Everyday Miracles
In "Miracles in Mozambique" [May], you gave us a real-life exposition of Paul's understanding of the gospel coming with power and great signs (Rom. 15:19), words of knowledge, a better understanding of "true riches," laying on of hands, and so on. This is the power of the gospel. May it catch fire in my life and in the lives of everyone who reads this article. We all need to be like "Mama Heidi."
Dale Yancy Paducah, Kentucky
Appeasing Love
Perhaps young pastors would not be so quick to discard substitutionary atonement if scholars would not link God's wrath to the crucifixion of Christ, such as in "Why Christus Victor Is Not Enough" [May].
John stated that Jesus died to satisfy God's love (John 3:16). Paul added that Jesus died to satisfy God's righteousness (Rom. 3:25). Why? Because God wants to forgive sinners, but animal sacrifices did not conform to his righteousness. Because the sacrifice of animals could never take away sin (Heb. 10:11), Jesus gave himself up as an offering. His atoning sacrifice was a fragrant offering to God (Eph. 5:1) and satisfied his righteousness so that God would be just in forgiving sin and in justifying those who have faith in Jesus (Rom. 3:22-26, 1 John 1:9).
Remove the eisegetical theory that God poured out his wrath upon Jesus and replace it with God's abiding love for his Son, and maybe young pastors will embrace the substitutionary atonement.
Don Sailer Assistant Professor, Liberty University Lynchburg, Virginia
Struggling to Serve
Thank you for publishing "From Powerlifter to Powerless" [May]. I've been plagued by illnesses for over 40 years. Like the author, I can provide a litany of accomplishments throughout this time. I have learned valuable lessons and drawn close to my Lord. I have even been able to minister to others because of my experiences.
Yet it is extremely frustrating when the frailty of the body limits me from doing simple tasks. At what point do I just sit back and do nothing? When does "service" end and who decides? A quadriplegic pastor who was forced by his denomination to retire told me, "I don't see 'retirement' in the Scriptures." He now has a growing Christian fellowship with plans under way to build. His service is in no way over.
Flo Vance Whitewright, Texas
Pandering Politics
In "Rooting Out Bad Religion" [May], Ross Douthat says, "[I]t has to be possible to be Christian on contentious cultural issues without making it seem like Christianity is just an appendage of the Republican Party." Ugh! Voices from both sides of the political/theological spectrum want to co-opt the gospel to suit their purposes, not just the Right.
It now appears that the political focus is to challenge the people on the conservative side of the dialogue but to give a pass to the ideologues on the Left, whose attitudes are often just as condescending and dogmatic. Dialogue becomes impossible when one side is vilified and its positions are not respected or considered valid.
Alan Miller Tifton, Georgia
Say and Do
Thank you for "You Can't Preach the Gospel with Deeds" [May]. I would add that one of the great weaknesses of only trying to live the gospel and not speak the gospel is what happens when you are successful! If a person could truly live the gospel, and those around him or her were impressed by the display, what would their conclusion be? That mankind is hopelessly lost and in desperate need of a Savior? No, probably not. Probably they would conclude that being a Christian means living a perfect life. The emphasis of the gospel would again be manmade works rather than miraculous grace. As a missionary among Muslims for more than 10 years, I know the necessity of living a life of selfless love toward my neighbors—because Jesus said to, and because it did open doors for the spoken message. But we dare not send the message that Jesus' Good News was "save yourself."
Matthew Carr E-mail
Confronting Sin
Thank you for your May editorial, "The 'Monsters' Among Us." I lived through the effects of these things being covered up in Christian circles. It is hard to connect to God as someone who cares when you see Christian leaders pretend there is no problem and sacrifice others for their reputation. Very few of my peers who grew up with me in Christian circles have any interest in God. They don't believe in him or want nothing to do with him, pointing to the abuse and its cover-up as the reason. Your openness about your connections to these people gives me great hope that other groups will perhaps follow your example.
Name Withheld by Request E-mail
Imperfect Love
I cannot tell you how moved I was by Paul Shrier's opinion in the Village Green [May, "Should we stop adoption/foster-care programs if the law requires them to work with same-sex couples?"]. He is a much-needed prophetic voice. I have met numerous Christians with strong views on this subject who have done nothing to provide homes for the very foster children they claim to care so much about.
To our shame, we have little faith that God can actually work in and through the lives of those who happen to be gay. Meanwhile, we trumpet King David, a murderer, adulterer, and dysfunctional father, as a hero during Sunday school lessons. Those who don't believe God works through imperfect people and circumstances haven't read the Bible.
Karen Keen Durham, North Carolina
Clarification
In the article "Miracles in Mozambique" [May], Iris Ministries indicated its association has approximately 10,000 congregations. The current number is 10,562. About 92 percent are in Mozambique. The total includes churches that Iris founders Heidi and Rolland Baker planted as well as pre-existing churches that are affiliated with their ministry. There are member congregations in 12 other nations, including three churches in the United States.
What got the most comments in May's CT
24% Miracles in Mozambique by Tim Stafford
22% The 'Monsters' Among Us by CT Editorial
17% You Can't Preach the Gospel with Deeds by Duane Litfin
Readers' Pick
The most praised piece in May's CT
You Can't Preach the Gospel with Deeds by Duane Litfin
Worth Repeating
Compiled by Elissa Cooper
"We must stop seeing critiques as personal affronts. They are part and parcel of the body of Christ stretching one another as iron sharpens iron." HGS, on why it's important to examine others' teaching and theology. Many admired Ann Voskamp's grace-filled reaction to Tim Challies's negative review of her book and how the two were able to reconcile their differences. Her.meneutics: "Ann Voskamp, Tim Challies, Beth Moore: Dinner and a Defense of Earnestness," by Micha Boyett
"It's not their job to promote anything but Christian values." Original Anna, applauding Shorter University for its new lifestyle statement for employees, which includes a ban on alcohol. Readers were mixed on whether or not it was appropriate and biblical for a Christian college to restrict alcohol use. CT Liveblog: "Baptist University Loses Third of Faculty Over Lifestyle Statement," by Adelle M. Banks
"While humility is a quality to promote in one's Christian life, going along with the crowd is not." George E, approving Richard Land's apology to Trayvon Martin's family in regards to his comments about the case, but disagreeing that Land had to make other apologies. CT Politics Blog: "After Meeting with Black Southern Baptists, Richard Land Apologizes Again over Trayvon Martin Comments," by Adelle M. Banks
"The hypocrisy is purposeful, itself a commentary not only on our stupid culture but also on our own pride in how we deal with it." David, sharing his observations about the trailer for the upcoming black comedy God Bless America. CT Entertainment Blog: "'God Bless America' … With a Bang," by Paul Pastor
