As Received - Our Readers

Readers share their opinions.

Further evidence of Country music's harmful effects
As I write this on my 'lectric computer, I'm listenin' to Country Western music . . . music defamed by that transplanted Texan you've got scratchin' out your InQUIZition column. That tin-eared Bubba and you other Catholics eat dead chickens! Dot com that, Slick.
"Montana Jack," via e-mail

I subscribed to Envoy yesterday and can't wait for the next issue. The magazine is beautiful and balanced. I like the concentration on theological issues. Some other Catholic magazines I have seen are more political, I feel, than religious. I have a suggestion. A great deal of Catholic apologetics seems to deal primarily with explaining the Faith to Protestants or atheists, yet there doesn't seem to be much on quelling Greek Orthodox objections and prejudices against Catholicism. Any chance for a series of articles on this, or can you tell me where I can read up on this? Thank you for your magazine, and please, more from Kreeft!
Robert Martinez, Albuquerque, NM

At least they agree on one thing

I was hoping that John Gibson's article on paganism would be more factual, and less a polemic motivated by his fear of damnation. Mr. Gibson has explored so many religious directions, I wonder if his current profession of faith is just another infatuation. It is obvious that you can talk the talk, Mr. Gibson, but the belief in a loving creator God is not at odds with all paganism. While a belief in many gods is central to much pagan thought, these gods and goddesses can be thought of as aspects or manifestations of the One Triune God/or Goddess.

It seems that Mr. Gibson believes that all that is not of Christ is of Satan. This is the same philosophy which was responsible for the Inquisition and the Crusades. When will the tortures begin? Unfortunately, much of Mr. Gibson's personal history, as outlined within the article, has absolutely no relevance in comparing Christian and Pagan thought and philosophy. He was fortunate to find, in his wife, someone who actually had the religious background which was missing in his life.

It also seems that many of Mr. Gibson's pagan experiences have been through the Internet. Religious experience which is perceived largely in this way must be suspect, whether Pagan or Christian.

Another issue: To blame "good fortune" on the devil is just silly, Mr. Gibson. Human beings can attract what they require for growth in many areas. If you really believe that only Christian success is spiritually valid, I feel sorry for you. I do agree that many pagans are reactionaries, and for these folks, paganism is simply their way of rejecting their parents, "mundane society," and the religion in which they were raised. This is the natural result of cultural oppression, and must be seen in this context. Others will note that mankind has developed many valid religious traditions which predate our Lord, and if we acknowledge Judaism as the only true pre-Christian faith, we are guilty of one-dimensional thinking of the worst type.

One thing Mr. Gibson and I agree on: the sanctity of human life whether supported by Christian or pagan metaphysics. Mr. Gibson's dismissal of Wiccans due to diversity within their tradition is puzzling. Should we then dismiss Christian philosophy because of its amazing diversity? In my opinion, Christians must accept that Jesus' mission was never to dismiss or eliminate all other religions, but to foster spiritual growth among those who are ready to receive His words.

As regards pagan groups attracting power hungry people, paganism has no monopoly on this. That's a cheap shot. I'm hopeful that Mr. Gibson has found peace and has had a profound conversion, but to say that Jesus and all other spiritual experiences are mutually exclusive, is to deny human spirituality. Christ is our sacrifice, our loving High Priest, but He is not our blinders. Perhaps the real problem with Mr. Gibson is that he sees all that is not Christian as evil; and that is an extremely dangerous philosophy.
Edward Francis, St. Louis, MS

All we are saying is give Envoy a chance

Hey, Linc! Groovy 'fro, dude! The only thing you were missing in that picture ["At Ease," Anniversary Issue] was a "bent nail cross" around your neck! Peace! Make love not war! You put together another fantastic issue! I'm going to send a copy of "Faith of our Fathers" to an associate of mine who is Protestant, one whom I've been informally debating about the Church.
Sean Hadley, via e-mail

I recently filled out a profile for a Catholic singles newsletter/club. You'll be happy to know that under hobbies, I listed "reading Envoy magazine!" My mom sent me my first subscription last year and I just renewed for two more years. Keep up the enjoyable, humorous and informative work!
Pamela Ives, via e-mail

Aiming for the magic number

I'd like to congratulate you on your anniversary issue. It was jam-packed with one great article after another. Each issue seems to get better than the previous. My biggest complaint is that I have to wait so long in between issues. How soon will you hit the magic number of subscriptions that will allow you to go monthly? Hope it's soon.

I was especially pleased to see you including Scott Hahn's Scripture Matters newsletter as a regular part of your issues. As someone who is going broke trying to keep up with his tapes, it's good to have some hard copy for reference. I would be interested in knowing more about the Institute — primarily what its goals are, where it sees itself going, and how it's getting there. Other than being a part of the summer conference at Steubenville, I can't find any information about it, and most importantly, how to support it. If you could provide that kind of information in a future issue, it would be appreciated. A subscriber since the beginning, I look forward to a long relationship with your magazine.
Ron Desmarais, via e-mail

Thanks for the encouragement. We'll do everything we can to make that long relationship as mutually satisfying as possible. The Institute for Applied Biblical Studies can be reached at 740-283-1017. — Editor

The "greasy mechanic" syndrome

Some time ago, I received my first copy of Envoy. I had truly been looking forward to reading it, and I did. However, there was an article written by Tim Staples that I found to be somewhat objectionable. I think he's also written another article in a past edition of one of your magazines. Although I recognize his intent and appreciate his efforts to fortify Catholics with biblical arguments to counter Protestant contentions, I think he should exercise greater judgment in the ways he attempts to do so. This issue's article dealt with Baptism [May/June 1997], and the former article dealt with the Eucharist [March/April 1997].

In the former, the Protestant is depicted as a greasy mechanic, and in the latter, as a country bumpkin. By so doing, Mr. Staples destroys the validity of his message. The article reeks with sarcasm and thus becomes a message of "educational eliteness" and demeaning to certain people of a socioeconomic class. I guess what I'm trying to say in a tactful manner, is that the message ceases to be Christian and/or Catholic. If I'm to defend my Catholic Faith, I want to do it in a loving and Christian manner. Mr. Staples would have been more effective and useful had he focused on facts, maybe thrown in a chart, and afforded his opponent a semblance of dignity.

Thank you for your time and for your efforts toward defending and promoting God's Word. Please remember, you attract more bees with honey than vinegar. If we are to bring people to God and Catholicism, we need to do it Jesus' way — through love.
Kathleen M. Fowler, New Iberia, LA

Tim Staples responds: Perhaps you should reread my articles. In the Baptism article, the Protestant is the manager of the facility, not a "greasy mechanic." In the Eucharist article, the Protestant is not a "country bumpkin" — he's a cousin at a family barbecue who has everyone stumped with his Bible quoting. "Greasy mechanic" and "country bumpkin" are your characterizations, not mine. You may be mistaking "real life" situations for sarcasm. My scenarios are written to dramatize apologetics arguments, not to imply that non-Catholics are stupid or backwards. As for being charitable, remember that I gave the garage manager "3,000 miles" to think about things until my next visit, and I gave Cousin Mark a hug and let him off the hook concerning his promise to "become Catholic on the spot" if I could show him the Real Presence in Scripture. I don't intend any disrespect toward non-Catholics. After all, I myself used to be one.

It's hip to be Catholic

Having read two issues as a new subscriber, I am pleased at the caliber of journalism and the commitment to Catholic Christianity which your magazine has manifested. The task of apologetics and evangelization is so seldom undertaken today, your work represents a showering of God's grace on the parched geography of contemporary ecclesial discourse. If you have any descriptive blurbs on Envoy, I have some 60 deacons in this diocese I would be willing to mail copies. (That would be more effective than letting them see my copy, one person at a time.) Keep the Faith and know that you give credence to what we've said for years: "It's hip to be Catholic." Or to be less glib, I'll pray for you all, as I give God thanks for you.
Deacon John Cameron, Lansing, MI

The Sooner the better

I first read about Envoy in the Sooner Catholic, the newspaper of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. I was excited to read about it. I recently experienced a couple of incidents that led me to believe that some people think the Catholic Church does not have the Holy Spirit. When I asked one young man of about 16 what his religion was, he replied, "I'm charismatic." I tried to tell him that "charismatic" is not a religion. "Charism" means "gift." Being a charismatic Catholic who prays in tongues and believes in the laying on of hands for healing, etc., I find this a little hard to take. I also recently spoke with a woman who was inquiring about "Weigh Down Workshop," a non-denominational, Scripture-based plan to lose weight. She informed me she didn't know whether she could attend this at a Catholic church, because she was "Spirit-filled" and prayed in tongues. My response to her was: "You know what? So do I!" It made me want to stand on a busy street corner somewhere with a sign, saying "The Catholic Church is alive!"
Teresa Sweedyk, via e-mail

Call us unintelligible

My mother gave my husband a subscription to Envoy several months ago. He reads it each month and complains that he doesn't understand what it's saying. He wasn't raised in any particular religion, though his family experienced several types. After marrying me, he became Catholic. He turns to me, a Catholic school graduate, for explanations. I began reading some apologetics literature for interest and to brush up on Church teachings. Is his reaction to Envoy common? The articles seem straightforward to me, but maybe, for people who have not been brought up in the Catholic Faith, Church teachings might be confusing.
Teresa, via e-mail

Only bribable Catholic knights need apply

I really enjoyed your Web article by Ken Guindon, "How to Become a Jehovah's Witness" [July/August 1997]. I am currently involved in an anti-Watchtower site, consisting of ex-Jehovah's Witnesses, Evangelicals and others. I am the lone Catholic there, doing the best I can. If the author of your story or someone from your staff wants some real fun by helping me out, it would be greatly appreciated. So far I have been holding the fort pretty well, but it is very time-consuming having to try to find all the answers in the Bible when I have them all in my heart. I almost don't know why I even bother, as these people can be loving as well as very frustrating to deal with. They will only see what they want to see. I don't know if the argument is worth the headache anymore. Is there a Catholic knight in shining armor, a warrior of the Blessed Mother, who may be willing to check this site out for awhile? In return, I will send that knight a beautiful new Catholic tape for free. Yes, this is a bribe. I need some support. The site can be reached at watchtower-review@mail. serve.com. I know this might be asking a lot, but if we don't ask, how will we receive? Thanks for any Catholic Bible warriors you might find for me, even if it's temporary.
Jeannine Anderson, via e-mail