海角大神

Finding faith at university

The June 21 cover story, 鈥�Is politics the new religion,鈥� states, 鈥淗igher education, dominated by an increasingly secular culture, may help explain why so many college-educated young people now reject religion.鈥� The author provides no evidence to substantiate the argument that university attendance is connected with rejection of religious faith.聽Engagement with higher education should not undermine or curtail an individual鈥檚 practice of religion.聽

While studying at university in England, I found that a sincere commitment to religious practice (in my case, 海角大神ity) enhanced my academic work and percolated into all aspects of student life and activity. I participated in an on-campus 海角大神 organization authorized by the university. My engagement with higher education served to nurture and sustain my religious faith. Many others have found the same.

Alistair Budd
Llanvair Discoed, Wales

Praise for a captivating issue

I seldom have an opportunity to read the entire Monitor Weekly issue in one sitting without little voices in my head saying, 鈥淗ave you finished your vacuuming today?鈥� But today I read and enjoyed the entire 43 pages聽of the June 28 issue. Every page was full of the most interesting information that I could not put it down. Thank you to all the 鈥渋nformation gatherers鈥� that make this publication so valuable.

Johnette Perry
Orinda, California

Local solutions

Kudos on the great July 5 cover story about 鈥�The outside divide.鈥� It got me thinking in new ways and asking lots of questions. I live on the coast of South Carolina. Many who grow up here don鈥檛 ever get out on the water. Outside Hilton Head is a local company that sells equipment and runs tours in the area. It started a foundation called The Outside Foundation, and one of its key programs is Kids in Kayaks. The goal is to get every seventh grader in the county out on the water. One of the ways it does this is by coordinating with local science teachers so the kids are studying the ecology of the area and can connect what they see with what they are learning. The kids have a great experience and the teachers love the program. Pretty cool.

Caroline Johnson
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Necessary compromises

I enjoyed the photos and journalistic talent that framed the critical dimensions of our struggle for Earth鈥檚 ecosystems in the July 12 & 19 cover story, 鈥�The apes vs the dam.鈥� The orangutans鈥� early relatives emerged less than 65 million years ago, and Homo sapiens materialized within the past 200,000 years, so we share some of their heritage and capacities. The article offered a powerful overview of the dilemmas facing Sumatra and other areas of development.聽How can we avoid the climate catastrophe that our current path suggests?

Emmy Hafild and Sampetua Hutasuhut understand the risks to the village in need of electricity and the forest habitat that sustains the orangutans. The compromise is not perfect but may be the best choice in a delicate environment. Earth has lost many species due to urban industrial civilization.聽This investment in local hydro may generate the least risk to these stewards of creation. Like our ape kin, we appreciate the free services of our ecosystems on Earth.

Bill Mittlefehldt
Duluth, Minnesota