Letters
Living faith outside of church I wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know how beneficial your recent articles have been. I always liked reading The Lutheran’s articles but felt at times as if they only related to that portion of my life I segmented as “my faith.” I’m not sure if it was intentional, but these recent articles are really helping me express my Lutheran faith in my life “outside of church.” Thank you for these thought-provoking articles and thank God for the gifts he has given your team. Dann Stephens, Kulpsville, Pa.
Minimal amount of pastor jargon I am an 85-year-old Lutheran, not a pastor. I started out as a farmer, then student, then construction engineer, then design engineer, then businessman and now retired. Today I fished the May issue out of my pile of things to be read and was pleasantly surprised. The magazine is very readable, the articles relate to real life and have a minimal amount of preacher jargon in them. I’m sending references of a few articles to my friends with a recommendation that they become subscribers and regular readers. Bless you all and keep up the
good work—or should I say vocation? Dave Johnson, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Active listening I want to compliment Hanna Smith, quoted by Jeff Favre in his June article “Lessons from life on the border” (page 40), for her knowledge and application of a little used skill called active listening. While for some 50 years marriage counselors have been teaching couples how to listen instead of argue, it’s safe to say that most people, including highly educated professionals, don’t know how to actively listen. Google
“Active Listening” to understand and learn Smith’s skill. Ronald Soderquist, Westlake Village, Calif.
Struck a holy chord William Flippin Jr. struck a holy chord with me in his essay about our call to minister to and stand with prisoners. I’m part of a criminal justice ministry of the Lower Susquehanna Synod and many synod churches have done studies on “Hearing the Cries” (an ELCA social statement). The topic resonated with me on many levels. I’ll rejoice over any writing you
On the cover “I’m a Lutheran” contributor and Special Olympics award-winner Joshua Jerome, Grand Forks, N.D. Photo by Jacobson Studio.
Looking for stories from this issue on
LivingLutheran.org? Articles from the print issue (as well as other new content) are uploaded daily to the site throughout the month.
6 AUGUST 2016
include on our Old and New Testament mandates to visit (stand with) the large number of people we have in prison in this country. I would commend Flippin’s
writing style as well as his content. Joan K. Harman, Shiremanstown, Pa.
Need to proclaim God’s law too Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton rightly points out that “neither culture nor behavior defines what is distinctive about the Lutheran movement” (July, page 50). But she drops the ball when she says all we need to do is “proclaim the gospel word.” She should have added that we also need to proclaim the law and God’s wrath since they are what give “force and meaning” to the gospel by creating a “need” for it (Luther’s Works, 35:109). She should have been clearer about the gospel languishing without the proclamation of the law. This is the great contribution
of the Lutheran movement. The Rev. Ronald F. Marshall, Seattle, Wa.
In favor of roster changes This layperson is all in favor of an ordained diaconate and a clarified lay role for those who lack the education or the call to ordained ministry (July, page 22). While we are at it, take a serious look at reshaping the master of divinity program so deacons can complete the beginning part and walk away with a master of arts and pastor candidates can go to their internships ordained as deacons. (Enter the 21st century–synchronous online education can provide the valuable continuing education while minimizing the financial commitments of frequently moving.) Define the liturgical roles clearly. In addition, encourage deacons to baptize, officiate at marriages and funerals, and occasionally preach. We need deacons, but we need to be receptive to the financial demands of the role by revamping our educational programs and by empowering deacons to visibly serve in ways that justify a congregation’s
financial commitment to the role. Scott Larson, Yorkville, Ill.
For additional “Letters” visit
LivingLutheran.org. Submit a letter to
LivingLutheran@elca.org. Include your name, city and state. All letters are subject to editing.
Living Lutheran magazine belongs to the people of the ELCA in all our diversity. The magazine:
• Nurtures awareness of Christ’s presence in our lives and the world.
• Shares stories of God’s people living their faith. • Connects us with the global Christian community. • Provides an open forum for discussion. • Challenges us to bring God’s grace and care to all.
VOICES OF FAITH
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