Letters to the editor
Praise rings for traditional liturgy, hymns Articles on inactive members, use of language draw criticism
n n n
Virginia Lutherans help find autism resources 16
Still teaching reading at life’s centennial 30
n Digital media grows mission 32
From a retired Air Force chaplain (30 years), followed by five interim assign- ments, I wish to express my appre- ciation to The Lutheran for publishing Charles Gilmore’s insightful article “Not so fast” (May, page 34). Finally, a comprehensive, cogent expression of support for the historic identity of our Lutheran church. Thank you, Dr. Gilmore, for stating what many silent
seniors believe. Mea maxima culpa. The Rev. J.F. Wilson Beaufort, S.C.
Tradition not bad word Thank you for publishing the article by Gilmore. I love the liturgy, old hymns and order of the Lutheran service. Tra- dition isn’t a bad word. I grew up Pres- byterian. But now when I go back to a Presbyterian church, the thing I miss
most is the beautiful liturgy. Louanne Isernhagen St. Francis, Kan.
Think about it The cover story on inactive members (April, page 20) offered psychologi- cal, relational and situational reasons
48 The Lutheran •
www.thelutheran.org 13
harmed by domestic abuse
The Holy Spirit: God’s gracious presence 18
in Story 20, study guide 26 ® MAY 2012
www.thelutheran.org $2.50
that church members drop out of active participation in church life. No mention was made of intellectual reasons. Some members may have thoughtfully con- cluded that they no longer find the truth claims of Christianity credible. For that segment of “the lapsed,” expressions of concern and warm invitations may be ineffective, even offensive. We live in an age and society shaped by scientific critical thinking. Perhaps churches that encourage honest, searching and non- defensive appraisal of the tenets of our faith tradition will better retain some of
their most thoughtful members. Gary Pence Oakland, Calif.
Treatment matters
The article on inactives missed a signif- icant reason church members leave and don’t return: they were treated badly, whether by the pastor, the church coun- cil or other members. Struggles for power within churches can be handled poorly and turn nasty, with the losers being told, often in humiliating ways,
that they are no longer welcome. Fred Meyer Omaha, Neb.
More action, please I find it interesting that being Christian has come to be equated with attending Sunday worship and inactives are those who don’t attend or put money in the plate. There was a time when being an active Christian meant doing deeds of love and mercy and working for justice. Perhaps there are many active inactives who’d like to see more action on the part of the church rather than a focus on wor-
ship attendance. The Rev. A. Stephen Rode Boerne, Texas
Discipleship the key
The article on inactives ignores the ele- phant in the room. The word member is used 33 times in the article, plus the headline. The word disciple is notably absent. The institutional thinking that runs throughout the article represents everything that is holding us back as the part of God’s mission called the ELCA. “Sometimes people have to take a hiatus from church,” one person is quoted as saying. Replace the word church with discipleship and see if the sentence still bears any truth. There are many Christians who find they can take a permanent hiatus from the church as they have known it and still be fully committed disciples of Jesus
in the world. The Rev. Christian P. Matthy Toledo, Ohio
Cut it out We know God is not gendered like we are. So stop with the clumsy and silly sentencing (May, page 3): “God had changed God’s mind about a prom- ised wrath. ... God appears ready and willing to change God’s mind ....” Just write: “God is willing to change his mind.” Or if you want to be a femi- nist radical: “God is willing to change her mind.” We can handle the foolish- ness. We had to have “chairperson” until the always so sensitive elite figured out “person” is really a male
word. And now this. Just stop. Please. The Rev. Myron E. Nysether Apache Junction, Ariz.
Marty sets tone Some time back I sent a letter saying I would no longer read the magazine. Happening to catch the first electrify- ing essay by Peter W. Marty made me
The
The
The
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52