More thoughts on Catholicism

Re ‘In defense of Catholic theology’ (Readers’ Forum, January):

Our defense should always – and only – be a defense of Christ.

Nowhere in the Epistle of James, or in scripture, are prayers for the dead encouraged – or even stated.

Baptism for the dead is mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:29. The Greek for this can also mean baptized “because” of the dead – i.e., the reference is to the baptism of those influenced by the testimony of a Christian who had recently died, in the hope of being re-united with him at the resurrection.

Also, nowhere in scripture is it stated that Mary was conceived immaculately, blessed though she was.

As for Henry VIII and the Spanish Inquisition: both are sorry examples of Christianity, which reveal the depravity of mankind without the grace of God.

Yes, St. Paul recommended celibacy for missionaries; but in no way was it an iron-clad, life-long rule. Peter and other disciples had families.

We should strive to accomplish the final prayer of Jesus in John 17:20-26: “I do not pray for [my disciples] alone, but also for those who will believe in me through their word: that they all may be one – as you, Father, are in me, and I in you; that they also may be one in us, that the world may believe that you sent me.”

St. James, the Lord’s brother, wrote this: “Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!”

Cherryl Katnich, Maple Ridge

Where, in the Book of James, is the encouragement to pray for the dead? I have gone through it, and do not see that in the text anywhere.  I even did a word search on the computer.  The word “dead” comes up in these references in the NIV translation:

“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” (James 2:26)

“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:17)

As far as I can see, when James refers to praying and prayer, it is never used in terms of praying for the dead.  

If I am missing something, I would appreciate having it pointed out.

Colleen Giesbrecht, Abbotsford

In my previous letter (‘Be cautious about joining Rome,’ Readers’ Forum, November), I erroneously represented some Roman Catholic beliefs – which were already part of the church’s faith – as being added after the schism caused by Henry VIII in the 1500s.

For that, I apologize.

However, regardless of the date of introduction, the Anglican Church has been careful not to include any beliefs – as part of their worship – which are not found in the King James Bible.

In contrast, whenever a particular Pope sits on his throne and speaks ex cathedra, a new law becomes part of the Roman Catholic belief system.

Although there are many similarities between the two churches, there is at least this one important difference.

David Gale, Burnaby

Homeless – in my home church

Re: ‘Making a home in the Downtown Eastside’ (December):

‘Social justice,’ ‘poverty’ and ‘incarnational living’ are the buzzwords in a church I used to attend for a few years.  

This church has a strong position on justice for the poor and homelessness; it has a ministry serving meals to the less fortunate in the neighbourhood. It practices incarnational living, and encourages friendship with the marginalized – rather than charity alone.  

I used to be inspired by the radical welcome of strangers in the neighbourhood, and the practice of community living in this church – until one day I found myself homeless within my own church.

It is a sad reality for me to acknowledge the dichotomy between ministry commitment and relationship building in church.

When a church has exhausted its energy on social involvement, the personal lives of its members are compromised – and caring for its own family becomes secondary to the fight for social justice.  

I was drawn to the vision of a diverse Christian community when I first attended that church. It did teach me to speak up, and inform me of the social issues around the world. It was an exciting time to be a Christian soldier – until the day I fell ill, and needed the care of my own family members.

I then realized that no matter how energizing it was to fight for social justice, I needed the caring support of a friend and family member to help me recover from my physical injury.  

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When I found myself reaching out for the prayer support of people other than my own church, I painfully become aware of the importance of a family relationship.  

I am thankful for the Healing Room, and online prayer ministries such as the Crystal Cathedral. They have responded to my prayer requests, and helped me feel connected to a community of believers.  

Though they were people I had never met, they did respond to my needs. I felt encouraged knowing someone was praying for me.  I did not feel alone in my own poverty.  

Homelessness does not exist in the city alone – but it can be found within the church community. I am forever grateful for the Christian ministries around the world that reach beyond borders, to send the message of God’s love to the poor in spirit.  

L. Tang, Vancouver

Corporation heads must repent

With all due respect to Lyle Johnson (‘Climate change is only natural,’ Readers’ Forum, January): Who among us has enough God-given wisdom to determine what is natural, regarding weather changes?  

Is it natural for such a tsunami to occur as did the one that destroyed lives in south Asia? Was hurricane Katrina natural? Is it natural for so many people to suffer from the adverse weather we’ve seen in recent years?  

As for whether industry has helped destroy the climate, and our breathing space, I submit myself as proof of the damage they can do.  

I once worked for a doughnut company, which used poorly repaired vehicles. As a result of driving in an open cab in a postal style van, I suffered almost irreparable damage to my lungs from engine fumes or exhaust.

The owner of the company had the nerve to mock my concerns. Thankfully, my lungs recovered over time.

Industry is responsible for the rape and destruction of much of the surface world, and the oceans and rivers.

The heads of these corporations may end up accounting to the Lord Jesus Christ, if they don’t repent and turn from their evil ways.

Patrick Longworth, Surrey

Climate prompts heated debate

‘Is Canada the climate fossil of the decade?’ (January) drew the following online comments:

As Christian commentators, we need to be careful that we don't collapse under the weight of our own assumptions – in the way that proponents of both evolutionary theory and human caused global warming do!

Skeptical

Since when is a proven hoax a moral issue?

Maggie 

This is an excellent and thoughtful article. As a concerned grandmother, I believe that climate justice is essential, for future generations to thrive on this fragile planet.

Diane 

This article is pure bunk – and so unchristian. It is so full of lies, that one does not know where to start. Obviously, the writer knows nothing about living Christianly, where honesty is fundamental.

Observer

Thanks you for your thoughtful and well argued rebuttal, Observer.

Peter 

“Unchristian?” Wow.

Climate change is barely a debate anymore in the scientific community. Yet somehow, people want to defend their ‘Christian’ lifestyle (the most polluting to ever face the planet) – and toss aside the concept of stewardship for our Father's creation.

This isn’t about climate change. To me, it has far more to do with how we as Christians live, consume and care for our fellow creatures. We are part of creation, too.

But clearly, some still consider that consumptive lifestyle to be our right.

Dan

February 2010