Elder Lindahl

62 pieces in Pietisten

• Review: I Love Jesus and I Accept Evolution Spring/Summer 2019

  Denis Lamoureux, a dentist with PhDs in theology and biology, presents his case for the compatibility of the Christian faith and evolution. He interweaves his own spiritual, intellectual, and emotional development with an extended discussion of the various ways one might relate God and the world.

• Filial Piety Spring/Summer 2012

  A young Vietnamese woman gave me a pedicure at our local Golden Nails shop the other day.

• The Love of Wisdom Fall/Winter 2011

  While walking in an outdoor mall the other day, I spied an old gentleman sitting alongside a young lady on a bench by a fountain. He wore a blue jacket, a lettered T-shirt, and cap, each distinctly marked in maize-colored letters. As I came closer, the word “MICHIGAN” stood out clearly on items of his dress.

• BOOK REVIEW: Lillian Budd Fall/Winter 2010

  Lillian Budd (1897–1989), born in Chicago to immigrants Charles and Selma Peterson, a WWI Navy veteran and Western Electric Company employee, wrote a delightful trilogy about Swedish-American immigration.

• A Day in Washington, D.C. Fall/Winter 2010

  The Twin Cities Honor Flight is a non-profit organization created solely to honor America’s veterans for their sacrifices and service. Their mission is to provide the opportunity for elderly veterans to visit the World War II Memorial and other war memorials in Washington, D. C. Each day, according to statistics, some 1,100 of the old WW II vets leave this earth. There are Honor Flight programs in about 38 states.

• Truth on Parade Epiphany 2010

  It was a beautiful Fourth of July day in Iron River, Michigan. The annual parade was one of the best I have attended through the years. Polished fire trucks made their presence felt. Floats celebrating many local groups gave evidence of work behind the scenes. Prancing riding horses brought some real life amid the various kinds of vehicles and trailers.

• The Human Imagination Christmas 2008

  The question of the place of music in worship settings has been around in the world’s religions for a long time. Currently, the great divide for Protestants is between traditional and contemporary music. Though Pietists give singing a central place in the sanctuary, they do not always agree on how it fits in. In early times, spiritual words put to drinking-song tunes were considered irreverent and jazzy by some. Youth for Christ choruses of the 40s and 50s disturbed parents who liked the old, classic hymns better. In one way or another, the clash between traditional and contemporary music has been, and will be, with us for years and years.

• Carol Jackson Christmas 2008

  Carol Ruth (Lindahl) Jackson, 78, died on December 7, 2008, at Chandler Regional Hospital. She lived in Beechwood, Michigan during the summers and in Sun Lakes, Arizona in the winters.

• Engaging Anders Nygren Spring 2008

  While we were enjoying a delicious Swedish Christmas dinner, my son-in-law, Jeff, asked about the subject of my doctoral thesis. Finishing the meatball I was chewing and stalling a bit to organize my thoughts, I responded, “I translated some of the early writings of Anders Nygren.” Though I added a few general comments for clarity, Jeff was not satisfied. “Dad, couldn’t you just put your thesis into a single paragraph?” Thankfully, the table conversation changed, and the festivities continued. His challenging question, nonetheless, became lodged firmly in my consciousness. What follows is an attempt, though not in a single paragraph, to expand a bit on my research experience.

• Review: From one Heart to Another Christmas 2007

  Dick celebrates this life-giving gift as he weaves together two threads, one about the physical ordeal he went through leading to well-being, and the other about the spiritual lessons he learned in the process. These parallel stories run throughout the book, connecting nicely into what might be classified as an extended, edifying Christian tract.

• Sabbath Day Christmas 2007

  Picture two young boys, maybe nine and twelve, on Sunday mornings standing in the narthex of the Swedish Mission Church in Stambaugh, Michigan handing out little text-only Sions Basun hymn books to the people as they arrive for worship. While the boys greeted people, the huge bell above them clanged loudly when sexton Art Thompson pulled on a thick rope nearby.

• They Were Married in July Christmas 2006

  Anne Lindahl and Jed Bassett, both North Parkers, were married on Sunday, July 9, 2006, in Libertyville Covenant Church in Libertyville, Illinois. Pastor Peter Hawkinson of Winnetka Covenant Church officiated; Pastor Dwight Nelson of Libertyville Covenant Church, and uncle of Karl Nelson, webmaster of www.pietisten.org, led the service. Youth Pastor Chris Gredenius assisted. Anne and Jed’s beautiful, classic wedding brought many North Park University students and alumni together.

• The Human Odyssey Christmas 2006

  It is unfortunate that in the Christian Church the idea of hope is most often associated with the end rather with the beginning of life’s pilgrimage. Unfortunate, I believe, because as a consequence hope as a present-time orientation is often ignored or degraded.

• From Narcissism to Empathy Summer 2006

  Humans are born selfish.  When one observes young children at play, the central, operative word is often “mine.”  It is like:  What’s mine is mine, and what my playmates want is also mine.  Toddlers do not at first feel the interests of the other, share toys or offer possessions. They live in the moment, grabbing things without thinking about the wishes, needs, or even the private property of their playmates.

• Geared to the Times Winter 2005

  The Gospel is good news about God’s amazing grace, love, redemption, the kingdom of God, hope, and the life to come. It’s an ancient story about the possibility of new life for the human spirit, eternally appropriate in every time and at every place. Jesus of Nazareth is the way, the truth, and the life.

• Gravity and Levity Winter 2004-2005

  There’s a silent, constant force around us which pulls us all down toward the center of the earth. Though it’s invisible, we see the effects and experience the pull of that steady, encircling force everywhere. There are some great benefits for the steadiness it provides, and yet we’d all like to find some relief from its everlasting grip. I refer to this relief as a search for levity, the desire to be light of foot and heart.

• And There Shall Be Wars, World War II Diaries and Memories by Bud Wagner Winter 2004-2005

  This is an authentic story of patriotism and bravery. When Bud was drafted in April, 1941 at age 22, he thought he would be away from his beloved farming and market-gardening business in Minnesota for about a year. Actually, he served “for the duration” until July, 1945. Almost 42 months of this time was overseas duty, much in combat in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. Bud was a model GI who willingly, honorably, and efficiently did his part to defeat Hitler. The point of his title, and Bud’s belief, is that there will always be wars until the Prince of Peace is affirmed by the nations of this world.

• In Vårmland, the Beautiful Fall 2004

  If you stand still, look, and listen, I will give a small homily. Yes, we are now in Värmland where you and I have never been before. First, a bit of an orientation.

• The Orphan Train Fall 2004

  Charles Loring Brace (1826-1890), a Methodist Minister, believed it was his Christian duty to help the multitudes of homeless New York City children. His mission was to round up orphaned, neglected, or homeless children who roamed the streets by day and night and put them on trains bound for the Midwest and elsewhere for placement into rural homes.

• An Educational Pioneer Winter 2003-2004

  Erik August Skogsbergh was born in Värmland, Sweden, on June 24, 1850. He was converted at age 19, and attended Mission Schools in Kristinehamn and Ahlberg for about two years. Lutheran Pastor, Dr. Olof Olsson, third President of Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, and Covenant leader and Scholar, Dr. P. P. Waldenström, were his life-long teachers and friends.

• Review of Ingrid, My Swedish-American Life and Adventure Winter 2003-2004

  This recent book gives one an excellent picture of immigrant emellan, of a life lived in-between two countries, two cultures, and two languages. I highly recommend Ingrid’s book to the readers of Pietisten and to anyone who wants to read about an exciting, modern immigrant experience.

• Heretics Summer 2003

  The word “Heretic” is pejorative. A heretic, one who dissents from established practices or doctrines, from an accepted system of ideas, is usually unpopular with the majority. He sometimes suffers condemnation, persecution, excommunication, imprisonment or even death. And those who agree with non-conformist views, for example with those of Pelagius, Peter Abelard, Martin Luther, Giordano Bruno, Galileo, Johannes Kepler, Charles G. Finney, P. P. Waldenstršm, et al, may at times find themselves open to criticism, even at risk.

• “From Books to Business: the Value of a Liberal Education” An article by Peter Fellowes Summer 2003

  Peter was a colleague in the Humanities Division at North Park. He taught English, creative writing, and literature, became the Divisional Chair, and in 1986, Academic Dean. Three years later, he surprised us with the news that he was leaving the academic world to take over the manufacturing business his grandfather started in 1917.

• Face to Face Summer 2002

  “Your face is familiar, but I can’t come up with your name.” It’s a pretty common line, especially if you live in a retirement community.

• What a Muscle! Winter 2001-2002

  Make a fist and look at its size. I’ve read that the size of one’s fist is about the size of one’s heart. As one grows from infancy to adulthood, the fist size is a good indicator of the size of the heart at each stage of one’s physical development. An infant’s heart and fist, for example, are about the same size.

• Fresh off the Press: Private Lindahl, Citizen Soldier Winter 2001-2002
• Brief Conversation with Youth by David Nyvall Winter 2001-2002

  We are so often exhorted to learn to know God’s will, and Jesus Himself taught us to pray to God, saying, "Your will be done," but what are we to understand by God’s will? What is the will of God? Paul in Romans 12 gives an interesting and comprehensive answer to this question when he in verse two puts the phrase, "the good, the acceptable, and the perfect," as an appositive.

• How High the Wall Summer 2001

  Some questions I've been pondering these days are: What does it mean for Muslims to take their beliefs seriously in a secular state like ours? What are the conditions for the possibility of looking at one's religious faith objectively and critically? What are the consequences of separating or not separating church and state?

• Happy Birthday, Fredrika! Spring 2001

  During this year, Swedes are celebrating the 200th anniversary of Fredrika Bremer’s birthday. Fredrika had a life-long interest in human development, especially of women, and in the moral and spiritual advancement of society. Her "everlasting sermon" was how much good there is in people, and how much care each must take to call it forth. "Self-improvement must never stand still," she wrote in her diary. Its an on-going process.

• A Zuni, a Bar Maid, and a Body Man Winter 2000

  A few weeks ago, Muriel and I received a phone call from Cibola General Hospital in Grants, New Mexico, telling us that my sister Carol had collapsed at a gas station off I-40 and was in intensive care.

• Probing a Very Large Universe Summer 2000

  What is the universe? Do other earths exist, and are they inhabited? Are there countless solar systems? What is space? Does it make sense to talk about up or down; inner or outer space? Is space finite and limited, infinite and endless, or what? What is time? How are space and time related? Is the universe aging, and will it finally run down? What is the relation between God and the universe?

• A Letter of Carl Olaf Rosenius Spring 2000

  When I read your letter through, I knew only, that the more I loved you the more misery the letter revealed. Oh, my dear brother, I see so well how it is with you. I know your nature partly through personal contact and partly through your letters which clearly reflect your entire being.

• Searching for an Old Friend Spring 2000

  On a late afternoon in the middle of November, as I passed the Gustaf Adolph Kirche in Grossauheim, Germany, I heard the strains of an old song. The front door of the Church was open, so I walked in. Up on the second floor, at the rear of the church, I could see a light.

• Building on Refusal Fall 1999

  A new structure, the Courtyard Building, which will provide 130 new apartments, is being added to the existing building that has 125 apartments. The land on which both the old and new buildings are located was originally a swamp. Basset Creek, which was straightened out and redirected to the West, once meandered through the wetland on which the Covenant Manor complex is now located. How can such an impressive complex of buildings be constructed on such a marshy spot?

• Interview with Carl Olaf Rosenius Summer 1999

  Readers have asked for more information about some of the personalities of Pietisten’s roots. Rosenius granted Elder Lindahl a Narnian type interview in September, 1867. Picture the two of them taking coffee together in a konditori in Umeå, Sweden.

• Computers Winter 1999

  They are everywhere. And it makes no difference whether you associate with them or try to avoid them. Like it or not, computers will share our destiny and the destiny of our children’s children. Are they our servants or our masters? Do they think, and, if so, is their thinking superior to that of humans? Where does this leave us?

• A Tribute to Dean Albin Erickson Winter 1999

  Dean Erickson was a special person, a man of integrity, wisdom, patience, good judgment, kindness, and understanding. He had a first-rate mind and was committed to the Christian Faith. Albin was dedicated to helping the on-coming generations find an integrated heritage of faith and learning.

• Here and There Fall 1998

  During the years 1845-1930, 1.2 million Swedes, 25% of the Swedish population, emigrated to North America. This mass exodus, fueled by social discontent, poor crops, religious persecution, land fever, and new opportunities, split the country into two distinct groups–(A) Swedes who stayed, and (B) Swedes who left to become assimilated into an alien culture. America-fever tore families apart geographically and emotionally. In this essay, I am interested in the various ways those in Group B adapted, or failed to adapt, as they settled in as immigrants.

• Where is Waldenström? Fall 1997

  For only the second time in the history of the publication Pietisten, Tommy Carlson's Paul Peter Waldenström’s column has not appeared. The Summer 1997, number went to press without Waldenström! The Editor tells me the absence was due to Tommy's trip to Europe and scheduling. Do you know who PPW is? Did you miss his column?

• Confirming Faith Summer 1997

  The ideal time for serious discussion of evolution is, in my judgment, during confirmation.

• Beyond Conscience Spring 1997

  In 1946, after completing two years of military service, I started work on an A.A. degree at North Park College. Moral issues, important for the GIs because of WWII, were often discussed.

• A Night with the King and Queen Fall 1996

  The Donald E. Benson Great Hall of Bethel College was the scene of a Minnesota Musical Salute to Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia on September 12, 1996. This special jubilee occasion, presented by the American Swedish Institute, marked the 150th anniversary of the coming of some ragtag, hungry, cold, frightened Swedes to North America.

• The Power of Ritual Fall 1996

  Making light of ritual was common among some of the old pietists. Rituals, they said, were empty, and the liturgies containing them dry, formal, and dead. Pastors who observed set forms of worship were sometimes regarded as unspiritual — they had, in the words of II Timothy 3:15, the form of religion but denied the power thereof.

• Louisa May Alcott’s Father Fall 1995

  I recently saw the delightful movie, Little Women, based on Lousia May Alcott’s book of the same title. To an outside observer, A. Bronson Alcott might be thought of as an absentee father.

• The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield Spring 1995

  Once millennial mile posts come into view, creative, speculative, entrepreneurial people begin polishing their crystal balls. Just now, some five years before the new millennium dawns, author James Redfield is busy, and others are listening to him.

• On Handling Wasps Fall 1994

  Many a picnic or outdoor café lunch has been upset by the presence of yellow-jacketed insects people commonly refer to as “bees.” The kind of “bees” that most often descend on our hot dogs, tortes, and soft drinks are called, appropriately enough, “social wasps” or “picnic wasps.”

• A Pilgrim’s Progress Summer 1994

  On Wednesday, June 8, I walked the shore of Walden Pond where Henry David Thoreau had walked. I was teaching a course on “Thoreau’s World: A Study in New England Transcendentalism,” at Pilgrim Pines, New Hampshire.

• Änglamark — Angel-Garden Summer 1994

  Call it an Angel-Garden or Paradise, if you will, / the earth we received with green groves is heavenly, / buttercups, wildroses, and daisies on every hill, / please let them live, they are truly so lovely!

• “Tolle lege; tolle lege” Spring 1994

  Some good friends of mine left for college today. It was not easy to see them go, even though I knew it would be best for all concerned. They had been living in my study for many years — some of them since I first arranged space for them in the late ’40s.

• An Open Circle of Fellowship Winter 1993

  A few months ago, my wife and I stayed overnight at the Swedish Country Inn in Lindsborg, Kansas. We walked and shopped the charming Main Street before dinner.

• Metaphysics at 6th & Maple Fall 1993

  The need for refuge began for me with a moment of illumination I had one day at the corner of 6th and Maple Streets in Iron River, Michigan. Out of the blue, a realistic picture of life flashed in my consciousness.

• Dialoguing with Chick and Tim Spring 1993

  In my last article, “Ethics in the Mainstream,” I mentioned the book, Let’s Talk, An Honest Conversation on Critical Issues: Abortion, Aids, Euthanasia, and Health Care, by Doctors C. Everett Koop and G. Timothy Johnson.

• Ethics in the Mainstream Winter 1992

  Our local chapter of Trout Unlimited is an organization of ecologically-minded flyfishing fanatics. This summer we gathered on the banks of a small pond in Lake County, Illinois, to practice flycasting techniques and socialize around a smoking grill of brats and burgers.

• Immigrants and Politics Fall 1992

  I recently translated a chapter from Jan Olof Olsson’s episodic book, Chicago, (Stockholm: Bonniers, 1958) and became interested in Fred Lundin, an immigrant from a poor, remote district of Ostergötland, Sweden. Fred was 12 when the Lundin family arrived in America in 1880.

• A Little Dinghy Summer 1992

  My friend, Doug, tells of a parishioner who was a very quiet, restrained man He never said much at the church business meetings, at coffee hours or anytime they met — that is, until one day when somehow the subject of boats came up.

• Hur Star Det Skrivet? (How is it Written?) Spring 1992

  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.

• Lyssna, Lyssna, Kalle Anke Winter 1991

  Special sentiments surround us all during the Christmas holidays. As Christian families gather in their homes and churches, traditional customs, foods, carols, and rituals are in evidence. Old memories flood.in, and we sing, or at least think to ourselves, “It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.”

• Keeping in Touch Fall 1991

  Dreams have always played an important role in human existence. Through the ages people have thought of them as bridges to the supernatural world, avenues through which God’s will and wisdom were given. Various channels to keep in touch with the Eternal world—Scripture, prayer, visions, and prophetic oracles—are used; but for some, dreams are thought of as special ways God communicates.

• The Case of the Disturbed Corn Flakes Summer 1991

  There’s an old adage—Confession is good for the soul. From time to time, Covenanters are encouraged to share in the ritual confession of their sinful ways.

• Pietists in the Battle of Life Spring 1991

  The immigrant pietists I knew in the '30s and '40s had strong convictions about Bible prophecy as it focused on the Middle East. We heard that we were living in the "last days" and that Jesus could come back momentarily.

• Whose Is Rosenius? Winter 1990

  The name of one of Pietisten's patron saints, Carl Olof Rosenius, caught my eye in a recent article in Svenska Dagbladet, for Nov. 11, 1990. Serious dissatisfaction with the beliefs and life style of the Swedish State Church, the cause of the separation of Läsare [Readers] in the last century, was the reason for the organization. Now, as the article below reports, the dissatisfaction continues today and is leading to an imminent break with the Church of Sweden by these "Faithful Friends of the Bible."

• A Retirement Soliloquy Fall 1990

  Coming to North Park College was in many ways easier than leaving. The process was quite simple. I talked awhile with Dean Albin Erickson, and then he suggested I go over to Wilson Hall and meet President Clarence Nelson. President Nelson asked about my graduate work at the University of Michigan, what kinds of philosophy I had been studying.