here are a few more numbers.

The maximum number of messengers any Southern Baptist church can send to the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting is 12, but only if they meet all criteria in Article III of the SBC Constitution.

So, at best, the maximum number of messengers that possibly could attend the meeting is 562,512. Can you imagine? So, the highest possible representative segment of the 12 million-plus SBC membership is only 4.4 percent.

The 10,599 registered messengers to the 2025 SBC annual meeting represent 1.8 percent of the maximum possible number of messengers.

I think the most troublesome conclusion in your article is only 6 percent of SBC churches sent messengers to the 2025 annual meeting. That’s sad.

I’m curious what the highest percentage ever has been. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could get to at least 25 percent? But then, that would be almost 12,000 if every church sent one person.

Dustin Slaton, pastor
First Baptist Church, Round Rock, Texas

‘A people of unclean lips’

The Bible says, “Let no filthy, corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth.” From the Oval Office, Pentagon and halls of Congress, to playgrounds, the vilest, filthiest, “corrupt communication” spews forth (Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 3:8 KJV).

Americans are “a people of unclean lips” with “mouths full of cursing”—males/females, Democrats/Republicans, old/young, unbelievers/professing Christians. Profane language permeates TV, internet, movies, music, commercials, radio talk shows, bumper stickers, comics, greeting cards—even pulpits (Isaiah 6:5; Jeremiah 23:10; Romans 3:13-14; James 3:2-12).

Irreverently using God’s name is so popular that acronyms abound, including names of businesses—such as OMG! Tacos, Shoes, Nails and more.

“O, Lord, thou only art holy.” “Holy and reverend is his name.” Many join God’s holiness with the vilest things. “The foolish people have blasphemed” and “profaned thy holy name” (Leviticus 22:32; Psalms 74:18; 111:9; Revelation 4:8; 15:4).

Others take God’s name and attributes in vain unthinkingly with euphemisms—My Goodness, Good Lord, Gee (Jesus), Gosh, Golly, Gracious, Mercy and others (Exodus 34:5-7).

God’s Third Commandment warns, “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain” (Exodus 20:7).

The Lord Jesus Christ, “who made man’s mouth” and created “language” said: “Let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay. Whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.” “Swear not at all.” “Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment” (Genesis 11:1-9; Exodus 4:11; Matthew 5:34,37; 12:36-37).

“Let the words of my mouth” “be acceptable in thy sight, oh LORD,” “my Redeemer” (Psalms 19:14; 71:15).

Michael W. Ellis
Belton, Texas

RE: Editorial: Why did the Baptist Standard publish that?

As a long ago graduate of the H.H. Herbert School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Oklahoma, and a well-informed subscriber to the Baptist Standard, I applaud your definition of responsible journalism.

Simple, clear and to the point, you explain the essence and importance of separating news from opinion. This position taken by a long revered and respected periodical helps separate the Baptist Standard from other popular news outlets that, sadly, no longer defend a commitment to responsible journalism.

Jess Wade
Fairview, Texas

RE: Editorial: Ten Commandments bills’ unintended consequences

I am a retired public high school teacher in Fort Worth. When I first started teaching at a high school here, we had what was called the Announcers’ Club. As the speech teacher, I was the faculty sponsor.

It had been customary to follow the morning announcements on the public announcement system with a prayer. The students doing the announcements for the day composed the prayer or had someone do it for them.

As I watched the students in my classroom during the prayer time, I saw varied reactions. Many of them totally ignored the prayer. Others smirked or cracked jokes about it or rolled their eyes.

Finally, a student of the Bahá’í faith objected to the principal, and the prayers were stopped altogether.

I’m a Baptist and a seminary graduate, but I never felt prayers were appropriate in the public schools. I’m sure many prayers are lifted up during exam time, but they don’t have to be public. I feel the same way about posting the Ten Commandments.

Edlyne Dickson
Burleson, Texas

I’m a Muslim who believes a revival of Christianity in America would be a good thing for minority religions, both in terms of religious freedom and because religion is a public good, but also because I believe Christianity is true to a large degree—obviously, the aspects in which I believe it is not true are profoundly consequential—and that truth should be prevalent.

For that reason, I strongly agree that the Ten Commandments bills tend to have a secularizing effect. They tend actually to diminish the public acceptance of the Ten Commandments as truth from God.

That’s not to say I don’t believe they should be taught. And most likely, the Establishment Clause prohibits public schools from teaching they are revelation from God, though I do believe they could teach the commandments relating to man’s relation to his fellow man are true in that it is true—regardless of whether one believes it is revelation from God or not—that one should not murder, steal, covet another’s wife, and the rest.

Ismail Royer, director, Islam and religious freedom
Religious Freedom Institute
Washington, D.C.

RE: Editorial: Church in 21st century looking more like 19th

In your recent editorial, you state, “The number of people training for pastoral ministry has dropped precipitously over the last 20 years.”

In churches from Virginia to Kansas to Texas, I also have observed this decline. Are we in the local church providing an environment in which our children and youth are open to and able to hear God’s call to pastoral ministry?

Local congregations of the past were intentional about educating our children and youth through Sunday school, Girls in Action, Royal Ambassadors, Acteens and Challengers in which they studied Scripture and learned of Jesus Christ’s mission, Abraham, Moses, Esther, Paul, Priscilla and Aquila, and others God called and sent for specific purposes.

In recent years, however, these educational ministries seem to have fallen out of favor. Finding adults willing to teach our children has become increasingly difficult. Numbers of families valuing Bible study for all ages have declined, as evidenced by decreasing Sunday school attendance in favor of small-group adult Bible study.

Where do our children learn the importance of listening for God’s call? Who encourages them to recognize God’s voice calling in the night as Eli taught the child Samuel?

Have we in the local church lost sight of our responsibility to pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out more workers and then to train and equip them for the task? Do we disciple our people, not just for day-to-day living, but to listen for and obey God’s call to full-time ministry?

Do we understand and teach ministry means a willingness to serve and trust God’s provision wherever he leads?

These are questions burdening my heart after more than six decades of serving Christ in five states, as well as overseas, now teaching young adults and praying for young families.

Judy Braswell
Monahans, Texas

“Ask and see whether a man doth travail with child” (Jeremiah 30:6 KJV).

Yes, a man can “travail with child” say America’s judges, President Biden, Democratic senators by filibustering a transgender ban in women’s sports, and Gov. Tim Walz by mandating feminine products in boys’ bathrooms. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson cannot define “woman.”

Yes, says America’s military, when the Air Force Academy prohibits cadets from saying “Mom” or “Dad,” calling for “non-birthing parent” instead, and when the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps promoted Rachel Levine as the first transgender four-star admiral.

Yes, say America’s doctors, hospitals and medical associations by approving gender-altering surgeries for minors when “medically necessary.”

Yes, says the National Institutes of Health through a $620,000 grant for transgender boys’ pregnancy prevention program.

Yes, say America’s schools with pre-K’s drag story hours and Draggieland at Texas A&M.

Yes, say the NCAA, professional sports and Olympics.

Yes, we promote this, say the news media, entertainment and big business.

Yes, said the Texas House LGBTQ caucus. On Transgender Day of Remembrance 2023, they honored a member of the “Ziz” transgender cult, “Emma” Borhanian, as a victim of transphobic violence. Yet Borhanian actually was killed by the man he and other cult members were viciously trying to murder and two years later did murder.

Yes, say America’s pastors and churches, from the National Cathedral after the 2025 presidential inauguration, to local churches that welcome and affirm transgenders.

The Bible says, “Let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity” (2 Timothy 2:19).

“They will not speak the truth. They have taught their tongue to speak lies.” “They proceed from evil to evil.” “Saith the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?” (Jeremiah 9:3, 5, 9)

Micheal Ellis
Belton, Texas

Working together for a better world

The United States was the only country to vote March 4 against a United Nations resolution declaring an International Day of Hope. The resolution was approved 161 to 1.

The U.S. delegate said the text “contains references to diversity, equity and inclusion that conflict with U.S. policies that seek to eliminate all forms of discrimination and create equal opportunities for all.”

Moreover, the United States was one of just three nations, along with Israel and Argentina, to vote against a resolution calling for an International Day of Peaceful Coexistence.

The U.S. representative expressed concern the resolution “advances a program of soft global governance that is inconsistent with U.S. sovereignty.”

If our worst fears regarding war do come to pass, our epitaph will read, “Ideology destroys Earth.”

John Paul Lederach, professor of international peacebuilding at the University of Notre Dame, wrote an essay in 2002 titled, “Breaking the cycle of violence.”

In the article, Lederach contends the most important question the United States and the West can ask other nations is, “How can we help you meet the fundamental needs of your people?”

It is a foundational principle in many religions that we are created in God’s image, and that every human life has intrinsic value and is worthy of respect.

Can we not just work together as human beings to build a better world?

Terry Hansen
Milwaukee, Wisc.

RE: Voices: The slow, tragic demise of evangelism

Your two-part series on the demise of evangelism in our time struck a nerve with me.

While a ministerial student at Wayland Baptist College during the summer of 1959, I hitch-hiked from New York City to Plainview, Texas, and then from Texas to North Bend, Ore. On both ends of that journey, I rode with Wayland student friends. I shared the good news of Jesus inside the vehicles of others over countless miles.

For a period of time, I pastored small churches in Texas, New Mexico and California while teaching full time in the field of education. For many years, members of my family engaged in Christian drama.

My wife Shannah and I have been involved in jail ministry in a variety of ways. Today, we still share the good news, but we and our Christlike relatives and friends, who are better examples than us, find it hard to witness in the age of Christian nationalism.

Many people now view evangelicals as hypocrites due to the mean-spirited actions of today’s religious zealots who are hungry for political power. Evangelicals now are viewed as members of a political bloc, instead of “the bearers of good news about Jesus Christ.” My wife and I no longer call ourselves “evangelicals.” We simply identify as “Christian.”

Satan is surely rejoicing about the bad news of Christian nationalism. Many of our friends and relatives support the movement because of their views about abortion and homosexuality.

Leon Blevins
Flower Mound, Texas

RE: Voices: What would you do if you were Esther?

I think this article you chose to publish might have been more than I can handle.

I think we need to be careful when trying to make comparisons of current politicians and events against those portrayed in the inspired word, especially when there is a political tint to the observations.

I sort of find the parallels drawn ludicrous and easily could make arguments that the author had it backwards. The author indicated we should find our own credible Ukrainian sources, rather than supply us with certifiable evidence.

This article never should have been published, in my opinion.

I’ve been a fan of the Baptist Standard since it was a small, paper magazine we picked up at church. This might well be the end of my interest in your publication. My intention is to unsubscribe. We’ll see.

Andy Pardue
Mesquite, Texas

Explainer

Some readers have noticed how few letters to the editor we publish. There was a time when each issue of the Baptist Standard contained a full section of letters. Now, we can go months without a single letter.

Throughout my tenure, I have been asked if I publish every letter to the editor I receive. I publish letters to the editor for which the writer provides his or her name and location—including those letters that criticize me and the Baptist Standard.

The simple fact is, social media and the desire for anonymity have resulted in the very low number of letters to the editor we publish. Social media allows anyone to say whatever they want to say, and immediately and sometimes anonymously. Many times, those who send me emails that read like letters to the editor do not want them published or do not want to be identified, which precludes their publication.

And then, there are topics like the relationship between the Baptist General Convention of Texas and the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, and the relationship between Ukraine, Russia and the United States that generate a lot of conversation and, by extension, more letters to the editor.

So, for the first time in a long time, I present you, the reader, with a full Letters to the Editor.

Eric Black, executive director/publisher/editor
Baptist Standard

RE: Voices: Correcting misunderstanding about BGCT/NAMB agreement

I appreciate Dustin Slaton’s answer March 5 to my earlier opinion piece in the Baptist Standard. My only response is:

The Baptist General Convention of Texas in November 2024 voted convincingly not to affirm the 2000 Baptist Faith & Message.

The Texas Baptist Executive Board in February 2025 approved a plan to accept $300,000 annually from the North American Mission Board to help finance new churches that will approve the 2000 Baptist Faith & Message.

Anyone else see any inconsistency in those actions?

Toby Druin
Waxahachie, Texas

Love of money evil’s root cause

Elon Musk and Donald Trump are two of the greediest persons on earth. Their love of money is the root cause of the evil they are inflicting on our nation’s people and the rest of the world. Both are using their powerful positions in government to enhance their own personal wealth. Doing so is wrong and totally unacceptable.

Spineless U.S. House and Senate Republicans, along with a dominant conservative U.S. Supreme Court enable Musk and Trump to do their thing by failing to hold them accountable.

Mid-term elections in 2026 cannot come soon enough.

Paul L. Whiteley Sr.
Louisville, Ky.

RE: Voices: What would you do if you were Esther?

Thank you for publishing Dr. Semikov’s article. I’ve served for 28 years as a U.S.-based missionary, having made 60 visits to Ukraine—four since Feb. 24, 2022.

The parallels between the account of Esther and her advocacy for the Jewish people and President Zelensky’s advocacy on behalf of the Ukrainian nation are numerous. Dr. Semikov’s analysis is compelling.

I know many Christians voted for President Trump, but the betrayal of Ukraine by the current administration cannot be defended on biblical, moral or democratic principles.

It is imperative Christians across the United States stand up for what is right and rise up on behalf of a nation fighting for the same values Christians in the United States hold dear: faith, family, freedom to worship, the right for self-determination, and an emphasis on value and dignity of each human life.

Ukraine has one of the largest evangelical populations in all of Europe. They have been a bastion of evangelical Christianity since their independence from the Soviet Union in 1992, with more than 2,200 Baptist congregations—though hundreds of church buildings have been destroyed by Russia. In the middle of the war, these churches have opened their doors to their communities, providing sanctuary, humanitarian and medical aid, in addition to meeting spiritual needs.

Missionaries from Baptist churches in Ukraine currently serve in more than 22 countries around the world in places as far away as Africa, Australia and South America.

Abandoning Ukraine now in favor of Russia isn’t only a shift from religious freedom to support of a dictator, it is an abandonment by the American church of our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.

I urge American Christians to contact their senators and representatives and speak up in support of Ukraine. Our voices matter.

Stephen Benham
Lawrence, Penn.

Thank you for publishing Dr. Semikov’s article, “What would you do if you were Esther?” I found the parallels between the biblical story and current international events thought-provoking.

As an early scholar of the Bible, I appreciated learning more about Esther’s story—an example of a leader facing a difficult choice between personal risk and standing firm for her people. History repeats itself, and today, we see leaders navigating similar dilemmas, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The recent confrontation between our national leaders has sparked intense emotions and debate. Some find it troubling to compare Ukraine’s fight for survival with biblical struggles, as morality, political views and understanding of the war shape perspectives. Yet, for those who grasp the history of this conflict, the right side to support is clear. It is unsettling when prominent leaders hesitate to stand against evident evil.

The question of compromise is complex: Do you surrender and risk annihilation or keep fighting despite great costs? Is true courage about defying enemies, or does it also mean challenging allies? While national interests matter, moral responsibility cannot be ignored.

Dr. Semikov’s article raises important questions about leadership, morality and international responsibility. Thank you for publishing this thought-provoking piece. I look forward to future discussions on this topic.

Sergiy Nesterenko, M.D.
Lubbock, Texas

RE: Abuse database not a present focus for SBC leaders

This is how patriarchy-gone-wrong looks. Do these men at the top of the Southern Baptist Convention really think all our churches are going to turn on a dime and start going to training sessions, paying out of their own budgets for better background checks, reporting their friends, telling the truth about pastors they are trying to pass on to another church?

Of course, they don’t think that.

What they do think is with this new plan we will buy in to the smoke screen and be so happy to trust them to do the right thing. No matter how long it takes or how many women and children—some of them males—are abused in the meantime.

Mary Manning
Aurora, Colo.

RE: Editorial: Gambling industry betting big on our money

I am wildly in favor of our legislature defeating gambling in Texas. I hope they throw that bill out with the trash it is.

I wasn’t in favor of letting the lottery into Texas either, and recently, I’ve read crime syndicates all over the country purchase thousands of lottery tickets each week to enhance their chances of winning. I believe it is a disgrace we support such a vile industry in our state. We are supporting organized crime.

I fear gambling is as addictive as alcohol. Having been raised in a home with one alcoholic parent, I can tell you my home life was anything but stable. My parents fought constantly about money, because one parent used all available cash to support this disgusting habit. When I was young, it wasn’t as bad as it got after I left home and especially right before this person died. I wished my other parent hadn’t been too worried about what others would think.

When a child is raised with addiction, he or she never knows when the simplest of questions or desires will set off a tirade.

It was only the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and my marriage to possibly one of the kindest men on Earth that brought me to the person I am today.

Please, say, “No,” to gambling!

Bonnie Dove
Arlington, Texas

RE: Voices: Silent on Sunday, manager on Monday

The main thrust I gleaned from Ms. Lukefahr’s opinion piece is it seems unfair women can run a boardroom but not a church, because the Southern Baptist Convention has made clear they cannot be pastors.

Lukefahr notes: “Secular employers increasingly embrace diversity and champion gender equality for all positions of authority. Apple, for example, commits to ‘inclusion that reflects the world around us’ and publicly posts statistics for accountability.”

The lament, it seems, is that SBC churches fail to focus on equality of opportunities like Apple does. Yet, the church does not exist to commit itself to the changing cultural landscape. I am unsure if Ms. Lukefahr has recently looked at “the world around us,” but it seems abysmally outside the confines of God’s desires.

To argue Apple—or any of the corporations that slap a rainbow veneer over their corporate logo in June—are the stalwarts of moral and social progress concerns me greatly, coming from another Christian voice.

Discussions of church polity and who is or is not qualified should rest on the weight of Scripture. Yet, what was presented was an argument from the surrounding culture. That is no argument at all.

Our surrounding culture overwhelmingly affirms abortion as a right, marriage as anything that goes, and gender as a construct rather than something designed by God, binary in its nature and determined based on the organs one is born with. The culture cannot even manage itself, let alone the complexities of God’s expression of himself and his kingdom today.

The slope is steep and slippery if your theology relies first on your sociology. We can debate Paul’s writings from within, but never whether the culture can speak into Christ’s church from without.

Nathan Feinberg, pastor
Adamsville Baptist Church
Lampasas, Texas

A Christian duty to vote

A recent statistic shows 49 percent of evangelical Christians are planning not to vote in the upcoming election. Concerns about the morality of those seeking the presidency, apathy, or being worn out by the vicious banter by commentators might be reasons.

Brothers and sisters, to fail to participate in this civic duty is a major mistake. We are to be the salt and light of the world (Matthew 5:13-16). If we fail to be the salt and light of the gospel through our civic participation, we are not being faithful stewards of what has been entrusted to us.

We must understand we are not electing a spiritual leader or pastor. We are electing a civic leader. The president’s job is to execute the laws of our land faithfully according to the U.S. Constitution.

The president is to represent us to foreign nations and carry out a cohesive foreign policy to ensure the safety of U.S. citizens, determine fiscal policy to bring prosperity to U.S. citizens, and be the commander in chief of our military.

The question U.S. citizens should seek to answer is: “Who will execute the role of the presidency for the betterment of U.S. citizens?”

No leader is perfect, and many have serious character flaws, but we have a choice to make. Our choice is not between “the lesser of two evils,” but who among the choices we have will do the best job based on the constitutional job description.

Do your civic duty and vote. Do not sit this one out. Appeal to the discernment of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you. We have an amazing privilege to choose our elected representatives. Do not squander this opportunity. Make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. May God grant you wisdom and prudence.

Benjamin Karner
Vidor, Texas

Responding to other letters to the editor

Texas was my home of record from the time of my birth in Donna, until I retired from the Army at age 45 after 27 years of service. Then, I was offered employment as a contract flight instructor at the Army Aviation School in Fort Rucker, Ala., where I served 23 years. After that, I was “employed” by my wife until her death two months ago after 60-plus years of marriage.

Yes, I suffer short-term memory loss, but my long-term memory is still good. I can still recite the honor code for West Point Academy cadets since 1962: “A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal or tolerate those who do.”

No, I didn’t attend the academy, but as a warrant officer candidate in Army Flight School, I was under the exact same code for eight months of flight training and am astounded by some of the letters to the Baptist Standard trying to defend their support of Donald Trump.

Seems to me, the honor code for cadets would be the minimum moral code every Christian should subscribe to maintain. For sure, every Christian pastor should meet that goal.

Devout Christian Russell Moore relates he has asked some pastors why they have contempt for the teachings of Jesus. They respond, in effect, “That stuff no longer works.”

I have been amazed by some of the recent letters trying to defend the supposed “morality” of Trump. I can almost visualize the smirking face of Fox News figure Sean Hannity as the letters are being written.

If you wonder why church attendance has been dropping, here is the answer: A lack of credibility. Why would you take one of your little children to a church where the pastor has contempt for the moral teachings of Jesus?

Carl Hess
Ozark, Ala.

RE: Editorial: Baptists shouldn’t lose sight of who we are

Your quote, “To be Baptist is to have Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection at the center of who we are,” is off center.

Bill Pinson started out our [Baptist] beliefs with “the Lordship of Jesus Christ” as primary. Agreed!

The passion of Jesus would be meaningless if not for the teachings lived and the life walked by Jesus. He focused on loving God with our whole being, loving our neighbor no matter who, loving and forgiving our self as sinner, loving and forgiving our enemy regardless of what he/she has done, and facing his own death without violence or retaliation.

In our polarized black or white, either/or society, living the Jesus Way of my last sentence is what is missing in the shallow claim many people make as so-called “Christians.”

Herman Green
Rockport, Texas