Pietisten

Spring 1992

Volume VII, Number 1

In This Issue

God - My Beloved Opponent by Runar Eldebo

Why faith, anyway? The questions asked of Christians today are legio, that is, many. The answers must not be too simple; they are to be found in the depths of our faith. Why are we Christians, anyway? Why did we stay when so many went away? Why did we not leave when crowds did, when so much of our modem society developed in front of our very eyes?

Philippians 2:5-11 and Waldenström’s Commentary translated by Tommy Carlson

Tales of Lost Youth: A Chicago Story Continued by Peter Sandstrom

After The Summer of 42 came the fall of 1971 when I became a freshman at North Park College. To save on expenses, I lived at home and walked to college—the same distance I had walked to high school. As a result, I was an “off-campus” student m the North Park world. It also meant that for most practical purposes I was still a Chicagoan.

Paul Holmer on the Meaning of Religious Language by Jonathan Sweeney

There are people for whom denominational tags become the source of inordinate pride. Such people, I have found through some conversation, often derive much of their denominational satisfaction from the security of tried doctrinal systems. Certainly, there is nothing wrong with firmness of conviction, so long as one is not credulous and belief does not become easy.

Therapeutic Theological Thought by Penrod

I have been reading Henri Nouwen’s book Clowning in Rome: Reflections on Solitude, Celibacy, Prayer and Contemplation, and it is helping me clear up my thinking and, maybe, by Grace of God, my life.

Where We Got Our Hymns—Chapter 2 by J. Irving Erickson

There was an increase in hymn productivity after the Reformation and in the 17th century in Scandinavia. More German chorale type psalms were translated, and clergy and laity alike expressed their praise in original hymnody. Among the German writers whose works were translated into Swedish was Johann Franck (1618-1677). He is represented in our hymnal by “Praise the Lord Each Tribe and Nation” (56).

Learning to Love Catholics by Phil Johnson

Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions.” I thank God for the great mansion, the Catholic Church, and in each new encounter with it, I now find it natural to continue to love Catholics.

Hur Star Det Skrivet? (How is it Written?) by Elder M. Lindahl

The 1991-1992 Academic Catalog from Hendrickson Publishers delivered to my mail box the other day carried an exciting announcement: Chiasmus in the New Testament, A Study in the Form and Function of Chiastic Structures, by Dr. Nils W. Lund is to be republished in paperback in January, 1992.

A Generation in Advent

Because I could no longer stop the shame-induced grimace from taking over my face, because the electric shriek of my ten-dollar phone brought only anger, and because I could no longer interview healthy adult males struggling to remember their addresses as part of my jailhouse employment, I have found myself in Mexico, re-creating.

Live Along Some Distant Day by Lois Vetvick

On last leaving Anchorage by Mark Arvid Fullerton

A Day Prayer by Ed Mampel

Out and About

Glen and Jane Wiberg’s Farewell at Salem; With Runar Eldebo; Couple Communication

Sport Report by Phil Johnson

Super Bowl Bash VI

Post: Readers Respond

Speaking from Experience by Arthur W. Anderson

Whatever happened to the mechanic you know—the guy who had his shop a few doors down from the bakery? He may have charged only a fraction less than the big shops, but you had the feeling that he gave personal attention to your car.