Letters to the editor
Church should shape culture, not reverse Bible interpretation, U.S. status, worship attendance stir responses
JULY 2012
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® Poverty Filling plates,
Story 20, study guide 26
providing shelter A baptism & funeral 14
Everyday miracles in Slovakia 30 Synod assembly reports 36
in America ‘
The better question would be: “How have Lutherans, the ELCA and, indeed, the church universal shaped the American context?”
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While the theologian contributors did a good job of answering the questions (July, page 18), I found the questions regrettable. It is regrettable that we have to ask how the church has been shaped by the American context. The better question would be: “How have Lutherans, the ELCA and, indeed, the church universal shaped the American context?” This at least would appeal to our calling to transform culture rather than be transformed by it as we most often are. I also could not disagree more with Jon Pahl’s assessment that Luther- ans have never been clearer about who we are as the church. I find the current widespread divisions among Lutherans
to declare the opposite. The Rev. Nathan D. Hooks Burlington, N.C.
How we read the Bible For the sake of clarity, I would ask that you consider an editorial comment on Maria Erling’s statement (July, page 19): “And we love to count ourselves, too, when we ask whether our churches are growing or how many congrega- tions or pastors are leaving over social issues.” My friends who have left have been trying to say for years that this is a theological issue. Human sexual- ity is only the presenting issue, not the real issue. The deeper issue is how we read the Bible and, ultimately, who our Jesus is. To let the comment stand trivi- alizes what some of my friends have
sacrificed much for. The Rev. Timothy D. Hubert St. Joseph, Ill.
Beg to differ A letter writer said (July, page 48) he will not bend on “a strong nation, liv- ing within its means, with low taxes, secure borders and fostering indepen- dence and economic freedom for its citizens.” I believe there is a lot more involved for ELCA members in this world. As the late Robert F. Kennedy said: “An America piled high with gold, and clothed in impenetrable armor, yet living among desperate and poor nations in a chaotic world, could neither guarantee its own security nor pursue the dream of civilization
devoted to the fulfillment of man.” Earl Finkler Medford, Wis.
What a story
Thank you for the beautiful, touching story of the family baptism and funeral (July, page 14). I read the story twice. What a wonderful way to celebrate the lives of two people. It was so appropri-
48 The Lutheran •
www.thelutheran.org ate. The pastor is to be commended on
a job well done. Vicki Cavins Batesville, Ind.
Missed the point The writer of “Don’t shout Amen” (July, page 48) would learn more by asking why people are finding God outside of the church, and more poi- gnantly, why aren’t they finding him in
the church. Jim Peterson St. Paul, Minn.
No wiggle room The reasons given in support of church attendance by Peter W. Marty (July, page 3) are compelling, but perhaps the clincher comes from C.S. Lewis: “If there is anything in the teaching of the New Testament which is in the nature of a command, it is that you are obliged to take the Sacrament, and you can’t do
it without going to church.” Charlie Shelton Fairfax, Va.
Dead wrong … The Lutheran’s editor quoted a pas- tor: “Our faith is not a private party between you and God” (July, page 4). He is dead wrong. I believe in God. That is faith. The worship service should address each person’s indi- vidual need to strengthen and rein- force that very personal commitment. Those needs are not intellectual; they are emotional. Sunday worship is not a social event or learning experience. Worship should focus entirely on reinforcing that personal statement so often rebuked by others, the statement “I believe in God.” My attendance of church on Sunday has absolutely noth-
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