Concert disaster a wake-up call

Why did God allow the April 25 Starfield church concert disaster in Abbotsford?

When I came out of the counterculture into a walk with Christ in 1970, part of the culture where I hung out in San Francisco involved bumping and grinding all night at the Fillmore and the Avalon.

I speak for all those who were called out of it at the same time, when I say the Lord made it quite clear he was going to ensure the break was radical, and permanent.  

“Forget about bringing this into my economy,” was God’s message. “I’m doing a new thing, and it’s not your thing.”

For more than 35 years, I’ve seen evangelicals digging castoffs out of the culture dumpster, trying to be relevant, padding out their gospel – thinking that if they build a better mosh pit, the world will beat a path to their youth group.

I’d say the pastor of this congregation is still in the running – because he got a wake up call and a slice of God’s mercy, before his thing went totally south.  

Maybe after doing his hospital rounds and counselling his confused flock, a good think might do him a world of good.

Carlo Salvagente,

Victoria

Maclean’s case a test of freedoms

Popular author and columnist Mark Steyn will sit before the BC Human Rights Tribunal June 2. He will be there to hear a complaint against Maclean’s magazine, regarding an article he has written.

The complaint was launched by a consortium of Muslim law students. Many people are concerned that, if they win, this could be the beginning of curtailing free speech in Canada.  

Most of the things I have read by Steyn include observations others have also made concerning the leanings of the Canadian Human Rights Commission. I believe the commission has taken liberties with truth.

I think most of us would agree that, while we may not agree with everything we hear and read, we recognize that freedom of speech is a foundation stone of Canada. 

We must not allow the Commission to find Maclean’s or Steyn guilty.  If they are found guilty, then the commission can attack anything at will – even the church.

Margie Ravn, Vancouver

Anti-U.S. worldview is untruthful

Re: ‘West has moral debt toward Africa’ (Readers’ Forum, April):

Part of this letter claims, falsely, that Canada is occupying Afghanistan.

The writer also claims Canada is a vassal country of the United States.

Everyone is entitled to their opinions, but everyone should also tell the truth. For example, China does occupy Tibet – that much we know!

There are 30 countries in Afghanistan, who have thousands of helpers in the country.

As for the USA: it is only a powerful underdog in ‘world opinion’ –  and it has no reliable followers.

Ralph Forshaw, Nanaimo

The truth behind ‘Amazing Grace’

‘The impact of Amazing Grace’ (May) states that this year “marks the 250th anniversary of [John] Newton’s beginning to preach the gospel, and 235 years since Newton penned the words to ‘Amazing Grace.’”

‘Amazing Grace’ was penned while Newton waited in an African harbour for a shipment of slaves. Author Steve Turner comments:

“Arlo Guthrie tells the story onstage that Newton was transporting slaves and the storm hit the boat. He was converted on the spot, changed his mind about slavery, took the slaves back to Africa, released them, came back to England, and wrote the song.

“That would be nice. That would be the way we’d like to write the story. But the fact is that he took years and years before he came to the abolition position.”

It wasn’t until 1780 that Newton began to express regrets about his part in the slave trade – 32 years after his conversion. In 1785, he began speaking out against slavery, and continued to do so until his death in 1807.

David Buckna, Kelowna

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Puzzled by writer’s ‘reality check’

Re: ‘A reality check on homelessness’ (Readers’ Forum, April): After reading this letter a few times, I am left with a few questions. 

First, how would the writer define ‘work’ that is worthy of receiving food? To my knowledge, Jesus, in his last three years of ministry, did not have paid employment.    

Is ‘work’ defined as only paid work? 

Second, I’m curious to know if the writer, while observing the four persons in McDonalds who were able to purchase a meal while struggling with addictions, wondered what led these people to become addicted to drugs. 

My perception is that people come to be addicted to drugs because of complex issues, and intersecting oppressions. Is it fair to simplify and measure a person’s adversities? 

Third, I am left to wonder how ‘human rights’ could be defined as a “secular obsession.” I don’t believe that receiving a free bowl of soup and a hot coffee sustains or encourages a person to live with homelessness and addictions. 

The issues that perpetuate homelessness are far more complex than a free bowl of soup.  In this context, my perception is that mercy triumphs over judgment.

Annette De Boer, Victoria  

Tithing still divides our readers

Re T. Moorthie’s letter (‘Tithing is a blessing to the giver,’ May), concerning my own letter on tithing: Moorthie says “the New Testament does not teach on tithing, but neither does it say not to tithe.” Actually, indirectly it does teach against tithing.

Tithing was part of the ceremonial approach to God during the Old Testament times. When Jesus died, he fulfilled the ceremonial requirements of the law. So to preach tithing is to deny Christ’s finished work on the cross.

Moorthie then argues there are 28 references to tithing in the Old Testament – and therefore concludes, “it must be something God wants us to do.” Based on that logic, we should be offering animal sacrifices because there are at least 28 references to that as well.

Moorthie then asks an excellent question: “If we don’t tithe and pay clergy and other staff, how will they live?” Paul, who was engaged in full time ministry, made it clear he did not accept one penny from any of the churches he ministered to. Paul trusted God to meet his needs. Pastors should do the same.

Jesus said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” These words have nothing to do with giving money. Paul was giving his ministry to people freely, not his money. Anytime a pastor quotes these words to receive the ‘offering,’ which is completely unscriptural, he is using the word of God for personal financial gain.

Earl Banks, North Vancouver

Tithing is mentioned in the New Testament, in Luke 11:42, Luke  18:12 and elsewhere.  

Ten percent may not be specified, but giving is – see Acts 4:32 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-8) – and that’s what tithing is all about.  

All things belong to God, and he provides all things. He provides for his church by using us as his instrument, as he does  for other things. Therefore, giving to the church is giving to God. We do not  give anything to heaven – nor are we expected to.  

Our offerings to the church are for its maintenance. Part of it goes to the  leaders, as they are doing God’s work and ministering his word.

The church evangelizes the world through the Holy Spirit – which is in us.  We all know  giving is involved ­ – giving not only of ourselves, but also money.  

In giving, the Bible says we will prosper; if it is God’s will, it will be financially. We will surely prosper by growing spiritually in our trust,  belief and faith in God.

D. Hesse, Burnaby

Jesus mentioned tithing in Matthew 23:23:

“Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithes of mint, and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.”

Cherryl Katnich, Maple Ridge

June 2008