My view gang members—when a disciple of
Jesus meets them in their neighborhood. Leonard D. Hall Youngstown, Ohio
It isn’t over I suspect William G. Rusch’s rosy view of Lutheran-Roman Catholic ecumen- ism (October, page 14) has more to do with his spectacles than reality. His affirmation that the doctrine of justi- fication is no longer church-dividing ignores rejection of the “Joint Dec- laration on the Doctrine of Justifica- tion” by some Lutheran pastors and professors of theology in Europe and North America. More pertinent is the elephant in the room sitting on the ecu- menical potential of Vatican II—papal infallibility. Centuries of asserting
“father knows best” blocks dialogue. Carter Lindberg Northboro, Mass.
Helpful critique
I take exception to your September col- umn (page 4). Columnist Ross Douthat may not work for The Lutheran, but he is far from being “secular.” Like you, he is a practicing Christian layperson (Roman Catholic). I suggest you read his entire book, Bad Religion: How We Became a Nation of Heretics,” before issuing blanket dismissals. His critique of the whole church, liberal and con- servative, Roman Catholic and Protes- tant—as well as American culture—is
important and helpful. The Rev. Jonathan Litzner Richmondville, N.Y.
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By Douglas E. Warburton
Go where people are Theology at pub draws youth
H
Warburton is a pas- tor of Peace Lutheran Church, Gahanna, Ohio.
ow can we create an atmosphere to explore honest questions about faith? Questions such as: What do I do with my doubts? If God exists why is there so much pain and suffering? Does faith matter? Those most comfortable asking these questions are
young adults. For many churches this is the age group represented least in Sunday morning worship. When I arrived at my present congregation, we determined that if we formed a louder, edgy, evening worship service where real questions were welcome, young adults might flood in. After one year of this attempt at “relevancy” we canned the service.
More reflection on the nature of Jesus might have been helpful. Jesus spent little time bringing people to where he was—rather he went where others already were. We often held meetings at a bar and grill to plan how to create an atmosphere of openness that appeals to young adults, failing to realize that we were surrounded by what we sought to create. Tables were filled with young pro- fessionals and graduate students who had come to enjoy one another, reflect on life, and enter into conversations about decisions, transitions and faith. The two things we were looking to create already existed. What was missing wasn’t their presence in it—it was ours. “Pub Theology” was born. We found space at a local bar and handed out business cards with the date and loca- tion. Twelve people attended. Now 50 people come. As we had hoped, it is a place for honest conversation with many young adults. We were surprised to find that older adults love it also,
including a couple in their 80s who enjoy the energy of younger people. Another couple was invited by their son’s girlfriend. They drive 30 minutes and asked if we could start Pub Theology in their neighborhood. A server once shared that she was struggling with personal issues and God was speaking through our conversation. A bartender expressed she isn’t a fan of “churchy” people but finds our group refreshing. We choose themes about forgiveness, culture and doubt, and we encourage respectful debate. We learn from one another when we don’t agree. Two participants always sit across from one another. One is a conservative life- long Lutheran, the other a liberal with no understanding of Lutheranism. They rarely see an issue the same way but admit they are better for sharing conversation. They leave saying, “See you next time.”
November 2012 69
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