Letters to the editor

Mennonite Brethren Herald welcomes your letters on issues relevant to the Mennonite Brethren Church, especially in response to material published in the Herald. Please keep your letters courteous, brief and about one subject only. We will edit letters for length and clarity. We will not publish letters sent anonymously, although we may withhold names from publication at the request of the letter writer and at our discretion. Publication is also subject to space limitations. Because the Letters column is a free forum for discussion, it should be understood that letters represent the position of the letter writer, not necessarily the position of the Herald or the Mennonite Brethren Church. Send letters to: Letters, MB Herald 1310 Taylor Ave. Winnipeg, Man.  R3M 3Z6 or send via e-mail. (Please ensure that your postal address is included in your e-mail correspondence.)

Unique challenges for Mennonites

Re “War and peace” (November). Every year, November 11 comes around and Mennonites are forced to remember and deal with some emotions and beliefs that other Christians never have to face.

WWII didn’t mean victory for my family, but complete and utter defeat. My grandfather was exiled to Siberia by the Russians, never to be heard from again. An aunt died in battle while she served with the Red Cross, and all my relatives lost all their earthly possessions and were lucky to make it out alive. Some did not.

Yes, nations need armies for protection and for disaster relief. Yes, we need police forces, and may even serve in them. But I suspect a few evangelicals must be questioning themselves these days about blindly supporting pro-war candidates, and this may be a good thing.

Horst Unger,
Victoria, B.C.

Defending freedom

Re “War and peace” (November). I appreciated the wide diversity of viewpoints in this issue. Let us be keenly aware, however, that the very freedom to hold and express differing opinions is won and maintained for us by those who do not refuse to bear arms, and who pay a terrible psychological price for their involvement in conflict even if they escape physical damage. They, too, are victims of war, and it is entirely appropriate to call them “heroes,” as they freely choose to put themselves in harm’s way on behalf of all of us.

For a civilized nation, the impetus for war is not imperialism, but defence of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including religious freedom. If oppression isn’t kept at bay in Afghanistan and elsewhere, it will most assuredly come to our own doorstep.

Instead of engaging in petty denigration, let us boldly hold our government accountable (another hard-won freedom), and ensure that the wars our country fights are not squabbles over territory, resources, or culture, but a reluctant and well-considered defence of the ideals of a free society.

Ruth Bard,
Nanaimo, B.C.

Two-sided issue

Re “Why I wear a poppy” and “Why I don’t” (Viewpoints, November). Thank you for covering both sides of this issue. I find myself in turbulence over this subject because I’m a pacifist, but recognize that war is a reality in our fallen, sinful world.

My grandfather fought in WWI and his friend died next to him in the trenches. For the rest of his life, my grandfather was deafened in one ear as a result of that explosion. I wear my poppy to remember family and friends who’ve been directly impacted by war. And I wear my poppy as a reminder that, as a Christian, I have a responsibility to endeavour to live at peace with everyone.

Jane Welsh,
Abbotsford, B.C.

Don’t insult memories

Re “Why I don’t wear a poppy” (Viewpoint, November). The poppy symbolizes the rights and freedoms that Canadians too often take for granted, earned by men and women who willingly represented Canada during times of conflict. My own father stood post for the very freedoms that many of us now take for granted. Please don’t desecrate the memories of veterans who gave us the Canada we cherish. The poppy displayed without equivocation states that I am a Canadian and proud of it.

Mark Carson,
Coquitlam, B.C.

Take risks when preaching

Re “What’s the matter with preaching?” (Features, October). I agree with Ray Bystrom. It’s important that the key points of a sermon be remembered by listeners well into the week and not simply forgotten at the threshold of the church’s back door.

The question is, “What kind of preaching can bring us the biggest bang for our buck?” Certainly there are other delivery methods than simply the monologue sermon that can fit the bill. Pastors and preachers must take some risks and experiment with different delivery styles and methods. Fear of taking risks, which results in boring sermons, is a sin in my books. The sermon must spark the imaginations of listeners and motivate them to action. Being creative will bear long-term results.

Harry Wiens,
Yarrow, B.C.

Incorrect assumptions

Re “What’s the matter with preaching?” (Features, October). This article disappointed me with its assumptions. Monologue sermons don’t necessarily presuppose passive listening; their effectiveness often depends upon the listener’s heart. Further, if sermons are too frequent to allow their absorption into our lives, what of educational institutions that are based largely upon lectures?

Bystrom’s alternatives to preaching leave me wondering how such interaction can be made feasible in congregations. How do we maintain a sense of order, limit the most assertive from dominating interchanges, and keep debates from degenerating into debacles like some political debates?

Some churches already encourage small groups to prepare for and discuss sermons, apart from the worship service. Bystrom suggests that peripheral activities such as Bible study groups and cell groups are often disappointing activities. Are they? What are the stats on this?

Perhaps the basic premise of this article is off course. It seems to suggest that worship services are all about us. However, we don’t gather together to be entertained, but to know, praise, and proclaim Jesus Christ. If we focus on him, we won’t be “doing church,” but worshiping the Lord. Change is not an enemy, but let’s not squeeze out biblical preaching because of a modern day Eutychus.

Janice Dick,
Watrous, Sask.

No substitute for preaching

Re “What’s the matter with preaching?” (Features, October). One of the things the adversary tries to do is to keep us from the power of the Word and have us rely on substitutes. There’s no substitute for preaching.

Referencing the Bible doesn’t make a presentation a sermon. When the message comes straight from the biblical text, the sermon will always be fresh and powerful, even when the messenger is not the greatest communicator, because the Holy Spirit will be at work.

The only prospect for real church growth is the return to biblical, expository preaching. Preaching is all we have left. “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2).

Viktor Hamm,
Calgary, Alta.

Don’t quit preaching

Re “What’s the matter with preaching?” (Features, October). As a pastor who regularly preaches monologue sermons, I too am frustrated by the apparent lack of results I often experience. But I don’t think the biblical answer is to quit preaching. Preaching is a biblically mandated activity (the word “sermon” is never used in the Bible) and not the result of egotistical clerics trying to prove how smart they are to crowds of ignorant people.

Mr. Bystrom says we should change the format of preaching because to prepare a monologue sermon takes too much of a pastor’s time. But wasn’t that the very reason for the apostles’ decision regarding the use of their time in Acts 6:4, where it says they gave their “attention to prayer and the ministry of the word”? Is there a place where people can interrupt and interject comments and insights? Yes, it’s called Sunday school.

I think the question we need to ask is: what’s the matter with preachers? Are they taking enough time in prayer and study? Do churches give them enough time to prepare?

I thank God he still uses monologue sermons. I think of the person who recently walked out in the middle of one of my “monologues” about reconciliation. The person later told me that while I was preaching, the Holy Spirit had brought them under such conviction about someone with whom they had to be reconciled, they went out and did it immediately. And I had thought the person left because my “monologue” was boring! Enough said.

Ted Klassen,
Vancouver, B.C.

Proclaim the message

Re “What’s the matter with preaching?” (Features, October).Why do we put up with monologue sermons every week? Bystrom says, “Sermons in the form of monologues became dominant in the 4th century. . . .” This is false. Monologue sermons began with Jesus and continued with Peter, Paul, and so on.

Mr. Bystrom says “the Latin term sermo originally meant ‘conversation.’ ” This is true. However, the word “preach” comes from the Greek word kerusso, which means to proclaim, declare, announce, or herald a message. This doesn’t mean to converse, suggest, or debate. So when Paul charges Timothy to “preach the word” in 2 Timothy 4:2, he’s not charging him to have a discussion. He’s charging him to herald it – to preach the good news!

Our biggest problem as congregants isn’t that we never have a chance to speak. Our problem is that we have too much to say. Jesus preached the way he did for a reason, because he knew we had nothing to add.

Pastors are discerned and trained for a reason – to feed and protect the flock. Not just anyone can interrupt and give their opinion. How often in the New Testament are we warned of wolves in sheep’s clothing coming into the church?

This article would never have been written if the parents of the young man responded by saying, “Because for 45 minutes a week, we can use our ears and listen to the teaching of the Word by a person who might have insights we need to hear.”

Jessica Ross,
Abbotsford, B.C.

A glorious calling

Re “Some habits never change” (Editorial, October). I am a preacher. I can think of no higher calling. The privilege is great – the responsibility enormous. Week by week, those to whom I’ve been called to minister come together to hear a word from the Lord. Woe is me if I fail to give them what their thirsty spirits so desperately need.

I don’t claim to have any special ability or insight of my own. Therefore, I read and study God’s precious Word, pray for his Spirit to enlighten my understanding, and prepare so as to clearly communicate the eternal truths he’s shown me.

For some to suggest that “the decline of preaching presumably has something to do with a diminishing stock of things to say,” or that “we shouldn’t expect one man or woman to come up with a fresh word from God each week . . . nor is there enough time for new insights to emerge,” is a travesty of the utmost proportion. A diminishing stock of things to say? Not in my Bible! If I don’t have the time or gifting for the task to which God has called me – and there’s nothing more urgent in our age than this task – then I have no business calling myself a preacher, and should pursue another line of employment.

Three centuries ago, the poet Milton lamented this very issue: “The hungry sheep look up and are not fed.” May we, like Jeremiah, say, “His Word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not” (20:9).

Ron Redekop,
Mission, B.C.

Stimulating theologian

Re “Scholar with sway: N. T. Wright” (Crosscurrents, October). Gil Dueck did a fine job on an influential contemporary theologian. Wright’s books gain power by fitting the biblical texts into their historical contexts. He emphatically states that serious history and serious theology belong together and neither need compromise the integrity of the other. Indeed, each is a corrective for the other.

In my favorite book by Wright, Jesus and the Victory of God, he argues that Christians have read the gospels from an “after Easter” perspective, which changes the meaning significantly. The contemporaries of Jesus understood him differently than we do. None of the people hearing Jesus’ teaching or seeing his mighty deeds had any idea that a crucifixion was coming, and a resurrection, or that a church was going to be founded, and all of that within three years.

For me Wright has been exciting and stimulating, even devotional.

Henry A. Hubert,
Vineland, Ont.

Read Wright

Re “Scholar with sway: N. T. Wright” (Crosscurrents, October). I was delighted to read Gil Dueck’s introduction to N.T. Wright. It has long been a cause of frustration to me that Wright is not more widely known (and read) within MB circles. He’s an excellent scholar who has served the global church in a vital capacity for many years and yet most churchgoers are unaware of his significance. This is unfortunate, especially considering that even though he’s a brilliant and gifted theologian, many of his books are incredibly accessible for the non-academic.

Joy Richardson,
Kelowna, B.C.

God is Father

Re “Poverty of language” (Letters, September). I have no problem referring to God as Spirit. However, in the gospel of John alone, Jesus refers to God as “Father” approximately 108 times – never as “Mother” or “she.” I prefer to accept Scripture in a simple and straightforward way. God chose to be called Father by his Son. This is sufficient for me.

Bert Epp,
Altona, Man.

Bookstores with a mission

Re “Are Christian bookstores ethical?” (Viewpoint, August). The wide brush that Kathleen Busch used to paint Christian booksellers didn’t portray a fair or accurate picture.

Christian Booksellers Association (CBA) is an association of booksellers, not a marketing firm that introduces products. Ms. Busch stated that CBA introduced “Jesus Junk” – in fact, it’s suppliers who offer Jesus novelties. She stated that the music “all sounds the same” and “musicians only know three chords.” However, we carry a wide variety of musical styles and are pleased to introduce young independent artists along with the music of accomplished veterans.

Ms. Busch says Christian booksellers “need to stop feeding people candy and start offering substance.” In our home, we repeatedly discuss how to highlight what we call “important books” and not just sell the “popular books.” We choose to stock these books even if they don’t sell as quickly.

I’ve sold Christian books for nearly 35 years. Our primary mission has always been to provide resources for Christians to help them grow in their walk with God. As a former member and chair of CBA Canada, I’ve had opportunity to meet hundreds of Christian booksellers. I can verify they share a similar mission. I invite you to explore your local Christian bookstores and their websites.

It’s the heart of the mission that drives the Christian bookselling industry and it’s the needed financial profit that allows the bookstores to stay open.

Lando Klassen,
Owner, House of James
Abbotsford, B.C.

Plan ahead

Re “Pills, prayers, and priorities” (Features, August). Mr. Copper wrote a good article about making decisions about our health based on our values. Certainly many families find it difficult to make decisions when under pressure, or experiencing loss and grief. However, in the absence of specific directives, their responsibility is to decide what the person they love would have decided, were they able to do so. To add to the complexity, each province in Canada has different legislation about how health care decisions are made when a patient is incapable of making them.

Fraser Health Authority in B.C. has a program called Advance Care Planning that can help families. “Talking to your family and friends about what level of care you do and don’t want in the future will decrease their anxiety and help them feel confident should there come a time when they have to make decisions for you.”

Helen Esau Ho,
Abbotsford, B.C.