Letters to the editor
Why should we change?
I enjoyed Brian Stiller's article (Jan. 9). If others view us so positively, why are we so intent on change? True, some of our traditions may not contribute much to our relationship with Christ or the gospel and could be thrown out, but why throw everything out and try to be something we are not? Too often we throw out the baby with the bath water.
Peter Hamm, (E)
Chilliwack, B.C.
Christian rock music
As a Christian and a musician, I enter my opinion on the ability of rock music to glorify God.
To say that Christian rock is nothing more than secular music with Christian lyrics is in effect questioning the faith of the musician. Not all Christian rock has the strongest message, but that can be said about Christian country music, gospel music, praise and worship and even some hymns. As a listener, it is important to judge lyrics for merit and sincerity, but to single out one style of music as ineffectual is wrong. Different generations have different tastes in music styles, and it has been that way throughout history. To say that a certain style is not compatible with spreading the gospel purely because it does not match your taste is greatly underestimating the power of the Holy Spirit.
Ben Harapiak, (E)
Winnipeg, Man.
Good balance
Compliments on the editorial "Is mission interest declining?" (Jan. 23). I
haven't read anything that puts the situation in such a good perspective (balancing the need for new creative mission endeavours and the need for an established agency such as MBMS International).
Walter Fast, (E)
Lemgo, Germany
Greatest impact
Thank you for the Jan. 9 issue, specifically Susan Brandt's editorial and the articles by Mark Johnson, Brian Stiller and Jeanine Janzen. This Herald has impacted me the most since the sexual abuse issues of several years ago. The articles deal with provocative subjects that may get you in trouble, but it's worth the risk. There's a lot at stake for the MB Church if it hopes to stay vital in the coming years.
Name Withheld (E)
No good reason for story
Re "Teacher dismissed" (Nov. 7): I cannot find any good reason why this type
of information needs to be made public. The incident was a tragedy, and dealt with by those involved. The school handled the matter properly, and that should be the end of the story. What is the benefit of going public to the teacher, student or families involved?
Richard Friesen,
Abbotsford, B.C.
Forgiveness a disservice
I agree with the Stobbes (Letters, Jan. 9) that it is not necessary to print articles dealing with sexual abuse. These cases are damaging enough for everyone involved, especially the victim. To tell all is of no benefit to anyone.
Second, it is not our right to forgive the perpetrator. In dealing with such cases, I have found that there is usually more than one victim and that the perpetrator only admits to the sin he is caught in, if that. By offering forgiveness to the abuser, we are doing a disservice. Forgiveness is a very important step for all involved. However, the victim has the right to offer that only when she has healed from the wrongs done to her. Read some books on sexual abuse and the steps a victim has to take in order to have healing. The appropriate "biblical process" is to not interfere with the law, rather to take the steps necessary for reconciliation.
The victim and her family may also receive the Herald, and printing letters like the Stobbes' adds to the hurt already there.
Jackie Reimer,
Calgary, Alta.
Cultural practices should be maintained
I was saddened by "Cultural Memories" (Jan. 9). The Mennonite culture is
based on the holy Scriptures. The Mennonites at one time forbade women to wear make-up or curl their hair, for it would be showing pride (James 4:10). There are many more examples of good old-fashioned Mennonite cultural practices that should have been kept. Our church's doctrine has been so watered down over the years that many churches are Mennonite in name only. The end of the article should be changed to: "Can we keep our cultural practices that bind us together and help us focus on God and obey Him?"
Harold Henschel,
Dawson Creek, B.C.
New cultural memories
The articles by Mark Johnson and Brian Stiller (Jan. 9) reflect a continuing struggle in our denomination.
The invitation of Catherine the Great for Mennonites to settle in the Ukraine had many conditions, but there was no specific prohibition to evangelize. There was in Catherine's Manifesto a prohibition to build monasteries, since these were seen as training institutions for those who might seek to gain converts. The Russian legal code did prohibit proselytizing among the Orthodox, because that was the state religion. But there is no indication that this was even an issue. Proselytizing was generally not allowed in other societies either, and Mennonites did not find that unusual. Furthermore, many Mennonites did seek to evangelize among the native population as well as among fellow Mennonites.
The exuberant movement was much more than excessive emotionalism, although that was part of it. It involved a false freedom, which led to immorality, and a strong authoritarianism, which led to arbitrary banning, etc. Nevertheless, I do think that we have inherited an unhealthy fear of emotionalism.
Cultural memories may be good or bad. Whatever is negative about our cultural memories, let's deal with. Let us also be aware that we are accumulating a new set of cultural memories which also have a mixed character. We never live in a cultural vacuum or in a culturally neutral environment. What are the cultural issues in our society that we should be addressing?
Brian Stiller points to some positive things that anabaptists can bring to others. While I do not think that we should strive toward a particular imbalance in our church to offset an opposite imbalance in another denomination, or that there is virtue in pluralism as such, we need to get rid of the sense of embarrassment which many of us still have in relation to our religious heritage. We should boldly pronounce the full gospel as God gives us grace to understand it.
Abe Dueck,
Winnipeg, Man.
We need to reach out
I enjoyed Susan Brandt's editorial (Jan. 9). Her comments were pointed without being critical and reminded us all of the need to reach out even where our feelings of comfort and safety may be slightly infringed upon.
Tanya Roberts,
Fort St. John, B.C.
Warning needed
Re Nellie Taylor's letter (Dec. 12): John Redekop (Oct. 24) well describes my own family's experience with a lying police officer. Not every member of the police force is an upholder of the truth or a protector of the law-abiding citizen. Why should we not be forewarned? God warned Joseph against the evil intentions of Herod. Jesus expressed many a "beware" re religious leaders, teachings, etc. (Matthew 7:15). Paul gave warnings against evil men (Philippians 3:2, II Timothy 4:14,15).
Frieda Dyck,
Langham, Sask.
Next language--Czech?
I wish I could have the fall, 1997 Encounter in the Czech language and send it to the people in the country I came from.
Anna Hejret,
Winnipeg, Man.
Musicians and Christians
Kevin Miller's "Christian music ain't got no soul" (Dec. 12) struck a
chord--a power chord struck through a seriously overdriven Marshall and possibly a few outboard effects. As a former member of a successful Top 40 band, our "mission statement" was to first be a good band. We worked hard at being good musicians. We began our career as "the loud band from Clearbrook MB", finding much of our musical inspiration from secular bands, often being frustrated by a lack of Christian music and musicianship.
Now, on the eve of my 40th birthday, I praise God to be able to work on a first CD. This is possible due to support by the secular music market--on the strength of the music. I agree that "Christian bands are following trends rather than setting them." I am not stating that we are radically breaking new ground; however, several of the people involved in our project are in the middle of what's currently happening. Art is important, not more important than the message, but as a showcase for the Word. We hope to be true artists and have people know us as musicians and Christians.
Henry Peters, (E)
Vancouver, B.C.
Not in good taste
Kevin Miller's article (Dec. 12) was unbalanced.
First, I can't swallow the claim that secular music begins to "creep back into"
one's life. How does this happen, exactly? Do CDs on little legs come into the house while unsuspecting Christians are away and turn the stereo on so the music puts the Christians in a hypnotic trance when they enter their home? Of course not. We freely choose the music we listen to, as we choose most of the things that influence our Christian growth. It is critical for us to take responsibility for these choices. Not all secular music is bad for Christians. It is one of those disputable matters (Romans 14), and we all must judge for ourselves.
Second, Miller's claim that most Christian rock music is "not very good" is
absurd since it is so subjective and general. Give some examples of popular Christian rock artists (other than the heavy metals ones mentioned--how many Herald readers are familiar with them?) and how they mimic secular counterparts or lack a worthy Christian message, and then you'll have a sound argument. I listen to a lot of Christian music and find it enjoyable and thought-provoking. Steven Curtis Chapman, Clay Cross, Crystal Lewis, Michael W. Smith and the late Rich Mullins are excellent musicians being used by God to convey His message. Miller's taste in music could be relatively new on the Christian scene, but have patience. If God wants His message spread through that music, I'm sure it will flourish.
Usually Herald articles are balanced and well thought out. This one fell short.
Muriel Wells,
Delta, B.C.
Heresy not appropriate
I was surprised and dismayed by Jim Pankratz's "Incarnation and Worship"
(Dec. 12). There is a distinct difference between a public worship service and a Christian's life in the church or in the world. In a public worship service, we should focus our attention on God alone. There must be a refuge for the believer from the accosting of our souls by the world and our personal shortcomings and temptations. The worship service is where believers draw strength and inspiration for their pilgrimage. In the early church's meetings, there was preaching, prayer, Scripture reading and the Lord's Supper. It was unfortunate that the topic of worship was used largely for addressing social concerns. The Christian should know how to do good, pointing to Christ by showing love and compassion. This is what church life is all about. But this is not the public worship service. What really is bad about this article is that a church service was called heresy. Many Christians have lost their lives for being accused heretics.
Paul Wiebe,
Winnipeg, Man.
Another view of music
I'm a 17-year-old. Roland Derksen (Letters, Feb. 6) states that the common elements of rock music ("loud volume, heavy beat, discordant instrumentation") have been historically identified with "social restlessness, dissatisfaction and rebellion". It does not matter if rock music has been "historically identified" with these things.
There is no proof of this. The volume at which music is played is irrelevant. Classical music can just as easily be played at a loud volume. Heavy beat and discordant instrumentation only apply to some songs, and there is nothing wrong with them. I listen to alternative/punk Christian music, and I have confidence that if any adult I know was asked to describe my character, "social restlessness, dissatisfaction and rebellion" would not be among the words they chose.
I agree that lyrics can affect the listener, which is why I choose to listen to Christian music. I do not agree that music communicates as much through its sound as it does through its lyrics. It is simply a matter of taste. Who's to say that just because someone has become a Christian, they can no longer play drums or electric guitar?
Derksen summed up Philippians 4:8 as "Seek music that is lovely and inspiring to
hear, not just for theologically correct vocals." The verse says to think on lovely things, not listen to lovely music. Who is he to say that my music isn't lovely and inspiring to my ears? If the vocals are giving Christian messages, then I am thinking on lovely things when I listen to the songs. Please don't twist Scripture into saying what you want it to say.
Cara Pauls, (E)
St. Catharines, Ont.
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