Letters to the editor

Christians should remain apolitical

I am writing about the open letter to the Minister of Finance (March 21). In general, I find John Redekop's articles thought-provoking and an encouragement to effective Christian living.

Christians, like other Canadians, should be free to participate in government. We should also promote a higher moral and ethical standard in government decision making, whether serving on Parliament Hill or writing letters to those who do. However, I am not convinced that printing political advice in the MB Herald enhances its unique ministry.

Jesus' thought-provoking comments fostered a higher moral and ethical standard in many of those He met. Yet He chose to remain apolitical and focussed on His mission. In our corporate witness as MBs, perhaps we should follow suit.

Steve Spenler, (E)
Kitchener, Ont.

TV and MBs

Burton Buller's "Mystical barriers to television's influence" (Nov. 22) emphasized that TV is powerless to influence believing MBs but is a danger to the morals of the rest of North American society.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Television affects all of its viewers. GM, Ford, Molson's, etc. believe in the ability of TV and other media to influence the minds of all who watch.

Few people's deeply held convictions can be instantly changed by watching TV. Likewise, GM, Ford, etc. don't expect you to jump off the sofa on their first commercial, rush out and buy their product. But notice how many times ads repeat themselves. Advertisers know as well as Satan does that repetition is necessary to influence and eventually motivate the viewer. Desensitization and demoralization take timenot too fast or you'll shock somebody. No man is an island, and no one who watches TV can remain uninfluenced by it. If the truth is otherwise, then why does MB Communications spend money for broadcasting?

As Christians, it is our responsibility to identify TV's capacity to be morally destructive, not only in our society but also in our own lives. Albert Einstein said: "The world is a dangerous place to live in not because of those who do evil, but because of those who watch and let it happen."

Jim Gowanlock,
Orillia, Ont.

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