Letters to the editor
Can’t drop Jesus when talking about God Shrinking church, marriage article & ‘My view’ draw plenty of criticism
FEBRUARY 2013 •
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tecostal experience. We can use more insights on the Spirit and some charisma in our theology and church services.
Sometimes Lutherans are stuffy. Curt Homstad Stanley, N.D.
So good, so not so New thinkers Story 20, study guide 26
Rest for Lent 14 Prophets & blues 28 Power of pink 30 Getting their goats 38
Could one who is not a new thinker in the ELCA (February, page 20) but merely an old pastor speak a word of caution to our young theologians? Not one of the 14 interviewed for the “Talking about God” article mentioned Jesus. We were warned in seminary before there was an ELCA against rea- soning according to the mode of Aris- totle rather than according to the mode of Scripture. Martin Luther thought that such speculation would lead to a theology of glory while the theology of the cross was only revealed by God in Christ. As we ask ourselves why our church is shrinking, perhaps much of the answer is here in the fact that Jesus Christ and him crucified is no longer at
the center of our thinking. The Rev. Jeffrey W. Elliott Cape May, N.J.
New thoughts welcomed I enjoyed the “Talking about God” article. With some congregations jump- ing ship and church attendance going downhill, new thoughts in the ELCA are in order. My wife was born and raised in the South and is familiar with the Pen-
48 The Lutheran •
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in the ELCA
The article on Elijah and depression (February, page 28) was one of the best ever, so biblical and helpful. However, “To marry or not to marry” (page 36) was very lopsided. The only voice for the orthodox Christian position on same-gender sex was a sweet but older lady labeled patronizingly as “tradi- tional” who had no real reason for her position to put forth. And a book was recommended on the topic, but again just from the view of those favoring gay marriage. I realize the ship has sailed on this and the ELCA has a com- mitted position, but it reopened old wounds for those of us who remain steadfast to the historical orthodox sex- ual boundary of the church. We are a
dwindling breed in our denomination. The Rev. Chris E. Brekke West Concord, Minn.
Science, God go together The article on science (February, page 18) was the most negative on the sub- ject I have ever seen in any ELCA writ- ing. As a scientist I would point out that science has made our lives better in so many ways that it is impossible to even list them. Science helps us to bet- ter understand God’s creation and use it for the greater good. Science should not cause anxiety because it is based on factual and tested observations of the world and God’s universe. It actually pulls us away from superstition and pulls us toward a greater understanding
of the laws of nature as created by God. David B. Rahe Hillsboro, Ill.
Preach Christ
I am a contributor to “The shrinking church” phenomenon (January, page 22) and here’s why. Individuals and the church are called upon to preach Christ. The ELCA’s vocation to pursue “social justice” has overtaken that mis- sion. Social justice should follow the teaching of the gospel and not lead it. In the nondenominational church we now attend, we have heard more refer- ences to Martin Luther in the past six years than we did in the previous 56
years in the Lutheran church. Arthur P. Hartel Jr. Wayne, Pa.
Dump the advocacy The 2009 Churchwide Assembly deci- sions on sexuality are key to the shrink- ing church, but others include the con- stant condemning of Israel, ringing the bells for climate justice and the belief in the depths of the churchwide office that capitalism is a sin of our society. The ELCA should spend more time being a church and less time being another lib- eral advocacy group. The “My view” column suggesting that a factor is the
ego needs of some is indicative of denial. Tom Wenstrand Mount Pleasant, Iowa
Don’t whine I was disappointed with Ronald Chris- tian’s uncharitable opinion concern- ing departing congregations (January, page 49). Instead of engaging with and listening to their case(s), he attributes their departures to the base motives of ego and selfishness. His opinion dis-
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