Letters

I took (and still take) great offence at atheist bus slogans (Letters, May), but I am not about to criticize our church for daring to stand up and do battle with them.

Atheism as an organization seeks to take people away from church and, more importantly, from God. If we as Christians are true to our calling, we must act; our faith demands it. Our own slogan might not have been the best response, but at least we did something. Good for us!



Rev. Bob Mercer
Saint John, N.B.

As I read the reference to Emerging Spirit’s “fashioning a smart new image” (Observations, April), I couldn’t help but think that we are overly concerned about what the yuppie demographic thinks of us. Some of the $10 million spent on such things as “cheeky magazine ads” might have saved some of our small, struggling congregations or provided transitional pastoral care for those grieving the loss of their communities. Instead of trying to prove something to the neighbours, we should be spending some of that time and money making our own households healthier. (I am not advocating expenditure for church buildings.)

Faye Chisholm
Vancouver

The Question Box (May) response to the question about a minister who referred to biblical stories as myths would have been more helpful if columnist David McKane had explained that the word has a different meaning in everyday use than in the study of religion.

In everyday use it means false, but for scholars of religion it is a story that the people who tell it believe to be
profoundly true. McKane rightly points out that saying biblical stories are metaphors does not make the stories works of mere fiction, but he fails to point out that biblical stories can have both historical and metaphorical elements.

Contrary to McKane’s closing words, we live by both faith and fact.

Michael Bourgeois
Toronto

We do not take the Bible literally in the United Church, but apparently we are supposed to believe that God really did ask us to give away 10 percent of our income (At Issue, May). In my church, we are not asked to tithe, but our treasurer does a good job of “reminding us” when it is necessary. The money always seems to come when it is needed.

J. Lloyd
Brantford, Ont.

“Rounding up the lost sheep” (Church-wise, May) touched my heart. To assume members have drifted away because of anger or disagreement is to miss an opportunity to minister to those who may be experiencing spiritual dilemmas, family transitions, illness or any number of challenges. Re-entering church life can be daunting to those who have been away for several years, and I applaud a focus on personal contact and small group interactions. Edmonton’s Gilchrist United (now Spirit West) did something a little different. They continued my Observer subscription, a meaningful way to let me know every month that I am part of who they are.

Linda Moisey
Edmonton

No member of the United Church is ever erased from the rolls. The rolls may become obsolete as members move to other areas or cease to attend, but all remain on the historic roll, with notations. Membership lists, rather than rolls, should be the correct forum for keeping up to date with the people of a congregation.



Shirley Sherman
Yarmouth, N.S.

I don’t believe in the physical resurrection (Web poll, April). But I’d like to explain.

Roman crucifixions were designed not only to kill but also to ensure that the victim was forgotten. The bodies were either left for vultures or thrown into an unmarked pit. That does not negate the resurrection. That was the transformation of the apostles. When the crucifixion occurred, they all “forsook him and fled.” In time, they became convinced that death could not defeat their leader and went on to build his church.

Paul, the earliest biblical writer, says Christ “died and was buried” with no mention of a tomb. The crucifixion stories in the Gospels are all different and were told, I believe, not to relate history but to convey their conviction that death could not put an end to Jesus.

Don Ewing
Guelph, Ont.

I think our moderator has it right (Cover story, April). It is important for us to recover the pivotal stories of our faith tradition and unwrap them from the layers of padding that soften their intended impact. In the waning days of many of our congregations, this just might be the spark we need to rekindle our communities of faith and give congregational life new meaning.

Rose-Hannah Gaskin
Ladner, B.C.

I believe Jesus was physically raised from the dead with a new body that was not bound by time and space. Note his appearances to the disciples behind locked doors, or joining them on the road to Emmaus. These appearances were to prove to his disciples and future Christians that this is the future destiny of his followers. This is the hinge on which Christianity stands and why it has been such a dynamic force in the world.



Lloyd Colbourne
Roberts Arm, Nfld.

Letters to the editor about atheism (April) spoke of proof, ethical actions and reasoning for or against belief. Historically, God has invaded people’s lives through inspiration, visions, voices or actions.

From time to time, I experience God’s presence overwhelmingly and unquestionably. I have met United Church people in various locales who have similarly experienced or continue to experience God’s presence.



Rev. Dale Burkart
Toronto

It would appear that atheists never ask themselves what or where God might be. For that matter, I don’t think many religious people ask either. Is God the life-giving sunlight the Egyptians worshipped? Is God collective consciousness?

I prefer Carl Jung, who believed God was in the subconscious mind. That is where symbols are formed and where enlightenment originates. I like that God, but can never understand why it has to be worshipped.

The God I believe in is there to be used, and the faster we use it to re-green the planet and put an end to war and hunger, the better.



Kay Parley
Saskatoon

The report on diaconal ministers (This United Church, March) sadly echoes my experience. While diaconal ministers may feel second-class, it may comfort them to learn that support staff (musicians, office) make up a third class. In the past two United churches in which I have worked as music director, staff members were prevented from participating in a review process initiated by Ottawa Presbytery. It appears Presbytery places no importance on our input. In a church that gives so much emphasis to inclusion, this sends a very toxic message.



Scott Auchinleck
Ottawa