I read with interest Stephen B. Young's Jan. 22 commentary on the religious aspects of Donald Trump ("The gospel of winning"). On the one hand, I think it is admirable that Trump is concerned about full employment for all, rusted-out factories and urban violence. I think everyone can agree those are theologically accurate and commendable aspirations. However,on the other hand, the article discussed the "Gospel of Prosperity," which goes back to a Calvinist concept that those who are doing well financially are being shown they are being blessed by God.

I have to admit that having been a hospital and hospice chaplain and now a parish minister, I have seen the true adversities of humanity — mental and physical illness, poverty, interpersonal discord, employment layoffs beyond one's control, prison, and so many more human troubles — I have a particular difficulty accepting the Gospel of Prosperity. Theologically, Christianity has always had a special place for the poor and, in fact, I think, it tells us that we are all "poor" in one way or other in the sight of God. Although it never had anything against material possessions, Christianity's position's was that "treasures in heaven" (love, forgiveness, reverence toward God, etc.) were more important than "treasures on earth." Therefore, if the Gospel of Prosperity is saying that your faith will result in material success, I just can't buy into that. Maybe it will. Maybe it won't. But that isn't what Christianity is all about.

The Rev. Bob Haskin, Minnetonka

• • •

Young dedicates gallons of ink and reams of newsprint in analysis of Calvinist thought, social Darwinism and the work of Herbert Spencer as he tries to build a case for a theological basis or philosophical underpinning for the new president's politics, policies and proposals. The simple reality is that the Groper in Chief's pampered life of privilege and preference has not afforded him any spiritual or philosophical foundation whatsoever. Calling his "it's all about me" mind-set a "gospel" is an insult to Calvinists, Presbyterians and Christians everywhere. This president is not a thinker, a worshiper, or even a reader, and Young's suggestion to the contrary is silly.

Mark Catron, White Bear Lake

• • •

The horrifying part of the "gospel of winning" is that it makes poverty a sin: "Misfortune and disadvantage are your own damn fault," says that gospel. "And whatever trouble you got you deserve." The gospel of winning excuses selfishness and turns charity into defiance of divine will. The "gospel of winning" is not a gospel. It's a golden calf. It worships wealth. The people who believe in it will destroy us if we let them.

Phil Norcross, Roseville

• • •

Young's excellently written "The Gospel of Winning" accurately captures a strand of biblical and especially American theological currency. Winning economically and politically has been judged to be a sign of divine favor. And in the wisdom literature of Judaism and Christianity, there seems to be a promise that the just will prosper, the unjust perish. This runs afoul, however, of the overall theological landscape of both Judaism and Christianity in which the covenant with Noah (referred to as the Noahic Covenant), Genesis 9, decrees that God will not seek to enforce justice in this life — the rain will fall on the just and the unjust. God will, indeed, bring about justice, but this providential outcome will ultimately be seen as a matter of eschatology (life after life) and in terms of what should be our aspirations. It is the Noahic covenant that makes the book of Job possible in which a just person, Job (whom Christians later see as a type of Christ), suffers, and while he is granted prosperity in the end, he still must endure the loss of his children. The wisdom literature "promises" of prosperity for the just is to be read (in light of the Noahic covenant) as what should be our aspiration. In other words, we ourselves are supposed to build a world in which the unjust are brought to justice and those who are just should flourish. This is why that great Democratic presidential hopeful Adlai Stevenson (1900-1965) opposed the prosperity, sinners aren't winners, so if you are winning you are blessed theology of Norman Vincent Peale when he said "I find the Apostle Paul appealing and the Apostle Peale appalling."

Charles Taliaferro, Minneapolis
INDOOR AIR QUALITY

Building's 'new car smell' could be an indicator of trouble

Regarding the Jan. 22 article about development in the North Loop ("T3 building is breaking new ground with 'mass timber' construction"), what was omitted was the impact of building materials on indoor air quality. The author writes: "The building smells like wood mixed with a whiff of a new car." That smell could be formaldehyde, which can have a number of negative health effects (check out the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on formaldehyde). Engineered wood can off gas formaldehyde and/or other solvents for years. And to those decisionmakers who may be reading this and are planning future office space, please consider indoor air quality when choosing building materials in an effort to optimize employees' health. Please steer clear of solvent-based products containing such ingredients as formaldehydes and isocyanates.

Mark Reid, Eden Prairie
OUTDOOR AIR QUALITY

Speaking of cancer prevention, here's one way to start

The Jan. 15 commentary "Can we cure cancer? Or just keep up?" was starkly realistic and disturbing. While a magic pill to prevent and cure cancer may be a "moonshot," I agree with the author that "attention to the most complete cure of all, is cancer that doesn't occur." Indeed, until we focus more on options that can reduce our risk, I don't think we can put a dent in this daunting disease.

To stop smoking is one obvious way to up our chances for a healthy life. It's just as important to stop inhaling secondhand wood smoke.

Wood burning emits many of the same cancer-­causing, addictive chemicals that are also in tobacco smoke, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), that make wood smoke smell good to some, and levoglucosan, that sweet bacon-like smell. Wood smoke's carbon monoxide emissions also impart feelings of relaxation, all of which contribute to the desire to burn.

Why, then, is wood smoke almost never mentioned in the media? Maybe it's because personal habits are valued more than public health. Wood burning is promoted more than ever at public events, even when it presents as much of a physical barrier as tobacco smoke. We won't get a grip on curbing cancer until we spotlight wood smoke. For the facts, see www.woodsmokepollution.org.

Julie Mellum, Edina
SCHOOL CHOICE

Here's a telling anecdote

The last paragraph in the "Other Views" column about school choice (Jan. 22) assumes that politicians choose private schools for their kids to give them "the best educational opportunities." Maybe, but several years ago I was acquainted with a local politician who supported public schools but sent his kids to a private school. Why? Because, he said, his kids would make social connections with kids from wealthy families, and this would be a networking career advantage for them down the road. Just sayin'. (Of course, this politician's kids were white. Not sure if this would work for a poor inner-city black kid, but it would be nice if it did.)

Marie Alena Castle, Minneapolis