Print this articleLetters to the editor
(Re: CTS town hall discusses Third Wave Pentecostalism, Kerux, 4 May 2007)
I read in the Kerux report that “[CTS professor] Avila noted that an emphasis on the gifts of the Spirit often leads to division and tension in churches as individuals begin to think themselves superior to others." Hmm: 1834, 1857, 1924, 1996. And that’s only us. How about the Baptist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Methodist, etc., divisions, all non-Spirit-emphasis groups? I don’t know of anything in church that does not lead to division and tension, from painting the walls to worship to Holy Spirit baptism.
Kenneth Rip
Pastor, Alliston (Ont.) CRC
(Re: Editorial: Childcare, not children, needed at graduation, Kerux, 19 March 2007)
I agree with the article that childcare is most likely needed at seminary graduation but I do believe there was a valuable point missing. The need for childcare so parents and spouses can take pictures of the graduates is perfectly understandable and commendable for Kerux to comment on. Childcare should be in place as an option for those who would like to videotape or take pictures.
The second aspect of the article sounded as if children under five should not be at graduation at all due to bad experiences in the past. I agree that children can be noisy and they may not understand what is going on. However, I am a seminary student with two children (ages one and three) and they sacrifice just as much as my spouse does so I can study. They have to wait for dad to come home while I am in classes. They need to hear dad tell them no when they want to play and I need to study. Several mothers deal with this same problem here at the seminary.
Children sacrifice just as much as spouses do in order for parents to receive their degree, and they have a right to be at graduation. I don’t agree with children running loose through the aisles as the article described, but when I graduate in the next two years, my children will be there with my wife, applauding and cheering as their dad walks down to receive that diploma. Their sacrifices and presence are just as important to me as anyone else’s.
Christopher Cassis, M.Div.
In his article on children and graduation, Christian Bell makes a correct observation; children can become a distraction. Children cause a distraction everywhere they go. I agree that children should not be allowed to run around the auditorium screaming and such.
However, it is very important for children to be there. It is true that the children themselves, especially those under five, do not understand what is going on around them. It is also true that they may prefer to be somewhere else. The celebration is not for them, but for the graduates. The moment of graduation is a great moment for the student and his whole family. Everyone has made sacrifices to be there, including his or her children. It is important for the student that his or her family be there as well. Not allowing the children to attend will be like disregarding a part of the student’s life.
Kids cause a distraction in church as well, and yet many people argue that we miss something in worship if we exclude our children. Many things in life that are important cause distractions. Some of these distractions can be limited if the parents pay attention to their children and try to keep them calm. It will be very important for me that my son Asher attends graduation. I do not want to have him in some childcare somewhere while I am celebrating one of the most memorable events in my life. I want to have him there with me, just like I want my parents, sisters, and grandparents.
It is a time to celebrate with my whole family, and not being allowed to have him there say that a part of my life is not welcome.
Chad Vandervalk, M.Div.
(Re: The Banner’s immodest proposal, Kerux, 19 March 2007)
I read the response to my article with interest. I am not sure I was quoted properly. “Hamstra is correct when he says that individual congregations are not the Church.” Both Scripture and our historic confessions teach that a local congregation is the church; they also speak of one universal, apostolic Church. Forgive me for insisting that we allow the Scriptures and our confessions to answer the question: “Is a denomination the church?” I have yet to find such a teaching in either the Word of God or our three standards of unity.
I believe the article includes assumptions about an “association.” I did not, for example, address the issue of mutual accountability. If I did, I would have stated that congregations would benefit from an “association” that provides accountability structures.
As for the perceptions about my loves, appreciations, and the like, clearly you don’t know me. I will drive to Grand Rapids and meet with anyone who would like to join the conversation. It seems Scripture requires that, given your feelings of anger, disappointment and grief.
Sam Hamstra
Pastor, Palos Heights (Ill.) CRC
(Re: Why I am a complementarian, Kerux, 19 March 2007)
After reading Agata’s article I have a ‘new’ appreciation for Calvin Seminary! All I can say is amen! This article needs to be put in The Banner.
Leon Spronk
Corrections and notices
Notice: Kerux regrets to inform its readers that despite earlier warnings about the dire consequences of overusing one’s spacebar, hundreds of adorable and furry kittens have been found dead across campus. Lest the carnage continue, we implore our readers to unlearn their philistine habit of putting two spaces after a period. Please, think of the kittens!
Corrections: In the 4 May 2007 issue, the article “New coffee system perks up student body” was incorrectly attributed to Walter Miedema. The correct author was Kevin C. Vande Streek.
In the 11 December 2006 issue, the article “CTS professor receives second doctorate” incorrectly identified professor Ron Nydam as the first professor at CTS to receive two doctorates.
Kerux regrets the errors.