Personal faith required
Re “Emerging adulthood: A new stage on the journey?” (Features, July). In his article, Gil Dueck states that “the child who inherits a belief in Jesus Christ will become the adult that loves him and commits to following him.” To use the word “inherit” diminishes the basics of Scripture that each one of us needs to make faith in Jesus Christ our own. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). John the Baptist also warned that we could not rely on “Abraham as our father” and that we need to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance” (Luke 3:8).
Darlene Martens
Ruthven, Ont.
Protect the innocent
Our confession of faith claims we are opposed to “state-sanctioned violence.” Really? In Canada, abortion is not only sanctioned, it is legal until the time of birth! Humanity’s most innocent are wrenched from what should be their safest place, the womb, at the rate of 100,000 each year.
Surprisingly, we have no pamphlet on abortion in our board of faith and life pamphlet series, although we do on such issues as euthanasia. Are we are not prepared to address the most blatant violation of our claims?
Proverbs 31:8–9 says, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” When will we as Mennonite Brethren speak on behalf of those who have no voice? Address this egregious act against our most defenseless?
Help equip our youth, men, and women who are bombarded with disinformation? Intentionally offer healing to those who have destroyed the life of an unborn child?
Marcyne Heinrichs
Abbotsford, B.C.
Too much of a fairy tale
Re “Applauding unpopular stance” (Letters, August). Northview member Jessica Ross reports “feeling freed by [her] church’s decision to make clear the biblical roles of men and women,” referencing the teachings of Paul. I found myself confused as I reread Paul’s teachings to Timothy and found that he clearly presented them as his own, without reflection on the teachings of Christ. Unlike Paul, Jesus was criticized for elevating women from their culturally appropriate place.
I’m a 21st-century Christian woman accustomed to experiencing equality with men at home, in the workplace, and at church. Being an equal is far less convenient than being silent as Paul prescribed; it takes a lot of work and mutual accountability between genders.
I believe Northview’s position on this matter is most attractive to men who find their identity in tightly prescribed and exclusive roles, and to women looking for knights in shining armour – I personally think it’s all just a little too much of a fairy tale.
Nellie Taylor
Abbotsford, B.C.
