Fall 1992
Volume VII, Number 3
In This Issue
Immigrants and Politics by Elder M. Lindahl
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.
Luke 17:11–19 and Waldenström’s Commentary translated by Tommy Carlson
Beyond the Satin Funhouse reviewed by David Liljengren
“One balmy spring morning in Hollywood, a month or so before my forty-eighth birthday, I woke up screaming,” writes Dan Wakefield in Returning. Wakefield’s charmed life as a successful novelist, darling of New York literary circles and sought-after screenwriter, seemed headed for a rotten conclusion. He feared his end would come “as one of those bodies in the movies of Hollywood who float face down in their own swimming pool.”
Willie Mae, by Elizabeth Kytle reviewed by Dennis Jones
Willie Mae is a first-person biography which was first published by Alfred Knopf in 1958. And according to the blurb on the back of the EPM paperback, “it was listed by the New York Times as one of the best books of the year, and was widely reviewed as ‘a sweet book, a strong book, a laughing book, and sometimes a heartbreaking and infuriating book, but never a whining book.’” That truly wraps up the flavor of Willie Mae.
Therapeutic Theological Thought by Penrod
I hate it when numbers are substituted for words in the months of the year. I hate abbreviations for states. I do not want to think of Oklahoma as OK, California as CA, or Minnesota as MN.
Word Play by Arthur W. Anderson
Words can carry freight so precariously placed that if the load shifted, it would be tragic. Once, when my son and I were out on the green kingdom playing a game I occasionally indulge in, we pulled up behind a stalled foursome waiting to tee off. I asked them how they were doing. One expressed delight in his game thus far. Another blurted out in considerable ecstasy, “I’m as happy as hell.” From his words one might gather that he was frustrated, but such was not the case. He, too, was pleased.
A Thanksgiving Sermon by Peter Sandstrom
This is one of the earliest stories of Jesus that I remember learning. We heard it in Sunday School while sitting around a table in the church basement. I can still call to life the feelings of indignation and judgment I felt toward those nine lepers who did not return to give thanks. I thought poor Jesus’ feelings had been hurt. Our comments across the table reflected our certitude as six and seven-year-olds. We nodded earnestly to each other, “If we were there and Jesus had healed us, we would have gone back to thank him!”
St. Petersburg Dream by Dean R. Bowman
Most people have a certain place in the world that draws them like an irresistible magnet. The attraction can long remain dormant, but typically one feels unfulfilled until the Holy Land, Greece, Rio, Sweden, or wherever is experienced in the flesh. My place is St. Petersburg, Russia.
Where We Got Our Hymns—Chapter 4 by J. Irving Erickson
The early Pietists sounded a new note in Swedish hymnody. This was especially true of Jacob Arrhenius (1642-1725), a professor of history at Uppsala University. Several of his lyrics were included in Jesper Swedberg’s edition of the Psalmbok in 1694.
Exodus 19 and Behavior Befitting a Covenant by David Hawkinson
These days there is much discussion among evangelicals about behavior. The discussion is cloaked in the language of “family values” and is part of political platforms and rhetoric. The Northwest Conference of the Covenant Church is devoting the theme of its winter conclave to the issue as well. I want to add to this discussion by wondering about behavior that befits people in a covenantal relationship with God. I am not as concerned with the content of this discussion as with the process that underlies living in covenant. It seems to me that how we talk about these matters is as important as what we are actually talking about.
Disturbing Questions by Arthur Mampel
Our Greek Teacher on Tuesday mornings, Dr. Winefred Weter, translates the Gospel text for this morning in the following manner: Now when they had had breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time Jesus said to him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Look after my sheep.” Jesus said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” Peter was disturbed (and grieved) because he asked him a third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know everything, you know that I love you. Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep” (John 21:15-17).
Reginald D. Johnson by Phil Johnson
Perhaps it is common to respect one’s older brother. I loved and respected mine. After all, my big brother was the formidable Reginald Johnson. I know few people more resourceful than or as practical as he. This was true in spite of the fact that Reg became increasingly convinced as the years passed that everything was in God’s hands.
Paul G. Sonnack by Phil Johnson
I immediately felt the loss when I learned that Dr. Paul Sonnack of Luther Northwestern Seminary had died. No longer could I enjoy visits with Paul and gain inspiration from them.
Live Big; Think Small. Toddler Room, September 6, 1992. North Park Wedding
Larry Bird by Eric Ecklund-Johnson
I know what many of you must be thinking. You’re thinking that Larry Bird’s retirement has about as much to do with Pietisten as a review of Ozzy Osbourne’s last album. Well, you are probably right, but Bird was my hero and also my father’s; and my father is managing editor, so here it is.