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Synod Decisions
C.S. Lewis once iterated that “it is Christ Himself, not the Bible, who is the true word of God. The Bible, read in the right spirit, and with the guidance of good teachers, will bring us to him. We must not use the Bible as some sort of encyclopedia out of which texts can be taken for the use of weapons.” There are about 45,000 Christian denominations in this world. The Christian Reformed Church's synod decision that our churches cannot allow Christians who disagree that homosexual sex is sinful to be leaders in our worship communities will cause fractures or splintering among our current and future churches. … Can we please agree to disagree and have our churches stay together as strong and inclusive places to worship Christ our Savior? Are we all not sinners and at the same time God’s children? … Perhaps synod could decide to manage the issues of gender and sexual orientation similarly to the previous decisions around women holding office in the church—letting each CRC decide for themselves. May our God’s love guide us all in these and future decisions.
Suze J. Mast // Chatham, Ont.
Close to God
In the March Banner, Justin Ariel Bailey talks about why God sometimes seems so far away. May I offer another reason? Hezekiah was a good king. In 2 Chronicles 32:31, we read that “God left him to test him and to know everything that was in his heart.” God never leaves us, but God can and does withdraw our awareness of his presence to determine if we will continue to love, worship, follow, and obey him even when we do not experience his closeness.
Mac Wiener // Elmhurst, Ill.
Empathy
Thanks so much for your much appreciated editorial on empathy in the March Banner. I have asked my pastor to specifically remember the plight of undocumented immigrants and refugees in the U.S. in his congregational prayer.
Gerrit W. Sheeres // Grand Rapids, Mich.
Evolution
I am very disappointed in the response to this big question (March 2025), as the writer seems to dismiss Christians who read the biblical events in Genesis literally. It leaves the impression that if you don't hold to the millions of years theory you are not being scientific. There are many Christian scientists who agree that God made our universe in six literal days. All you have to do is check out organizations like Answers in Genesis or Creation Ministries. The main problem with the writer’s message is she starts her scientific analysis looking through an evolutionary lens instead of a biblical lens.
Gerry Lankhof // Chatham, Ont.
Merism
Editor Shiao Chong defines “merism” as “a rhetorical device in which a combination of two contrasting parts of the whole refer to the whole.” One must then ask, are Adam and Eve also a merism? Two contrasting parts referring to the whole of human gender expressions? He does say what we already know, that “Adam and Eve were already to some degree like God.” Personally, I think that it does function as a merism.
Douglas Houck // Tacoma, Wash.
Spelling in The Banner
Why does The Banner use only American spelling? If the CRCNA is truly binational, I suggest that both the Banner and all CRCNA publications be “bilingual.” When I read words like “neighbors” and “colors” in The Banner, I feel excluded. At a minimum, where USA and Canadian spellings differ, The Banner should offer both. For example, you could write “neighbours/neighbors.” And yes it matters that the Canadian spelling should come first. It’s our turn to see our spelling consistently used, and you’re welcome if you noticed that my neighbourliness extends to suggesting a gracious bilingual solution!
Pat Vanderkooy // Guelph, Ont.