Letters to the editor
Liturgy articles on target and timely Readers take a range of views, mostly dim, of specifics in other stories
faith in Jesus Christ. Ann Greenawalt Odenton, Md.
® MARCH 2012
www.thelutheran.org $2.50
Offensive cover n
Rejoicing Spirits welcomes all 14
n Justification: It’s by grace 18 n Gathering Lenten light 28 n
Wangerin: Half-a-lung ... backward 30
A cheer for liturgy
Story 20, study guide 26 ‘
I loved the cover and accompanying photos. Perhaps I’m biased because I was a cheerleader?
’
The March issue was fantastic. The arti- cles on the liturgy (page 20) were infor- mative and timely. They will be espe- cially helpful to our congregation as we seek to define our musical identity and search for a music director. I loved the cover and accompanying photos. Perhaps I’m biased because I was a cheerleader? The magazine keeps get- ting better. Peter W. Marty’s columns are thought-provoking and I learn something new about familiar Bible stories each month. The “Deeper under- standings” series has been enlighten- ing. Walter Wangerin Jr.’s columns are raw and real. Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson conveys the gospel in a conver- sational tone with clarity and passion. Thank you for keeping us informed about the ELCA, for challenging us to think about the hard questions of life, and for helping us live out and share our
48 The Lutheran •
www.thelutheran.org
Have you all gone so far around the bend that you cannot see the inappro- priateness of your March cover? The Lutheran was almost in the trash when I realized this was the magazine of my church. Wow and double wow. Sex
sells. I hope it was worth it. Bob Fritz Hazleton, Pa.
Think again Some comments on “Thou shall not covet” (March, page 49): There would be millions of people who would be hungry and homeless without their Social Security checks. Those col- lecting have paid in to Social Security during their working lifetime. Without the health care provided by our tax dol- lars many would die and their death would be on our heads. Without public schools much of our population would be illiterate. Remember, Jesus paid the temple tax and Paul exhorted the peo-
ple to pay their government taxes. Duane Thompson Kelso, Wash.
A little help The “Deeper understandings” article on justification (March, page 18) left me stone cold with the “same old” platitudes. The blanket pronouncement that faith is “a work the Spirit does in us through the word of God” means that if one is struggling with faith, then the Spirit is not working in us and that the Spirit discriminates to whom the Spirit visits. And to interpret God as an omnipotent entity that gives the Spirit
“who produces faith, where and when he wills, in those who hear the gospel” is as if God and the Spirit are separate entities that discriminate. Come on, help us laypeople get a better grip on
our faithful travels. Gary Corey Milltown, N.J.
Wrong message
I have three grown sons raised in the ELCA, and I doubt any will remain Lutheran. Son No. 2 is gay and attends an Episcopalian church after being unwelcomed in a Florida Lutheran congregation even after the 2009 Churchwide Assembly sexuality votes. Son No. 1 is now vehemently opposed to organized religion, turned off in part by the treatment of his gay brother. Son No. 3 tried a Lutheran campus ministry where he’s attending graduate school and left after folks his age didn’t talk to or even greet him. I totally agree with the [“Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus”] video (March, page 50). My sons are educated, polite and well dressed. If they feel unwelcome, what
about the “least of these?” Karen L. Rodgers Lisbon, Ohio
Reflection worth it
I did not experience Lenten hymns as dirges or self-examination as drudgery during my childhood (February, page 20). Using Lent as a time to reflect on what God has done for us doesn’t seem onerous. It is an opportunity to consider how we can use our hearts, minds and hands to best serve God. Most people rather enjoy contemplat- ing, planning and preparing for a holi- day or special event. Sure, all too often we become an inpatient people who
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