Letters

Our Daily Hope * In recent months, I've thought much about resurrection. In theory, Christians appreciate the words and reality of Christ's resurrection (inasmuch as we can apprehend any miracle), but until death or disability hits close to home, resurrection seems to re main just that, theory.

4/5/1999

So why have I been thinking about resurrection? As children so often do, our five-year-old son has provoked these big thoughts. Conor, who was born with several congenital and physical deformities, has been asking a lot of questions about his new body in the resurrection. He wonders about Jesus' fleshly body after he rose on that first Paschal day and how he (Conor) will "look" once he joins Christ from the grave. These are serious questions for a young man who has lived his short life without thumbs, an unresponsive right arm, and a diaphragm that doesn't work properly.

Thankfully, Prof. Loren Wilkinson reminds us afresh of Paul's words: "If Christ has not been raised … " and of the incarnational reality of the Easter celebration ["How Green Is Easter?" April 5]. The hope of the physical resurrection is very real for Conor. And, because of Conor's presence in my life, I'm reminded of this hope daily.

George W. Sweetman
Markham, Ont., Canada

I enjoyed reading the thoughtful article "How Green Is Easter?" Having been a hospice nurse and volunteer for 20 years, my families have enriched my life and taught me so much about how to live life and share their values.

Jean Eckelmann
Desert Hot Springs, Calif.

Fasting's Comeback—and Pitfalls
Christine J. Gardner's special report on fasting, "Hungry for God" [April 5], is an interesting overview of how this spiritual discipline has made a comeback among evangelicals. Fasting is a biblically sanctioned means by which God's grace can work in our souls and, as the article points out, may be connected with spiritual revivals in society.

I was disturbed, however, to find no mention of the mortal danger of fasting when it becomes a compulsive form of behavior. That evangelical teens are especially drawn to fasting is a fact that pastors should view with concern. Fasting needs a warning label. It should be encouraged only with great care and caution. Among girls especially, body-image issues cannot easily be separated from spiritual yearnings.

"Hungry for God" cites the history of revivals in America but fails to mention that compulsive fasting also became a problem in the nineteenth century. Historian Julius H. Rubin identified "evangelical anorexia nervosa" as a syndrome in his 1994 book, Religious Melancholy and the Protestant Experience in America.

Fasting has its place as a God-ordained discipline. But Satan is good at using Scripture and "masquerades as an angel of light" (2 Cor. 11:14).

Pastor Charles Hambrick-Stowe
Church of the Apostles
Lancaster, Pa.

I enjoyed reading the article. I am 53 years old and not until the last four years or so have I had such a hunger for God as now. I am drawing closer to the Lord every day.

I disagree with one thing: In the sidebar, "What Conditions Precede Revival?" you listed shouting, weeping, and fainting as "extreme emotional responses" and "extravagances," stating these were potential problems of spiritual awakenings. This past year I find myself weeping almost daily as I experience the love of God touching different areas of my understanding.

Shouting. The Psalms do it. Circumstances invite it.

And fainting. If you were to suddenly see God in all his glory you would die. That would be a dead faint.

One thing I know: We are all unique creations of God, and our heavenly Father deals with each of us uniquely.

Tom Millan
Beaverton, Oreg.

* If I understand the words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 6:5–18, prayer and fasting are to be strictly private matters, with no public display. In fact, Jesus says that those who make a display of either or both, prayer and fasting, are hypocrites or good actors. In other words, no one but God is to know of our private praying and/or fasting.

Unfortunately, as with other spiritual exercises, prayer and fasting are being used as tools in the hands of religious authoritarian figures who know how to manipulate the emotions of folks. Prayer and fasting were never meant to be spiritual gimmicks to get others to do what I want them to do.

Bill Simpson
San Antonio, Tex.

The articles on fasting are timely and well spoken. Older Christians used to talk about "praying through," to wait on God until the sky cleared, until the heart was at rest in assurance that the Heavenly Father had heard the prayer. How long does it take to "pray through"? An early crisis in my life included fasting and prayer—whether to continue in postgraduate studies or take a church that was calling. Furthermore, should I continue taking an interest in a certain lovely Christian girl or not? Her family had cast doubt on my being best for her. At home for a few days with devout and aging parents, determined to hear from God, the joy of those quiet hours lingers still. It is something to clear the slate and wait on a word from the One who has promised to hear all who call—whatever it takes, even fasting.

Unexpectedly, after some hours, my father came to me saying he felt he should reveal a secret he had held for eight years: "The first time I saw that girl, I knew she was for you." I knew that was an answer. I took the church, married the girl, and have enjoyed fruit of those quiet hours before God in 60 years of Christian service and a most happy home.

Alton J. Shea
Houghton, N.Y.

I am grateful to read of the dramatic in crease in the practice of serious self-denial and indications of fresh God affirmation.

My experience of giving up desserts and meats is that fasting is not so much an end in itself as it can be a continuing reminder that God expects me to fast from anger and from resentments. As he holds my attention by having me give up foods, and/or favorite diversions, God can thereby give me his grace to be more loving and patient. My fasting then be comes a means to God's ends.

Griffin C. Callahan
Bluefield, W. Va.

* May I add to your balanced historical, devotional, and biblical/theological perspectives on fasting (not to mention the excellent cautions from John Piper) a poetic depiction of this discipline?

Legend has it that in centuries past a soldier would often place a pebble in his boot before going to war. The physical discomfort was intended to keep him mindful of being separated from a beloved wife or fiancee. Isn't the physical ache of periodic fasting a disturbing but effective reminder of our incompleteness while we wait for reunion with a heavenly bridegroom from whom we are separated?

L. B. Knowles, Jr.
Vernon, Vt.

* A correction: Jonathan Edwards's famous sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" (mentioned in the sidebar, p. 35) was not preached in his home church in Northhampton, Massachusetts, in 1734. The place rather was Enfield, Connecticut, and the year was 1741. Nor was the sermon 100 percent hellfire-and-brimstone, as is commonly assumed. Near the end, Edwards tenderly implored his listeners, "And now you have an extraordinary opportunity, a day wherein Christ has thrown the door of mercy wide open."

Dean Merrill
Colorado Springs, Colo.

The Nature of God in Art
I read with great interest your article in the April 5 issue "Outside the Gate." I am researching the nature of God in illustration for part of my M.A. in illustration at Syracuse University. As a Christian who is an artist, I am curious to learn how other artists have portrayed God in their work, both historically and in modern times.

Harriet Olds
Lakewood, Colo.

The section on "Outsider Art" was interesting. However, I cannot say that I consider it art. Rather, it is like the drawings of grade-school children—not something I would want on the walls of my home. On the positive side, you do show something of the great cultural diversity in the U.S.

Margaret G. Forsythe
Salem, Oreg.

The Graham Progeny
I commend you and Wendy Zoba for two great articles on Franklin Graham and Anne Graham Lotz ["Can the Graham Anointing Be Passed?" April 5]. These are two obvious servants of God for our times. Billy Graham is more of a hero to me than anyone I can think of. His progeny appear to be following his example in prophetically speaking to their generation without fitting into their dad's mold, which would be unnecessary and not what Jesus would do.

Larry Haworth
Downers Grove, Ill.

The article was of particular interest to me. It was through a woman evangelist that my family first heard the saving gospel of Jesus Christ. Christ's first evangelist was a woman (read John 4:39). Acts 2:18 speaks of hand-maidens who would prophesy. Anne Graham Lotz has the Spirit-anointing of God.

Rev. Donald E. McClintock
Cherry, Ill.

* As I read the articles on Franklin Graham and Anne Graham Lotz, a question kept popping into my mind: Are we looking to the wrong place for a new leader?

I appreciate the ministry of both of these individuals. I have heard messages from each on the radio. I can also see their father's influence on their ministries; but should we look to them for leadership just because their father is Billy Graham? I don't think so. Time and again, history has shown us that looking to people for leadership based on their heritage is a mistake. What does the Bible show us? Eli and Samuel both had sons who thought they could lead based on their heritage. Both established their sons only to see justice corrupted. I am not saying these two will be corrupt; I truly appreciate their ministry. We should not, however, choose to establish them. That is God's job.

Abner Garcia
Cliffwood, N.J.

"Can the Graham Anointing Be Passed?" you ask. Maybe not just to Franklin and Anne, but also to Gigi, Ruth (Bunny), and Ned, who also have significant ministries, and to whom you should have given more than just passing mention.

Les Troyer
Sugarcreek, Ohio

* Thank you for giving the photo from the Fresno Bee of Anne Graham Lotz such wonderful play. Regretfully, the photo credit was not correct. It should be given to Tomas Ovalle, a staff photographer of the Fresno Bee.

Brian Vawter
Fresno, Calif.

Whose Gospel Do We Follow?
James Edwards's opinion article "Jesus Wasn't a Pluralist" [April 5] has hit a deep-seated problem right on the nailhead! Jesus Christ came, died, was resurrected, and now lives once and for all. Edwards (using Sayers's arguments) has shown the assumptions made for "Christian palatability (of inclusivism, pluralism, and diversity) in soft and vague concepts of Christian sentiment" so everyone is right, as weakening "the body" of Christianity.

It's ironic that social Darwinism has skewed the mainline church body to accept all views, opinions, and all groups at the table. God's Word and Holy Spirit don't seem to be good enough or powerful enough; a laissez faire, God-doesn't-matter attitude. Is it God's gospel or man's gospel we follow? The mainline churches for the most part have ceased calling sin as sin so as not to offend a litigious society not satisfied with forgiveness and grace, wanting instead to punish the offender. Will Christ "find faith" when he returns?

The Christian church must in earnest become an extension of Jesus Christ and ambassadors for God's culture—the kingdom of God; "a compassionate voice for salvation," making disciples of all and worshiping God forever.

Daniel T. Erickson
Paw Paw, Mich.

* This article is a point-by-point statement of why the church is in distress today and provides a map by which we may extricate ourselves and restore foundations. Thank you for your high standards that included this article. It wouldn't have passed muster at my denomination.

Mel Weimeister
Phoenix, Ariz.

* It seems to me that some folks in the debate miss a very large point: Christ was inclusive in most cases, but he also demanded a recognition of sin and a decision on the sinners' part to turn from their ways and repent. The issue here is really God's authority and Christ's power to change lives.

Steven Young
Germantown, Md.

* It would have been helpful if Edwards had carefully defined his key terms—pluralism, inclusivism, and diversity. For many who have been barred from full participation in society and the church (e.g., women) those terms have positive, not negative, meanings. Inclusion can be both a means and an end. When Jesus strikes up a conversation with the Samaritan woman, he is a thoughtful, but not unthinking, pluralist.

Kathryn A. Lee
Olympia, Wash.

Needed: A Less Strident Tone
* The article on James Dobson ["Daring to Discipline America," March 1] ended with this: "If he weren't in there screaming, who would be?" Hopefully, none of us as Christians are in there "screaming." If we want to reach the world with the gospel of Jesus, our methods may include rigorous dialogue, but the tone must be less strident. It is difficult to deliver love and compassion when preceded by screaming. As the self-appointed disciplinarian of America, Dobson has done much to hurt the image of Christians.

J. Bruce Kilmer
Mt. Pleasant, Mich.

* I do not know why we as Christians cannot agree to disagree. Just because I do not agree with all of Dr. Dobson's issues does not mean that I cannot support him and his ministry. We have all heard the statement "If you do not stand for something, you will fall for anything." I am just glad that, right or wrong, Dr. Dobson has taken a stand and is not afraid of offending somebody.

Mona Morgan
Colorado Springs, Colo.

Your article on Dobson's influence in America was refreshing. When I saw the cover, I feared that you, too, would place him high on a pedestal. You accurately described the quandary that many born-again Christians face: do we dare anoint him as a God-sent "prophet"? Or as a politician? His cutting, vitriolic, anger-motivated, political, public outbursts are numerous and frequent. He defends himself by stating that he's "merely exercising his private constitutional rights and not as the president of Focus on the Family." Since when is this a "fruit" of the Spirit that a searching world desperately needs to hear? Why resort to worldly methodology?

Ski Kazmierski
Highland, Calif.

* I am disappointed in the implication that links Dobson's heart attack and subsequent stroke to "giving my life" for the issues he fights. If it is true that Dobson sees neglecting personal health as a consequence of "taking a hill," then what kind of an example as a leader is he presenting? Is it not one thing for God to call a Christian to martyrdom, but another for a man to damage his health because he overextends himself in his work?

Kimball Winters
Berea, Ky.

* I, for one, stand beside Dr. Dobson in his call to morality. I support him and his ministry, and I believe it is men like Dr. Dobson and organizations like Focus on the Family that stay God's wrath and judgment on America, and help keep us from utter ruin. It is refreshing to hear a man stand up and speak the truth, no matter what the personal cost.

Mark Dowding
Perris, Calif.

* Perhaps the best thing we can do is to pray for Dr. Dobson, that he will always be sensitive to the Lord's leading and that his ministry will continue to be used of God to provide inspiration and re sources for the building of strong Christian homes.

Rev. Bill Cowell
Hutchinson, Kans.

Saint Paul's Principles
Robertson McQuilkin's article "Stop Sending Money!" [March 1] is a timely reminder of a vital New Testament principle on missionary church planting. In 1912, Roland Allen wrote his canonical book Missionary Methods: Saint Paul's or Ours? in which he analyzed and explicated that the role of a foreign missionary is to evangelize and plant churches that are "self-governing, self-supporting, and self-propagating" churches from the outset." McQuilkin forthrightly put his finger on the results of departing from these principles, validated by long experience. Over 57 years, I planted or founded churches in Japan (as well as a Bible college, now a university), Europe, and the U.S. All were led, financed, and materially built by the local believers' commitment and resources only.

Prayer, vision, and zeal have raised up hundreds of new mission organizations with thousands of short- and long-term young missionaries. McQuilkin's warning that we stay on the tracks of healthy, indigenous churches after the style of Saint Paul's teaching is timely. Ownership, prayer, and sacrifice by believers will build Christ's church.

Donald E. Hoke
Fort Myers, Fla.

It is an overly simplistic response to choose either the extreme of "Stop Sending Money" or "Send Money Only." The truth is in the middle, and can be successful through partnerships. It is important to be able to function alone, but let's not miss the synergy of what can be achieved when we partner together.

Hank Paulson, Founder and President
New Hope International
Colorado Springs, Colo.

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