"For programmatic and business reasons, the decision was made this week to discontinue the "Issues, Etc." program on KFUO-AM.We look forward to bringing you new programming in this time slot in the near future. Also, we thank "Issues" host Rev. Todd Wilken and producer Mr. Jeff Schwarz for their years of service on behalf of the station. Those interested may still download past "Issues, Program Etc." programs from the "Issues" archive on this website. Thank you sincerely for your continued support of KFUO's radio ministry."Ok, we still don't who or why! I guess we are supposed to trust that a proper decision was made. Something is very, very wrong here. Anytime any entity, whether it is a business or synod, has to delay a statement upon firing two employees, especially if they ran the a successful program like Issues, Etc., there is something else going on that needs to be brought to light.
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And if you think it's just me that's got a migraine over this, go read Dan at Necessary Roughness, Der Bettler at Hoc Est Verum, Pastor Weedon, Pastor Snyder, Pastor Cwirla, and Pastor Asburry for more insight on this appalling act.
Also, Pastor Esget has a great idea in response to President Kieschnick's question out of this months reporter; "How do we share the Gospel with youngsters who are plugged into their iPods most of their waking hours?". Pastor Esget proposes that the synod, which already owns a radio station, maybe come up with an informative program that inform those young ragamuffins through things like, maybe podcasts...
Update:
For any good joke to be funny there has to be a tiny little bit of truth hidden in there somewhere. If you enjoy gallows humor, Horn+Swoggled hits the nail smack dab on the head. Scandal and insensitivity indeed…
Also, Pastor Esget has a great idea in response to President Kieschnick's question out of this months reporter; "How do we share the Gospel with youngsters who are plugged into their iPods most of their waking hours?". Pastor Esget proposes that the synod, which already owns a radio station, maybe come up with an informative program that inform those young ragamuffins through things like, maybe podcasts...
Update:
For any good joke to be funny there has to be a tiny little bit of truth hidden in there somewhere. If you enjoy gallows humor, Horn+Swoggled hits the nail smack dab on the head. Scandal and insensitivity indeed…
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Update #2
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Timotheos over at Balaam's Ass has a good post where he points out that the outrage over the Issues, Etc. cancellation is not just a Lutheran issue. He links to a number of reformed, PCA, nondenominational folks who are similarly expressing outrage over the loss of a clear voice in the wilderness.
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Update #3
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Here's an online petition to show your support for Issues, Etc., and to speak out for reinstating the program. Sign the online petition here.
Dear Brothers in Christ,
ReplyDeleteI am writing this letter on the eve Resurrection Sunday. I would like to respectfully object to the unceremonious cancellation of, in my view, the most vital radio in Christian broadcasting, Issues Etc.
In March of 1996, I listened to my first "Issues" show. The subject was "The Theology of the Cross". In my previous church-going experience, I attended various congregations including Evangelical, and Charismatic churches In these environments there was something missing. I heard plenty of positive thinking, signs and wonders, practical application, and other subjects. Most of these painted our savior
as a life coach, and a showman. In my personal Bible Studies, I read about a Savior that died on the Cross for my Salvation, and rose again the third day. There was nothing I could do of my own power, but by the blood of Jesus Christ on the cross. I rarely heard these things in those churches or from the evangelists that broadcasted there version of the Gospel on radio and television. Then on Sunday night in March 1996, I "accidentally" tuned in Issues Etc. They spoke of the Theology of the Cross. I was hooked. I later learned about the sacraments; baptism, and communion. As I continued to listen, I became more acquainted with the Confessional Lutheran message. In April 1998, I became a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Naperville IL. Our pastors have always been faithful servants of Jesus Christ, who rightfully divide Law and Gospel in a way that did not magnify themselves as media superstars as we so often see today. Instead they did so in totally giving Glory and Honor to our resurrected Savior, Jesus Christ.
This is why I feel that Issues Etc is so vital to the gospel of Jesus Christ. In a world of pop-culture evangelism, where the seeker is scared, Issues Etc directs people to the true "Full Gospel" of Jesus Christ. It directed me to a Confessional Lutheran Church, and has done so for countless others. To take this vital tool of the Gospel off the air without a specific reason is unconscionable, in my humble opinion.
Yours in Christ,
Jim Harter, Naperville IL