This is the problem you run into

when you try to set a definition of Christianity as a litmus test:

To the Editor:

John C. Danforth, like many others of late, tries to make the case that the views of self-described "moderate" Christians deserve a place in the arena of ideas. Everyone's ideas deserve a place, but certainly not on the basis he claims.

In modern nomenclature, the term "moderate," when combined with Christian, simply means someone who rejects the trustworthiness of Scripture, and substitutes liberal social activism for the last 2,000 years of Christian faith and teaching.

Liberal social activism is a fine thing, but will never pass for Christianity. Christianity is premised upon Christ, his giving of himself to save us from our own sins of selfishness, and derives from trust in Scripture, not in modern liberalism.

Dave Sloan
Atlanta, June 17, 2005

This is, of course, a very convenient definition. But that's the very problem of definitions: their convenience.

On the other hand, without them what do you have? I'd say more about it now, but it's late.

By the way, Batman Begins is excellent! Easily the best Batman movie ever made (which, no, is not meant to be damning with faint praise.) Consider it a summer movie for grownups. Especially grownups who have Batman Pez dispensers (on the bright side, the image of being 50 years old and winning the die-cast model of the new Batmobile, with attendant publicity, stayed my hand from even filling out the entry form. I have my limits, and my maturity, to think of. Such as they are. Definitions; somehow, it's all about definitions).