Letters to the editor

Core values

I was greatly heartened last summer to read that the following core values were adopted at the Canadian MB Conference, although with some dissension: Searching the Scriptures; Encountering Jesus as Lord; Reconciling people; Valuing covenant community; Extending the kingdom. The statements on the authority of the Bible and on Jesus as the way to God stake out firm and essential positions on the two most important issues facing the Christian church.

I was therefore dismayed to read a revised set of core values in "A pastoral letter to the Mennonite Brethren congregations in Canada and the United States" (Nov. 8): Authentic personal faith; Doctrinal agreement; Mission/evangelism; Discipleship/leadership training.

The dropping of our historic peace position to make the product marketable in the US, while regrettable, is not unexpected. However, the dropping of any explicit reference to the authority of the Bible and the uniqueness of Christ, and the emphasis on doctrinal agreement (as opposed to correct doctrine) leaves a set of hollow core values which would be acceptable equally to Muslims and Mormons. Boschman reminds us that "structural changes . . . do not change our individual and corporate spiritual condition". True. Nor do core statements. However, carelessly drafted and truncated core statements may do more harm than good.

Frank Penner,
Winnipeg, Man.

(Boschman clarifies that the statements in question were not a revision of the Canadian Conference core values but a brief summary of General Conference ministries intended to guide discussion at a meeting. The 1990 General Conference Vision Statement and the Confession of Faith affirm the peace position, the authority of Scripture and the uniqueness of Christ. Ed.)

Another perspective

Lately I've been reading material given to me by a co-worker. The subject matter concerns society's position on who Jesus is and other beliefs that I cannot agree with because they are contrary to my interpretation of Scripture. What I appreciate about the Herald, and what is absent from the above mentioned material, is that the authors' names are published along with the articles.

Thanks for a publication that represents Christ and the MB churches.

Rudy Hiebert,
Abbotsford, B.C.

Dancing

Re the letter "Bible-based" (Dec. 6):

I doubt if the Scripture used says we could go to the dance halls of today or use that type of music. How many men dance with men, and women with women for joy? Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but I believe in the Bible teachings of yesterday, today and forever: "Be separate from the world so your light can shine."

Ellwood H. Thompson,
St. Catharines, Ont.

Thank you

Thank you for helping us to do evangelism with Encounter--a positive way to reach into the hearts of people.

D.A. Dyck,
Winnipeg, Man.

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