You highlighted 50 lives changed by compassionate Christian action (“50 Faces of Mercy,” March). Captivated, I read each and every story. Well done. Paul KochBowie, Md.   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

Dr. Gerhard Bode, in “The Gift of the Holy Spirit” (May 2008), had the right idea when he wrote, “The Holy Spirit active in the apostles on Pentecost is the same Spirit who works in believers today.” But he really did not say how, when, or why this is true. How can you write an

Thanks for including that deeply moving, faith-filled article by Edie Sodowsky about her mother’s mind and body slipping away, and their last time together. It’s the kind of story to which almost all of us can relate. So please give us more. Arthur SimonBowie, Md.   Read More Letters to the Editor Send letters to

It was with great delight that I read the May article that featured Dr. Dien Ashley Taylor. I met Dr. Taylor at Fordham University when we were both pursuing studies for the doctoral program. He not only excelled in his academic studies but also became noted as a talented musician. Dr. Taylor freely shared his

Thank you for your cover on the May 2008 issue of The Lutheran Witness. I have waited for such a cover for years. This is what God’s people are all about: 2008, new life, Baptism, joy, sharing, calling to confession, receiving forgiveness, vibrant, full of the power of the Spirit, and, you guessed it, it

Dorothy Staub writes concerning “grotesque, repulsive covers for The Lutheran Witness” (“Positive covers, please!” May 2008, Letters), specifically in apparent reference to the March 2008 issue featuring the painting The Three Marys at the Tomb, by William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825–1905). In response to Mrs. Staub’s concern, I would like to offer a couple of points. First,

While individuals and groups today assert a variety of definitions for marriage, our heavenly Father always intended it to be the lifelong union of one man and one woman.

Having extensively researched the history of cremation and then published my book Ashes to Ashes or Dust to Dust: A Biblical and Christian Examination of Cremation (Regina Orthodox Press, 2005), I was deeply saddened to read Dr. William Knippa’s April “Family Counselor” response to a question about cremation. His counsel simply reflects our secular culture’s

The new DVD “Children Making Music” highlights music as a gift from God that enriches life in the church and beyond.

A Minnesota LCMS family honors a wedding-day tradition born out of both taste and economics.

For two millenia, the apostle Paul and his writings have been central to the history of the Christian faith.

Recently, in a Sunday School class I was visiting in an LCMS church, someone asked a question—and the pastor answered—regarding “degrees of glory.” Is this something the Lutheran Church teaches? I have been a Lutheran Christian all of my life and don’t recall ever having heard about “degrees of glory” before. Or have I just