Letters to the editor
‘2 kingdoms’ responses fill mailbox Others see problems with criminal justice, Vatican II, editor articles
OCTOBER 2012
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congregational forums on ELCA social statements can help, but only for those
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who are truly open to dialogue. The Rev. Alan J. Watt New Braunfels, Texas
Taking your faith into the election Story 20, study guide 26
Second Vatican Council 14 Reformation observance 28 Mission Builders at 25 34
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Some will react like a bull seeing red to phrases such as helping “those without medical insurance” and “that vast inequities of wealth aren’t pleasing to God.”
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Darrell H. Jodock’s article “Lutherans & politics” (October, page 20) was excellent. The emphasis on the ethic of love of one’s neighbor was especially helpful, including applying this theol- ogy to our civic life today. My concern is that most Christians practice this ethic on one level but not necessarily on another. Many enthusiastically sup- port local ministries such as food banks and disaster relief. Yet when it comes to influencing government policies on the state and national levels, being our brother’s keeper often no longer applies. Some will react like a bull seeing red to phrases such as helping “those without medical insurance” and “that vast inequities of wealth aren’t pleasing to God.” Maybe small-group,
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First-rate reading What a great October issue with nearly every article of interest. I especially liked “Lutherans & politics”—a first- rate article to share with family and friends. It was realistic about the politi- cal issues we have about government authority, wisely selected stories about Martin Luther’s life and mission, and inspiring in its point-by-point advice for faithful Lutheran civic behavior. As Jodock writes: “It’s a way in which jus- tice can be done and the common good
can be enhanced.” A. Jean Lesher Claremont, Calif.
Keep it local
Jodock stated that some “voices today ... claim that government itself is the problem.” I believe that many Ameri- cans think our national government shouldn’t address issues that can be addressed by private citizen action or are local, not national, issues. It seems that often our national government’s “solutions” have led to unintended consequences, making the problems worse. Many Americans also believe that government shouldn’t provide programs, no matter how good or noble
the objective, that can’t be paid for. Bart Di Giovanni Knoxville, Tenn.
Don’t forget Acts 5 Jodock noted that the reformers taught people to obey human authority based on Romans 13:1. But the reformers also
frequently paired that verse with a scrip- tural conscience clause, Acts 5:29: “We must obey God rather than humans.” We see this in articles 16 and 28 of the Augsburg Confession, among many other Reformation writings. Rather than preaching blind obedience, Lutherans encourage each other to be thoughtful about how we serve God through our
faith-filled participation in civil society. The Rev. Martin Lohrmann Philadelphia
Doctrine out of whack
My hope is that the latter part of Derek Nelson’s hope for the proposed social statement on criminal justice is not real- ized. He wrote: “I hope the church will again see the conception of justice in the twofold reign of God (sometimes called the two kingdoms doctrine) as the great treasure that it is” (September, page 35). The doctrine of the two kingdoms is one of the greatest theological barriers to peace and justice. The logical conse- quences of adherence to this doctrine leads to a justification for such atrocities as the just war theory, the death penalty and torture. The life and teaching of Jesus Christ leads his followers in an
entirely different direction. The Rev. Bernard Kern Fort Worth, Texas
Mentor and pray
After reading the story on criminal jus- tice and based on 10 years as a crimi- nal prosecutor, here are two things any Christian can do. First, mentor a young person. The juvenile justice systems and schools will gladly provide candi- dates. Second, walk, talk and pray on the streets. Our God is bigger than all problems, and I can’t begin to share the amazement some folks have—even
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