Letters

AN IDEAL OPPORTUNITY

THE use of technology, in particular the internet, for Christian worship during the coronavirus lockdown has been an exceptional success. A report from the Office for National Statistics found that 52 per cent of people are using the internet to continue their usual activities, for example online worship. Prior to the lockdown, church attendance in the UK was estimated to be circa 5 per cent of the population.

Fortress Radio has played a part in trying to help Salvationists compensate for the blessings and benefits of physically meeting within our individual fellowships. There are, however, aspects of the content in some of its programmes that raise cause for concern, particularly the referencing to historical Salvation Army terminology and use of certain songs that have little or no context in today’s setting and, more importantly, play little part in attracting potential new believers. I would say that I am a lifelong Salvationist who enjoys nothing better than our approach to worship, but I have concerns when we devote time to protecting old practices rather than considering new ones.

Fortress Radio uses an element of nostalgia to attract a listening audience, but in doing so restricts those who perhaps do not embrace the sentimental remembrance of previous times. Nostalgia can be healthy as long as its primary purpose is to remind how the past laid the foundation for the present and future. If, however, it results in a compulsion to return to the ‘good old days’, it can be damaging and lack spirituality.

Fortress Radio has an ideal opportunity to help direct our vision on where we are heading and not stay focused on what we have left behind. The key to a growing church is to keep focused on where God is leading us and why.

Wayne Johnson Corps Sergeant-Major Hadleigh

As the station is a private initiative we have asked Stuart Hall, controller of Fortress Radio, to comment:

FORTRESS Radio thanks Salvationist for the opportunity to highlight its mission and respond to the concerns of CSM Wayne Johnson. I am delighted with how the radio broadcasts have been received by many listeners. Fortress Radio’s original promise was to offer a platform to facilitate the sharing of music and reflections for those who were housebound or unable to attend regular corps meetings. Little did we realise how it would be used by the Holy Spirit to enable online worship while in lockdown.

Each week, a diverse range of valued and experienced presenters arrange and present their own spiritual reflections while selecting their choice of music from a vast range of genres to support their ministry; one such presenter was the Territorial Commander on Easter Sunday.

Fortress Radio makes no apology for using Salvation Army terminology and for providing a schedule that at times mirrors past activities. It is broadcasting Salvation Army music with Salvation Army presenters. By looking back to our vast heritage, which gives us our identity, we are able to look and move forward, secure in the knowledge that we have God’s guidance in a world that is uncertain and a little scary at present. Yes, there may be times when a song, an arrangement or a reflection may not appeal to all, but it is still worship. Fortress Radio can’t be all things to all people. I am delighted that it has a broad range of listeners – Salvationists, former Salvationists and Christians from other denominations – who appreciate our endeavours.

We have come a long way in less than three months. In May, we reached more than 46,000 listeners. Who knows what seeds are being sown?

LIVING MORE SIMPLY

THE questions in my letter (Salvationist 15 February) were not ‘misdirected’, but were simply aired hoping to obtain answers. Sorry, Gordon, none were forthcoming in your reply (Salvationist 18 April). I am pleased you have enjoyed being a vegan for 56 years as I have enjoyed being an omnivore for modestly longer, but neither philosophy is opposed to loving our neighbour as ourselves.

In Genesis 1:29 we read: ‘I have given you every herb…. and every tree’ (New King James Version). To claim this equates to veganism, and the exclusion of all animal products, is stretching it a bit, not least as in v28 it states that humans ‘have dominion over every living thing that moves’. I suspect every omnivore would accept ‘dominion’ includes eating animal products, and everyone knows the vision of Peter in Acts 10: ‘Rise… kill and eat’ (v13).

Yes, we live in an unbalanced world, and not all food production is as sustainable as it should be. The current crisis will and should involve much rethinking and reorientation. Perhaps we should have half a Self-Denial week 52 weeks a year, and adopt the slogan ‘Live more simply so that others can simply live’. Wesley Paxton

Lockerbie