I must express my profound disappointment and sorrow that you chose to print such a mean-spirited letter from a reader (who I will leave nameless) in your April issue directed towards Paine Proffitt’s illustrations (appearing in the December issue). It was a serious lapse in judgement. As Christians, we are called to encourage one another, not to tear each other down. It’s one thing to disagree with someone’s point of view (which we must do with love and respect), but to throw cheap shots at someone because you don’t happen to appreciate his/her talent is inexcusable.
The writer resorted to childishness by mocking the artist’s name and casting horrible aspersians about the artist’s intent. His comments served no good purpose and were in no way a witness to the loving heart of God. The editorship owes the artist an apology. I hope this is a singular incident, but I will discontinue my subscription to the Lutheran Witness if it happens again. Personally, I find Proffitt’s illustrations fresh, charming, and alive with vivid color and contrast.
Sincerely,
Melinda Lein
I just received the April ’08 issue of The Lutheran Witness and was quite taken aback by the letter you printed on page 27 from John Knuppel.
For you to publish what certainly appears to be a personal (and unnecessarily harsh) comment is offensive. We expect better editing than this. It’s one thing to comment on art, and another to denigrate the artist who is only attempting to use their God-given gifts. You apparently missed the distinction.
Terry Herzberg
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