Together with All Creatures
‘I believe that God made me together with all creatures.’ What does this mean in light of the increasing cultural emphasis on Earth Day (April 22) and the environment?
The LCMS
Underlying questions
The Q&A column in the February Lutheran Witness, “Whom May I Commune,” was most distressing. There are some underlying questions that were not addressed: First, where were our LCMS clergy, and what were they doing, or not doing? Second, what are our pastors teaching the members about close(d) Communion that even causes such questions to
Did She ‘Hear’ the Gospel?
He is risen!” was proclaimed large and loud in sign language and voice. The response in both languages: “He is risen indeed!”
The Mystery of the Missing Body
by Dr. Paul L. Maier Easter is the ultimate test of faith. The one great watershed that ultimately divides believers from unbelievers is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As St. Paul put it so categorically in 1 Cor. 15:14: “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is
What’s the Difference?
Your recent Q&A question from a Catholic “eucharistic minister” leads me to ask this question: How is Lutheranism different from Catholicism? —via the Internet At the risk of oversimplification, and keeping in mind that individual Lutheran (and Catholic) theologians would undoubtedly disagree about the success of recent Lutheran-Roman Catholic dialogues in lessening or even “resolving”
Understanding Islamic eschatology
Thank you, Dr. Furnish, for your February story, “Dueling Messiahs,” explaining the Islamic belief of Mahdism, and for showing how this belief influences politics in the Middle East. You have shown how important it is for Christians to understand the beliefs of Islam so that we can (1) be on guard against a foolish naiveté
Party Time?
by Dr. Randy Schroeder My 18-year-old son wants to host a party at our house—one that includes beer. His rationale is that he and his friends will end up drinking anyway, and at least at our house I’d be in control (no driving would be allowed). This, apparently, is OK with other parents. If I
Hot-button issues
Two articles in February pushed my political “hot buttons”: “In Bethlehem: Hope Behind the Wall” and “Dueling Messiahs.” Each presents only part of a hot political issue. Far worse, each misses an opportunity to share the Gospel. In discussing the Wall, Rev. Mahsman criticizes Israel without discussing Israel’s viewpoint. Of course, my reply leads us
Shedding Some Light
Not a Spot in Sight On Sunday, Feb. 15, the Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany, the Gospel Lesson included Mark 1:40–42: A man with leprosy came to Him and begged Him on his knees, “If you are willing, You can make me clean.” Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man.
Worth reading
Thank you for publishing “In Bethlehem: Hope Behind the Wall.” I wish more Americans would read this story. Phyllis MackaouiArroyo Grande, Calif. Read More Letters to the Editor Send letters to “Letters,” c/o The Lutheran Witness, 1333 S. Kirkwood Road, St. Louis, MO 63122-7295; or send them via e-mail to Lutheran.Witness@LCMS.org.
Easter in the Old Testament
by Rev. Benjamin Eder Easter is usually observed during the month of April, and for Christians, it is a day of rejoicing. We are a people of hope, for Christ is risen, and the Church boldly proclaims this Good News to the world. Sometimes the question is asked, “What hope did believers have in the
Creating a vacuum
In the letters section of the February Lutheran Witness, Mr. Cliff Pyle suggested that Dr. Loy was responsible for creating confusion and animosity, as well as a “theological vacuum” in his “Christmas Wars” article. Apparently, the offending words were those concerning Christ still being here and fighting these wars for us. I would suggest that