Canadian Mennonite
Volume 11, No. 11
May 28, 2007


InConversation

Letters

This section is a forum for discussion and discernment. Letters express the opinion of the writer only, not necessarily the position of Canadian Mennonite, the five area churches or Mennonite Church Canada. Letters should address issues rather than criticizing individuals and include contact information. We will send copies of letters referring to other parties to them to provide an opportunity to respond in a future issue if their views have not already been printed in an earlier letter.

Please send letters to be considered for publication to letters@canadianmennonite.org or to Canadian Mennonite, 490 Dutton Drive, Unit C5, Waterloo, ON, N2L 6H7, “Attn: Letter to the Editor.” Letters may be edited for length, style and adherence to editorial guidelines.

Global warming docs must be listened to

What am I to make of the letter from Clyde Ovens (“Better to cope with climate change than try to reverse it,” April 2, page 13), and Phil Wagler’s “Outside the box” column (“The real inconvenient truth,” April 16, page 13)?

I applaud Ovens’ concern that Mennonites are failing to change lifestyles to reduce their production of carbon dioxide (CO2) and its possible impact on global warming. On the other hand, I worry about his desire to see experimental evidence of CO2 contributions to global warming. Are not the great many computer studies saying that if global warming is real this is what it will look like, not enough?

But at least Ovens appears to take global warming seriously. On the other hand, Wagler seems to prefer a head-in-the-sand approach.

In the face of serious prophetic cries for recognition of global warming, Wagler prefers to see self-aggrandizing theocrats in Al Gore and British television producer Martin Durkin. Although Gore’s and Durkin’s documentaries—An Inconvenient Truth and The Great Global Warming Swindle—present opposing arguments on the role of human contributions to global warming, neither denies it and neither claims to provide ways to avoid it.

Gore claims that by reducing CO2 emissions we can slow the process and possibly reduce the impact of global warming, while Durkin doubts this and advocates spending significantly, not on reducing CO2 emissions but on ameliorating the impact of global warming on those who will be most severely affected by it. I think they both have to be listened to very seriously.

—Bill Bryson, Toronto

Amazing Grace truly amazing

Re: “Amazing Grace not so amazing,” April 2, page 17.

There may be merit in some of reviewer Tom Price’s observations about the movie, but on balance I found it as unconvincing—and almost as annoying—as the trailers with which we are accosted before every movie.

Granted, the advertising posters play up the romance between Wilberforce and Barbara Spooner, but in the film itself that is largely overshadowed by the larger issues. Of greater significance is the revelation that, in spite of Wilberforce’s high moral principles, after years of failed efforts he and his colleagues found it necessary to resort to duplicity to achieve their objectives.

I suspect that it is that reality that would make most of us ill at ease in entering the political arena. In comparison to that compromise, to criticize the director for inserting a bit of romance to attract a wider audience seems petty. In fact, the inclusion of a little of Wilberforce’s family life helps to see him as more than a one-dimensional policy wonk.

With the propensity of today’s media to blame religion for everything that is wrong in our society, I found the movie refreshing—and truly amazing. I suspect the majority of the viewers will come away with a much more positive response than did the reviewer.

—Henry Klippenstein, North Vancouver, B.C.

The real godlessness is more than inconvenient, it’s sinful

Phil Wagler’s column, “The real inconvenient truth” (April 16, page 13), caused me to wonder how many times the church must re-enact its embarrassing confrontation with Galileo. I do not think that modern science is godless to suggest that humans can radically alter the planet. One only has to consider that we have enough stockpiled nuclear weapons to destroy the Earth several times over to realize that we do have incredible destructive power.

According to the apostle Paul in Romans 1, creation is one of the ways in which we can see God’s nature. Science, which is the study of creation, is teaching us today that everything is profoundly interconnected—that our actions and lifestyles have consequences.

At the heart of the Christian story is the insight that God enters into creation and suffers deeply because of human domination systems. Creation itself is suffering, and it will be the “least of these”—the poor, our children and non-human species—who will bear the consequences. Following God’s way means that we suffer with, rather than continue to dominate, creation. The real godlessness is to continue to act as though we are the centre around which all creation revolves.

—Jeff Druery, Hamilton, Ont.

Mennonites should help reverse climate change

Climate change is becoming much more than a household word. Placing global warming in the context of an increasing global population and a steady decreasing of natural resources creates a sense of urgency that compels one to action.

Scientists have communicated their message clearly. Climate change will drastically alter life on this planet in the course of this century—unless we heed their warnings. We are responsible for the damage we are inflicting on our habitat. Our children and grandchildren will suffer the consequences if we are unable to change our destructive ways. These are facts that cannot be denied.

The failure of our elected politicians to create and enforce policies that would mitigate the harmful effects of greenhouse gas emissions is inexcusable. The window of opportunity to act decisively to prevent social upheaval caused by the loss of food and water supplies is quickly closing.

I believe that the Mennonite community can play a significant role in promoting ideas that would help reduce our carbon footprint through conservation and restraint. It is time to formulate policies that will deal with the hardships of the poorest and most vulnerable, many of whom are already dealing with flooding, drought and famine caused by changes in weather patterns.

What can be done?

• Become well-informed.
• Communicate your ideas to church leaders and your elected officials at all levels of government.
• Form an action group in your congregation to find strength and support as you search for solutions.
• Join hands with other organizations, locally and beyond.
• Demonstrate to yourself and others that by careful reduction of artificial wants and needs, you can reach the Kyoto targets in your family and business situation.

The vision to restore balance in the natural world requires concerted action and the creative participation of all humanity. Wake up and prepare to usher in the changes that will ensure sustainable and harmonious life for all species on our planet, which is our only home.

—Roger Baer, Waterloo, Ont.

Christians mustn’t ignore climate change issues

I agree with Phil Wagler’s point that finding a Christian perspective within the climate change debate is difficult (“The real inconvenient truth,” April 16, page 13), but other aspects of his column are problematic for me.

He states that people like Al Gore are arrogant for believing that humans can control the weather. It is not arrogant, however, but an undeniable fact, that human beings can make drastic and profound modifications to God’s creation. The arrogance comes in when we think that we can tinker with creation without causing any unintended consequences and that we understand nature well enough to control it fully, which we can’t. We can’t control the climate or the weather, but we can influence them. We can also set into motion processes that can spiral far beyond our control or our expectations, and this is what is scary about global warming.

While Wagler laments the absence of a Christian perspective in the climate change debate, he doesn’t really offer any constructive suggestions for addressing this problem. He almost seems to suggest that Christians should just pretend it isn’t there and get on with other things. But this is not an issue we can escape by ignoring it, nor should we.

That the world is God’s creation is reason enough for Christians to be concerned about its well-being. As Christians, we can offer a unique and much needed perspective to the climate change debate, one that is characterized by hope, grace, humility, repentance, redemption, stewardship and discipleship. Instead of hiding from this secular debate, we should join with Mennonite Central Committee, Mennonite Creation Care Network and many others who are adding their voices to the debate and working to transform it.

—Joanne Moyer, Winnipeg

Beatitudes for a harsh reality

 

This issue’s Young Prophet, Mark Epp-Tiessen, is a volunteer with Mennonite Central Committee’s Serving and Learning Together program. He teaches math and science to high school students at Frances Davidson Secondary School in Zambia.

Life in sub-Saharan Africa is largely defined by two unfortunate realities: poverty and HIV/AIDS. Because of poverty and AIDS, the harsh realities of life assume an entirely different character in Zambia. People are often dealing with the death of family members, a shortage of food, or the inability to pay school fees—challenges foreign to most middle-class North Americans.

Amidst the adversities, I find it helpful to remember: Blessed are those who are poor in spirit, who mourn, who are meek, who hunger for righteousness, who show mercy, who are pure in heart, who make peace, and who are persecuted (Matthew 5:1-11).

Here are my own beatitudes, which have come to light during my time in Zambia:

• Blessed are those who talk about HIV/AIDS, for they are God’s instrument of hope.

Despite the fact that the AIDS pandemic has been raging for many years, the topic is seldom discussed. When a person dies in Zambia, the cause of death is always undisclosed. To ask how somebody died is strictly taboo.

Those who share openly about their HIV-positive status are nothing short of heroes. It is imperative that more Zambians seriously acknowledge the reality of HIV/AIDS. This means it needs to be discussed in church, school and among family members. When people stop acting in secrecy for fear of what others may think, the infected cease to be stigmatized, and they will go for voluntary counselling and testing.

• Blessed are those who suffer from gender discrimination, for all people will be equal when God’s kingdom comes.

One of the unfortunate aspects of Zambian society is sexism. When I was first experiencing the new culture, the inequality of the sexes was certainly the most shocking aspect. I expected patriarchy, but the discrimination extends to every aspect of life.

Husbands will often beat their wives, and many women are raped because they are not given the power to refuse sex. Women are taught from birth that they are the weaker and inferior sex, and in marriage—Christian or not—it is clear that the woman’s role is to serve and submit to her husband, otherwise numerous societal problems will ensue.

I dearly wish that the Zambian church would make the rights of women an issue.

• Blessed are those who are orphans, for they have the greatest parent of all in Jesus Christ.

If people are engaging in extra-marital relations or were infected with HIV before marriage, their spouse will almost definitely become infected as well; consequently, their children are destined to be orphans.

I simply cannot comprehend the life of an orphan: constant difficulties; not having anyone to pay for clothes and school; often suffering abuse at the hands of other relatives. Not to mention the lack of love, protection and nurturing that parents provide.

A significant number of my students are orphans and many of them receive sponsorship from MCC’s Global Families program.

• Blessed are those who live in joy and worship God amidst struggle and suffering, for God always remembers his servants.

Although the history of colonialism, numerous civil wars, and the present situation of poverty and HIV/AIDS cannot be denied, it is wrong to classify Africa as the forsaken continent. Despite these realities, many people find ways of living that bear witness to God’s kingdom, and show that Africa is about more than suffering. I am touched when I see some of my students—who are dealing with seemingly insurmountable obstacles—continue to live joyfully, show integrity and worship God with fervour.

• Blessed are those who live simple lives, and seek first the kingdom of God, for they are a light to the nations.

The exorbitant consumption of North American culture seems increasingly ludicrous to me. When I compare the lives of Zambians and Canadians, I can’t help but think that such inequality is a terrible injustice.

For most Zambians, there is no such thing as voluntary simplicity, since most are struggling to make ends meet. But in Canada, living a life of simplicity and consuming less is often a choice we make, not a necessity. For those who choose to buy less, take the bus, volunteer and keep on giving, please continue to seek first the kingdom of God and be a light to the nations.

—Mark Epp-Tiessen

Home-making

Family Ties

—Melissa Miller

My family is moving. For a number of reasons, it’s time for a new and smaller home. In frozen February, my husband and I met with a congenial realtor who helped us find and purchase our next property. This was not an easy feat in the relatively heated Winnipeg real estate market. Dave the realtor cheerfully says, “God gives good things to his people! I see it all the time.”

I did have a sense of God’s leading as we first entered the house on a winter evening. For me, the deal was sealed in the first half-hour of walking through this “character home.” We were charmed by the natural wood and large windows, two qualities we have enjoyed in our last several homes. It seemed to be a good home for us—the right amount of space, acceptable price and location, and a bonus double garage. When we next toured it, in the light of day, we realized the home’s character included old, leaky windows and scratches on the maple floors. Probably this is why people are advised to house-hunt in daylight! Still, we moved ahead and now are investing in the local economy and our own elbow grease to fix up these flaws.

It’s a way of bonding with each other and the new place. There are many decisions to make. Naming our interests and hearing each other out are helpful. When our 20-year-old son, a summer resident in our home, heard there was a basement bedroom, he immediately declared dibs on it. Understandably, he’s looking for the elusive space young adults want when they live with their parents.

Now we’re sorting out the location of the TV—in the livingroom, in an upstairs bedroom, or in our son’s room, which doubles as a guest room? Then there’s the decluttering that must take place so that we and our stuff will fit into the smaller home. One friend suggested dark garbage bags, to disguise what’s being thrown out, so we aren’t tempted to retrieve things and haul them back into our lives. Certainly, the better the communicating, the better the bonding.

This will be the ninth home my husband and I have lived in since our marriage. That’s far too many for a nester like myself. I lived in the same house, built by my parents, from the time I was three years old until I left home. It’s a gift of rootedness to grow up as I did, just a short walk to my maternal grandparents and surrounded by familiar geography and familiar social landscape—aunts, uncles and cousins.

In truth, I’m also restless—and have enjoyed my adult life more—because of the new stimulation of living away from my childhood home, in other landscapes and communities that have nurtured me and my family members.

I also realize, each time I’m in transition with a home, it’s a blessing to have a home. There are many without this basic necessity. Such reflections lead me to a prayer offered by a friend in our home, as she asked God’s blessing on our shared meal. She prayed, “For food in a world where many are hungry, for friends in a world where many are lonely, for faith in a world where many live in fear, we give you thanks, O God.”

May the comfort of our homes lead us to home-making for others in need.

Melissa Miller (familyties@mts.net) is a pastor, counsellor and author from Winnipeg. She is currently serving as interim pastor of Arnaud (Man.) Mennonite Church.

The big deal about gambling

God, money and me

—Darren Pries-Klassen

Am I just hyper-sensitive or are more people starting to gamble? A quick channel surf in the evening leads me to think that I am missing a great deal of fun by not playing online poker. Lottery tickets are always in plain view when I pay for gas or buy a late-night grocery item. Maybe it just seems that way because I live so close to Niagara Falls, a gambler’s haven. Curiosity got the better of me, so here is what I discovered after a little research.

A recent report commissioned by the Canadian Gaming Association found that Canadians lost $14.5 billion playing slot machines, buying lottery tickets and placing bets at the track in 2006. Total profits were $10.6 billion ($7.4 billion for provincial coffers and $3.2 billion for charity). That is a great deal of money.

More staggering are the numbers of Canadians who gamble: 19 million Canadians gamble annually and 25 percent of Canadians play the lottery weekly. Canada’s population is 35 million, w hich means one in two people gamble in some way, shape or form!

With odds like that, I probably know a lot more gamblers than I thought. You probably do too, since people aren’t in the habit of telling others that they gamble.

Well, so what? What’s the big deal? While many people gamble “responsibly,” more than a third of Ontario’s gambling industry profits—$700 million—comes from 5 percent of gamblers who have a moderate to severe addiction.

I spoke to a few credit counsellors and asked if they had seen an increase during the last few years with people experiencing financial problems due to gambling. Responses like “no question” and “absolutely” were common. The difficulty, I was told, is that a person in trouble is often financially embarrassed, and so is hesitant to talk to others or to get help. Add to this the secretiveness of online gambling and the efforts to hide a gambling habit from family members, and the issue becomes even more difficult to address. The potential for financial devastation is tremendous.

A quarter of Canadians gamble weekly, while half gamble annually—yet the odds of winning a $1 million jackpot are one in 14 million. Seems a strange place for people to place their hope! While there do not seem to be statistics showing how many gamblers are church attendees, it is probably safe to assume some gamblers are churchgoers. Given our understanding of Christ’s triumph over sin and death, placing our trust in the idea of salvation is not a gamble at all.

The church needs to be aware of the financial devastation that gambling can cause. We need to discuss the topic in Sunday school classes and in small groups, and encourage people to get the help they need before gambling leads to financial difficulty, let alone destruction. Furthermore, the church must never tire of repeating its message of hope. We have something to offer people where the odds of winning are assured, in contrast to a game of chance or a lottery ticket.

Darren Pries-Klassen is a stewardship consultant at the St. Catharines, Ont., office of the Mennonite Foundation of Canada (MFC). For stewardship education, and estate and charitable gift planning, contact your nearest MFC office or visit mennofoundation.ca.


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