Interview of Jeanne Wiger conducted by Amy Hinrichs
Why did you join ISAIAH?
“ I personally feel that we need to take action. We face the most divided country we’ve witnessed since the Civil War. Our country is falling apart. It so divided and that’s fearful to me. We need to tell our story as Lutherans”.
Jeanne tells of a friend hearing of a Jewish artist wondering about Lutherans these days, because when this artist knew of Lutherans at the time of WWII, they were often Nazis and part of the regime who put Jews into concentration camps. Jeanne says, Lutherans can tell their story now and attend to their civic duty. Jeanne began to think back to Luther’s Catechism.
What does the 9th commandment mean?
“Thou shalt not bear false witness” forbids: 1. Speaking falsely in any matter, lying, equivocating, and any way devising and designing to deceive our neighbor. 2. Speaking unjustly against our neighbor, to the prejudice of his reputation; and (which involves the guilty of both)”.
What does the 10th commandment mean?
“You shall not covet means that we should banish our desires for whatever does not belong to us. Never having enough money is regarded as a symptom of the love of money. Obedience to the tenth commandment requires that envy be banished from the human heart”.
Jeanne talks about rereading Luther’s Table Talks, about rereading the catechism. “We need to take our civic responsibilities seriously and follow the 9th and 10th Commandment, Luther says, what does this mean? I think vote and help others vote.”
How do Lutherans react to the evangelical leaning of the powerful majority right now?
“If we can read Luther’s Table talks and take on our vote as an important part of civic work, we are supporting a 500 year doctrinal tradition, not an emotional, economic foundation that is shaky earth. A doctrinal approach has deep thinking from the Book of Concorde, a history reflecting a priesthood of all believers, not supporting class division.”
I heard you handed out the ISAIAH postcards to clients you see each week, why? “ I don’t think there’s a time where our votes could not count more.”
Jeanne shared that she was going to do phone banking to support the vote.
If you’d like to phone bank for the election on November 6, sign up at the ISAIAH offices or use this link.
ISAIAH Community Collaboration for Justice and Dignity
2356 University Ave West Suite 405
St. Paul MN 55114
