Heavenly Confusion
"Incredible Journeys" [December] provoked questions but danced around the theological issues created by the "heaven" books.
The good news isn't that all people go to heaven or even that heaven is for real; it's that in Jesus, sin is forgiven and eternal life has begun. The theological confusion in these books reveals that personal experience or private revelation is not trustworthy for doctrine. The scriptural model is that if the theology of the revelation is incorrect the revelation may not be used for public proclamation.
D. Kevin Smith Fresno, California
Mark Galli's impressive article failed to sway me from my conviction that these experiences are, at best, delusional. These stories of journeys to heaven do not seem to make room for Jesus, and none of the voyagers seem aware of the extreme significance of God's holiness. In every biblical encounter between humans and God enthroned (Ezekiel, Jeremiah, John on Patmos), the human reaction to God's presence is an overwhelming desire to sink into the ground, or have some nearby mountain range leap to shield them from his holiness. Occam's razor points the way on this one: These journeyers are fooling themselves and fooling others.
John R. Albrektson Redlands, California
Valuing the Truth
In answering "Should churches discourage belief in Santa Claus?" [Under Discussion, December], I wonder about our teaching children the "value" of tolerance—letting others believe a destructive lie because it's only a game—or the "value" of not interfering with other parents who choose to teach lies. Would we also insist that our children never tell their Muslim friends the truth? Or discourage our ministers from saying so?
Teresa Benson E-mail
A Heart Thing
In regards to "Why Mere Christianity Should Have Bombed" [December], Mere Christianity and other apologetic books strengthened my own faith—after conversion. It was the good old-fashioned work of the Holy Spirit, not rational arguments, that initially brought me to saving faith. In other words, it was a heart thing, not a head thing. So, are apologetic arguments more useful as evangelistic tools or as sources of edification for those who already believe?
Tom Nash E-mail
Man of Integrity
Francis Chan says, "I'm still a coward when it comes to sharing my faith …. I don't love people as much as I would like to …. I'm just not as bold as I should be at times. And so I wish I could grow in those character qualities" ["The Relentless Passion of Francis Chan," December]. To be a best-selling author and a church leader teaching discipleship, and to admit that, speaks of real integrity. That is what the church today lacks more than anything else. I don't know Chan, but it seems that he can teach today's shepherds what walking in the light is all about. Thanks, CT.
Steve Skeete E-mail
Paging Holiness
The question raised in December's Village Green ["Do American Christians need the message of grace or a call to holiness?"] makes me wonder how current church music is answering that question. Does the popularity of praise and worship songs and the relative decrease of hymns indicate that the message of grace is more important, or at least more popular, than the call to holiness?
While praise songs do well in expressing God's grace, they often fall short of a serious call to holiness. A well-edited hymnbook is a priceless treasury of Scripture and theological commentary that can teach us the value of grace and issue a serious call to holiness.
Roger Wayne Hicks Sun City West, Arizona
Feeding Frenzy
I cannot speak with authority on "Breast-feeding in the Back Pew" [December]. But I find it highly disturbing that the sacred act of a mother feeding an infant would be problematic for anyone. It is, as the writer says, directly mirroring God's own nurture and bounty. There's nothing immodest or ungodly about a mother nurturing her baby in a place where we are in turn nursing at the breast of God. Purity is an important part of our faithful walk. Victorian prudery is not.
Jon Trott E-mail
In my church we respectfully ask that no food or drink be brought into the worship center. I don't want to watch any feeding of babies or children during a service, from breasts or bottles or jars.
Parents of young children will miss things, such as sermons. But they have chosen something far more significant than hearing every possible sermon.
Laura C. Steel E-mail
Class Warfare
Hats off to David Neff ["Misreading the Magnificat," December] for pointing out what is clearly written in Scripture but what many Christians ignore. For those who consider this class warfare, Christ made the statements that Neff only quotes. Nowhere else other than in the United States is talking about supporting the poor or giving to the poor seen as class warfare—especially by the Christian community.
Prem Kurian E-mail
Correction
The first Gleanings article on page 14 of the December issue should have read "Sovereign Grace Charged with Failing to Report Child Abuse." Our apologies for the inaccuracy.
In "Why Mere Christianity Should Have Bombed," there were four sets of radio talks that eventually made up the book. See the postscript on our online article for a reader's explanation.
What got the most comments in December's CT
44% Incredible Journeys Mark Galli
11% Three Is the Loveliest Number Michael Reeves
7% Misreading the Magnificat David Neff
Readers' Pick
The most praised piece in December's CT
Incredible Journeys Mark Galli
Worth Repeating
Compiled by Elissa Cooper
"The ignorance of a few can lead to the folly of many." Patrice Marker-Zahler, sympathizing with how words can be misunderstood, especially in the faith, and lead to other problems. "Did Andy Stanley Really Mean Obama Is 'Pastor in Chief'?" interview by Mark Galli
"What a perfect portrayal of law vs. grace." Pete Dayton, glad that the film Les Misérables took first place in CT's best-of list. "The Most Redeeming Films of 2012"
"One of the greatest of the greats, who accurately discerned the times, and obeyed God accordingly. And, yes, he still speaks!" Leina W, praising Lewis for how he understood and responded to changes in culture. "Why C. S. Lewis Didn't Write for Christianity Today," by Dan DeWitt
"I have learned, changed, and grown over the last 15 years. I am going to assume others have as well." Charles Stearns, reflecting how one's faith and stances on issues can change with time and experience. Passion City Church founder and pastor Louie Giglio had been asked to deliver the benediction at the presidential inauguration. He later backed out after an old sermon on the Christian response to homosexuality resurfaced, drawing negative attention. CT Liveblog: "Louie Giglio Withdraws from Inauguration over Past Sermon on Homosexuality," by Melissa Steffan
"French vanilla ice cream tastes beautiful. Silk and velvet feel beautiful. God created a beautiful world." Cheryl Okimoto, after football commentators were criticized for focusing on a female spectator's physical beauty instead of the game. Her.meneutics: "Why We Should Celebrate Beautiful Women," by Laura Ortberg Turner
