Letters from the week of 12 - 18 March 2018

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Whosoever Commenteth

Just a point of clarification regarding Rollen Stewart in your letter of 11 March. He is in prison for kidnapping rather than murder (admittedly only a minor distinction). A number of years ago I saw a fascinating documentary about him entitled "Rainbow Man." It included interview footage of Stewart at the time of his arrest, in which he clearly manifested symptoms of mental illness.

Whatever the drawbacks of his personal theology (which, like you, I think are significant), his shoe-string, guerrilla television evangelism campaign was remarkably successful when you consider the fact that we still remember it decades later--an achievement all the more amazing since it took place in the pre-social media era.

Stewart's story is also an interesting, and sobering, example of the often fleeting nature of celebrity status in our society, the churn rate of which has only accelerated over time.

The Rev. Steve Sturgeon
St. John's Episcopal Church
Logan, Utah USA
12 March 2018

(Ed: Thank you for pointing out the error, it was corrected midweek.)

 

I would like to remark on your column on John 3.16 and a thank you.

A sermon a previous rector gave some years ago was on this and we were told to put our name in the "the world" "whosoever" space.

"For God so loved (insert your name here), that he gave his only begotten Son, that (insert your name) believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.'

Its a great comfort when I feel a less than worthy.

Also, I want to thank you for mentioning the hymn "Sacred Head Sore Wounded'.

I have to work on Sunday's and unable to be in church, since June. Coming home from work last Sunday the chimes of a St Joseph RC Church (near to where I live) was playing this. I knew the tune but the words escaped me, save for a random few. I have been trying to remember the name and thanks you I recalled it.

Joe Mackey
Huntington, West Virginia, USA
joemackey108@comcast.net
18 March 2018

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