Readers write: April 14, 2014 issue
Writer stands up for the victims of John Howard Yoder’s abuse Re: “MennoMedia questioned over John Howard Yoder disclaimer” letter, March 3, page 11. There are a number of misconceptions in this letter that need to be addressed: • The fact that Yoder’s behaviour is addressed at this time is because it was not addressed…
Thinking biblically about sex
Be honest, you’re only reading this because of the title. Yup, you have issues. But so do I. My understanding of sex was shaped within the context of my small-town church community and wider family. Pretty much everywhere there was blushing at that dirty word. Then I got married to a beautiful woman. The transition…
A cry for equality
Some may consider the following to be stated too strongly, but these are the realities for many native people. Native Christians understand that non-native churches, denominations and Christians do not expect native people to be trustworthy with the gospel, finances or any responsibilities presented to them for ministry. There is still a strongly held assumption…
What gets missed at meetings?
Meetings are always interesting, as they take on personalities of their own. And groups develop their own style or flavour. The 2014 Mennonite Church Alberta annual meeting was no different. In 2013, MC Alberta spent more than it received, so this was front and centre as we looked at our 2014 budget. Some strongly encouraged…
An affirmation of celibacy
Having read “Between horizons: Biblical perspectives on human sexuality” (the fifth Being a Faithful Church [BFC] document), I found myself questioning once again how we approach the intertwined issues of singleness and celibacy—abstaining from sexual activity. In any discussion of sexuality, what we believe about celibacy often unconsciously informs our assumptions and frames our conversation.…
Readers write: Mar. 31, 2014 issue
Mandela refused to renounce violence to get out of prison Re: “Lessons to be learned from Nelson Mandela” letter, Feb. 3, page 11. Nelson Mandela was an admirable figure, no doubt, but I am always a bit perplexed when he is described as being nonviolent. I wonder if he’s being confused with his countryman, Desmond…
The prophet margin
In our rush to welcome Jesus, we often skip those who paved the way for him. Consider the prophets, who tend to be marginalized by others or by themselves. The margins they occupy actually become the focus for people and their real-life stories. Prophets often represent a paradox. They call for repentance and radical change…
A reluctant traveller
When the door opens, do you hesitate, turn aside or walk through? It probably depends on the door, right? A big door opened when I was invited to join a Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) program review team in South Africa. In the end, I walked through, but certainly with some hesitation. I am not an…
A ri$ky topic to ignore
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be…
Integrated wholeness
In my last “Spirit attunement” column, March 3, page 14, I explained why I believe “wilderness seasons” and solitude are essential for many individual’s spiritual vitality. However, it is noteworthy that Spirit attunement always happens in the context of community in the Christian tradition. When Pentecost occurs in Acts 2, the disciples are gathered together…
