Letters

Lutheran, The, Nov 2002

Readers not ready to go to war

'Thank you for helping us Christians better understand the moral questions involved and the need for more imagina tive ways to deal with a serious global threat...."

I appreciate the fine editorial (October, page 66) questioning American policy toward Iraq and what appears to be a U.S. policy decision to attack a country pre-emptively to help solve the problem of future terrorist attacks. Iraq is only a small part of the threat of mass destruction. Pakistan, India and Israel-not to mention the United States and Russia-- already have nuclear weapons. A dozen countries are Iraq's equal or superior in biological and chemical weapons. We may not like Saddam Hussein, a dictatorial leader among many who ignore the needs of their people to satisfy a desire for power. But we can't attack all such countries. Thank you for helping us Christians better understand the moral questions involved and the need for more imaginative ways to deal with a serious global threat that will be with us for a long time to come.

A. Jean Lesher

Berkeley, Calif.

When I read this, I wanted to shout Amen! This is an unpopular position in the United States today. Most news media indicate that the majority of people seem ready to willingly and blindly follow our president into this expedient war. If it weren't for public radio broadcasts and some C-Span interviews, I would feel that my family, friends and I are quite alone in our convictions. This editorial helped. I also am going to reread our presiding bishop's statement on Iraq.

John A. Jorgensen

Fargo, N.D.

Bingo! You said it just the way it needs to be said. I will support your prioritizing this matter until, God willing, cooler heads prevail and war is averted. The twin idolatries, nationalism and militarism, are powerful adversaries. It takes immense courage to confront them as fearlessly as you did. Keep it up and be assured that "there are still 7,000 ... who have not bowed the knee to Baal."

Fritz Youra

Montello, Wis.

You spell out the criteria for a just war. By those criteria, our wars against the Kaiser, Korea and Vietnam were not just wars.

Walt Buescher

Pewaukee, Wis.

Announcements & preludes

I disagree with Wayne Weissenbuehler (September, page 37) that the best time for announcements is after the prelude and before worship begins. People come to worship to do just that-worship. And the prelude is part of our worship. We now have announcements after worship, and (surprise) we no longer have lengthy or unnecessary announcements.

Evelyn Olsen

Orofino, Idaho

Whatever happened to the advice from liturgical leaders in our church suggesting, "The prelude should serve as a curtain that separates the world within from the world without-and should encourage the worshiper to prepare for worship"?

Robert E. Kromer

Linville, N. C

Best time for announcements? After the sharing of the peace and before the offering. By that time, there's already holy bedlam in the sanctuary.

James Boline

Santa Monica, Calif.

At Community Lutheran Church, Las Vegas, we've reduced the time devoted to live announcements by installing a projection video in our sanctuary. Announcements are put on a video loop that's run prior to our services. Norman S. Peterson

Henderson, Nev.

Healthy pastors

Regarding "How healthy are our pastors?" (September, page 42), at a synod convention in 1971, I noticed all kinds of "broad-beamed" clergy. Later that evening, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror only to discover I was a 40-year-old "broad-beamed" clergy too! That's when I decided to join a health club. I've maintained that schedule two to three times a week for a little more than 30 years. In fall 1974, I added a 2- to 3-mile walk every morning. The walk was my planning time, devotional time and exercise time. We continue the practice now in retirement. We eat well: fresh vegetables and fruit from our garden. My medicine consists of California chardonnay and merlot. My doctor recommended a daily baby aspirin because it may help, and it wouldn't hurt anything. The best part of a regular exercise routine is that it's the cheapest form of health insurance. It should be tax deductible. Lorents J. Flak

Santa Rosa, Calif.

Confused about bishops Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson's "Evangelical bishops" column (September, page 53) left me confused. First, weren't our bishops before Called to Common Mission also evangelical? Is there something about CCM that enables our current bishops to be even more evangelical than before? What kind of bishops does the Episcopal Church have? Are they not in the "evangelical historic episcopate" like our bishops? If not, why are we in full communion with them?

James D. Engh

Missoula, Mont.

More on hymns

Wayne Weissenbuehler's response to the 85-year-old woman about the hymn "The Old Rugged Cross" was condescending (July, page 31). The Lutheran Book of Worship is full of hymns that emphasize the subjective and emotional tone he preached down to her about. Look at "In the Cross of Christ I Glory" (LBW 104). What could be more emotional than the second verse? "When the woes of life o'ertake me, Hopes deceive, and fears annoy, Never shall the cross forsake me; Lo, it glows with peace and joy"? Sounds pretty personal and subjective to me. My relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is personal, subjective and emotional. Isn't everyone's? I think adding hymns such as "The Old Rugged Cross" to the LBW isn't going to hurt anyone except the stuffed-shirts.