Letters to the editor
Article biblical example of reconciliation Money, atheism, politics, Roman Catholic pieces draw range of reaction
NOVEMBER 2012
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Yet, miraculously, this story concludes with the former enemies assisting aging old foes living at the Carl Blum House. Blessings for this courageous piece on where vanquished and victims set a bib-
lical example of reconciliation. Albert E. Jabs Lexington, S.C.
Story 20, study guide 27
Singing a new tune 14 Portico’s new chief 16 Make a ‘right turn’ 28 Having, talking cancer 32
Higher education: 26-page report 36
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Miraculously, this story concludes with the former enemies assisting aging old foes living at the Carl Blum House.
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Perhaps one of the most important pieces published by The Lutheran was the historical significance and bibli- cal message given by William Yoder in “Caring for former enemies” (Novem- ber, page 34). Yoder came to my class in world civilization at Lithuania Chris- tian College in Kleipeda, Lithuania, in 2000 and gave an unforgettable lecture on World War II, including the massacre and systemic rape of German women as part of a discussion concerning atrocities that transpired on all sides. He changed the historical discussion and the focus grew to why these women were violated and why this tragedy involving millions would be ignored by historians. Now a new genre of historical investigation of the Eastern European expulsion of Ger- mans has come about, and rightly so.
48 The Lutheran •
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More than church giving It’s great the editor encouraged readers to take another look at Matthew 6:21 (November, page 4). Unfortunately, he reduced that holistic concept to only giving money to the church. If Jesus was merely talking about money, which is doubtful, odds are better that he was talking about our invest- ments in homes, retirement plans and such. That’s crucial to understand if we’re truly as interested in develop- ing the kingdom as funding the church. Total charitable giving in America last year, of which only half went to churches, amounted to less than two- tenths of 1 percent of the capital cir- culating our globe each day. Until we help our money culture understand the reality that such limited giving will never cure the harm that capital can cause, the church will remain margin-
alized and in perpetual survival mode. Gary Moore Sarasota, Fla.
Two strikes on atheism I respectfully take issue with “Athe- ism on rise in U.S.” (October, page 10). First, the real issue has nothing to do with atheism. If there is a 13 percent drop in regular religious practice, that is vastly more important than a mere 4 percent rise in declared atheism. Why is this happening and what do people really mean when they respond that
they are “not religious?” Second, there is still a strong pejorative attitude toward the very word and a general association that atheists are, by defini- tion, immoral or even evil. On the other hand, I would suggest that people who take the time to consider the issues and declare themselves to be atheists are probably more moral and ethical than
the average person. Michael S. Schmotzer York, Pa.
Off the mark
I am disappointed and offended by “Lutherans and politics” (October, page 20) because ultimately it amounts to little more than a thinly veiled endorsement of President Barack Obama’s politics. This is a slap in the face for every conservative Lutheran who has a different view of govern- ment’s role in society. Can the ELCA afford to alienate yet another sub- stantial segment of its membership? Churches need to stay out of politics. The Christian message is all we need to
hear and act upon. Ingeborg Henderson Davis, Calif.
Right on target
“Lutherans and politics” was probably the best article I’ve ever seen on this topic. Quite timely too. I especially liked: “There was no significant public issue in Martin Luther’s day in which
he was not involved.” Leroy Haverlah Jr. Austin, Texas
Running out of time I read with interest “Lutherans and the Second Vatican Council” (Octo- ber, page 14). Imagine, 50 years have
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