Prophet Misunderstood
FROM AUG. 4: As I read the sermon of my friend, colleague and fellow United Methodist clergyman, Larry Ellis, I must confess that I struggled to hear the Amos that I have read and understood over many years of study and ministry.
I rejoiced in the Rev. Ellis’ decision to preach from one of the great Old Testament prophets of our faith, for many of us as clergy get “stuck’ in the New Testament proclamation. But my heart sank with great sorrow as I learned that the congregation responded to the Word proclaimed with a standing ovation. It confirmed for me that the prophet must have been misunderstood.
I hurt for the Rev. Ellis, for certainly he must have felt embarrassed and, probably most of all, as if the “hearers” just didn’t “get” what he had delivered. Because, in the hearing of God’s word through the prophet Amos, the people of God knew that the proper response was to fall on their knees in remorse and repentance, not to stand on their feet in acclamation.
For the great prophet Amos was speaking to us, to the people of God, not to some others out there! The great prophets call us to recoil from self-righteousness!
Dr. Mark W. Wethington
Southern Pines
Hit Nail on Head
FROM AUG. 4: I’m pretty sure Dr. Larry Ellis is not indifferent to the problem of poverty in this country and abroad.
The problem of poverty is a primary concern for Christians everywhere, and conservative Republicans, as much so as for those of other political persuasions. People should realize, however, that the root of poverty is a spiritual problem and that it is a problem that probably won’t be solved by raising taxes or creating another “Great Society.”
Americans pay an enormous amount in taxes every year. There is undoubtedly enough money wasted in our government every week to totally eliminate poverty in our country. Consider the millions upon millions that are missing from the different departments of government that cannot be accounted for, the overpayments by the Pentagon for items and services, the untold numbers of pork projects by our senators, the overfed government bureaucracies and the list goes on. Multiply this by local and state governments. Think of all the money we have sent to other countries to alleviate pain and suffering that has been siphoned off by corrupt leaders and never reaches the poor and hurting.
I am speaking here of problems of the heart — spiritual and moral problems brought on by greed and indifference. It’s the same with individuals who sink into poverty because of their lifestyles and choices.
The problems of poverty would no doubt be solved pretty quickly if men’s hearts were changed. I salute Ms. Ruggles for her commitment to the poor, but regardless of what some candidates may say, talk and throwing more money at the problem won’t solve it. I think Dr. Ellis hit the nail on the head.
Gloria H. Tarver
West End
A Better Use for War Money?
FROM AUG. 13: War must always be a last resort among civilized peoples. But can any modern nation benefit from victory when the costs of property destroyed and lives lost or disrupted are so tremendous?
Measured simply in money, the war in Iraq has so far cost the American taxpayer a sum approaching $150 billion. With another $200 billion slated for economic development and reconstruction, the total projection easily approaches $350 billion.
Given the Iraqi population of around 25 million, the expense of $350 billion works out to nearly $14,000 for every man, woman and child, or about $56,000 for a family of four.
In the next war, might it not be more cost effective — instead of dropping bombs — to bombard every household with a complete set of appliances: washer, dryer, stove, microwave, refrigerator, color TV (complete with video games), and maybe a new car? The targets would probably be more interested in having fun with their new stuff than fighting. A victory without tears.
Richard Siege
Southern Pines
