Letters to the editor
Offering experience hits stride monthly Readers zero in on Wittenberg tree, roundtable, poll, John Q. Nones
®
DECEMBER 2012
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it surely seemed to German Lutheran Christians that their world was falling apart. It’s a saying that’s authentically
Lutheran in its sentiments. Kit Kleinhans Waverly, Iowa
The spiritual practice of
Keeping Jesus safe 14 Advent state of mind 18 Wangerin: Intoangerin: Into
valley of char 30 Just admit it shedding stuff Story 22, study guide 29
The news brief “Roundtable upset” (December, page 9) shows how the ELCA is becoming more of a politi- cal than a religious organization. This is no longer a dialectical effort but a campaign of advocacy. If they want to take sides, be honest and open about it. The ELCA leadership is demonstrat- ing stealth and pretense to its member
I enjoy Peter W. Marty’s “Elements of the Lord’s day,” however, I somewhat disagree with “The offering experience” (December, page 3). I served for many years as volunteer secretary and trea- surer in a small rural church. Analysis of the yearly data showed that those mak- ing an offering once a month gave more than those giving only when attending a service. Hence, I always pointed out in my reports: “The person not putting an envelope into the collection plate may
be making a larger offering than you.” Carl Fritsch Lutsen, Minn.
Wrong but good idea The article about the ELCA Wittenberg Center and its “tree for Wittenberg” campaign (December, page 9) refer- enced a statement attributed to Martin Luther, that even if he knew the world were ending tomorrow, he would plant an apple tree today. Historians agree that Luther likely never said this, since the earliest record of the saying dates only to 1944. I like to think of it as an expres- sion of hope that arose at a time when
48 The Lutheran •
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congregations. Paul B. Nervig
Colorado Springs, Colo.
No help needed from poll In response to a letter (December, page 49), I don’t think that by reporting results of a Gallup poll our church is trying “to support its own position” or is “basing its doctrine on public opin- ion.” I worked hard in the time before the vote in favor of a new statement on human sexuality and know that our work was motivated by principles of Christian love and justice, not by mind- less conformity to social trends. Chris- tian principles require that we act cou- rageously to defy society when society is unloving and unjust. The results of the Gallup poll are worth noting and I welcomed them, but the ELCA needs
no support from a Gallup poll. Randi Eldevik Stillwater, Okla.
All you need is love The article “Why don’t people come to church?” and column by Presiding
Bishop Mark. S. Hanson (December, pages 34 and 50) are beautiful tes- timonies to us as Lutheran readers. I am reminded of a rather sarcastic metaphor that compares the church to Noah’s ark: If it were not for the storm on the outside, you could not stand the stench on the inside. I can only believe what I am loved into believing, and for me the church and the churches I have served as pastor had more love inside than vitriol. Love people into believ- ing they belong, and they will come and truly belong to a church family and
community in Christ. The Rev. Luverne A. Jacobson Wilsonville, Ore.
Hold off on labels Does The Lutheran really need to join the secular practice of labeling people (December, page 10)? Labeling people, such as “Nones,” inevitably creates false images of individuals. In this case the label creates the false impres- sion of a group where no group exists. These are unaffiliated individuals. It would be far better to just get to know and care about people who are not reli- giously affiliated and resist generaliz-
ing or labeling. Arden Mahlberg Madison, Wis.
Evil is very real
I question the letter writer (November, page 68) who said “The logical con- sequences of adherence to this (two kingdoms theology) leads to a justifi- cation for such atrocities as the just war theory.” Was it an unjust war in 1944- 45 when hundreds of thousands of American men and women laid down their lives to destroy the evil done to 6 million Jews? My father was there
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