Letters to the editor
Hats off to Wangerin for years of prose Mixed responses on interfaith relations, science, gay marriage
MARCH 2013 •
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Resurrection wonders
Story 20, study guide 27 Congregations make a comeback
Wangerin: Go with God 14 Blinded by the light 16 Hymn of the month club 31 Archives tell tales 36
I want to commend Walter Wangerin Jr. What marvelous and poetic thoughts he has provided readers over the years— always fresh, always thought provok- ing, always faithful to the good news that binds us together as the people of God. His writing has had powerful and creative inspiration. The last piece in March (page 14) brings a more than fitting conclusion to his column. What a strong blend of reality and hope he portrayed there, and what an important “final bit of advice” he rendered. We can never be reminded enough that it is the Son of God who secures our one- ness, is author of our forgiveness, and Lord of the church—and not ourselves. It is we, the recipients of Wangerin’s counsel this and so many other times, who should be saying to him, “Go with
God” and thank you. C. Frederick Eichner Littleton, N.C.
Don’t think so Isn’t J. Paul Rajashekar too positive in laying out Martin Luther’s approach to dialogue with other religions (March, page 18)? Think of Luther’s critique
48 The Lutheran •
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of Judaism as a failed religion in his treatise “On the Jews and Their Lies.” Think also of his Large Catechism where he says that outside of the Chris- tian faith, “whether heathen, Turks, Jews, or false Christians and hypo- crites,” there is nothing but “eternal wrath and condemnation.” Given these seminal passages from Luther’s writ- ings, it’s hard to agree with Rajashekar that Luther would advise us to “tone down” our theological claims about other religions—something Acts 4:12
doesn’t seem to care about either. The Rev. Ronald F. Marshall Seattle
Keep it coming I was so impressed with the “Faith and science” presentation (February, page 18). It was excellent and encourag- ing that the ELCA wants to keep up with the present and move on with the future. The professors, in talking about God, are outstanding and gifted. I feel more hopeful for our church for now and into the future. I look forward to each issue of The Lutheran and think we are blessed to have such an open and comprehensive presentation of
ELCA news. Pem Schultz
East Harwich, Mass.
Not happy with church I was so pleased that in the article on gay marriage (February, page 36) a member spoke against it, yet sur- prised she couldn’t quote a Bible verse explaining why. The Bible states it clearly in multiple places. The leader- ship of the ELCA will have judgment and the wrath of God on them for distorting the Bible in such a way as to keep sinners from the true word of
God. Lord have mercy on your souls. Carol Braaten Farwell, Minn.
Lose-lose-lose In “Why do they leave?” (January, page 49), the author implies that the ELCA has established a neutral policy on the ordination of gays and lesbians in which it “requires nothing of con- gregations.” The ELCA has created a lose-lose-lose situation. If a congrega- tion chooses to affirm the ELCA posi- tion, it stands to lose members who are opposed; if it rejects the ELCA posi- tion, it stands to lose members who support the ELCA’s candidacy deci- sion; if it does nothing, it stands to lose the members who want “to take a stand.” It may be that the congrega- tions leaving are responding to Jesus’ counsel (Matthew 18:15-17). They are simply going to avoid the argument
and walk away. The Rev. William Thalacker Waterloo, Iowa
Absurd thought I was very surprised at the letter “Con- cern over guns” (February, page 48). I can’t believe the writer would even think we will need guns in heaven. It is a place prepared for us where there will be no more sorrow or fighting—having to worry about having a gun pointed at you is absurd. I hope our whole coun- try won’t be judged by what a few sick
people have done. Marjorie E. Newman Roswell, N.M.
Good to know
I really appreciated the article “Even prophets get the blues” (February, page 28). It is interesting to realize that even
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