Readers Write - Christianity Today

Gracious Exclusivism

Theological pluralism—defined as belief in more than one Savior—is an acid that dissolves Christian faith. In “Still the Way, the Truth, and the Life” [December], John R. Franke rightly calls for an uncompromising commitment to Jesus’ uniqueness as God and Savior on the part of all Christians. He makes a compelling case for the necessity of the absolute uniqueness and insurpassability of Christ.

At the same time, it’s important to remember that this Jesus is universally present (John 1:9) so that, as the church fathers declared, all truth is God’s truth. We as 21st-century Christians can say with the 2nd-century apologist Justin Martyr that there is truth to be found even among the pagans, because our Christ is not our possession. He is everywhere present and active by his Spirit.

Let’s remember to distinguish between the truth of Jesus’ uniqueness as Savior and the claim that Christians have a corner on truth. The former does not entail the latter.

Roger E. OlsonProfessor, George W. Truett TheologicalSeminaryWaco, Texas

I appreciated the Christocentric approach that Franke took in his cover essay. He didn’t objectify Jesus by making him simply the subject of propositional statements. Rather, he aims to move the church past debating orthodoxy vs. orthopraxy, so that both our beliefs and conduct are shaped by an unwavering focus on the “personal, active, relational, and gracious” Jesus. I appreciated the reminder that our role is not to prove the uniqueness of Christ, but rather to bear witness to it with our lives.

Sharon AutenriethCollinsville, Illinois

How could an article about Jesus as the Way, Truth, and Life say nary a word about Jesus’ own assertion in that very verse that “no one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6)? Also, I’m all for openness to church history, but in an article about the relevance of Jesus today, did we need three images from the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries? Might something newer speak to a generation not fascinated by oil paintings? Thanks for all the hard work, nonetheless.

Ted BoswellChicago, Illinois

Saving Sex Offenders

As a minister who works with sex abuse agencies, I found the news article on sex offenders in churches [“Modern-Day Lepers,” December] important. Churches’ most important role is to protect the “little ones,” as Jesus calls us to. In the U.S., sexual offenders cannot teach in schools, coach children, or volunteer in many roles with children. Yet so many of them are active in churches. Should churches be just as vigilant about child safety? Forgiveness is an important virtue, but what about repentance?

Pedophiles are scary people because they are highly manipulative. Few seminaries train clergy in how to work with them, and support groups have little clue as to how to hold offenders accountable. The church’s best role is to train leaders to protect potential victims and let the authorities rehabilitate offenders.

Ron ClarkPortland, Oregon

Editor’s Note: A review of Ron Clark’s Freeing the Oppressed: A Call to Christians Concerning Domestic Abuse (2009) will appear Thursday.

Thanks for addressing the complicated issue of how the church can bring God’s love to a group hated by large portions of society. As a case worker who has worked with sex offenders for several years, I’ve grown to see the humanity of those who seem unlovable and even unredeemable. More direct and honest dialogues such as this one can allow offenders to draw closer to God in a safe, responsible way.

Randall HuberAkron, Ohio

For every sexual offender, there is a survivor. In fact, for every offender who enters a church, there are numerous sex abuse survivors already there. It’s true, not all offenders are predators, but predators are very difficult to identify. They operate by deceit, gaining the trust of those in authority and those they target. Survivors feel terribly betrayed when it comes to light that a sexual offender has been welcomed into the church family. They are the silent voices that need to be included in this discussion.

Barb KnucklesIndianapolis, Indiana

Stairway to Where?

Jesus is up to something big! That was my reaction after reading the December issue, especially “Muslim Followers of Jesus?” “Journey to the Center,” and the interview with Dinesh D’Souza, “String Theory and Heaven.”

One statement from D’Souza deserves comment. He claims the Christian view is that after death, “we live forever in another realm, heaven or hell.” No doubt that’s what many Christians believe, but that’s not what the Bible says. Scripture teaches that Christians should expect not to live in another realm, but to have everlasting life right here, on the restored heaven and earth. That’s what Jesus’ resurrection was all about: reconciliation and restoration.

Howard A. SnyderWilmore, Kentucky

Dangerous Syncretism

While Joanna Quintrell’s intent to reach spiritual seekers is laudable [“Journey to the Center,” December], her center’s syncretistic relationship with New Age spirituality can lead some to believe in a Christ-optional salvation, or that God’s wrath against sin is overridden by his love and the sincerity of the seeker.

As the pastor of a community church in Sonoma County, I’ve seen how the “gentle and affirming” approach can actually build immunity to authentic Christianity. The Journey Center is another example of a sincere desire for interfaith harmony that simply can’t be achieved without compromising the tenets of orthodox Christianity.

Donald StrandCazadero, California

A Reader’s Thanks

Upon receiving the December issue, I was curious to see if any letters to the editor addressed the small print of the new design. I gave up on the October issue; even my reading glasses couldn’t handle the small font sizes and pale colors. It appears you have adjusted both, for I was gratefully able to read this issue. Come thou font of every blessing.

Lavetta McCune Richmond, Virginia

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Worth Repeating

“The reason Oral Roberts found such a following is because so many mainline denominations closed the door to the power of God.”Edward, on the legacy of the Pentecostal televangelist, who died December 15.“Why the Oral Roberts Obituaries Are Wrong“

“We have shot ourselves in the foot by embracing what sells. I pray we never stop hearing the new, and never forget the old.”Ruth King Goddard, on “the commercialization of worship” in some churches.“Who Owns Your Christmas Carols?“

“[When] people identify Jesus with their racial group, [they are] just helping others identify [with] Jesus. The sin is when we as Christians do not allow other Christians to identify Jesus in a way that speaks to them.”Adam S., on historically inaccurate depictions of Jesus.Women’s Blog: “The Trouble with Depicting Jesus“

“Being aware of our own lovelessness is part of loving God. If we sit in that state a while, doesn’t he take care of changing us?”Marianne Miller, on moving from loving the idea of loving God to actually loving God.SoulWork: “Waiting for Jesus to Show Up“

“Suffering points to the sufficiency of God; isn’t that what the Cross showed us?”D. Noorman, on Pastor Matt Chandler’s cancer diagnosis.Theology in the News: “When the Pastor Suffers“