Letters to the Editor may not reflect the views or opinions of the Witness. Letters may be mailed, faxed or submitted using our online form. Only letters marked clearly for publication, signed with address will be considered for use. Letters are subject to editing. Please limit letters to 250 words.

RICKSHAW RALLY

Children, not engineers

In reference to the Witness’ Dec. 11 point and counterpoint to the question, "Is LifeWay’s ‘Rickshaw Rally’ culturally sensitive to Asians?" the fact is that James Draper [LifeWay president] did consult with Asian Christians for their opinion as to being offensive. Ben Mitchell’s academic presumption is simply theoretical in his concern that someone might be offended. Kimonos, chopsticks and rickshaws are part of Japan’s past and have a colorful appeal in understanding the Orient. These are young children we are trying to reach, not urban engineers. Disney understood well in communicating with children to keep it loving and keep it simple. Foreigners learn about our Pilgrims, cowboys and Southern belles and though it doesn’t express our rocket science, it does convey history in an appealing way. A cold, aloof approach reflecting the reality of NewAge technology should not supercede introducing children to chopsticks, paper lanterns and umbrellas. Mitchell’s criticism and the misled boycott by New England Baptists are without merit and divisive, which are serious offenses when it comes to Christian unity and love. Perhaps Mr. Mitchell is the one in need of making an apology.

Anne Martin Vero Beach

RICKSHAW RALLY

‘Prime example of racism’

As a 2000 graduate of Southern Seminary, I commend you for covering the debate surrounding "Rickshaw Rally: Racing to the Son" (Dec. 11, 2003). Both articles model the collegial interaction necessary for self-evaluation. I pray they also make Baptists aware of this issue, especially as expressed by Ben Mitchell. Racism extends beyond overt actions and attitudes. As defined in Divided by Faith, a recent book on race and evangelicalism, racism "is a collective misuse of power that harms another racial group, it is rational, and it includes the justifications provided for racialization." Based on this definition, "Rickshaw Rally" is a prime example of racism, despite claims to the contrary. First, another racial group is being harmed, evidenced by comments at an online petition against the curriculum (http://www.petition online.com/sbcvbs01/petition.html). Second, Draper’s rational justification of the material and of LifeWay’s intent fails to satisfy. Historically speaking, most believers who owned slaves desired and intended for their human property to be born again. Such intentions did not justify slavery. While the circumstances differ, the principle, like it or not, remains the same. LifeWay’s intentions, however noble, do not justify the pain. Perhaps many children will experience God’s grace during VBS this summer. What about that one child, however, hindered from coming to Christ because of offensive stereotypes? When the disciples kept children from Jesus, he rebuked them: "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven" (Matt 19:14). May God use Florida Baptist Witness similarly.

Richard A. Bailey Louisville, Ky.

RICKSHAW RALLY

Define pronouns

I appreciated C. Ben Mitchell’s thoughtful counterpoint in the Witness’ Dec. 11 issue. I agree with pretty much everything he wrote. I am a Korean-American, but I don’t believe LifeWay developed the curriculum with racist intentions. I do, however, feel that if cultural awareness of Asians is what they’re after, they are using outdated images of an Asia that is fading away. It would be like trying to get Asian kids aware of American culture by showing them images of cowboys and Indians. Such cross-cultural stereotypical images can be quite powerful. As recently as 2000, I took a trip to China and when people there found out I was from the Chicago area, two figures immediately popped into their minds: Michael Jordan and Al Capone. We need to be careful about the associations we plant in people’s minds. I would like to take exception with one of Dr. Mitchell’s points however. He states, "One of my fears is that "Rickshaw Rally" will alienate the very people we hope to reach with the Gospel of Christ." My question is: "Who comprises the ‘we’ that he is referring to?" In characterizing the Asian-American population primarily as a target audience it can alienate devoted Asian-American Christians like myself who may not be included in the implied "we." I’m not really offended by this but felt I should point it out to show how entrenched the ideas of who "we" and "they" might be in this country. This kind of point-counterpoint open dialog is just the right medicine for helping us get over our racial tensions and turn our hearts in unity to the task of the Great Commission.

David Lee Hoffman Estates, Ill.

Editor’s note: Expressing appreciation for Mr. Lee’s thoughts, Mitchell offers the following response: "I take very serious the point you made about the pronouns ‘we’ and ‘they.’ For the record, the ‘we’ are Southern Baptists. If I have offended, I apologize."

‘ELEVATE’

Catholic speakers

While surfing the North American Missions Board’s Web site I discovered that early next year NAMB has scheduled two "Elevate" conferences with the purpose of reaching and equipping students and young adults. The program is full of "celebrity status" speakers, one or more of whom is Catholic. A high ranking NAMB official told me that one of the Catholic speakers would be "sharing about the need for young adults to use what God has given them, to stand up and make their voice heard if we are to return America to her conservative, faith-based roots." My question is "Why do we need a Catholic to do this?" Any person we put on our platform should be one that the hearer should want to go out and emulate their faith. How is this possible using Catholics? Maybe NAMB would like us to start praying the Rosary and celebrating Mass! In one breath NAMB’s Interfaith Deptartment tells us that Catholics are lost and in need of a Christian witness. In another breath they tell us that we need them to teach us and encourage us in the faith. I want to encourage pastors and laymen alike to call, write, or e-mail NAMB if you share in my concern.

Howard J Roszak Paisley

Editor’s note: Florida Baptist Witness invited the North American Mission Board to respond to Mr. Roszak’s letter in the interest of allowing our readers to be aware of its position on the matter.

‘ELEVATE’

Not teaching about faith

We’ve talked at length with Brother Roszak about his concern, and welcome the opportunity to address it in the Witness. Although conservative commentator and Roman Catholic Sean Hannity is scheduled to speak at one of our two Elevate Conferences next year, certainly we would not ask him to "teach us ... in matters of faith." As we’ve explained to Brother Roszak, Hannity will not speak to theological issues, but will address the need to return our nation to its conservative roots. We readily admit these conferences are a unique approach for Southern Baptists. They’re designed to reach young people between the ages of 18 and 29 years, what Dr. Bob Reccord, NAMB president, calls the "impact zone of life." This is the time, he says, "when most people choose their mate, their mission and their ministry," but we’re not reaching millions of them through our churches. SBC President Dr. Jack Graham is speaking at both conferences. He said, "Elevate is not for the preacher boy or the missionary but rather for the student and the professional who may not be going to seminary but will be prepared to go to the marketplace to engage a culture that desperately needs Jesus." In addition to Dr. Graham, the speakers list includes authors Josh McDowell and Janet Parshall, Georgia Governor Sunny Perdue and Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, and media personalities Kirk Cameron and Peggy Wehmeyer. More information about both conferences is available at www.elevate2004.com. We as Southern Baptist have clearly defined where we stand theologically, and from such positions we will not move or compromise. At the same time to change our nation's culture we must be willing to work together on social and political issues with those who share our values—regardless of their denominational preference. We have long stood with others on preserving conservative values such as First Amendment rights and opposing such things as abortion, gambling and pornography. It is standing for such conservative values and against that which undermines our society that will be addressed by Mr. Hannity.

Martin King Director, Convention Relations, NAMB

REFLECTIONS

A private sunset

It was early evening, and our trip from Naples, where my husband and I had attended a seminar, was proceeding uneventfully. We were looking forward to being back in our home in Tampa very soon. Then, as we rounded a curve, we were suddenly witnessing the most achingly, amazing and wondrous sunset that I ever expect to see. Then, before us, as if for our own private viewing, was a sky filled with heart-wrenching beauty. Huge gray rolls of clouds were marching across the sky and becoming encircled with brilliant colors. Then the colors began to spread upward and outward until it seemed as if the whole sky was a symphony of colors, colors that the human mind could never imagine. Then, those amazing colors began zigzagging, encircling other colors. They actually seemed to be dancing. Then, looking over to my right, I saw what appeared to be a giant ice cream cone. I could discern that it was pointed at the bottom. Then, amazing, great white clouds began filling it in and became every hue of the rainbow. As I continued to watch enraptured, all those wondrous colors began to separate and race across the sky in all directions. They seemed to be dipping toward the horizon as if to say good night. My husband and I realized that we had witnessed a phenomenon that only our Lord could create. As a matter of fact, if I had seen His face among all that beauty, I wouldn’t have been at all surprised.

Ruth Brunson Tampa

POLITICS

Liberty vs. equality

The debate in American society has been between liberty and equality. One political party promotes liberty to increase wealth; the other party distributes wealth to promote equality. One party values the liberty of a child to be born; the other a woman’s question for equality unhindered by children. Increasingly, not elected leaders but lifetime appointees make these decisions. It’s judges who have decided that students can curse in school, but can not pray. Judges decided the pedophiles have "rights," but that the Boy Scouts have to defend their ethics. Judges disregard the equality of a "colorblind" society and impose "quotas" for their favored groups. Will it be "mainstream" to take God out of all public ceremonies? Our Constitution empowers Congress to make the law, the President to enforce law, and the Supreme Court to interpret law. When judges create "new rights" and make "social policy" they distort the democratic process and undermine respect for the law. It is up to voters to correct this injustice. VOTE for the politicians who will appoint and confirm judges who believe in LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.

Michael Francis McCarthy San Lorenzo, Calif.