RE: downhere vocalist wins Queen Extravaganza contest

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

What is he going to do about the Queen song that if you play it backwards says, "Decide to smoke marijuana?"

Just joking. I couldn't resist.

Les Funk
MacGregor, MB

RE: Women climb Mount Kilimanjaro to combat sex trafficking

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Thank you for coverage of this. 43 of the 48 climbers made it to the summit. That is amazing!!!

sheila slocum
Peachree City, GA

RE: We should use—not attack—the Anti-Bullying Act

Friday, January 27, 2012

While the purpose of the two anti-bullying bills that are before the Ontario Legislature is laudable, I firmly disagree with the opinion shared in this column regarding them. The column presents some misconceptions that need to be addressed.

Bills 13 and 14 were not both introduced by the Ontario government. Bill 13, the Safe Schools Act, is a Government (Liberal) Bill. Bill 14, the Anti-Bullying Act, is a Progressive Conservative Private Member’s Bill introduced by Mrs. Witmer, MPP. Both were introduced on the same day, as each party attempted to legislatively address the issue in their own way. Although, attempting to address a complex issue such as bullying by legislative force is debatable.

The bills were never intended to complement each other. They were presented as alternative proposals. There is significant overlap between the bills, as each: addresses the same root issue; advances its own definition of bullying and cyber-bullying; proposes amendments for bullying reporting mechanisms; and, proposes an annual bullying awareness week.

However, Bill 13 goes much further by proposing additional and controversial amendments to the Education Act, such as potentially restricting access to religious congregations that rent school facilities for church services, requiring boards to implement equity and inclusive education policies and mandatory gay-straight alliance clubs.

I trust Ontario residents will carefully review each bill and decide whether they can support one or the other and then call, visit or write their MPP to express support or suggest amendments. Only one of the bills can be passed, or neither.

Faye Sonier
Legal Counsel, The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada

RE: We should use—not attack—the Anti-Bullying Act

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Yes, I fully agree! Bullying is simply not acceptable in any area of our society. Not in schools, not on the job, not in the home. Focus please. Think before reacting.

Jack D Popjes
Spruce Grove

RE: Righteous Radio, breaking Christian music stereotypes since 1998

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Good article. I didn't know the Christian music scene had "peaked" with Jon Buller. I think it has continued in the churches.

Take a look at my blog, Singing, Dancing and Rejoicing Faith at
http://iprance.blogspot.com

Rick Galbraith
Winnipeg, MB

RE: One kind word

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Thank you so much for writing this article and in the spirit of kindness. We all have so many opportunities to enhance the lives of people around us and it takes so little time, but it takes courage and grace.

You sized up the situation well for a mother to have three little ones in her care and out shopping can be a wearisome job. I had a three year old and then twins came along. Although I would never think of whacking a little one, yet I can identify with the woman's frustration.

A call to be light and salt in our society is a huge calling and we must never become passive or inactive. I often address others as I shop in our place called Steveston. It is amazing how just a friendly nod or a kind word goes a long way to bring a taste of heaven to our often neglected weary world.

Again, many thanks for your amazing magazine.

Esther McIlveen
Richmond, B.C.

RE: Derksen art exhibit to show survival through tragedy

Monday, January 2, 2012

I lived in Manitoba when this tragedy occurred. The area where it happened was on our route from Pinawa, our town, to downtown Winnipeg. I always felt a shudder going through that area. The Derksen family has handled the tragedy with tact and strength as it was such a public event for so long.

Hilda Young
Petawawa

RE: Churches need to know issues to help Attawapiskat

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Congratulations to MCCO for almost 30 years of service to Attawapiskat and many similar First Nations in Ontario.

Given the current crisis in Attawapiskat I can't help but wonder how much of Christ's life-transforming gospel MCCO has been sharing with these people, along with the social gospel aids and services they have been providing there.

Jesus commissioned us to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matt. 28:19-20). I wonder is the current crisis in Attawapiskat an expression of the failure of the social gospel? Would Attawapiskat today not be in such a crisis if in the past 30 years Mennonites and other Bible-believing Christians had been there proclaiming Christ's life-transforming gospel of redemption and reconciliation with God through faith in Christ's atoning sacrifice?

Blankets, hygiene kits and relief kits are nice, but they do not transform lives. The social gospel is often hardly any better than the secular gospel that governments can provide. Surely Christians can do better. And they have in many similar First Nations across Canada. Can Attawapiskat be a wake-up call to the church?

Al Hiebert
Steinbach, MB

RE: Is crime bill C-10 right for Canada?

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Excellent article--I'm with you on this! I SO appreciated your balanced view. I often feel like a bit of a bridge between "left and right" regarding public issues and my faith as a Christian. I am Charismatic, but get frustrated with my Evangelical brothers and sisters in Christ who believe anything Conservative is the Christian way and anything socialist (NDP) is anti-Christ. My active involvement in peace and justice and environmental issues and organizations I feel is very congruent with my faith as a Christian even though many involved are non-believers.

Ruth Reid
Surrey BC

RE: Should Church back big society?

Friday, December 16, 2011

Considering their track record in donating money and volunteering time, participating in Big Society would be a good fit for Christians - if we don't give in to the temptation to deal only with the social aspects of society's problems and neglect our faith foundations. Know, however, that Big Society supporters will be pushing Christians to leave their faith at the door.

But often to truly be effective, the root spiritual issue needs to be dealt with before the social issues can be permanently addressed. If we do leave our faith out of it, we will rightly be accused of being hypocrites, by not living what we believe. We would also eventually end up being as inefficient as the government.

Keith Robertson
Montreal

RE: Wounded healer helps others dealing with mental illness

Friday, December 16, 2011

What a wonderful feature on Chris Summerville - thank you. And I can so relate to much of it. "When asked what he hopes to accomplish before he dies, Summerville's answer is simple: 'That there [will one day be] just as much support and understanding for people with mental illness as there is for people with cancer.'" Oh yes!

In light of this I thought my own story may interest you for ChristianWeek? Perhaps as an interview?
His comment on walking wounded and wounded healer - his mission of "enabling the walking wounded to become wounded healers" began with his own life, he said.

I came through total burnout and have suffered depression and/or OCD pretty much all my life without being understood too well - the total breakdown was a turning point for me - rescued by involvement with my church and writing - my first book explored Wounded Healer and how significant healing the walking wounded is for healing the world! I am now on second book - on religious tolerance.

You can check me out at www.eleanorstoneham.com Thank you for reading this.

Eleanor Stoneham
Oxted, England

RE: How porn warps minds

Thursday, December 15, 2011

These are good points, and I'm glad to see a work like this made available to churches and interested parties for free. Thank you for it.

One point that is too often left out of the discussion is one of the broader impact of pornography on women and girls.

If someone is watching porn, they are contributing to an industry that enslaves and abuses women and girls around the world. It is far worse than objectifying women. Pornography is no longer images of consenting adults; rather, many of the bestselling images are of gang rape, and child pornography.

This takes the ramifications of "sexual sin" to its most extreme consequences.

When a person engages with pornography, they become a part of the horrid abuse of women and girls around the world. They are saying yes to the abuse of children, and are feeding into a dark system of abuse and horror. The selfish act of watching pornography means that person agrees that women and girls should be sexual slaves, should be abused, should be bought and sold.

Pornography isn't a personal sin. It is a grievous sin against us all.

Bonnie Grove
Saskatoon

RE: WWJW—Who Would Jesus Whip?

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Dear Mr. Cooper,

Thank you. I fear that the wrong images of Christ are being perpetuated by false teachers and trends. After all, a god that is all forgiveness and no whip does, as you say, make people 'feel good about themselves.' However, there's a lot more to Christianity than that.

I've recently had some fairly unenlightened debates about Christ. On the internet, there is a popular view that we can even be saved without Christ. This is supported by the Catholic Church as well as men like Billy Graham (who has, anyway, declared reverence for papism). Graham didn't always teach this. Anyway, if you're interested, the stuff's freely accessible on the internet.

I don't want to sound like some buffoon who spends his waking hours soaking in all the callow claptrap and lies online, but there is truth there as well.

There is a prevailing view that salvation can encompass all 'faiths,' as though God is present in them. Even non-believers, according to some, can ascend to heaven, if they've behaved themselves, that is.

Upon researching many (tel)evangelists, I conclude that the Bride of Chist is in deep trouble. Christ has taken a secondary role in 'popular Christianity'. His sacrifice, if we can be saved without him, was pointless. Our God has also been forgotten as a judge, people instead preferring an exclusively benevolent, cuddly image of Him.

I agree with your article entirely and simply took the opportunity to provide feedback.

Ethan Weare
Caledonia, Ontario

RE: WWJW—Who Would Jesus Whip?

Monday, December 12, 2011

Jesus only used his whip to drive out the animals.

As for Uzzah, I really don't understand why God treated him so cruelly. God seems so unChristlike in this story.

Bob Forbes
Red Deer, AB

RE: Exploring the light in Bruce Cockburn's dark music

Friday, December 9, 2011

Having read your article, I must read this book. I think the references to 'the dark side' of some psalms and the emotional ups and downs of the prophets are things many Christians miss. We all have good days and bad days, days we want to shout to God with joy and days we want to shout at Him in pain and anger and confusion. How much of a friend would we be to those we consider our 'best' friends, if we didn't have enough love and patience and understanding to stand by them when things get rough? How much more is the love and compassion of God?

Richard Roth
Toronto

RE: Prairie Bible Institute faces claims of sexual abuse

Thursday, December 8, 2011

I am one of the advocates representing the 90+ abuse survivors who have contacted me since my book was published. This is the first time I have heard anything about the "two prominent churches and an alumni" to be our third party consultants. I have not heard a word from President Mark Maxwell since 10-17-11 when he cut off all contact with me. He has refused to answer my repeated correspondence to him since then.

I would like to respond to the remarks of Mark Maxwell. While he feigns being open and transparent, I have found him to be anything but. We have reached an impasse (he readily agrees) and I have asked that GRACE be brought in to facilitate the process of having our stories heard, acknowledged and repented of. GRACE has no ties at all to Prairie Bible Institute and is run by Boz Tchividjian who is a grandson of Evangelist Billy Graham. Their group has recently worked with the abuse survivors of New Tribes Mission, the world's largest mission organization.

We have uncovered many instances that show that Prairie's past administrations have engaged in abuse, coverup and collusion. Not all of these cases are old as has been suggested by the school. Many of these are very recent and quite disturbing. Carmen Wesley was raped by a Prairie staff member on the school's campus in 2006. She recently did a TV interview with Global TV but Mark Maxwell has not ever acknowledged her in public or private.

We will not agree to the third-party solution being presented in this article. As you know Prairie has had a long history of ties with the evangelical churches in Canada and around the world. Many of these churches are beholden to Prairie because they have had pastors and missionaries who were graduates from the school. The alumni presented in the article is a pastor who has had contact with the survivors Facebook group and has succeeded in offending nearly every single one of us. He was abrasive and very disrespectful to the survivors. We simply will not work with him in any way, shape or form.

One thing that was not brought out in the article is that from the very beginning, the survivors who have spoken out have been subjected to vicious attacks from the alumni of the school. We have been called the "enemies of God" and have been maligned, told we are going to hell and worse for speaking our truth. The resistance from this group of alumni has been vicious, relentless and diabolical. Many of the survivors have recoiled in fear and terror and are afraid to speak again. Many of the silent survivors have received threatening emails from alumni telling them to leave the group. They have used all forms of intimidation trying to get to these survivors before they even have a chance to speak out.

I am encouraging all survivors to contact Constable Mark MacDonald of the Calgary RCMP at 403-699-2654 to report their abuse. It is a crime that must be reported.

This third-party that Prairie is proposing is totally unacceptable and we will not have any part of it. It is just another attempt by the administration to control the process and do damage control for the school. At no time have the survivors wanted to bring down the school; we are literally trying to save her from herself! We simply cannot allow these atrocities to continue at the expense of more and more children being damaged. We want Prairie to acknowledge the sins of child abuse that they have allowed on their campus through turning a blind eye or outright coverup and collusion. We want them to make things right before God and the victims. Why shouldn't this be what everyone wants?

Linda M. Fossen
www.LindaFossen.com

Linda M. Fossen
Orlando, FL

RE: Prepare to be persecuted

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

It is 100% true; so many people have become silent in this aspect.

Prakasham Palapati
Hyderabad, India

RE: Canada loves its Royals...mostly

Monday, December 5, 2011

This is likely one of the only things we may ever agree upon. I fully support the monarchy, and for the first job I had after high school many years ago (a provincial position) I had to swear allegiance to "Her Majesty, her heirs & successors," with my hand on a Bible! Despite my opinions on religion, I took that act very seriously. I think Sir Winston Churchill put it best when he said, "The power of the monarchy lies not in that which they hold for themselves, but in that which they prevent others from assuming."

H.(Bart) Vincelette
Vancouver, BC

RE: Who said tolerance is easy?

Monday, December 5, 2011

Sexual orientation has nothing to do with differing opinions, religious beliefs, or variations of tolerance. Homosexuality is a state of being and is not, as with religious beliefs, carefully chosen and changeable. Groups purporting to be able to change sexual orientation are equivalent to palm readers and soothsayers, except their endeavors are recognized by experts as having the capability of doing great and permanent harm. They have not changed one single case. Not one. It is deplorable that anyone continues to believe that it can or even should be done.

H.(Bart) Vincelette
Vancouver

RE: Evangelicals leading the way to abolish human trafficking

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Gloria Steinem back in 2006 said, "Pornography is a marketing device for sex trafficking: it normalizes degradation & violence as acceptable an inevitable part of sex, & uses bodies of real women & children as objects."

So, since according to a Christianity Today survey, nearly 40 percent of Christian pastors are struggling with pornography and according to a poll conducted by ChristiaNet.com 50% of all Christian men are “addicted” to porn it would seem to me a stretch to say Evangelicals are “leading” the way in the fight against trafficking. I think there is a long way to go to where women are valued and respected as much as men are in our families and churches.

Bill Poppe
Calgary

RE: Exploring the light in Bruce Cockburn's dark music

Friday, December 2, 2011

If one is going to write an article like this, shouldn't one at least refer to, even casually, Cockburn's Unitarian beliefs? The article leaves the reader with the impression that, while some theology might not quite be true to Bruce, he's Christian. Now, maybe something HAS changed with Bruce, but my understanding is that Bruce doesn't follow Jesus like Christians follow Jesus.

David MacKenzie
Edmonton, AB

RE: Editor leaving long-time post

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Doug:

Thank you so much for bringing us ChristianWeek all these years. It has helped me stay in touch with Christian news from across the country.

Thanks also for your kind words during our e-coli issues a few years ago. Your thoughts and reflections from your own experiences were a real source of comfort to me during that time of uncertainty.

Finally, thanks also for the chance to write a few articles for CW and Seven.

Blessings as you step back from CW and enter a new season.

Troy Dennis
Moncton

RE: Editor leaving long-time post

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Hello Doug,

I just wanted to pass on my regards to you. Thanks for giving me the opportunity of being a stringer for a while during your time as editor. I do enjoy reading ChristianWeek and I know you will be missed.

Do let us know where the next chapter of your life takes you!

We have a new paper out, called "light magazine" replacing Christian Info and it is finding its way into more secular places in the small part of Richmond I am part of. I still write some for the papers, but am now concentrating on writing my memoirs - looking back is most interesting and seeing both brilliant and dark threads in one's life!

I wish you all the best and may the Lord continue to give you the wisdom needed for the rest of the journey.

Shalom,

Esther McIlveen
Richmond, B.C.

RE: Editor leaving long-time post

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Doug has done a tremendous job over the years at ChristianWeek. He has had a significant influence on Canada's Christian community, taking on more than his role as editorial director would have demanded. But he's also done a great job in guiding the paper itself, selecting and writing stories judiciously, demonstrating that Christian journalism can be both honest and devoted to God. He's also a great guy. Best wishes for the future Doug!

Flyn Ritchie
Vancouver

RE: Editor leaving long-time post

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

The Christian community in Canada and beyond will miss you, Doug. You have made an important and consequential contribution. God's blessing as you continue to serve in some other sector of Kingdom ministry.

John H. Redekop
Abbotsford, BC

RE: Editor leaving long-time post

Monday, November 21, 2011

Doug has played a significant role in encouraging and developing Canadian Christian writers, and in setting high journalistic standards for Christian Week. Thank you Doug for your huge contribution.

D.S. Martin - poet, writer, editor

D.S. Martin
Brampton, ON

RE: Leonard Griffith keeps on preaching

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Hello,

I have come across this recent information about Dr. Griffith upon hearing of the passing this week in Guelph of his brother-in-law Jim Cayford. Jim was a colleague of mine in the forestry sector. As well, my father Rev. Kenneth Lemkay followed Dr. Griffith at Grimsby's Trinity United Church in 1950. I write to simply say hello to Dr. Griffith from a very long time ago. I trust that you might be able to relay this message to him for me.
Sincerely,

Dave Lemkay

Dave Lemkay
Douglas Ontario

RE: Harper needs a water pistol

Friday, November 18, 2011

I am a good honest Christian. I am also a law abiding citizen who loves to hunt and enjoys the healthy qualities of wild game. I find this article offensive and not well thought out!

We register cars to pay for road taxes. We get a license to drive in order to prove that we are capable of handling the responsibility.

With respect to guns, we need a PAL license in order to prove we are safe and can handle firearms responsibly (we also need sign off from significant others and witnesses as part of the process).

So, why do we need to register a gun? If a police officer has the ability to verify that I have a PAL, then why do they need to know what firearms I have? I have not committed a crime!

The registry therefore assumes that all gun owners are guilty of an offense even if one has not been committed!

This registry violates my rights and labels me a criminal even though I am a law abiding citizen and have not committed a crime.

Here is a thought: how about we register criminals who should not have guns instead of law abiding hunters who need them!

Leave us alone!

Chris Kaesler
Somewhere

RE: Harper needs a water pistol

Friday, November 18, 2011

Some of the statements that are made in the article are so far from reality that they cast doubt on whether the author has done ANY research on the subject or is just spouting opinion. Not a very good effort by a "media relations" person.

Pat Vetzal
Bancroft

RE: Do the R-I-G-H-T thing

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Dear Editor,

I must apologize for the delay in sending in a response, but I don't want to miss the opportunity of saying how much I appreciated the piece in the October 1 edition entitled "Do the
R-I-G-H-T thing."

In our efforts to live a lifestyle that exhibits behavior and values emanating from our Christian faith, we could hardly do better than to honor and put into practice these five activities/attitudes: rest, imagination, generosity, hospitality and trust.

Acting from our own initiative, few of us succeed in incorporating these five in our day-to-day behavior; we need to rely upon the inspiration of the Spirit to supply us with these gifts.

I believe that genuine efforts to uphold these Christian "best practices" in our lives would do much to restore our faith in the eyes of society.

I am thankful to Doug Koop for making available to readers these five valuable principles and practices and have pinned a copy of his article in a prominent place in my study.

Gerald W. Hankins
Canmore, AB

RE: Where are our young people?

Thursday, November 17, 2011

What a revealing article!!! When this article is read carefully, it is seen that young people are not leaving the church because the church is not pragmatic enough nor that the church is socially active in the community. Those are excuses!

Some, not all, are really leaving because the young people in this article are
a. lazy and losing their first love (Elizabeth Braul - just sleep in) or
b. choosing to become apostates, rejecting the Christ they claimed they once knew (K. Buckboro - trouble with Jesus as only way to God and God is more of an energy; Josh Ruth - Jesus is not divine, God is collective unconsciousness, Jesus was not the Son of God who died for the sins of humanity)!

Apostasy brings a whole different angle on addressing church decline!
Wow! The church needs to wake up to this deadly root issue!

Mark Duesling
Toronto, ON

RE: Where are our young people?

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

I'm not sure how I should feel about what I have read. On the one hand I'd like to say, "Give your head a shake, look at the Christians in persecuted countries and get a dose of reality." But I know that is not a very helpful attitude. On the other hand I hope that someone will come alongside each of these people—and the many others like them—and draw them back into the mainstream of faith and personal conviction.

It would appear from the examples given that these people in varying degrees have experienced a crisis of faith, even the one who ostensibly just got out of the habit. I think one of the things at stake here is vital faith. The vitality of faith seems to have been lost. Some no longer hold to key Scriptural teachings, such as the divinity of Christ. It would appear that living in a relativistic, post-modern culture has taken its toll on their faith and they have embraced a religion of personal convenience.

Still, a good number of churches across Canada have a full complement of teenagers and young adults, and faith seems to be growing. This is true of Lakeside Church in Guelph, which I attend. Are these the exception? It appears that they may be but I'd like to think they are leading the way to the future.

I am reminded of a Scripture verse, Matthew 23:12, "Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold" (NIV). Viewed from a North American context, this may account for some of what we are seeing. The prevailing culture is taking its toll. However, as we all know, in other parts of the world the church is powerful, expanding, evangelizing, and thousands of people are coming to Christ daily.

Each person's story is unique, each one has his or her reasons and each person has to answer for himself or herself, but something is missing, vital faith has suffered and somewhere along the way, something has happened to cause some to slacken or give up. It therefore challenges those whose faith is vital and who know people like these to come alongside them, walk with them, pray for them and encourage them to return. Perhaps their faith will come alive again.

Neil Bramble
Guelph ON

RE: Where are our young people?

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

This article discusses an obvious phenomenon. I think baby boomers and/or their children (echo boomers) have left the church because of the church's failure to seriously engage in what used to be called apologetics. Sticking adamantly to a literal view of scripture will never suffice. Examples of how and why the church has lost the presence of youth by maintaining a fundamentalist-literalist view of scripture are:

1. The evangelical church has failed for 50+ years to deal with scientific knowledge about origins of the universe and life, much like in former times the church insisted the Earth was flat when scientists like Copernicus and Galileo knew differently.

2. The evangelical church has not discerned the difference between truth and fact and therefore has never embraced the metaphorical interpretation of much scripture or dealt particularly with the Old Testament stories and Israel's history.

3. The evangelical church has failed to view and discuss Jesus and scripture stories from a comparative religion viewpoint. For example, university and high school students are exposed to the ancient Egyptian myth of Isis, a figure whose story parallels the gospel story of Jesus - a dying saviour who gets resurrected. The church has failed to deal with the whole issue of comparative religion - virgin birth stories in several religions and why Christians consider Jesus unique, including the whole issue of His divinity.

4. The evangelical church has been very eschatological in its approach to scripture as opposed to contemplating, for example, what resurrection and eternal life mean right here and now in this life.

In general the fundamentalist-literalists are akin to those Christians who maintained the Earth was flat. They have done irreparable damage to the church, as did the flat-Earth people in the past. Let's do some serious apologetics and teach the next generation a new approach to scripture.

However, never fear - the church will ultimately survive as long as Christ has not come again to bring an end to human history.

Lorna Simard
Ottawa

RE: Sears Wish Book or charity gift card?

Monday, November 14, 2011

Greetings:

In the article "Sears Wish Book..." by Henry Friesen, he cites that only 23.1% of Canadians used the donations line in their tax returns and the average donation was $250.00.

My question is - does the $250 include the dollars given to churches or is this number only reflecting the amounts gifted to other charities? I sincerely hope that is the case or else we are truly in dire straits.

Canada is looked upon as a charitable nation and if these numbers reflect our country, it really opens my eyes as to the state of affairs in this world!

Frank Paetkau
Rosenfeld, MB

RE: The challenges of being a Christian in business

Monday, November 14, 2011

Hi brothers in Christ,

This was a wonderful article.

I am a Christian from the Congo and I have lived in Calgary for 5 years. I am trying to create my own business in office cleaning. I tried to do it with franchise cleaning companies but I realized it was very expensive.

But now I am having serious trouble trying to get cleaning contracts with employers. So I have decided to contact my brothers in Christ who are business men so that they can help me open the doors to start my business. I hope that will be possible because we share the same faith in Christ. It is nice to work with the people of God.

So can you advise me what I can do to contact Christian employers in Calgary, Alberta?

In Christ,

Ben (Mamissa Nsimba)

Mamissa Nsimba
Calgary ( Alberta - Canada )

RE: Pray against poverty

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Dave, I agree. I trust that World Vision will raise more prayer support for fragile states such as Somalia and the DRC.

Connie Smith
Lachute, Quebec

RE: Learning from the Rob Bell firestorm

Friday, October 28, 2011

Thank you for your article. I have not read Rob Bell's book, but I am familiar with much of the controversy it caused, being a resident of the Grand Rapids area.

I do agree that theology is incredibly important for Christians. It's just that we, in our own minds, have divorced it from action (I'm as guilty as anyone). We need to take action, but it's crucial that we know why we are taking action and which actions God would have us take. When we study theology and find these things out, we sin if we do nothing (James 4:17).

I also agree that we need to work on how we speak in these situations (James 1:19-20). I have felt led by the Lord to work on how I do this. Too often I'm silent and timid. Other times I let my conversation get too heated. I pray that He will help me be bold, respectful, loving, courteous, and wise in speech (1 Peter 3:15-16).

The point that I may agree most with is your last sentence, though. Jesus has established His Church. We (in all our local manifestations) are the means through which Christ will continue to do His powerful work in this world despite what happens with culture and technology.

By the way, I have just recently found christianweek.org. I enjoy reading about what God is doing in Canada. God bless you.

Paul Hepler
Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.A.

RE: CBC slams evangelical involvement on The Hill

Friday, October 21, 2011

Hello...Just wanted to say I really appreciate your article. I am a Christian myself and blog on CBC once in a while. The hatred toward religion is like nothing I have seen before. It almost always is directed toward Christians and it can be very intense hatred. You know it's funny: when I search online to see if Christians are speaking out about this, the only ideas they are speaking out against is the cults, like they still live in the days of the Reformation. They do not recognize that other Christians are not their enemies. The real enemies are those who want to rid Christianity from Canada. And this I do not exaggerate. It doesn't matter what the church it is, how much good that church has done, or even if it is liberal or conservative. The anti-Christian wants all churches done away with. I wonder what it will take for the vast majority of Christians in Canada to realize they are in real danger. The rest of the world might be growing religiously but many in Canada are trying to expunge Christianity from the country. If we don't speak up for ourselves then who will?

Michael Darte
Kingston

RE: More hymns, please

Friday, October 14, 2011

I appreciate hymns and was raised in one church and now worship in another that worships using a variety of hymns and songs. In the last few years I have also been involved at Toronto Baptist Seminary and have taught "The Worshiping Church."

It is tragic that such extreme positions are taken on this subject. Some churches make hymn singing a theological "distinctive" while others would never dare to have a hymnbook visible, or sing any songs [written] before 1999. Wisdom is found in balance and Spirit-filled Christians (Ephesians 5:18-21) speak to each other in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. May the discussion continue and may grace be evident in our worship of our great God!

Keith Edwards
Oshawa, ON

RE: Ride for Refuge team raises support for exploited girls

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Thank you for this article. I have never heard of Ride for Refuge and am thrilled to hear that such a cause exists. Your coverage of this event includes enough detail and passion to capture my interest. I read of girls who suffer from exploitation, and am thankful that events such as Ride for Refuge exist. Again, thanks for the well-written article.

Cheryl Scorgie
Cornwall, ON

RE: Ride for Refuge team raises support for exploited girls

Thursday, October 13, 2011

I'm writing to acknowledge the excellent work of Maria Scorgie in her article Ride for Refuge. Yes, we're related. Maria is my niece. But I would like to make fair comment apart from the family tie: both of my daughters are also accomplished writers (one a journalist working for an international website advertising company in Montreal, and the other is a business analyst at a major oil & gas company and has published two books on finance, one of which is a national bestseller). So I consider myself a good judge of writing skills.

Maria Scorgie's article is sharp, concise, poignant and inspiring. Her presentation of background, facts and statistics is laid out logically and sets the stage well for introducing Anne Mainse's comments that follow.

I can hardly wait to see what Maria Scorgie writes about next!

Susan Marshall-Scorgie
Calgary, AB

RE: Leonard Griffith keeps on preaching

Monday, October 10, 2011

I found the article on Dr. Griffith to most interesting, but he is now and has been for quite a while an Anglican priest, albeit now retired. I know this as I was a member of St. Paul's Anglican Church for a number of years and I know Dr. Griffith and his wife, Merelie.

I attended the taping of some of those DVD sermons that he gave and it was hard to fathom that the gentleman in question is 90. While physically he has some problems, his preaching does not suffer any such impairment. His mind is sharp and alert while his sense of humour is still intact.

While I have left the Anglican Church for various reasons and am now a member of the Anglican Network in Canada, I keep in touch with Dr. Griffith and his wife, via e-mails, etc. - yes, he may be 90 but he keeps with up with things.

Regina Robinson
Toronto, ON

RE: Why I help addicts shoot up

Saturday, October 8, 2011

When I first read this article in spring it really made me think. I am not a drug addict (yet anyway), and haven't really been affected too directly by illicit drugs directly. Honestly, I probably would have thought it better not to waste time and money on these down and outters. The article brought about repentance on my behalf. How dare I think that! I'm sure Jesus Himself would be washing feet right alongside the workers at InSite. As a matter of fact He is. I still have some reservations about InSite but I applaud your compassion.

A friend of mine who works for Youth for Christ recently told me a story of a beggar approaching him for money. Knowing the homeless man was likely going to buy drugs or booze with any money given, he was reluctant. He asked the homeless man about his life and what he had been through to get to this point. After hearing his heart wrenching story my friend offered him a small sum and asked the man what he would buy with it. He said he needed a drink. My friend said, "I think I would need a drink too if I were you, but give me a moment to tell you about Jesus."

Thanks, InSite and staff.

Rod Friesen
MacGregor, MB

RE: Bush, Tyndale and the dilemmas of Christian leadership

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

This article brought to my attention (and likely many others) an important contemporary challenge and opportunity for conflict resolution within our Christian community. The book Decision Points by George W. Bush (New York: Crown Publishers, 2010), will also be helpful (along with many other viewpoints) as we seek to receive and share with each other and all persons the grace and truth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Wes McLeod
Ottawa, ON

RE: Dedicated editor helps Majority World writers find their voice

Saturday, October 1, 2011

The article about Isobel Stevenson helping writers find their voice is a personal word for me. I am 83 years old and have an unwritten book in my heart and on my mind relating to 12 precious years visiting prisons in my country. It was a first time, unprecedented privilege, taking singers and guest speakers into prisons and recording programs for broadcast during 1991 - 2003 on Radio Pulpit. In fact, Canada's Ron Nikkel was one such person. I am re-vitalized every time I consciously re-live the experiences.

Doris Coetsee
Sedgefield, South Africa

RE: Christian organizations assist newly independent South Sudan

Friday, September 30, 2011

Congratulations to ChristianWeek and columnist Geoffrey P. Johnston for the excellent report on the work Christian organizations are doing to help the new nation of South Sudan. South Sudan has many challenges ahead and this article clearly indicates how Christians are making the path a little easier to travel.

ChristianWeek readers might be interested to know that Samaritan’s Purse has been deeply involved in South Sudan for many years. Among our efforts:

We have rebuilt 475 churches in South Sudan that were destroyed in the 22-year Sudanese civil war;

In partnership with the University of Calgary’s faculty of medicine, we provided financial support and spiritual mentorship to help 15 Sudanese-Canadian doctors upgrade their skills and return to South Sudan to serve a population severely lacking in medical services;

In partnership with the Canadian International Development Agency, we have built or restored five medical facilities in South Sudan since 2009;

In July, we airlifted emergency food and medical supplies to refugees fleeing continued fighting along the Sudan-South Sudan border.

Our work in South Sudan will continue for years to come as God has made it clear to us that we must help this nation overcome its challenges and become a beacon of hope in Africa.

Frank King, Communications Manager, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association of Canada and Samaritan's Purse Canada
Calgary, AB

RE: Familiar bylines, new roles

Friday, September 30, 2011

Congratulations to all on their new responsibilities. Keep it up. You are part of my weekly meditation: ChristianWeek and coffee.

Also, since the article mentioned Ecclesiastes thought I might give you a great tip. Michael Ben Zehabe wrote something (out of publication) on The Mathematical Structure of Ecclesiastes. It is a rather unusual approach to Ecclesiastes...if you can find it.

Jason Levy
Toronto, ON

RE: Torture's voices: No neutral ground

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Although ChristianWeek has published a number of letters to the editor which disagree with the previous article about Bush coming to Canada, here is yet another article in this paper opposing Bush.

This seems to me to reflect a political bias on the part of ChristianWeek. I for one am uncomfortable with this.

John Thompson
Winnipeg, MB

RE: Torture's voices: No neutral ground

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

I have also been very concerned about the Bush government so readily breaking international laws, such as the Geneva convention, when they attacked Iraq and of course as they condone the use of torture, all in the name of fighting terrorism. Actually, I am more than concerned; I am shocked and appalled. Thanks for the courageous stand this article takes.

Ruth Reid
Surrey, BC

RE: Bush, Tyndale and the dilemmas of Christian leadership

Monday, September 26, 2011

After the original version of my ChristianWeek article was published, I learned other pertinent information that provides a needed corrective to what I wrote. Never did administrators deny permission for an open forum and never was permission sought from administrators. I had unintentionally misinterpreted some data on that matter.

I take responsibility and apologize for erroneous impressions conveyed by my original wording and hope that this retraction sets the record straight. It is a privilege to be part of Tyndale's commitment to dialogue in the midst of diversity.

Arthur Boers, Associate Professor, R.J. Bernardo Family Chair of Leadership, Tyndale Seminary
Toronto, ON

RE: Bush, Tyndale and the dilemmas of Christian leadership

Sunday, September 25, 2011

The decision to cancel the invitation was a wise one. I can imagine that certain media representatives would use Mr. Bush's visit to confirm their view identifying Canadian evangelicals as close cousins of certain strident fundamentalists in the U.S.

Al Reimers
Wellington, ON

RE: Dedicated editor helps Majority World writers find their voice

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Thanks for including this account of resources that are being provided for our colleagues who do not have all that is available to us. [Now] they will not have to depend on materials geared to our culture. This is a great encouragement as the growth of the Christian faith moves from the Western world into this new territory.

Eleanor Shepherd
Pointe Claire, QC

RE: Bush, Tyndale and the dilemmas of Christian leadership

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Nowhere in his sycophantic sophistry does Mr. Boers even attempt to articulate what a "Canadian Evangelical" response would be to a similar cataclysmic event, should it ever occur in Canada. Rather, he retreats to the time-honoured "head-in-the-sand," anti-everything even smelling vaguely of the "evil American empiricism" position that we are so well known for. If Mr. Boers is the face of the new administrative profile at Tyndale, we are all in far more trouble in the Canadian Evangelical paradigm than we thought!

Mr. Boers' historical recollections of Bonhoeffer are also rather vague. After all, it was Bonhoeffer's involvement in a failed assassination attempt of the "evil" Hitler that was his culminating effort as an "Evangelical Christian theologian"!

Wes Mack
Richmond Hill, ON

RE: Bush, Tyndale and the dilemmas of Christian leadership

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

It seems to me that someone who believes so strongly in reconciliation on a global level should be able to model it on a personal level. Mr. Arthur Paul Boers appears not to be as committed to the call of the church as he thinks he is.

I am disappointed that the leadership at Tyndale would fail to uphold their invitation to President Bush. I would have hoped they, at least, would be an example of true Christian integrity and charity.

Maybe this is an example of the challenge of leadership. If the leadership of a small Christian college can pose the problem of conflicting value choices, surely one can understand that the leadership of arguably the most powerful nation in the world can present conflicts of even greater magnitude, with far more serious consequences.

Fay Rowe
London, ON

RE: Bush, Tyndale and the dilemmas of Christian leadership

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Thanks to Arthur Paul Boers for his insight and clear naming of the problems with the Bush administration's harmful appeals to the Christian faith to underwrite American nationalism. Though he does not state it this way, Boers rightly sees the false soteriology of nationalism for what it is - idolatry.

Anthony Siegrist
Three Hills, AB

RE: Who said tolerance is easy?

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

I tend to agree with Joe Couto's comments about the NDP regarding charitable organizations. However, I am responding to the comments about ex-gay ministries.

The gay community have been loudly outspoken about wanting to be accepted, respected and seen as "normal" in society. At the same time, they are the ones who are now intolerant towards ex-gays, with claims that they were never gay to begin with and other accusations. They make every effort to publicly demonstrate, whenever these Christian ministries hold their conferences, etc. What they avoid, at all costs, is to be in dialogue with the ex-gay community. They want to "wish them away" and are in denial about their real-life experiences.

Exodus International, Living Waters and other similar ministries have witnessed countless individuals who have heard the prompting of God to leave the gay lifestyle and by the grace of God and with His help they have done so. There are plenty of testimonials and books by such people.

My son and his wife have both come out of the gay lifestyle. Each in the privacy of their heart was touched by God's Spirit and saw that this was not God's will for their lives. It was after this decision was made, that they sought out a Christian group that counsels those who come to them with "unwanted same-gender attractions" and other types of sexual and relational issues.

It is not surprising to me that they, and others like them, have chosen to be in a ministry to other seekers, who desire this healing and wholeness found in Christ. This ministry is not "imposing" or "preying upon" the vulnerable. "The sin of the desert is to know where the water is and not to tell."

I suggest that Joe Couto take a closer look at these Christian ministries, their programs and testimonials before calling them bogus. Readers may wish to look at John 9 in the New Testament to see if there are some parallels here.

Selma Pauls
Winnipeg, MB

Bush, Tyndale and the dilemmas of Christian leadership (September 19, 2011)

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

I am very pleased that we have men that are not afraid to tell the truth. I find that in North America people are afraid to speak up - possibly because there could be consequences? Keep it up, Arthur Boers!

This is an excellent article and I am so glad that this event with President Bush was canceled.

Manne Idestrom
Holland Landing, ON

Bush, Tyndale and the dilemmas of Christian leadership (September 19, 2011)

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Thank you for the article explaining your reasons for not welcoming George Bush to speak at Tyndale. I found it very interesting.
I have often wondered if any other Christians felt similar to the way I feel about Mr. Bush.

There was one point during his presidency where he made the statement, concerning Islam, that we worship the same God. I disagree with that statement and felt that Christians everywhere should have been throwing a big hissy fit, but it didn't happen. It was barely noted, and then we all moved on.

I worry that Christianity is becoming too tightly entwined in politics, and I wish we had more Christian organizations, and Christian people, who would speak out about the problem of being so closely connected.

Teresa Strebeck
Alba, TX

RE: Bush, Tyndale and the dilemmas of Christian leadership

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

I also am a Canadian living in the U.S. and I too was horrified at the news that Bush would be at Tyndale. But bravo for the courage and common sense of administrators to rethink their decision (By the way - I also teach a course at Tyndale Seminary every couple years!)

Marty Mittelstadt
Springfield, MO

RE: Bush, Tyndale and the dilemmas of Christian leadership

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Thank you for writing this article. I remember those speeches and now recognize how I unknowingly overlooked the rewrite of the beautiful hymn and our precious Scriptures.

It is good that I took the time to read this whole article so I can know the point of view of respected Christian people outside our country. Please pray for us in America that we would repent of our sins and God would heal our land.

Beverly Lum
Chesapeake City, MD

RE: Bush, Tyndale and the dilemmas of Christian leadership

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

I was wondering what the commotion was about when this was mentioned on CFRB. I certainly think it would have been inappropriate to have President Bush endorsed by Tyndale.

American Evangelicalism certainly appears to have been hijacked and is routinely used for political purposes. On the other hand, if he was just presenting a particular view point to contribute to a discussion or the like, then his contribution might have been valuable.

Karl Janzen
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

RE: Bush, Tyndale and the dilemmas of Christian leadership

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

I believe that Tyndale Seminary was wrong to cancel Bush.
As Christians we do not always agree. The reasons given by the writer seem to be personal rather than theological. For Tyndale to rescind the invitation seems the same as the University of Winnipeg not allowing an evangelical anti-gay speaker to speak on campus.

John Thompson
Winnipeg, MB

Bush, Tyndale and the dilemmas of Christian leadership (September 19, 2011)

Monday, September 19, 2011

It shocks me that we continue to see so much attention given to a small, vocal group of mostly fringe representatives of one very small version of "Christianity" who purport to be representing the students and alumni of Tyndale. Let me assure you “they do not!” Can we please stop covering their narrow-minded views soon?

President Bush was not coming to discuss politics with the students of Tyndale. And to suggest he is [on] the same level [as] the dozens of murderous Middle-East tyrants now getting the boot in their nations from their own citizens is atrocious.

George Bush was not coming to present his personal life as a model of Christian perfection to all of us. He was meeting with a small group of major donors who are responsible for building that world-class educational facility in Toronto. It is people like them that helped keep Tyndale tuition from going even further through the roof over the last decade. Bush intended on discussing the great value and important role that educational institutions like Tyndale have in forming the minds and hearts of world leaders and therefore the future direction of the free world with the hope these donors would respond by again handing out large sums of money to keep the school marching forward.

Instead of being proud of their accomplishments, some of [those protesting] should be embarrassed. That they have the audacity to suggest they are the moral guardians of our school and that I do not have the right to listen to George Bush and form my own opinion is outrageous. Too much of the content that I have read on some of their blogs and Facebook accounts amount to a lot of emotional rhetoric and quasi left-wing rubbish that has been repeated ad nauseum for the last few years against Bush. I regret to say that I didn’t read a new or bright idea in any of the content of their verbiage.

There are many of us who would love to hear first-hand about the most difficult period in the western world’s history since the Second World War so we might glean some insights as to what really was happening behind the scenes in the White House to motivate the president and his congress to act as they did. The fact that someone like Bush, who once led the most powerful nation on earth, was willing to come and speak to the donors of Tyndale to help their cause, was truly something to be excited about in my opinion. Have we had another president of the USA offer to do that?

Even if only in the name of “free speech” and “academic pursuit” [the protestors] should have been grateful that Bush was willing to speak. This group has every right to state their case and to protest and to do what they did but can we not hear some other opinions on the subject?

Larry Willard
Pickering, ON

Bush, Tyndale and the dilemmas of Christian leadership (September 19, 2011)

Monday, September 19, 2011

I completely agree that it was entirely the right decision to cancel the breakfast with George W. Bush. I have always believed that he is a warmonger, especially since 9/11. What he has done in the Middle East and around the world in the name of God and evangelical Christianity is heartbreaking...and so many other things.

I went to Tyndale when it was Ontario Bible College in 1980-81 for one year and it was one of the best years of my life. I still have friends that I met there, and I still use the knowledge of the Bible, church history, public speaking, volunteerism, and so many other things to this day. Thank God for the people who spoke up and objected to Bush coming to Tyndale.

Debbie Nichol
Toronto, ON

RE: Israel: Come and See

Friday, September 16, 2011

In general I am grateful for the witness of ChristianWeek which I have read from when it first started. However, I was disappointed with the special section on Israel in the May 1, 2011 issue, not for what it said but for what it left out, namely a reference to local Palestinian evangelicals.

Interested readers may be able to hear something of their perspective by going online to the recently announced conference "Christ at the Checkpoint" to be held March 5 – 9, 2012. It is sponsored by Bethlehem Bible College, an evangelical school in the West Bank.

Bill Janzen
Ottawa, ON

RE: Ontario Christian Gleaners feeds millions around the world

Thursday, September 15, 2011

What a wonderful idea!

Thank you ChristianWeek for informing me about this great charity, its dedicated volunteers, and the fantastic work it is doing. What a milestone, 10 million servings of nutritious soup in only three years of operation!

I come from a farming community and have often thought what a pity that otherwise usable food could be saved from being plowed up, and used for some of the overwhelming needs overseas. "Gleaning" is such an appropriate, and biblical, word. I will try to spread the word about this worthy organization.

ChristianWeek is continuing its 25+ year service of providing useful, trustworthy information to Canadian Christians. Thank you.

Wendy Nelles
Waterford, ON

RE: Thank you, Jack

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

I am a card-carrying member of the NDP. I met Jack at the Ontario NDP conference in London when he was running for the leadership of the NDP. I had planned to vote for Bill Blaikie as I was from Manitoba. I had never heard of Jack Layton. However Jack was upbeat during the convention and welcomed everyone to his hospitality suite. He was there to win and have fun. His sense of fun was incredible.

Hilda Young
Petawawa, ON

RE: Miss Canada inspires others to rise up against human trafficking

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Good news! Let's look for hope, love and optimism from the opposition NDP and Liberals to support Joy Smith's bill this fall.

Keep up your fine work, Miss Canada. May this launch you into a fruitful career of challenging Canadians to embrace positive change. May many follow in your steps.

Al Hiebert
Steinbach, MB

RE: Thank you, Jack

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Thank you for a touching personal reflection on Jack. Mags Storey's anecdotal reporting has given me an added appreciation of the man whom I never knew personally. I hope that his legacy will make for more humane politics.

Neil Bramble
Guelph, ON

RE: Thank you, Jack

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

I'd also say "Thank you, Jack" for ending House of Commons heckling this spring. I agree with his call for love, hope and optimism. I have no doubt that he positively affected his students, family, political colleagues and party supporters.

Did Jack ever express this kind of love, hope and optimism for unborn Canadians whose moms did not want them, for those Canadians who saw the social science data of recent decades that clearly favour natural marriage as a common good, for those Canadians who saw the social science data that clearly favours restricting brothels as a common good, etc.? I ask because I don't know and because from all the evidence I've seen I gather the answer may well be negative.

Al Hiebert
Steinbach, MB

RE: Jack Layton's strength had Sunday school roots

Monday, September 5, 2011

Thank you. I do not vote for the NDP, but what it espouses reflects many of my convictions politically. I thank Bill Blaikie for his contribution to the "decency" in Parliament that did prevail alongside Jack Layton. His tribute is a good response too to the article in the National Post by Father deSouza connecting Jack's funeral to idolatry. Pity that politics should be seen as separated from faith; surely it should instruct each of us on how to live. When Jesus attacked the inequities in His day, was that not political?

E. Wieler
Oakville, ON

RE: Jack Layton's strength had Sunday school roots

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

I have great respect for Bill Blaikie. I grew up Catholic, in Portage la Prairie, but my grandmother on Mom's side was an original member of the United Church. There was never any religious conflict in the family. I have to express serious doubts, however, about the statements of praise for Jack Layton following his passing, by conservative Christians. He stood for high ideals that most of them adamantly oppose, including respect for homosexual persons.

H.(Bart) Vincelette
Vancouver , BC

RE: Jack Layton's strength had Sunday school roots

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Thank you for including an article that pointed out how Jack Layton's church roots infused his politics and his care for all Canadians. I have been struck by the comments made about Jack Layton's commitment to a just and equal society have strong bibilical social justice roots. It might be fitting if churches ponder the life and work of Jack Layton in relationship to biblical commands to take care of God's creation and the poor and marginalized.

As an evangelical Christian, I much more at home with the NDP policies than I am with those of other parties. Interestingly, it is the NDP that has a faith committee within its structure. I often remind my Christian brothers and sisters that the founder of CCF, Tommy Douglas, was a Baptist Minister.

Annie McKitrick
Edmonton, AB

RE: The future is favourable

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Good question: "Why are religious institutions being shunted to the sidelines?"

My answer: Because of the secularist consensus among our media, academe, legal, political and liberal clergy culture-shapers.

In January 2005 a few days prior to the Liberal government's introduction to our parliament of their same-sex marriage bill, CBC Radio asked me to record a three-minute "Commentary" offering an alternative perspective to the pro-same-sex marriage view they had already aired nationally in three previous "Commentary" episodes. My producer made it clear that he wanted me to go to air, but he insisted that I could not appeal to "common sense" (because such did not exist) and that I could not appeal to science (because that was forever changing) -- and because his colleagues would laugh at him if he permitted me to appeal to such. He had me re-write my script seven times in 24 hours before he let me record a version that he approved.

Read David Haskell's Through a Lens Darkly. Such PhD research projects need to be done on other sectors of our culture-shapers.

Al Hiebert
Steinbach, MB

RE: Why I help addicts shoot up

Saturday, August 13, 2011

This is such an incredibly powerful piece. Thank you to Meera for sharing her perspective and experiences, and for lending her voice to advocate for others who are disenfranchised and who may have a tough time advocating for themselves. Thanks for publishing it. It takes courage to be willing to explore controversial issues.

I'm a social worker, and this piece has gone viral in our local community (and hopefully in others!). It would be great to see this article go even further.

Angela
Saskatoon, SK

RE: Why I help addicts shoot up

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Thank you for writing this article! What an eye-opener. Thank you for pushing us beyond our comfortable boundaries and towards the heart of God for all people, and an example of what it means to live it out in real life.

Lynette Epp
Saskatoon, SK

RE: Holy relics shape Christian piety through the ages

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Thank you to Tim for his penetrating review of my [book] Holy Bones. He is quite right to sense my conflicting views. I tended towards one or the other as I went on writing! I live in rural Suffolk, UK and we have some 400 medieval churches within 30 miles. I keep discovering new ones in remote villages - and they all lost their relics and glitter at the Reformation.

It seemed such an easy book to write when I started - all that wonderful material - but it was actually very difficult to write anything coherent over a book length. I am so pleased you enjoyed it. Every good wish,

Charles Freeman
Framlingham, Suffolk ,UK

RE: Dissident Anglicans get ready to surrender their buildings

Sunday, July 31, 2011

This article reminded me of another case that went through the courts in Manitoba years ago. It involved a dissident Hutterite group who hoped to take colony equity with them when they separated from their group. They lost their claim. Among the expert witnesses arguing against their case was an Anglican scholar.

The principle involved is actually a fairly simple and fundamental one. We give to the church and release our claim to our gift. We no longer have ownership of the money we've given. We cannot treat it as our equity. Over the years there have been many dissenting church groups who might have wanted to dissociate and take church properties with them. Legal rulings usually went against them.

However, the ruling of the Supreme Court in the case of the B.C. might prompt Bishop Michael Ingham to reflect on what the just and ethical thing could be for him now that the legal principle has been upheld. He should consider saying to the four congregations that he would now give them the properties within which they had carried on their witness so effectively.

These are congregations who have maintained continuity with the centuries-long witness of the Anglican Church. These are not congregations who have behaved willfully, they have acted on principle. They have long Christian tradition to support their position. Much of the Anglican communion around the world supports them rather than their bishop. Their witness within the wider British Columbia community is a strong one and for many people greatly respected. To disown them of the sanctuaries within which they've nurtured their faith and life will do great disservice to the cause of Christ. Bishop Ingham would gain respect if he could recognize this.

Harold Jantz
Winnipeg, MB

RE: Heaven, hell and Rob Bell controversy

Monday, July 25, 2011

I was terribly disappointed by the supposed book review offered on Rob Bell's Love Wins. While I realize much of evangelical Christianity would be opposed to or uncomfortable with some of Rob's views I think he deserves a better listen than your reviewer provided. I hope there will be further opportunity to discuss his book in some depth by persons who are not "lost" after the preface of the book.

Joe Moder
Winnipeg, MB

RE: Confused, conflicted and Christian

Monday, July 18, 2011

Thanks for the column "Confused, conflicted and Christian" in which you summarize the positions taken by our church and others on matters of human sexuality.

I was especially heartened to read the second-last paragraph about how ChristianWeek continues to stand within the long consensus of biblical understanding that reserves sexual intimacy for a man and woman within a covenanted relationship,� etc. It’s a good thing that evangelical Christians are struggling with sexuality issues, and how even those who affirm the historic view of holy marriage are abandoning old tendencies to insult, shun and abuse same-gender oriented people. But in the middle of all the percolating that’s going on, it’s a tremendous encouragement to have a newspaper with the reputation and readership of ChristianWeek be so clear about the foundations.

I also thank Ian Adnams, our communications director, for calling my attention to this helpful article.

God give you energy and love for all you have to do!

Robert Bugbee, president Lutheran Church-Canada
Winnipeg, MB

RE: Confused, conflicted and Christian

Friday, July 15, 2011

I was very encouraged to note the statement about where ChristianWeek stands in all of this.

Don James
Winnipeg, MB

RE: Why I help addicts shoot up

Friday, July 15, 2011

Meera, thank you so much for what you do. As a former IV drug user who is currently homeless but clean, I can relate to your clientele and well know that feeling of worthlessness and hopelessness. At times craving even the merest touch by another human being that was not inspired by violence, I would go so far as to slice myself and go to the ER to get stitches.

I am not a Christian but just the other day I was trying to convince a friend that the true Christians are not the hate-filled bigots screaming invective and damnation at anyone who does not fit their narrow-minded, lock-step misinterpretation of the words of Jesus, but those such as yourself who understand that the lowest of society's peoples are still humans in need of love and compassion and empathy, as well as salvation and redemption, and in many cases before they can seek it.

I linked to this article through invisiblepeople.tv web site and hope to be able to link it to my blog Homelesscide:"Life On The Street", at www.homelesscide.blogspot.com. Again thank you, and God bless you.

Dave
Baltimore, MD

RE: Confused, conflicted and Christian

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Agreed, sexual confusion will never destroy Christ's church universal, but it can destroy many individual local churches and denominations, as your article illustrates.

When "hermeneutics" becomes an excuse for Scripture twisting, then the confused sheep and some of their confused local shepherds can and do lose their way. This has happened repeatedly since the days of the Judges and likely will continue till our Lord returns.

Al Hiebert
Steinbach, MB

RE: Dissident Anglicans get ready to surrender their buildings

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Notice the irony of the ecumenical movement over the past century.

Its promoters have argued and worked tirelessly to unite all churches that claim to be "Christian" by any definition. Yet their liberal theologies have so alienated so many of their Bible-believing pastors and parishioners that they have spawned more new denominations and church splits than any other movement in two millennia of Christendom.

Al Hiebert
Steinbach, MB

RE: Advocate for the marginalized wins Irwin Award

Saturday, June 25, 2011

I think it's important to add that all the shortlisted books in all categories of The Word Guild Awards went to a second round of judging with new judges. That resulted in a shortlist of six books for the Grace Irwin Award. Tim Huff won, but the others in the Irwin short-list were:

Denis Shackel and Tara Bradacs for Five Seconds at a Time: How Leaders Can Make the Impossible Possible, which received an honorable mention;

Mark Buchanan for Spiritual Rhythm: Being with Jesus Every Season of Your Soul;

W. Harold Fuller for Sun Like Thunder: Following Jesus on Asia's Spice Road;

Marshall Lawrence for The World at My Door;

and Shawn J. Pollett for What Rough Beast.

N. J. Lindquist
Markham, ON

RE: Christian talk personality considers quitting faith

Friday, June 10, 2011

I just read Diane Walter's heartfelt letter to the editor, and I just had to respond.

Diane, you asked the Christian radio host to let you know if God speaks to him.

Well, I would like to share with you my family's experience with His Grace.

My Dad wasn't feeling well this past winter and underwent a battery of tests. I drove him to many medical appointments and waited anxiously for the test results. The news was as bad as it could be: advanced lung cancer.

But Dad is a fighter and decided to undergo aggressive radiation therapy.

Several days into the treatment, my father started to cough up large amounts of blood. My brother and I rushed him to our local ER, but, because we live in a small town, they couldn't do anything for him.

First thing the next morning, I took him to the cancer centre in Kingston to see his doctor there. The doctors in Kingston couldn't figure out what was happening to my father. They admitted him to hospital for tests and observation.

When it appeared that he had stabilized, and with the arrival of other family members, I decided to drive the 80 kilometres back to my house to get a few hours of sleep.

At 6:15 a.m. the next morning, I received an urgent call from an intern at the Kingston General Hospital; she, as kindly as possible, told me that my father was in great distress and that important medical decisions had to be made.

I jumped in the car and raced to Kingston, praying that I wouldn't be too late. I also called my sister in Ottawa and another brother in Brockville, and they also drove as fast as they could to Kingston.

When I arrived at the ICU, I learned that my Dad's tumour was bleeding, filling both lungs with blood. The doctors wanted to perform a procedure that would have theoretically stopped the bleeding, but would have probably left Dad on a ventilator for the rest of his life.

One of the senior doctors asked if we wanted to make any religious arrangements. We told him that our priest was en route.

When Father Michael arrived at the ICU, my mother, brothers, sisters, father and I prayed. Because Dad was so sick, he couldn't take Holy Communion.

Faced with the decision of Dad slowly bleeding to death, or being sedated and on a ventilator for whatever time he had left, we prayed for guidance.

We decided as a family not go authorize the medical procedure. Dad didn't want to go on ventilator and we wanted more time to talk to him.

Make no mistake, the end was near.

Or, so we thought.

The bleeding stopped on its own. Dad stabilized. But we were resigned to the reality that he wouldn't ever leave that hospital.

Several days later he underwent a single treatment of an extremely high dose of radiation to ensure that the bleeding had stopped.

Dad continued to improve, so KGH transferred him to the hospital in our home town, where he continued to make progress.

Dad is now living back at home!

Only one of his lungs functions and he must be on oxygen nearly 24 hours a day. Managing the liquid oxygen and dealing with power failures is a bit nerve wracking but worth it.

Dad is eating, visiting with friends, and living his life that we all thought was ending at the end of April.

We don't know how long Dad has left. He's living in a period of Grace. And we are all so grateful.

Our prayers were answered. Not for a cure, but for more time with Dad.

Life is hard. Suffering is part of the human condition. Faith doesn't shield us from pain, illness, death or the loss of a dearly loved one.

Yet, the Lord is merciful.

Diane, the Lord didn't speak to us through a burning bush. Or a whirl wind. He spoke to us through kind nurses, friends and kind work associates who have prayed for and rallied around my family in our time of need.

But most of all, the Lord has given us the opportunity to show Dad how much we love and respect him.

Don't give up, Diane.

Geoffrey P. Johnston
Eastern Ontario

RE: Christian talk personality considers quitting faith

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

I so respect Drew's honesty and his request of God. I am also a Christian of many years who wants to hear a still, small voice - or experience peace that passes understanding - a whirlwind or telegram would be even better.

I spent 20 years married to a psychologically abusive Christian husband (some would say he wasn't a "real" Christian - I certainly can't discern that - many Christians are "not perfect, just forgiven"). I diligently sought God's will on a multitude of difficult gray areas, both in the Bible, in classes and studies, in counseling, and on my knees and face. I know more faith is essential, but I've prayed for it, studied to build it, and done some positive confession (fake it till you make it), and I am at a point now where I can only be honest. I don't get it. I am hurt and frustrated and angry to the point of giving up.

The ball is in God's court. I want to believe. I miss my faith. So, Drew, if He speaks to you, please let me know. I would also like to hear from Him.

Diane Walter
Huron, SD

RE: Canadian organizations partner to reach a "biblically-illiterate" nation

Monday, June 6, 2011

I remember when Sunday school was considered to be an indispensable part of Sunday mornings in evangelical churches. Sunday school was for all ages, from cradle roll until death. Great effort was made to enlist and transport children from unchurched families.

Then the Sunday school movement began to erode. In the mid-90s, I was a member of a smallish church that had a fantastic Sunday school for children, teens, plus three adult electives!

Then, they decided to move in with another congregation, sharing the same building. This meant disbanding the teen and adult Sunday school. Gifted teachers were put on the shelf.

Then I moved to another church with a vibrant Sunday school for all ages. I was assured, that after 115 years, they would never disband their teen and adult Sunday school. Two years later, they did just that! Once again, gifted teachers were put on the shelf.

Later, when a different leadership took over, some of us wanted to restore the senior Sunday school. However, most of the former attendees had adjusted to the new format, and had lost interest. We never go our senior Sunday school back!

This is occurring everywhere. Sunday school has been replaced with mid-week cell group and youth group Bible studies, which are of tremendous value in themselves. However, Sunday school provided the educational framework for Bible study groups to build upon! This is essential for biblical literacy.

It may be too late to reverse this tragic trend. Christians have lost their hunger for Sunday school.

Amos 8:11-12 says “‘Behold, days are coming,’ declares the Lord God, ‘when I will send a famine on the land, not a famine for bread or a thirst for water, but rather for hearing the words of the Lord. People will stagger from sea to sea, and…from the north, even to the east; they will go to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, but they will not find it.’”

Valerie Morsette
Thunder Bay, ON

RE: Why I help addicts shoot up

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

As a Regent graduate from the Caribbean (MCS 2000) who has worked in public health and environmental education, and as a hospice chaplain, I'm deeply, deeply touched by what I read in this story. Apart from the astounding work that Meera is involved in, I love the fact that she critiques the others who do not see these acts of mercy as she does, without anger and with grace extended to them as well. I know a little of the Vancouver East Side and probably every country has its East sides (as my native Trinidad surely does). May you be blessed, Meera, in your work and continued study and congrats to ChristianWeek for having the courage to let her speak.

Joy Rudder
Landsdown, Barbados

RE: Ministry looks for safer parking after buses torched

Saturday, May 28, 2011

I commend George for having mercy on those gangster wannabees! I am sure they will be coming to Living Bible Explorers. soon and their lives will be transformed. I will be praying!

Lorelei Enns
Sarnia, ON

RE: Listen Up TV moves to prime Toronto location

Thursday, May 5, 2011

"Listen Up" is a credible Christian media source. I can't think of anyone more deserving of this opportunity than Lorna and her staff.

Paul Wilkinson
Port Hope, ON

RE: Gideons slow down pace of change

Saturday, April 30, 2011

I am an active Gideon in Colorado and regularly involved in our local Camp activities. For some time I have felt that the limitations for membership in the Gideons inhibits membership growth. Several sincere, practicing Christian men have expressed interest and readiness in becoming Gideon members of our local Camp but because they were not "professional" men, we had to tell them they could not join, and thus "lost" potentially excellent members. I find it extremely difficult (to the point of shame) to tell someone such a decision. I personally applaud the Canadian Gideons efforts to "relax" restrictive, man-made and outmoded membership requirements. Let's welcome all people, men and women, who are Christian, spirit-filled, evangelical, enthusiastic people willing and ready to do the work and give financial and prayerful support.

Bill Heinicke
Dolores, CO

RE: Dignity Project debunks poverty myths

Thursday, April 14, 2011

While I agree with most of this article on poverty, there is a strong subjective component to at least one of the questions. Having visited Africa, I'm quite convinced that most Canadians, even in poverty conditions, still have a leg up on others. At least the water isn't polluted, and the air is clean. We do have it "pretty good" when such basic factors are noted.

Perhaps some of the respondents aren't cultivating mythic, biased clichés, as much as they are telling the stark truth about what we are blessed with, here in Canada.

David MacKenzie
Edmonton, AB

RE: Who will pastor and teach the next generation of Christians?

Saturday, March 26, 2011

I believe that this problem is a well-kept secret in the Church. I am a lay pastor in a reasonably well known church here in Edmonton and I have been what seems at times to be a "voice in the wilderness" when I speak of the need for more mentoring and discipleship programs.

No, I take that word "programs" back. The more mature Christians just need to do it. They need to love fellow congregants around them and give them more than "Hi. How are you?" on a Sunday morning. They need to invest the time to be informed about the world around them and need to be prepared to give an answer to every man (that includes brothers and sisters in Christ).

As my platform is severely limited by virtue of the Canadian Church culture, this message seems to disappear into the void. And I wait upon the Lord.

Ian McKerracher
Edmonton, AB

RE: McLaren creates a safe place for doubt

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

It seems to me that the mistake of the author is his "either or approach;" either the proclaim the gospel and teach theology or just advocate experiencing the spiritual life. Sound teaching about the authority of Scripture and the declaration of the gospel message are necessary for a genuine and growing spiritual life pleasing to God.

I came from a secular Jewish family and remember well how the Spirit convicted me of my sin, lostness and the Saviour. I then prayed a simple prayer acknowledging the theological truth of Jesus, which brought me into a personal fellowship with my heavenly Father.

I have been in the ministry for many years and have witnessed the power of a simple prayer in accepting Jesus. A professor at a medical university with a PhD in biochemistry told me that she was an atheist and had no interest in God. I asked her if I could present the gospel message to her so that she could understand what I believed. I used the evangelism explosion approach and told her to think about it.

A month later she attended my church and as she was leaving, I saw tears in her eyes. I asked her if she was ready to accept Jesus; she said yes. In my office she prayed a simple prayer.
Later she told her class of medical students, "In our first class, I told you why I was an atheist, but now I want to tell you that I have found God."

I did not argue with her; I just told her the story of Jesus and the Spirit did the rest. Over the years, I have noticed a declining interest in an evangelistic approach in evangelical churches. Our young people need to be evangelized because God does not have any grandchildren. Every generation needs to be brought into the Kingdom of God.

The best way to resolve doubts is to introduce Jesus to the doubter and call him to put his trust in Jesus. As the Scripture says, "Taste and see that the Lord is good."

Pastor Albert Runge
Abbotsford, BC

RE: McLaren creates a safe place for doubt

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

If you have read my book More Questions than Answers, Sharing Faith by Listening, you will not be surprised that I totally agree with Brian McLaren about the need for us as Christians to create safe place for questions.

As we journey with others such places afford us and them the freedom to really explore what our beliefs are and how they can be lived out, as part of our ongoing journey of faith. Thank you for including this article in ChristianWeek.

When I see and hear things like the response to Brian McLaren's workshop, my hope is renewed. There is such a hunger for genuine spiritual reality, especially among younger people! I believe that folks like Brian McLaren, by his willingness to admit he does not have all the answers, will help them enter into a genuine encounter with the living Christ.

Eleanor Shepherd
Pointe Claire, QC

RE: McLaren creates a safe place for doubt

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Brian McLaren clearly is an engaging and provocative writer and speaker, eager to be in tune with contemporary culture. Hence, he not only encourages his audiences to doubt what they have been taught in conservative churches, he encourages them to reject what Jesus teaches about the divine authority of the Scriptures and about God's holy wrath against sin, final judgment and hell, substitutionary atonement, His exclusive way of salvation, etc.

When I asked him February 4 at CMU why he rejected a high view of Scripture, he replied that he had always held to a high view of Scripture, but that he rejected a dictation view of inspiration. I replied that I too reject a dictation view of inspiration, but that in his books A New Kind of Christianity, Everything Must Change and A Generous Orthodoxy I failed to see a high view of Scripture.

He strikes me as not just creating "a safe place to doubt" but as creating "a safe place" to reject much of what Jesus and the rest of the Bible clearly teach. That is 19th century liberalism without the denial of the supernatural.

Al Hiebert
Steinbach, MB

RE: CTS drops McVety over controversial remarks

Saturday, March 12, 2011

This is a tremendous step in the right direction. I am amazed that similar actions haven't taken place until now. Through the years, I've accumulated literally binders full of statements from the religious right about homosexuality and homosexual persons that are completely false. Most are from American groups, but slander and defamation doesn't recognize borders.

H.(Bart) Vincelette
Vancouver, BC

RE: Faith leaders and politics: How close is too close?

Saturday, March 12, 2011

I am a western Canadian evangelical and I found this question that you posed to be a universally timely and pertinent. In my conversations with those outside the Christian faith, it is a continual thread that they perceive Christianity to have a great deal of blood on its hands, historically. I believe that this perception comes from people using (sometimes to great effect) a statement of faith for political power. The power becomes the point instead of the faith.

So to answer the question, I would say that the vast majority of Christians should attempt to influence their culture in the usual way; one person at a time. There will be some who should respond to a calling into the higher profile of politics but only when that calling is clear and unequivical. If God isn't calling you, it will end badly, not only for you but for the church also. Remember that any higher profile will provide an easier target for those who throw stones.

This doesn't mean that there should be no political action by the Christians in the trenches. The EFC is the kind of organization that should be involved...to focus the issues and inform the constituents. But because they have a position that doesn't mean it must become my position. I...will choose my own response with the understanding that others can pursue that same freedom.

Ian McKerracher
St. Albert, AB

RE: All Saints provides safe haven in midst of chaos

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

A very fine piece. One Sunday a group from my parish went there, joined them in worship, provided lunch and stayed for lunch ourselves.

However, check your spelling. Toronto Friendship Centre uses our own Canadian spelling: Centre not Center. It is painful to see our beautiful English language going down the drain.

Audrey Tobias
Toronto, ON

RE: Winnipeg couple encounters harsh reality of Holy Lands

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

It was heart-wrenching to read the account of the Kornelson's visit to the Holy Land. But the suffering of the Arabs of the West Bank, though very real, was not the source of my angst. My angst is over what I believe is a seriously distorted view of this conflict, which Christian Peacemaker Teams seems to vigorously promote. This tiny country is doing a valiant job of getting on with life in the midst of a very hostile neighbourhood. It deserves our support. Seeking out its warts and presenting them in a distorted historical context is not a form of peacemaking.

Donald James
Winnipeg, MB

Iranian-born pastor poised to shake up Muslim world (October 8, 2010)

Friday, March 4, 2011

I was blessed to hear some of this gentle man's testimony when he was a guest on Trinity Broadcasting Network. His love and commitment to Jesus Christ as His Lord was so strong in his countenance and voice, I was humbled. There is such a great anointing of God on this man; it is certain that this anointing is to be used for the furtherance of the gospel! I pray that every man and woman, girl and boy, whether Jew, Gentile, Muslim, Jehovah Witness, Latter Day Saint or Mormon, gets the opportunity to share in his testimony or even better, visit his church! God bless Afshin Javid and his family and may the glory of God continue to shine upon him.

Myrtis L. Hyman
Chicago, IL

RE: The new (global) village priests

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

I like the virtual pastor part. The online version is not much different than what we have been experiencing in television for over half a century. I remember watching Dr. Schuller at the Crystal Cathedral about 30 years ago and then saying, "We had church at home."

Les Funk
MacGregor, MB

RE: Why I help addicts shoot up

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Meera came to my university this past week, and her story was both amazing and challenging. As a Christian, I was embarrassed to hear that the most discrimination she has received is from Christians themselves.

Meera is an example of what we all should be in today's world. We all sin, and fall short of the glory of God. We have no problem recommending Nicorette to smokers, or AA to alcoholics, praying for them and telling them we will help them through it. All sins are equal right?

Apparently not. We cannot even think of helping a drug abuser, even giving them a second glance, but Meera showed me that by being a helping hand, just being there to listen, is the greatest help of all. How can we be Jesus to everyone if we can't help ALL of them? By being a witness, the first step is to show God shining through us, without any discrimination or prejudice.

I hope and pray that other people who hear Meera's story will understand that God uses all of us, in all different places, to [share] His love and "make disciples of all nations."

Anthea Martens
Calgary, AB

RE: Chaplaincy centre offers top notch training in pastoral care

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Thank you for this brief yet comprehensive article which certainly captures the spirit of Dr. Charles Taylor, familiarly known as "Charlie" to those who knew him well. As a former student of his, in the Clinical Pastoral Education segment of the Master of Divinity course at Acadia Divinity College in the 1980s, I can say he was a man "beyond his time" who embraced a wide vision of ministry. In fact my (among many) budding interest and eventual involvement in what is now termed "Prison Ministry," was cultivated by practical experience in prison marathons, among other institutional exposures.

As a community of faith and learning, ADC is fortunate to have Tracy Demmons, as the successor and central advocate to the "Taylor vision," an admirable visionary in her own right, who assumed leadership of this notable ministry.

Meanwhile, as we forge into the future, appreciation is expressed for the leadership and advocacy of ADC president Harry Gardner, and the work of Carol Anne Janzen, interim director of the Taylor Centre, who "holds the fort" until the return of Tracy Demmons.

Truly, Charlie and his wife Charlotte would have been delighted to observe this further "branch to their tree of vision;" a position, nonetheless, reflected in their family.

Lionel Moriah
Dartmouth, NS

RE: CTS drops McVety over controversial remarks

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Whereas I do not condone wrong, or spiteful comments at the ills of the world around us, I do believe that when a brother takes a stand for truth, that instead of abandoning him, we need to stand together.

I have read the article, and understand that there are always two sides, but at the same time we need to remember that we will be called more in the days ahead to take a stand for biblical integrity in a world that denies God, His Word, and those who stand for that truth.
I do pray that some form of reconciliation can take place.

Rev. Ron Grossman
Ottawa, ON

RE: Gideons slow down pace of change

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

I was just notified by the The Gideons International that the Canadians have withdrawn from the international. As a new member of the Gideons who was nearly disqualified from joining because my former profession was questionable to the leadership, I applaud our Canadian brothers for taking this step. I personally believe that the [requirement that Gideons must be] professional and businessmen [to be accepted into] membership is unbiblical. The need is for dedicated believers that are willing to work.

Our camp has approximately 28 members, but only about six to eight members attend meetings and attend to the task of our mission. I am not exactly sure what these [other] businessmen are contributing to our mission other than their yearly dues.

May the Canadian Gideons remain true to the Bible and our Saviour Jesus Christ. My prayers are with you.

Rendall B. Gray
Mountainburg, AR

RE: What is God's name?

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

I just read Dan Osmond's excellent letter and just had to say well done! The clarity with which he states his compelling case is indeed impressive. And his message is timely. We, as Christians, find ourselves being challenged and marginalized around the world. Yet, we must never water down our beliefs in misguided attempts to appease those who persecute or mock the church. I look forward to Mr. Osmond's next letter.

Geoffrey P. Johnston
Eastern Ontario

RE: What is God's name?

Monday, February 21, 2011

Rob Alloway's article, especially its coy ending seems to imply that the Muslim Allah may be none other than the God of the Judeo-Christian Scriptures and of the historic Christian faith.

Our Scriptures make it clear that the Sovereign God cares a great deal about how He is understood, worshiped and served by humans. Under the Old Covenant (e.g. Jeremiah 31: 31-34) God was understood to be the great Creator (Genesis, Psalm 19), the author of the Ten Commandments who forbade the worship of other gods, who abhorred sin and who required atonement for it by the sacrifice of animals (Exodus 20: 3-5).

Under the New Covenant (e.g. Hebrews 7 & 8) Jesus Christ is central for the understanding of God, for atonement by His vicarious sacrifice on the cross, for His office as God's High Priest and for the Great Commission (e.g. Matthew 28:16-20).

In the Gospel of John, chapter 1, Christ is described in these terms, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made...." In John 14: 6, 9 & 10 we read of Christ saying, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.... Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father...I am in the Father and the Father is in me."

The Muslim [idea of] Allah, as given in the Qur'an by the long-deceased Prophet Mohammad, was no doubt influenced by the Judeo-Christian Scriptures that were available to him. Muslims claim Mohammad to be the last, greatest prophet who supercedes Jesus Christ. Islam rests primarily on the so-called "Five Pillars" that deal mainly with behavioural requirements, e.g. prayer five times a day and pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime. It is "salvation by works" which excludes atonement for sin through faith in Christ's death upon the cross as well as belief in His resurrection and His spiritual indwelling of his followers.

It is true that worshipers of the Muslim Allah as well as of the Judeo-Christian God consider the "object" of their worship to be the all-powerful Creator of the world. There may also be other beliefs in common. But the conceptual contents of the terms "Allah" and "God" remain vastly different in crucially important respects that profoundly affect understanding, worship, worldview, behaviour, mission and ultimately personal, societal and national outcomes.

If Alloway is looking for common ties and tolerance then it is true that we should try to practice "social tolerance" - as in getting along with each other in daily life. But social tolerance can and should be espoused without succumbing to a foggy "intellectual tolerance" that demands belief in the unbelievable. By any stretch of wishful thinking, the Allah of Islam remains profoundly different from the God of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In any case, social tolerance should become much easier to practice in Canada once the prevailing, cruel persecution of Christians in predominantly Muslim countries and regions ceases.

Dan Osmond
Roseneath, ON

Iranian-born pastor poised to shake up Muslim world (October 8, 2010)

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Pastor Afshin Javid's life testimony is an evidence of how God so loves the world. It was indeed awesome to know this miraculous transformation of Pastor Afshin Javid's life. I felt really guilty when he prayed about repentance for Christians who hate Muslims. God loves everyone, even the Muslims. May we have the heart also to love, pray and reach out to them. May the life and the light of Christ shine through us that they may see and experience also being forgiven not at the judgement day (according to Muslim belief) but that salvation is today.

Melody Muguerza
Philippines

RE: What is God's name?

Friday, February 18, 2011

"Disquieted" would be much too weak a word to describe my response to the last paragraphs of Rob Alloway's exposition of the Hagar story. Alloway states that it is an "incontrovertible fact that the same God appears in both stories," i.e. in the Bible and the Qur'an.

If he means that there is only one true God , then I am with him. But to say that we find the one true God portrayed in the Qur'an under the name Allah, then I am definitely not.

As I see it, the Qur'an is a twisting of the Judaeo-Christian story, in the same vein as the Book of Mormon or the writings of the Jehovah's Witnesses. And it will not lead its readers to know the one true God. Yes, the God of the Scriptures promised great blessing on Hagar, Ishmael and their descendants. But Islam is not one of those blessings, a sentiment Alloway seems to be suggesting.

Don James
Winnipeg, MB

RE: Going down hard

Thursday, February 17, 2011

(Responding to Doug Koop's blog: "Going down hard.")

The truth of your blog breaks my heart. I am also challenged to dare to listen. I am convinced it is the only way that we can bring hope and help these young people and so many like them to know that someone does really care and there is a way out. My dream is of our churches becoming communities where people can come because they know someone will listen to them and not judge. May God speed the day when that becomes a realty. We are learning to do that in the developing world. Can't we do it at home?

Eleanor Shepherd
Pointe Claire, QC

RE: Jail-time not the answer for many offenders

Thursday, February 17, 2011

I truly agree with this article. I am a prison volunteer and I feel safer in the prison I go to than I do on the streets at times. I don't think prison is the answer for a lot of these people. I believe a lot of them come away from prison more angry than when they go in.

Some of the guys I visit just need to know they are cared about because of their upbringing. Some are uneducated and need special help learning. Others have just made a mistake. I truly believe that any one of us can end up in prison, we just have to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I was very judgmental before I started volunteering at the prisons but now I find that we are more alike than different. Everyone needs to be loved and cared for in order to grow into healthy adults. I am not suggesting that everyone doesn't belong in prison but I feel a lot can be helped give the chance.

Lois Kidd
Windsor, ON

RE: Jail-time not the answer for many offenders

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

So you are opposed to building prisons when our population grows and our prisons are overcrowded?

What proportion of non-violent offenders make the kind of pre-sentence change of heart that your friend David made? How typical or atypical is his story? I'm all in favor of forgiveness where there is true repentance, which normally is demonstrated by willingness to accept punishment for crimes committed, not an easy out in exchange for a few tears.

Can you show how much safer our law-abiding citizenry would be (has been) when the policies you prefer on crime are implemented? Show us some facts here, so we can better understand your point of view, not just some liberal professor's opinions or some student's study who needed a PhD.

Al Hiebert
Steinbach, MB

RE: Decision day looms for NIV Bible readers

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

With all due respect to Mr. Henschel, I couldn’t disagree more with his suggestion that we should stick with the King James Bible.

While I do agree that there probably are too many translations out there and the notion of making the Bible gender neutral is ludicrous, it bothers me when someone puts forth the notion that the King James Bible should be our only Bible. For one thing, it is only a translation. The authors of the Bible did not write in “Olde English�.

Another reason is that this version is over 400 years old! Don’t you think that we have made some significant advances in our understanding of ancient Greek and Hebrew in the past four centuries? You are right, Mr. Henschel, we should not add or delete anything from the Word of God. But nor should we hold one translation over another.

Myron Friesen
MacGregor, MB

RE: Christian bookstore perseveres through challenging times

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

It is great to see Hull's continuing on. The Christian bookselling industry has been hard hit with change and those with a vision and ingenuity have persevered. I will never forget Margo's great point of view when it comes to being a Christian bookstore owner; she shared that she was a "Christian who is a bookseller" - which means she ultimately brings who she is to bear on her business and it shows!

Congratulations Kathie and Margo, may you continue to be an influence on all you serve in Winnipeg for years to come!

Marlene Coghlin
Guelph, ON

RE: Decision day looms for NIV Bible readers

Monday, January 10, 2011

I become more disappointed each time I hear of another Bible translation, and now wanting the Bible to be "gender" neutral was the final straw. How many translations do we need? I feel they are treading on dangerous ground every time a new translation is made, or meanings are added or taken away. Perhaps the "expert" Bible translators, in all of their wisdom, should pick up the old King James Bible and read Revelation 22:18-22. Wow....that is something to think about!

Harold E. Henschel
Dawson Creek, B.C.

RE: Steve Bell set to release newest musical offering

Monday, January 10, 2011

I was pleased to read that Steve Bell has recorded a new album and I look forward to purchasing it. What caught my attention was his frustration over the "mean-spirited responses" his friend, Brian McLaren, has received about some of his written work.

I will agree that some of the responses to McLaren have been, to be polite, uncharitable, this surely must cut both ways. McLaren regularly demeans and falsely caricatures Christians he doesn't like. A cursory glance at the name-calling in his latest book includes descriptions as "conquistadors," "vulnerable to paranoia," "brainwashed" and on and on. Given McLaren's rhetoric, I find it ironic that he is the author of a song entitled "Kindness". Perhaps everyone needs to tone the rhetoric down a little.

We do need to challenge each other within the body of Christ to be faithful to Him and to His Word, but the smugness and name-calling needs to stop.

Harvey Goossen
Kitchener, ON

RE: Steve Bell set to release newest musical offering

Thursday, December 16, 2010

I first heard Steve Bell at PFI Convocation in Bulgaria in 1999. It was a most refreshing and memorable occasion. Steve's singing was loaded with passion and anointing. The CD I brought back with me was mislaid at the studio in Pretoria where I presented a prison program and cannot recall the name. When my daughter was faced with unfaithfulness of her spouse I sent her words from a song that encouraged her not to walk away. Today, nine years later, their marriage is strong and better than ever before. What's more her young adult children did not have to face the trauma of divided loyalties. The words I can recall are "a flower can endure the course of the storm by bowing to the tempest's rage, oh love more fierce than all the rest, oh raging joy within my breast." That joy is what helped her to continue the journey.

DorisEllen Coetsee
Sedgefield, South Africa

RE: Gospel's common cause links Christians of all stripes

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Thank you. Thank God. It is profoundly gratifying to read these comments from evangelical leaders. They represent wise assessment of the status of Christian churches in our context and clear discernment of God's intention. A united witness wherever possible is testimony in itself to the unity of the Godhead, and harmonized voices, even if not in unison, serve the common cause of the gospel. May it be so.

Dan Nighswander
Winnipeg, MB

RE: Why I help addicts shoot up

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

As a Christian working on the front lines of care for some of our neediest neighbours, I have been encouraged to know that my voice and the voices of those I work with are being heard by the Church. Listening to people involved in harm reduction can help us decide whether InSite should remain open. Listening to people who have studied InSite properly can also help our decision-making.

It was revealed by the Pivot Legal Society in 2008 that the research quoted by Hon. Tony Clement, then Health Minister, to discredit InSite, was actually opinion pieces written by a noted anti-harm reduction activist and funded by the RCMP in direct communication with the Ministry of Health. Thus, when the Canadian government appoints an “Expert Advisory Committee on Supervised Injection Site Research,� we cannot trust their claim to expertise. The government has tried to hide that the RCMP funded their sources, and then denied that they knew about it.

The record now shows that the only “research� to condemn InSite, which was so poorly done that no peer-reviewed scientific journal would publish it, was funded by those already trying to shut it down. Multiple separate research studies commissioned by unbiased parties, conducted properly, and published in the world’s top medical journals all concur in favour of InSite, supporting what InSite staff know from watching it happen.

It is the Christian mandate to seek the truth and to help the needy. The truth is that InSite is helping people who badly need help.

Meera Bai with John Stackhouse
Vancouver, BC

RE: Why I help addicts shoot up

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

I have rarely read an article in a Christian publication that I found so disturbing yet, for the moment in time when I discovered it, so serendipitous.

I was minutes away from delivering a presentation at the Free Methodist Church in Carleton Place, Ontario when I saw my wife Janet reading the article and shaking her head. “I can’t believe this,� she said. I couldn’t either: it was a perfect example of what I was about to discuss in my sermon, The Christian in the Public Forum, which, among other things, analyzes how “harm reduction� techniques are being used to justify all manner of iniquity and to keep people enslaved in sin. It was also a vivid illustration of my point that evangelical Christians are being pushed further and further into error as Canada is pushed leftward on social issues.

Harm reduction is an evil concept without logical coherence. It has nothing to do with sharing the love of God and everything to do with accommodating the works of the flesh. Moreover, it implies that sinful, destructive behaviour can be made safer. But this is a dangerous deception. Putting heroine in your veins will kill you: sometimes overnight and sometimes over time, but it will kill you. Prostitution is also a depraved and murderous career choice and the half-baked concept of harm reduction is being used in Ontario by left-wing activist who say they want to make “the sex trade� safer – as if it were possible for such an STD-laden occupation.

The so-called safe injection site in Vancouver is the ultimate manifestation of harm reduction and the facility should be closed immediately. It is a civic atrocity that promotes drug use and the concomitant destructive activity – from prostitution to theft – that is the spawn of addiction. That a Christian worker should defend this nonsense is quite simply outrageous. Perhaps the authors of this propaganda should have talked to the local residents who are sick of finding the dirty refuse of drug abuse all over their neighbourhood.

I meet regularly with a group of non-Christian recovering alcoholics and addicts. Whenever the issue of harm reduction arises, they routinely condemn both the philosophy and results of harm reduction. It just keeps people taking drugs and unable to address their addiction, confront their sin or even comprehend the grace of God.

If Christians cannot see this truth, it is perhaps understandable why the Canadian churches have been so ineffective in reducing access to abortion and stopping same-sex marriage. These issues also involve active judgment of sin and may well offend people who insist it is their right to abort a fetus or marry someone of the same gender.

But God says otherwise.

David Krayden
Carleton Place, ON

RE: Creation Flood Evidence Museum displays counter evolution claims

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Biology professor Kenneth Miller commented: "Here is what evolution teaches us. Evolution tells us that we live on a planet that is simply bursting with evolutionary possibilities, and that we are part of a fabric of life that covers this planet and that gave rise to every living thing we see. I think it is remarkably easy to see the process of evolution as fulfilling God's providential plan for His creation."

From his comments it appears Miller is a theistic evolutionist.

Phillip Johnson, author of Darwin on Trial, commented in World magazine (Nov. 22, 1997): "Evolutionary science is based on naturalism and draws philosophical conclusions to that base. That's why any theistic evolution is inherently superficial. It leads people into naturalistic thinking, and they don't realize it." ( p.13)

Jonathan Sarfati's newest book is The Greatest Hoax on Earth? Refuting Dawkins on Evolution.

In October/November Sarfati lectured in a number of Canadian cities, from B.C. to Ontario.

Cornell University professor Dr. John Sanford, pioneer of plant genetic engineering and inventor of the gene gun has commented: "In my opinion Sarfati's book beats Dawkins' book
(The Greatest Show on Earth) point by point, on all issues."

If Sarfati's book has been totally ignored by the mainstream media, why is that unusual?

While evolutionists such as Dawkins have appeared on CBC programs such as Quirks & Quarks, The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos, The Current, and even the religion program, Tapestry, no creationary scientists such as John Baumgardner, Russell Humphreys, Kurt Wise, Sigrid Hartwig-Scherer, or
Werner Gitt ever have.

Is this because creationary scientists don't conduct scientific research, or is it because of other reasons?

On the PBS documentary "In the Beginning: The Creationist Controversy", Phillip Johnson commented: "Darwinian theory
is the creation myth of our culture. It's the officially sponsored,
government financed creation myth that the public is supposed to believe in, and that creates the evolutionary scientists as the priesthood... So we have the priesthood of naturalism, which has great cultural authority, and of course has to protect its mystery that gives it that authority. That's why they're so vicious towards critics."

To view a TV interview (Nov. 4/10) with Jonathan Sarfati, click here.

David Buckna
Kelowna, BC

RE: Canadian university college reaches out to Omar Khadr

Friday, November 19, 2010

I am very impressed that this professor and some of her students are reaching out to Mr. Khadr in this way. He desperately needs to see God's love in action and that is what this professor is doing. I commend her actions and say God bless her. How can he know God's love unless someone shows it to him? Thank you.

Norma Kingdon
Regina, SK

RE: What the children had to say

Friday, November 19, 2010

Thanks for the update on children. Jesus cared for children and so should we. It's nice that Christian Children's Fund and others take this seriously. I sponsor a child through them. It's a blessing to know I can make a difference. Thanks for the commentary.

Patricia Martin
Toronto, ON

RE: Canadian university college reaches out to Omar Khadr

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Thank you for grappling with the thorny issues of terrorists and fear, and putting a face and a life to Omar Khadr. I'm not sure what to conclude, but it does seem that the grace of a second chance is apt, nevertheless.

Ingrid Chung
Los Angeles, CA

RE: Why I help addicts shoot up

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Wow, moving article. To care for the lowly where they're at--what Jesus did, what He calls us to do. You've captured beautifully the pain and grace of this neighbourhood, which I know from experience from volunteering there. Thank you.

Ingrid Chung
Los Angeles, CA

RE: Canadian university college reaches out to Omar Khadr

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

I am SO glad to hear of this outreach to Omar Khadr. I believe his
whole imprisonment has been a travesty of justice in that he was a child at the time of the crime. He should have been given a fair trial years ago.

At least someone has cared about him. Praise God !

Ruth Reid
Surrey, BC

RE: Christian talk personality considers quitting faith

Thursday, November 4, 2010

What I find intriguing about the Drew Marshall issue is the way he is being attacked by some. When I listen to Drew asking questions of his guests, and the comments he makes along the way, I can only deduce that this is a man in genuine crisis being very open and honest. When I hear the words of his detractors what I hear is fear - a fear that maybe Drew has a point and the detractors don't want to "go there" because the possible confrontation would be too disturbing. What worries me in this is that it only enhances the perception that many Christians still live a life of self-justification, despite the weight of grace given. I find myself cheering Drew on, and feeling very sad and prayerful for the detractors.

Don Collins
Gawler, Australia

RE: Christian talk personality considers quitting faith

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

I can’t say I’m thrilled with the lead story in your November issue of ChristianWeek. So much so I pulled them off the shelves. Your piece on Drew Marshall is just too discouraging. Our people are looking for something to lift their faith, not challenge it and potentially knock it down.

Here in Ottawa, we’ve never heard of Drew Marshall or the show.
Why you’d want to make it your main lead story is a mystery to me. If you want to make him a poster boy for “a crisis of faith” fine, but you’d better tailor the story line accordingly, maybe include a good editorial. You make it sound like he’s justified in what he’s doing here. At a glance, I don’t think he is at all.

Departure from the faith is a serious thing, which used to be called “apostasy.” Some of the most serious and sober warnings in scripture (Hebrews) are directed to those who start, but don’t finish in the faith.

If I were to run a piece like this I’d be inclined to show how someone in such a situation can be encouraged and lifted up in their time of weakness, not presented in an “unresolved” fashion and given special highlight because they are a host of a “Christian” radio show.

Jim Drennan
Ottawa, ON

RE: Tough words and hack attacks

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Given the diversity of the over 4,000 participants at Cape Town 2010, should anyone be surprised or offended if one speaker advocates a high view of truth such as postmodern evangelicals would consider "obscene"? Is it not central to the agenda of postmodern evangelicals that Christians should love and welcome those whose perspectives differ from their own?

Christian love and respect is due our Christian siblings with whom we disagree as well as non-Christians we are called to evangelize. That is too often too challenging for us humans. Sharing Christ includes sharing truth and rebuking error, all in love.

Al Hiebert
Steinbach, MB

RE: Why I help addicts shoot up

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

I read this article with interest. I respect Meera’s position but do not agree with it.

I am a retired S/Sgt. with the RCMP after serving 34 years, have volunteered for over 12 years working with the poor, addicts and homeless of the inner city, am a member of the executive on the Board of the Drug Prevention Network of Canada and a pastor of a local church in Gatineau, Quebec.

First to comment from a secular perspective.

The new drug strategy for Canada is one of prevention,treatment and enforcement. It is not, as Meera suggests, putting more money into policing and prisons and locking up addicts. The enforcement is aimed at the drug dealers and importers and not the addict. They are offered treatment through drug courts that are being implemented. It is wise to remember that many times addiction takes one down a road of criminal activity that they also must face. Many times the addicts are sentenced [for criminal activity] and mistakenly labelled as being locked up because they are addicts.

The final report of the Expert Advisory Committee on Supervised Injection Site Research would be a good read seeing many of the claims being made are not substantiated or researched with a
proper methodology.

Of those using the site, only 10 per cent of injection drug users use the facility for all injections. The injection site accounts for less than five per cent of injections in the DTE. This at a cost of three million dollars per year. To accommodate for 100 per cent usage it would require 19 more sites at three million per site costing 60 million for Vancouver alone. Could this money not produce better results in the area of prevention, education and treatment or
does the demand and cost continue to increase seeing there is no incentive for abstinence?

How many people have entered treatment and how many have
overcome their addiction through the injection site? We keep hearing how many people have been referred without follow up. This would reveal if this program is truly working or is only enabling addicts to continue in their addiction.

Drugs are a symptom and not a cause. We should invest in resolving the cause which in many cases means dealing with the social decay, broken families, family abuse, mental illness, illiteracy and poverty, all of which promote drug abuse. Enabling the drug addict is only putting a Band-aid on an open sore.

Isn’t it ironic that one cannot smoke inside the InSite establishment
because it is a health hazard, yet they can inject whatever drug makes them feel better.

And now from a spiritual perspective.

It is easy to use words like grace, mercy and compassion but would Jesus have helped an addict inject or would He have offered hope and healing in His name.

He advised the Samaritan woman and the adulterous woman to go and sin no more. He didn’t condone in any way what they were doing, yet He loves the sinner regardless.

Grace according to the Bible dictionary is defined as: “favour or kindness shown without regard to the worth or merit of the one who receives it and in spite of what that same person deserves.”

It further states: “Although the grace of God is always free and undeserved, it must not be taken for granted. Grace is only enjoyed within the covenant -- the gift is given by God and the gift is received by man through repentance and faith.”

Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and 1 Corinthians 3:17 states “If anyone destroys God’s temple. God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple.”

Mercy is defined as the aspect of God’s love that causes Him to help the miserable, just as grace is the aspect of His love that moves Him to forgive the guilty. God shows mercy by actively helping those who are miserable, due to circumstances beyond their control. They were acts of healing that grew out
of His attitude of compassion and mercy.

Is injecting a drug addict with drugs helping them and bringing about healing?

Is this Godly grace, mercy and compassion or the wordily version of it? Are we not just embracing the world view and wrapping Jesus in it?

Speaking Godly truth into the life of the addict is what truly sets one free and at the end of the day, it is a choice. We don’t need InSite but what we truly need is Insight.

Andre Bigras, The Potter’s Wheel Christian Fellowship
Gatineau, QC

RE: Why I help addicts shoot up

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Brilliant article! Why not a companion piece? Something like "Why I feel superior to the lost and driven and prefer to slash programs that help?" Or a bumper sticker: "Pharisees R Us" or "Nope, nothing bad will ever happen to MY family!"

Reality is that even the most miserable and addicted person is still in the image of God and worthy of respect.

Diane Dadian
Toronto, ON

RE: A low grade sense of failure

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

An important reminder, especially in these times when we are increasingly on the margins in our culture.

Len Hjalmarson
Kelowna, BC

RE: Bold and beautiful

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

A beautifully crafted article.

As a writer for the Richmond papers for the past 18 years...I often feel like a lonely wolf, seeking to rescue the Christians and churches from our increasingly secularized culture.

I sent two Thanksgiving articles to two [local] papers and both refused, saying that October 11 was a secular holiday called "Harvest." The churches and Christians are completely silent when it comes to confronting such a growing indifference to the Christian faith.

When will Christians...wake up to release our freedom is being eroded? The Christians in China know differently. Two hundred were not allowed to come to the Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization in Cape Town. The church in China is being persecuted and thrown into prison. Yet we remain silent and indifferent here in Canada.

Esther McIlveen
Richmond, BC

RE: Bold and beautiful

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Good question, accurate observation, thought provoking and helpful. Thank you and may He "grow" in your heart, soul, mind and strength.

Eric Truijen
West St. Paul, MB

RE: Christian talk personality considers quitting faith

Sunday, October 24, 2010

If Drew Marshall spent more time in reading, speaking and hearing the Word of God, his faith in God would grow (Rom 10:17). It seems Drew is asking to be loved by God, whereas God has already shown the greatest love anyone could, as He gave His Son for Drew.

There is going to be a radically negative consequence to Drew's life experience and all his relationships by giving up on faith in God (just check Israel's experience with it in the Old Testament). When we give up faith in God we always replace it with something else. If there is no God to put our trust in, who do we put trust in? Ourselves or some other "guru" or "belief system" that excludes the revealed God.

As humans we always attempt to answer the question where we came from and where we are going to. There is no better answer other than [what is found] in the Bible.

S. Krstevski
Burlington, ON

RE: Missionary upbringing inspires artistic love pursuits

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

I have known Angela for about six years now and am pleased to call her friend. She is a wonderful artist, and a great example of a wife and mother. I am pleased to see a stay at home mom get recognition for all that she does for her home as well as her community! Bravo Angela!

Jody Sully
Cherry Point, AB

Why I help addicts shoot up (October 1, 2010)

Monday, October 11, 2010

Yes, this article is very well written. And I accept the compassion with which the author serves.

Yet I ask: Is the provision of non-medicinal drugs to people a good and honourable solution to a complicated issue?

There are several levels of discussion. Is it really reducing harm? Is it addressing the complex social issues in the lives of addicts?

Is it a ministry of Christ to inject non-prescription narcotics into the bodies of men and women? "In the name of Jesus, be filled with this horribly destructive chemical"?

The centre is not a ministry where all who are serve are also provided with a dose of gospel truth and prayer. It is purely a secular response to a terrible travesty to men, women and children.

On a spiritual level, is it a ministry leading to the wholeness of the person? Does this connect people to redemption through God, and healing of body and soul?

I am sorry, but I still do not see this as a credible solution to a devastating addiction. Good intentions are not always enough to redeem the actions of a society.

Roy Bedford
St. Albert, AB

Why I help addicts shoot up (October 1, 2010)

Sunday, October 10, 2010

I was so touched by what I read. I am over two years clean and sober. I am from East Van. I was a regular client at InSite, and I was also at OnSite. I am so grateful for InSite and all the wonderful staff whom I call my angels. They saved my life. I don't live in Vancouver anymore. I live in Kelowna. I was very fortunate to get out while I could. Gratitude, compassion, and empathy are huge in my life today.

It is so important to keep InSite open. I was one of the people who shot up using mud puddles in back alleys and shared needles. I am lucky to not be dead and I never felt like I belonged anywhere in life.

Jackie Douglas
Kelowna, BC

Why I help addicts shoot up (October 1, 2010)

Sunday, October 10, 2010

I'd care a little more if my own grandmother, who has seen and done tougher stuff than a lot of these abused addicts, were given more help injecting insulin and getting her diabetes supplies a little cheaper. Seriously, no offense, I get what you are trying to do, but it comes off badly when you lace it in Christianity so you can bash our current government.

Felicia
Ontario

Why I help addicts shoot up (October 1, 2010)

Friday, October 8, 2010

Why I help addicts shoot up. Why I help teenagers have sex. Why I help moms kill their unborn babies. Drug abuse. Teenage sex. Abortion. These are all issues of morality that cost the government more money to fund than the problems they are helping to rectify.

As someone who has assisted over 100 men and women overcome their addictions and lives on the street, and reunite with their families, I can tell you that the emotions of this article ring true. But befriending someone isn't about giving them money so they can go spend it at the casino. It's about spending time when they've hit bottom, and encouraging them to take the high road.

Jesus didn't set up a brothel. He told the woman to "go and sin no more."

Grace requires that we look at each person with the dignity that says, "There is hope. You don't have to choose to self-destruct. Let me help you."

At rescue missions across America, we are proclaiming the passion of Jesus toward the hungry, homeless, abused and addicted.

One of my best friends used to make his life on the streets. Today, he is on the worship team of his church, has a full time job, and serves on a board of directors.

I'm glad I didn't help him shoot up. The peace and freedom that a sober life in the Jesus brings, is now our shared delight.

Michelle Porter, board member Association of Gospel Rescue Missions
Halifax, NS

Why I help addicts shoot up (October 1, 2010)

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Thank you for publishing this article. I think that as Christians it is our responsibility to love those who are lost and and demonstrate the love of Christ. This is how some people are demonstrating the love of Christ, and it is moving. How many of us would be willing to do something so controversial as this in the name of love? Not too many I can guess.

As a social worker I have briefly worked with people who struggle with addictions and know first hand that the way to recovery is through grace, mercy and forgiveness. These things cannot be experienced in an environment of judgment. What they are doing in East Side Vancouver is giving people a chance to see that they have worth, that they are precious and that God loves them.

Tracy McMullin
Winnipeg, MB

Why I help addicts shoot up (October 1, 2010)

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Exquisitely written article. Thank you for this. I truly believe that harm reduction is the way to go. Who on earth are we to judge each other's pain? I don't know a single soul who does not have an addiction of some sort or another. Addiction is simply a way of self-medicating. Those at InSite are truly blessed to have someone like those workers be their hope for this moment in time.

Sue-Ann
Vancouver, BC

Why I help addicts shoot up (October 1, 2010)

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

This article should not be hidden in a Christian magazine/venue... it should be sent, printed screamed to anyone and everyone who can hear!

Lois Hunter
Toronto, ON

Why I help addicts shoot up (October 1, 2010)

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Long before he took the boy to Jesus, no doubt the man with the tormented son used to try to keep him away from flames and lakes, would no doubt hold him as he rocked and foamed at the mouth.

There is a right time for healing. Even the first attempt, when he brought the boy to the disciples, was unsuccessful. As a strong believer in 12-step recovery programs, I am also a strong believer in harm reduction strategies. It’s not either-or it’s both-and. I applaud ChristianWeek for this article.

Bill Millar
Winnipeg, MB

Why I help addicts shoot up (October 1, 2010)

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

When a person receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit either at the same time as asking forgiveness, making Jesus their Saviour, then making Jesus their Lord with signs following (Mk. 16:16-18) and choose to cooperate by the Spirit, the Holy Spirit will clean them up. We see addicts set free, gain their lives back and restore broken relationships. This is the plan Jesus has for their lives. When people don't know their scriptures or the power of the Spirit, they operate in worldly ways (1 Cor. 2:14) and addicts stay addicts. Its a shame.

Kate O'Neill
Orton, ON

Why I help addicts shoot up (October 1, 2010)

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

This is one of the best articles I have read. The truth is in it. I am a Christian and I support the nurse, the program and harm reduction. Jesus came for people who needed him not those with their so called [lives] together. Good on you for the article.

Charlotte
Vancouver, B.C.

Why I help addicts shoot up (October 1, 2010)

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Thanks for this well-written, moving and compassionate story. This is indeed the Christian thing to do.

Josiah Neufeld
Winnipeg, MB

Why I help addicts shoot up (October 1, 2010)

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

My wife used to bring home stories like this when she worked as a street nurse here. When she transitioned to something more like a nurse chaplain on staff at METRO in downtown Kelowna, the stories changed somewhat - but they still involve offering grace to a group of people who have little experience of compassion in the impersonal, sometimes dehumanizing system we maintain with our tax dollars.

Yes, we need more pressure on our governments and civic leaders to see what the real needs are, and we need to generate a conversation among Christian leaders to understand the issues that plague the most marginalized and broken populations in our society.

Thanks to ChristianWeek for taking this on!

Len Hjalmarson
Kelowna, BC

Why I help addicts shoot up (October 1, 2010)

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Harm reduction is a good goal.

The debate concerning InSite is over appropriate means to achieve that goal in the IV drug industry. If InSite is an appropriate means in DTES, then it's also an appropriate means in other similar locations across Canada. Is that appropriate? What do our street-level ministries across Canada say?

Al Hiebert
Steinbach, MB

Why I help addicts shoot up (October 1, 2010)

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Thank you for this honest, heart felt story of how Christ's love and grace penetrates the dark underworld of drug addiction, and how it overturns the ideology and rhetoric of people who know nothing about drug addicts.

Richelle Wiseman
Calgary, AB

Why I help addicts shoot up (October 1, 2010)

Monday, October 4, 2010

Thank you for publishing this!

It was so well written, and lays out the case for harm prevention gently, but compellingly.

Andy Madsen
Livermore, CA

RE: Who will pastor and teach the next generation of Christians?

Friday, October 1, 2010

Great article. This is an issue we have been struggling with at our church - how to pass on the leadership torch. Boomers and Millenials have very different ideas of what leadership and leadership development means.

Warren
Abbotsford, BC

RE: Gideons slow down pace of change

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

I think Doug did a good job in giving a balanced report in this story.

The public can be assured that Canadian Gideons will continue their regular ministry of witness and the Word regardless of the outcome of this matter.

Their vision of reaching their communities for Christ is as strong as ever and members still give themselves passionately to the ministry. God still changes lives through His Word. Donations are still directed to the purchase and distribution of Bibles and New Testaments.

Neil Bramble
Guelph, ON

RE: Seminars to equip pastors for local mission

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

The idea of helping churches to reach out to their communities is really a good one. Macfarlane is not the first to note that our churches to not have a good reputation in our communities. We have been seen as using the community to build our churches rather than using our churches to build a better community.

One of the keys, it seems to me is to be able to listen and determine what the needs of the community are. We cannot assume we know. I think we will have to take time to ask and observe before we begin to put forth our own agenda. That will begin to communicate effectively what we are all about, bringing the love of Christ to our communities by listening and responding to real concerns. I commend BGEA for this.

Eleanor Shepherd
Montreal, PQ

RE: Can the church be reinvented?

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

The guest editorial by Harold Jantz was bang on! In fact I would say that he was "generous" with Brian McLaren's "heterodoxy." On the other hand, I too laid down Tim Keller's The Reason For God with a great sigh of joy, appreciation and satisfaction.

I just wonder why it is that someone who espouses the "new," the "avante garde," the "unorthodox" and even the downright heretical is getting such a wide reading amongst Christians today? Could it be that we have not only been willing to pander to the postmodern relativism of our day, but that we (in a general sense) have actually capitulated to it?

I thank the Lord for sober minds like Keller, and the historical stance of the Bonhoeffers, who can and have grappled with not only understanding the historic Christian gospel, but who have modeled it so brilliantly rather than capitulate to the trends of the times.

Jim Church
Peace River, AB

RE: Tearing down our idols

Monday, September 13, 2010

I am so glad that John Stackhouse responded [to columnist Michael Krahn] as he did. So often we miss the point or raise up a paper tiger to attack having nothing to do with the real issue.

I was part of the worship renewal that began in the 70s with contemporary instrumentation and music. It was an exciting and revolutionary time in the Church. But it wasn’t too long before the breath of the Spirit began to be co-opted by career musicians whose goal was to write a catchy song with a hook and sell a lot of “Christian” CDs. This came at the expense of the lyrics and, most often, sound theology.

Now I find myself in meetings and conferences among people who want music that stirs them emotionally and physically with little interest in the spiritual purpose of worship. The music may be good but the words are, at best, poor theology or at worst, meaningless. Worship services have become concerts with little to separate them from Bon Jovi or Arcade Fire.

I personally enjoy a lot of contemporary “non-Christian” music and I sometimes go to concerts but I am looking for something completely different when I worship. I fear that many Christians have lost or never had the ability to tell the difference between the Holy Spirit and the buzz one gets from listening to good music. That doesn’t mean worship music should be poor but that our goal is to worship and bless the Lord, not to have a feel good experience.

Peter Hay
Yorkton, SK

RE: Can the church be reinvented?

Thursday, September 9, 2010

I have recently read Metaxas' galvanizing book, Pastor Prophet Martyr Spy, and was deeply impressed by Bonhöffer's determination to cling to the truth of the cross ever and always, and at all costs. I too hope that the Church today, in like fashion, clearly refuses to deviate from the truth.

Colleen Peters
Winnipeg, MB

RE: Can the church be reinvented?

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Thanks for this excellent brief article by Harold Jantz. I appreciate Brian McLaren's prophetic voice but also want to hear hope and the message of Jesus in a fallen world (fallen Church too?). Sometimes that is missing in McLaren. It is present in Keller.

Dale Dirksen
Saskatoon, SK

RE: Can the church be reinvented?

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Thanks for these reviews. As a bookseller (House of James) I appreciate when thoughtful Christian leaders take the time to appraise current books in an objective fashion. We need folks like Harold Jantz to help us understand the various points of view that are out there and to make beneficial observations. Thanks again.

Lando Klassen
Abbotsford, BC

RE: Can the church be reinvented?

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Harold Jantz deserves to be complimented for contributing to the discussion regarding McLaren and Keller's books. I have read several of McLaren's writings as well as others. While some of the issues resonate with me, in my view, it behooves us as believers to spend more time studying Scripture and critically evaluate what we read in the light of God's Word.

Dorothy Derksen
Winnipeg, MB

RE: Tearing down our idols

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Thank you for continuing to include Michael Krahn's column in your
publication. It is necessary for us to evaluate how we worship our
Lord, and it does go beyond music.

In this article Mr. Krahn speaks of a prominent Canadian professor
who, in the past, critiqued Chris Tomlin's songwriting. Since Krahn's article was printed, the aforementioned critic has identified himself. I find it interesting the way this critic defends his comments regarding Mr. Tomlin's lyrics in light of his own recent
article in Faith Today entitled "The Shadow Effect?" which comments on persons who make statements on matters outside of their own expertise.

I think this critic should have taken some of his own medicine.

In the end, worship is about doing the best to our ability to glorify
God in all that we do. Even in correcting others. Mr. Krahn does a
fine job.

Les Funk
MacGregor, MB

RE: Theological pilgrim bound for celestial city

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

I remember Clark Pinnock coming to our Inter-Varsity office at 30 in Toronto, along with so many other university students, to engage Wilbur Sutherland in numerous conversations.

Many years later I met Clark again in Vancouver. At that time my husband and I were attending the evening services at St. Margaret's Church along with Clark. At one point he asked if I would pray for a doctor friend of his who was severely depressed and didn't wish to live anymore.

I remember meeting this lovely doctor, who was both attractive and eager for help. I vaguely recall how the Lord gave me some helpful insight as i prayed for her.  We parted as friends that had shared a sacred afternoon.

Much later when I encountered Clark again, he thanked me warmly for my ministry and told me of the change that had come.

Clark was not only a very fine scholar, but a deeply caring person who went out of his way to help others and to enjoy Charismatic worship!

Esther McIlveen
Richmond, BC

RE: People need a Plan B

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

I have to agree that adversity can be a gift...and the apparent absence of God is no small thing.

How deep the deep…
how dark the dark.
deep of unknowing
calls to Deep of knowing.

Holy fear baptized with tears ...
lost and found in eternal Deep.

Foggy ache leavened
by the Word be still,
becomes a present Absence;
it is enough.

Frederick Buechner says it well:
"It is out of the whirlwind that Job first hears God say “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?” (Job 42:3) it is out of the absence of God that God makes himself present, and it is not just the whirlwind that stands for his absence, not just the storm and chaos of the world that knock into a cocked hat all man’s attempts to find God in the world, but God is absent also from all Job’s words about God, and from the words of his comforters, because they are words without knowledge that obscure the issue of God by trying to define him as present in ways and places where he is not present, to define him as moral order, as the best answer man can give to the problem of his life. God is not an answer man can give, God says. God himself does not give answers. He gives Himself, and into the midst of the whirlwind of his absence gives Himself."

Colleen Peters
Winnipeg, MB

RE: A new direction for Clark Pinnock

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Thanks for everything, Clark, good friend and inspiration. We'll meet you over Jordan.

Steven Decoster and Debbie Iversen
Kortrijk, Belgium

RE: Tearing down our idols

Thursday, August 12, 2010

We'll have better conversations about worship songs when we at least pay each other the respect of interpreting properly what the other person says before we criticize it.

I'm the "Christian professor" in question, and I certainly did not say that "loose rhymes" are all that are wrong with Chris Tomlin songs, nor that that was enough to prevent me from worship.

I said that he writes poorly crafted lyrics - per multiple aspects of lyric-writing - and that poor lyrical craft in contemporary Christian songwriting is a problem worth our addressing. I have yet to find a single person who will make an actual literary argument defending Tomlin's choice of words, and until I do, my points stand - as long as they aren't oversimplified into patent foolishness, as this columnist (among others) has done.

ChristianWeek's editors also need to take a hard look at their own procedures before letting a column like this see print: You're not helping Christian dialogue if you let people caricature each other's arguments.

John Stackhouse
North Vancouver, BC

RE: Church feels conned as mysterious pastor disappears

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

It is sad what happened to the Abilities Church. My concern is the offensive use of terms regarding the disabled. People with intellectual impairments are not "mentally handicapped." This term is very offensive to the community.

You also make the Abilities Church sound very much like a segregated church, when in reality the vision of the church is to be inclusive of people with and without disabilities. This is not a disabled persons church per se, but a church that is inclusive of all people. Visit their website at www.abilitieschurch.org.

Jo
Pembroke, ON

RE: Repentance, not just apology, must precede forgiveness

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

I agree with many of the questions you raise on the issue of the role of repentance and forgiveness. In the age of instant communication and mass rallies, forgiveness can seem like an event rather than the release of the victim and the gift to the abuser/oppressor.
When Jesus was asked how many times should a person forgive, He responded with seventy times seven. We can expect further offense from those we forgive; it doesn't mean that forgiving was a wrong choice or premature choice. In this example, repentance did not happen, yet the responsibility to forgive remained with the person.
In the Old Testament, a King could forgive on behalf of the people and show signs of repentance. In this day and age, no government has the unilateral will or power to show similar signs of repentance. We therefore live with apologies.

Raymond Neckoway
Torbay, NL

RE: Church feels conned as mysterious pastor disappears

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Great article, Mags, and thanks for pointing out what this man is doing. I'm also thrilled to hear about The Abilities Church, we need more like them.

Laura Davis
London, ON

RE: Evangelicals on the interfaith frontier

Thursday, August 5, 2010

In response to Doug Koop's piece, Bert Warden of Abbotsford, B.C. writes: "...we cannot forget that in lands across the sea, Muslims, Hindus and others are persecuting, dispossessing, denying freedom of religion to and even killing Christian believers. Yet I do not read or hear in our media that their fellow [believers] here in Canada are raising their voices in condemnation of such actions."

Mr. Warden is right to raise the issue of persecution of Christians in foreign lands. Too often systematic killings, intimidation and oppression of Christians are ignored by the mainstream media.

Fortunately, ChristianWeek isn't afraid to publish the ugly truth about the persecution of Christians. I would invite anyone interested in freedom of religion and other human rights to read ChristianWeek's Global Report.

(Geoffery P. Johnston is the Global Report columnist for ChristianWeek.)

Geoffrey P. Johnston
Eastern Ontario

RE: Vivacious senior serves God with joy

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Emma Enns' story reflects something of my personal journey, from being steeped in religion to the glorious experience of true redemption through Christ alone at the age of 50 years. Then came the incredible adventure of Bible college that included Christian radio programming. Like Abraham "going not knowing" I joined a prison ministry for women. By age 62 the Lord led me to initiate the first national prison radio ministry in South Africa. I attended Prison Fellowship International's convocation held in Sophia, Bulgaria in 1999 as a guest, where I was privileged to meet and talk with people from across the globe, also involved in prison work.
My husband is now blind; we have retired to a seaside village and he is now my "ministry." Blessings to Emma and thank you for this story.

DorisEllen Coetsee
Sedgefield, South Africa

RE: Evangelicals on the interfaith frontier

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Doug Koop writes quite enthusiastically regarding the World Religions Summit 2010, "And guess who is taking the lead in coordinating this forum? Hint: the energy is not coming from the Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Roman Catholic or mainline protestant communities. The catalyst has a distinctively evangelical flavour. May its tribe increase."

If this is referring only to these faiths as represented in Canada there may be some reason for rejoicing. Yes surely, with regard to presenting a united front to governments with regard to crime and punishment and the resolution of the social ills and inequities in society, surely we can cooperate.

However, we cannot forget that in lands across the sea, Muslims, Hindus and others are persecuting, dispossessing, denying freedom of religion to and even killing Christian believers. Yet I do not read or hear in our media that their fellow [believers] here in Canada are raising their voices in condemnation of such actions.

A question: When will Christians be as free to preach their faith in Muslim lands as Muslims are free to preach their faith in Canada?

Bert Warden
Abbotsford, BC

RE: Churches harvesting, canning and sharing food

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Thank you for a fine story on the food ministries and outreach at Woodbine Heights Baptist Church. As a member of both the congregation and Shoelace Collective, I consider myself a hundred-fold blessed to be among the folk who do this work. I am humbled by the strength of these neighbours who are my circle of friends and by the gift of being in community with them.

Daphne L. Hunt
Toronto, ON

RE: Tearing down our idols

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

This is one of those weird "coincidences" that make me wonder what God is up to!

Just minutes after I finished writing the editorial below for my church newsletter I got the ChristianWeek.org mailing and spotted the article by Michal Krahn. Perfect timing!

Have We Forgotten Jesus?

In my work as a freelance writer, I am daily exposed to Christian media and entertainment: magazines, Web sites, video sermons, music, blogs, etc. A lot of it is interesting and inspiring but lately I’ve become a little tired of it all.

Today I picked up the latest issue of the most popular Christian news magazine and found several pages dedicated to a woman who is, apparently, America’s favourite Bible teacher. Of course, the article was accompanied by multiple images of this well-coifed, well-manicured, well-dressed celebrity.

All week I’ve been given recommendations on various preachers and biblical scholars — both historical and contemporary — who could enlighten me on the topic in discussion, as if the Bible and the Holy Spirit are not enough to guide us.

I listen to Christian music through a Web site that customizes your playlist according to your preferences and I’ve been reminded of what an enormous market Christian music represents.

To put it bluntly, many believers who would swiftly condemn idol worship fall into the exact same sin by placing their favourite Christian superstars on pedestals.

I’m very grateful that I don’t often come across this tendency at our church or amongst those closest to me, but I have many friends and acquaintances on both sides of the border who constantly rave about this speaker or that author or the other singer… and I have to search my mind to remember the last time I heard them speak with such excitement about Jesus.

So now I find myself examining my own patterns of thought and speech. Am I so caught up with the latest Christian book, the latest Christian album, or the top new YouTube video that I lose sight of Jesus Christ?

Thanks to my brothers and sisters with whom I have regular fellowship, I am kept grounded and focused on the important basics of our faith.

Constantly talking about “Christian” things is not true fellowship. It’s essentially the same small talk the rest of the world engages in but a little easier on our consciences because it sounds spiritual.
However, when we surround ourselves with believers who are passionate about Christ, we can’t help but keep our own minds on Jesus, “the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

Don’t forget Jesus!

Ann-Margret Hovsepian
Montreal, QC

RE: Violent G20 protests made "criminals" out of church groups

Monday, July 26, 2010

Joe Couto considers whether church groups should have joined voices with G8/20 protesters when “against” was not a position, but an attitude.

In this, we must foremost address our highest calling; we must assume any church involvement found motivation in love. Without love, we the Church stood alongside in noise, gongs resounding and cymbals clanging. We, the Church.

As Couto hints, “against” is not enough, even when articulated clearly. We are turners of the other cheek and goers of the extra mile who are not called to join the voices, but to provide a different one. Our actions should not speak to what we are against, but must demonstrate what we are for.

By this, we stand in the opposite spirit instead of shouting in the same. We can quiet protesters with stories of the Kingdom promised to both those who are persecuted for righteousness, and
the blessed poor whose cause they champion. We stand alongside police, whispering to them of our God who calls the peacemakers His sons. And as peacemakers ourselves, we carry this Kingdom, bring light and wear love.

Christe Henshaw
Toronto, ON

RE: A new direction for Clark Pinnock

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

So sorry to hear about Clark Pinnock's Alzheimer's but so proud of him that he is not hiding it, and is bravely facing whatever is ahead.

Ruth Reid
Surrey, BC

RE: A new direction for Clark Pinnock

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

I am so grateful for the legacy that Clark Pinnock leaves us of an understanding of the wideness of God's mercy, and a lived out love that is willing to pay the price of refusing to respond in unloving ways.

Eleanor Shepherd
Pointe Claire, QC

RE: Extreme home makeover - church style

Friday, July 16, 2010

Bless you all in Bradford! You inspire us! We see Jesus in you.

Don Rousu
Edmonton, AB

RE: EFC helping churches zone in on local bylaws

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

When churches find that municipalities and communities are reluctant to accommodate their interest in residential locations, doesn't that reluctance present us with opportunities to evaluate some of our assumptions? We've long assumed that a designated church complex is a necessity for worship, for community presence and impact. Why cling to the paradigm of church buildings?

The article quotes Don Meredith's astonishment about an impasse in Scarborough, where church folks "wanted a residential property in the heart of a neighbourhood, and 'the city and the politicians would have none of it.'" Could the church folks not acquire homes in the midst of the neighbourhood, and be the Church among the residents? Wouldn't that be a more sincere identification with the local people rather than parachuting into the neighbourhood for a few hours a week?

Meredith goes on to say, "The residents were up in arms. You'd think people would want churches in a residential community, but they interpreted it as something negative." Isn't it time for all of us to inquire of those neighbours and before God, why it is that a potential "church" building in their midst is something negative? Aren't we really in a fog, when we whine about being marginalized to industrial areas, appeal to our rights and lobby for bylaw concessions against the sentiments of residents?

Surely there are more fundamental concerns that we should be addressing!

Jim London
Virgil, ON

Ex-con hopes to flood prisons with God's love (July 9, 2010)

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

This is a wonderful story of God's redemptive grace. We all need the Lord Jesus to redeem our sinful minds and hearts. This young man has great potential to serve God in a very needy place. Let's pray for him that the enemy will not distract him nor disuade him from all that God has for him. God is greater! Jude 24, 25.

Pat
Prince Albert, SK

RE: EFC helping churches zone in on local bylaws

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

This is a wonderful article. Had we known about this information before we relocated our congregation and sunk hundreds of thousands of dollars into renovations we might have been better off now financially. However it is a live and learn situation. Thanks for sharing!

Wendy Bergdahl
Calgary, AB

RE: Churches in danger of forgetting vital group - seniors

Thursday, July 8, 2010

I agree with this article. Seniors need to glean God's will for the final third of life. One way to do this is to study the biographies of older people in the Bible. Notice how they were treated and the contributions they made. [They teach us] how to age honestly and gracefully, how to acknowledge the truth that we are "deteriorating" without becoming depressed or bitter and how [to avoid] the trap of self-pity?

Living close to God, having honest, caring friends/family, staying as actively involved as possible, and having an attitude of gratitude and a sense of humour are very important in my opinion.

Paul Armstrong
Welland, ON

RE: Evangelicals on the interfaith frontier

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Amen! So glad to hear that dialogue is increasing. Thank you, Doug !

Ruth Reid
Surrey, BC

RE: First Nations Christians ready to forgive past abuses

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

This article was great news. There are many who need direction in their lives, with a firm, loving hand. For whatever reason, both sides are guilty of vilifying the other.

Nevertheless, the countless interventions for social services, mediation of disputes and general guidance for precarious situations, as well as the provision of education in the Euro-American language, rules and lifestyle, can only be attributed historically to the Christian churches. Otherwise, many indigenous peoples would not have been able to adapt to changes in their social and legal environment. There were some who had bad experiences, but overall they were in the minority.

Roxy Roxas
California

RE: Evangelicals on the interfaith frontier

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

"Why not?" Indeed! Thanks Doug, for this sensitive and didactic treatment of a timely topic. Ever onward!

Colleen Peters
Winnipeg, MB

RE: Creation Flood Evidence Museum displays counter evolution claims

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Martin Legemaate also has part of his creation museum on display at Redeemer University College, Ancaster, Ontario. Redeemer University College offers a Bachelor of Science degree based on the authority of Scripture. Unlike many other...universities in which students are forced to accept evolution as fact, Redeemer teaches the truth about evolution and trains students to make decisions based on truth, not preconceived beliefs. When given this educational freedom, most students choose to believe in a literal translation of Genesis since this account of history makes more scientific sense (despite what Kenneth Miller might believe).

Gary Chiang
Ancaster, ON

RE: Senior gives God's Word away

Friday, June 18, 2010

I have had the pleasure of visiting with Peter Loewen and I totally agree, the man has a wonderful testimony about the Lord Jesus' work in his life. Mr. Loewen's drive for handing out of the Word of God has inspired me to also give God's Word to others. Like Mr. Loewen says, few actually refuse it. Thanks for the great story.

Chuck Friesen
Rosenort, MB

RE: British coalition a lesson in compromise and sacrifice

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

There is a more direct Canadian application for the new British coalition.

In Britain, the party that won the largest number of seats formed a coalition with the party that was beside it on the political spectrum. In Canada, a coalition was proposed, in late 2008, that was intended to exclude the party that had just won the most seats.

Why has Canada followed a different model that Britain is now utilizing? Without too much partisan blame-laying, here are a couple of suggestions.

There is an obstacle to the centre-right coalition, such as that achieved in Britain. That obstacle is a Liberal party with at least two sections, uncomfortably linked. The “blue” Liberals could partner nicely with the Conservatives--undoubtedly making a centre-right majority possible. The “pink” Liberals, led by such as the two former NDP premiers in their caucus (Rae and Dosanjh), would more easily align with the NDP and become like Britain's Labour party.

Conversely, the Conservatives are led by Stephen Harper, who--with a little help from his friends--pulled together five or six different kinds of conservatives, to bring them to the place they are today.

To this point, Harper’s best available strategy in government has been to work alternatively with the Liberals and the NDP, in much the same way that Liberal Lester Pearson won support alternatively from the NDP's Tommy Douglas and Social Credit's Robert Thompson in the 1960s.

The fact that Harper's minority government will likely approach the longevity's of Pearson's--or even exceed it--is a tribute to the ability of some people in all the parties to keep in touch with each other.

But, is there anything on which we can build, to take the next step?

The new British coalition had a large part of its genesis some years ago in the Social Justice Centre, founded and run by Iain Duncan Smith, former leader of the Conservative party.

What might help hasten a centre-right coalition scenario in Canada? Are there any “Social Justice Centres” in this nation? Yes, of course. And I would be happy to work with Joe Couto to help identify them.

For starters, there is the Manning Centre for Building Democracy and the newly-formed multi-party Parliamentary Committee on Palliative and Compassionate Care. And, as it happens, both those groups are giving fair room, as does the Social Justice Centre, for the constructive involvement of people of faith.

Lloyd Mackey
Ottawa, ON

RE: A shiver runs through it

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

The shiver of Marci McDonald's fear was perfectly obvious in her interviews on CBC radio and TV and on CTV TV pumping her Armageddon Factor book.

Contrast Bill Blaikie's comments shortly before he retired from his MP role, that Stockwell Day and other evangelicals had as much right to have their faith impact their politics as have liberal Christians who have done so for a century or more.

The more serious conspiracy is the massive consensus of western academe and media that "fundamentalist" Christians have no right to participate in their political systems. For example, Liberal cabinet minister Pierre Pettigrew in January 2005 demanded that religious people who did not support same-sex marriage "should just shut up!"

Marci McDonald's interviews with our mainstream electronic media have projected the same message, at least in tone, if not in explicit content. Hence, I wonder how many students across Canada will be required to read her book in the next few years, by profs who share her sense of a perceived "theocracy" threat.

Al Hiebert
Steinbach, MB

RE: I, my and me

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Before I offer a mild critique of Michael Krahn's last column, I want to encourage him in his work. I believe it is very important to think about how we worship God and I appreciate how he shares his thoughts on the subject with ChristianWeek readers.

Like Krahn, I am a musician and songwriter and I am sure he will agree that composing a song from a corporate standpoint can be difficult. I really only know how "I" feel. I don't like to speak for anyone else when I am worshipping God. I really don't like to speak for God either and refuse to sing songs that are written as though they are from God, unless I've amended the words into third person.

This phenomenon of individually expressive worship songs is nothing new. It can be traced back as far as Isaac Watts ("When I Survey the Wondrous Cross"). I often wonder if he appreciates his songs being sung almost 300 years later. He apparently wrote his songs in response to a growing discontent with traditional hymns, but that is another subject.

Krahn also singles out the song "Draw Me Close" by calling it ambiguous and that it could pass for a romantic song. Now, I must admit that I got the exact same impression when I first heard the song a few years ago. It's kind of like an 80s romantic rock ballad. But who cares? Does Krahn think that God doesn't know who I am singing to? The One who can read all of my thoughts surely knows who I am singing to. I guess the only danger in composing that song is that people will be tempted to use it out of context. There is an art of worship, and a heart of worship. We can't fool God.

In the end, though, Krahn is correct. Worship in a corporate setting should be as such. We are a body. The bride of Christ.

From a songwriter's perspective, I would prefer to avoid "I, we, my, our, me and us. I find it better to use You, and direct it to Him (God). Because that is who it is all about. Either that, or load the songs with biblical truths about Him.

Les Funk
MacGregor, MB

RE: A shiver runs through it

Friday, June 11, 2010

It is important to remember that for many decades Christians in Canada have been active in politics on both sides of the political spectrum.

While it is true that many evangelicals support the rightist Harper government, it is a historic fact that the leftist CCF was heavily influenced by the social gospel. Saskatchewan Premier Tommy Douglas, the father of Medicare, was a Christian, but not a member of some fanciful right-wing conspiracy.

Bill Blaikie, a former New Democrat MP, is a United Church minister, as is the Green Party's Elizabeth May.

In our politically correct society, the only group that can be bashed with impunity are Christians. No one would dare accuse other faith communities of plotting to take over the government by stealth.

In the final analysis, Canadian politics is better for the contributions of Christians.

Geoffrey Johnston
Eastern Ontario

RE: David Ewert: Teacher for the Church

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

I was saddened to read of the death of David Ewert. On a number of occasions in various locations in Canada David greeted me warmly and introduced me to men and women who shared similar values and sought the best interests of God's Kingdom. He was a wonderful ambassador for his Lord, his people (the MBs), the Canadian Christian community and the various educational institutions that he served. I join with thousands of others to thank God for the legacy of his life and ministry.

W. Ward Gasque
Vancouver, B.C.

John Franklin fosters Christian art and learning (June 8, 2010)

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

"We need increased biblical literacy and increased theological awareness," says Franklin. "We're inundated by the values of the culture, which are so easily adoptable. We're often inclined to accept those values uncritically."

Amen. Keep on keeping on, John. Good work!

David Lyle Jeffrey
Laguna Park, TX

RE: Bi-national project cares for vulnerable Mexican deportees

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

While I appreciate what these people are doing, I find myself torn. I live in a city dominated by illegals and the problems of living with that kind of "crime" are huge. You have to experience it to understand it. The bottom line still is...illegal. If something is illegal there are usually very good reasons why it is.

The rules suddenly change for this kind of "crime" for some, even though the damage done by illegals is immense. I wouldn't run out of my way to help someone who stole a car because he needed it, would you?

My mother was killed by an illegal who decided to buy a car and learn how to drive on the road...our justice system set the driver free. The best way we can help the illegals is to keep them from putting themselves here, in harms way, in the first place. Or shall we all just pick the laws we wish to obey?

Terri Motz
Escondido, CA

RE: Former NHL enforcer uses hockey connections to help Haiti

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Hockey for Haiti is a good idea and supporting a Christian organization is important. This article does not how dwell upon what I see as really important; the faith of the hockey player. The other aspects of his life are important, but this is a Christian newspaper and thus should dwell on how faith affects humanitarian goals.

John Thompson
Winnipeg, MB

RE: Church kids among those with poor grip on Bible knowledge

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Thanks for the timely article. And I concur. My time as both a pastor and a Bible college teacher--over 40 years--has served to reinforce the sad fact that far too many Christians are biblically illiterate. There are too many churches that seem to be entertainment-oriented. They've reduced the preaching of the Word to touchy-feelie sermonettes rooted in pop psychology with the theological depth of a puddle. Where is sound expository preaching? Where is the proclamation of the fundamentals of the faith? Who is getting the meat of the Word these days?

Robert Cottrill
Lashburn, SK

RE: Special edition Bible a bad idea

Thursday, May 20, 2010

I know of several people that have used the Poverty and Justice Bible in their efforts. While no Bible translation is absolutely "perfect" it should be noted that any version which ultimately helps and raises awareness of issues is commendable.

Any resource that ultimately empowers and enables individuals to move beyond their comfort zones and with compassion is the right direction. This Bible still points to God and the redeeming work of the cross and that is to be noted.

I would think that the weight of the scholarly vs. the value of the version should have been looked at more in this article rather than just the negative views. There are more pros then cons if you looked at all sides. While the writer points to five reasons to reject there are probably 10 or more reasons to embrace. Better to start somewhere and engage people rather than do nothing at all. Perhaps there will be a revised version that addresses some issues. Generation one of anything is always open for improvement but let's applaud it for the step it's taking.

Now I think I will go out and get another copy of this Bible and give to a friend.

John Williams
Ontario

RE: Special edition Bible a bad idea

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

While your objections are fair, I can't help feeling that their effect is to obscure the close association between the gospel of the Kingdom and justice. In Jesus' opening statement of His ministry, He quoted Isaiah 61 and explicitly connected the two. Dare we do less?

And secondly, while we can all affirm that belief in Jesus' Lordship is the foundation of faith, too often belief is reduced to cognitive assent as insurance for a final destination, rather than provoking us to life as a new polis here and now, as in the prayer "may your Kingdom come on Earth." I recall that "Jesus is Lord" was a political statement of allegiance to a different king and alternate kingdom. But too often it is reduced to mere belief--assent to propositions.

No, I'm not fond of the marketing trend that results in tribalizing the Bible. But neither am I fond of the separation of the political and spiritual implications of the gospel. May God help us hold together His full counsel.

Len Hjalmarson
Kelowna, BC

RE: Christians adopt "smelly" woods

Monday, May 17, 2010

Your readers should be aware that in addition to the work that A Rocha Canada--Christians in Conservation is doing in the Greater Toronto Area with the partners mentioned in the article, a significant but unmentioned player in the restoration of Warden Woods is the Taylor Massey Project (TMP) which is named for the creek that runs through Warden Woods.

A Rocha recently collaborated with the TMP on a shrub and tree planting event in this wonderful ravine. The planting stock was provided by the City of Toronto and their Live Green program, and it was because of the TMP's generosity and reaching out to A Rocha that we partnered with them on that planting (and many more community-based conservation stewardship activities to follow). In fact, it was the TMP that introduced me to the City of Toronto's Community Stewardship Program's work in Warden Woods, the team for which I began volunteering with last summer and am now leading.

It is the TMP, and the many community partners that this community-based environmental NGO has engaged over the last eight years, that is the true hero of Warden Woods. Some of us Christians are starting (in a very small way) to care for Warden Woods (we're not the only Christian groups, though. Churches over the life of the TMP have partnered with them). Jesus' story of the Good Samaritan reminds us that our example of how to love (our primary calling) is learned not from those that associate themselves with Christ but from people within our larger community.

Although Warden Woods can be "smelly," it is primarily a wonderful remnant of God's suffering Creation (see Romans 8 and Genesis 1) where people can connect with God (not just as Creator, but as Sustainer and Redeemer) and God's creation (including oneself).

Paul Abell, Stewardship Coordinator GTA, A Rocha Canada
Toronto, ON

RE: Goodbye Winnipeg, hello Ouagadougou

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Josiah's stories do SING! I remember how blessed I was by all the stories he told in the Winnipeg community newspapers even before he started at ChristianWeek. His stories are amazing because God is! I'm lucky to have had a part in teaching him to read and write.

Lois Thiessen
Blumenort, MB

RE: Repentance, not just apology, must precede forgiveness

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

You can't apologize without repenting; they go hand in hand.
The government has gone further than "I'm sorry." They asked for forgiveness. This is true repentance.
Can a nation be changed in a day? We must have faith. God is about to do a mighty miracle in the nation of Canada!

Julia Wong
Vancouver, BC

RE: Come let us reason together

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

It is time we listen and pray together if we want healing in our nation. It is not our mandate to "change" those who have a different view point than we have. Rather, we need to pray for each other and the Holy Spirit will guide the true seekers into all truth.

D. Derksen
Winnipeg, MB

RE: ANiC plants new maritime church

Monday, May 3, 2010

I'd just like to clarify that, as our news release stated, it is the Anglican Church in North America that has experienced an average growth of three churches each week since its inception in June 2009. The Anglican Network in Canada is one of 28 dioceses in the Anglican Church in North America. With the similarity in names and acronyms, it is easy to confuse the two!

You can see our news release here: http://anglicannetwork.ca/nr_040110.htm

Marilyn Jacobson, Anglican Network in Canada
North Vancouver, BC

RE: Write your own letter to the Church

Monday, May 3, 2010

Jesus already told the church what it needs to hear. "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place-unless you repent" (Revelation 2:5). "Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth" (Revelation 2:16).

Walter Kambulow
Burlington, ON

RE: Finnish police investigate claims against Peter Youngren

Thursday, April 29, 2010

ChristianWeek’s recent headline, “Finnish police investigate claims against Peter Youngren” was forwarded to me while conducting a “Friendship Festival” in Orissa, India. Interestingly, the main newspaper in Orissa ran a headline, “Youngren distributes the magic of God’s love” on the same day. While “magic” is not a word we feel comfortable with, the irony struck me; a Christian newspaper in Canada writing unsubstantiated vilifications while secular newspapers in a staunchly Hindu state, known for strong anti-Christian sentiments, speak encouragingly of our gospel work.

Are Finnish police investigating me? Not as far as I know; I’ve heard nothing. I wrote to ChristianWeek before they published this article: “Upon hearing statements about a police report and lawsuit in a phone meeting with EKM's board in early February, I immediately contacted the Public Prosecutor in Osterbotten, Finland and the police in Vaasa, Finland. I have not received any reply, and consequently I cannot confirm or deny.” None of this information was printed.

Should not ChristianWeek’s article at least have carried a question mark? How does ChristianWeek know that Finnish police are investigating me? No source, other than a disgruntled pastor of a store-front church, is given. Is this pastor, David Sterling, a spokesperson for Finland’s police? ChristianWeek makes it appear as the article was filed from Vaasa, Finland. The reader is either to assume that ChristianWeek is quoting a local Finnish news report, or that ChristianWeek sent its reporter to Finland. Neither is true. Isn’t ChristianWeek giving its readers a false impression?

Now, a few facts for the record. I did not join a fledgling Finnish organization called EKM in 1993, at the invitation of David Sterling, any more than I joined World Impact Ministries [WIM] when it was small organization. I started both organizations, and I have been the driving force equally in Canadian WIM and Finnish EKM. EKM did not work with WIM on a few projects; it worked with WIM in all its projects. For seventeen years EKM did not do a single project other than those I initiated.

The relationship between myself and EKM’s board did not become strained when I shared with EKM’s board regarding my marital difficulties in the summer of 2009. In fact, I heard nothing from EKM about this. EKM’s board has never given me a proposal or discussed my marriage with me, though I have invited them to do so. There is a large volume of documentation that shows the strain started in the summer of 2007, due to the misconduct of two of EKM board members, one of them David Sterling.

ChristianWeek claims to be investigating, and I encourage the paper to do just that. I have documentation from the owner of TV 7 in Finland that it is not allowing EKM to air any TV programs by its present leadership. If ChristianWeek really wanted to investigate, documentation is available to substantiate all my claims.

Readers must be bored. What has all this got to do with a Canadian Christian newspaper? Is ChristianWeek publishing relevant news or engaging in journalistic sensationalism? This week World Impact Ministries distributed follow-up material to more than 50,000 individuals who received Christ in the first major evangelistic campaign in Orissa since the cruel murder of Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two sons in 1999. 1359 pastors from the entire state attended WIM’s Pastors’ Seminar. Maybe that could be worth an article in ChristianWeek.

Peter Youngren
St. Catharine’s, ON

RE: Emmanuel College begins to train Muslim clergy

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

I read the article about the United Church’s Emmanuel College offering training to Muslim clerics and the amazing statement the college made that “The courses will ‘embrace university values,’ and ‘no class will set out what you must believe.’” Principal Mark Toulouse stressed: “We are not out to make Muslims into Christians.” He added that this approach is in keeping with the United Church position that “God is at work in Islam just as God is at work in Christianity” and that “Muslims don’t need to become Christians to be faithful to God.”

What amazing wickedness this is! From people who ought to know better! We certainly are living in the last of the last days! I would ask the United Church what is the point of preaching or declaring the gospel, if Muslims don’t need to be Christians? Why did Jesus declare, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no man can come to the Father but by me”? What is the point of Christ’s work on the cross when Scripture is negated and salvation through faith in Christ is no longer needed? What is the point of it all?

This I say by the Word of the Lord, “Surely it will be more tolerable for the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah than for these religious hypocrites who deny the very God who died and rose again for them. By your tradition of compromise you make the word of God of no effect.”

James Eagles
Fort Erie, ON

RE: Shake rattle and roll

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Excellent and very thoughtful article. Well done !

Ruth Reid
Surrey, BC

RE: Visitors get rare glimpse inside Mormon temple

Monday, April 26, 2010

Why are you promoting Mormonism? At the least you should (assuming you are a Christian magazine) seek to share the false teaching so that unwitting believers won't assume it's another Christian denomination, no more than Jehovah's Witnesses are.

Lynnette Green
Baltimore, MD

RE: Winnipeg churches welcome Palestinian refugee family

Monday, April 26, 2010

I think it’s wonderful that Winnipeg churches demonstrate Christ’s love to Palestinian Muslim refugees who had been persecuted even to death by fellow Muslims in Iraq. It would be even more wonderful to find Canadian churches demonstrating Christ’s love to Christian refugees who have been persecuted even to death in Muslim countries, too numerous to mention.

Roland Priddle
Ottawa, ON

RE: Book mines Anglican tradition for healing prayers

Friday, April 23, 2010

Thank you for introducing this valuable book. After reading your review I immediately set out to order a copy. I then noted that your review did not include information as to how to obtain a copy. Here's that information. I hope it will be of help to other like-minded people interested in this book.

Prayers for Healing from the Anglican Tradition can be ordered online www.afcanada.com/store or by phone through Augsburg Fortress Canada: 1-800-265-6397.

The author also has a blog of note:
http://danielgraves.blogspot.com

Darryl Andrews
Kelowna, BC

RE: Visitors get rare glimpse inside Mormon temple

Thursday, April 22, 2010

I believe they did something similar when they opened a new temple in Brampton, Ontario many years ago. One gets the impression that it's an "open house" before the building is what we might call "consecrated," but that beyond that, we non-Mormons might "defile" it. All of which makes the statement, "We're not doing weird, strange things here" a little more difficult to swallow.

In recent years my wife and I have done Doors Open Toronto visits to mosques, a mandir and a Hare Krishna temple, and were struck by their transparency. One simply doesn't get the same vibe from Mormonism, at least where their temple is concerned.

Paul Wilkinson
Cobourg, ON

RE: Outrage over abuse a "tribute to the priesthood"

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Thoughtful and necessary article. I am not Roman Catholic but share the hurt, shock, and concern of my Catholic brothers and sisters. Thanks for publishing the article.

Ruth Reid
Surrey, B.C.

RE: Kairos still looking for answers

Monday, April 19, 2010

I, in turn, would like an answer from Kairos. This NGO's member denominations have a total claimed membership of more than half the population of Canada. Kairos is short $7.1 million of government funding over four years. Let’s say $1.8 million a year. That’s at most 10 cents per member of the supporting denominations. Should not the leaders of these denominations be appealing to their congregations for this tiny amount rather than spending time lobbying the government to compel the rest of us to give it to Kairos?

Roland Priddle
Ottawa, ON

RE: Peter Youngren making waves

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

ChristianWeek reporter Josiah Neufeld was fair in his questions, and quoted me accurately in the recent article “Peter Youngren making waves.” While I may disagree with some of the other people quoted, that is not my purpose for writing.

I am deeply sorry for my own failures, and for disappointment that I have caused others. I have not hidden or displayed my moral failure eight years ago, but I have sought to lean on Jesus for His grace, correction and guidance. I am grateful for counsel that I have received from respected ministers. As far as my marriage, described by ChristianWeek as “rocky”, I believe it best, at this time, to not publicly discuss matters that pertain to my family.

One important matter, my attitude towards ministry, was not reflected in the article. It is a privilege to preach the gospel, and I am well aware that there will be those who consider me disqualified from ministry. Based on my denominational background, I would agree with those sentiments. My failure will cause well-intentioned and sincere Christians to write me off. I do not wish to defend myself against those who hold such views, or to question their motives.

The reason I continue to preach the Good News is because I believe God has called me. Eight years ago, I was willing to step down, and I remain willing. It is not difficult to see how the Lord could use the current negative information to cause people to turn against me, should this be His will. I am a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, not for any ministry, but because of the love and grace I have received from the Lord.

In the current “Grace Canada 2010 tour” mentioned in the ChristianWeek article, which still has four cities to go [at the time of this letter], we are close to seeing 1,000 Canadians respond to the invitation to receive Christ. God is blessing Grace TV, which now reaches 50 per cent of Canadian households. Our Gospel Festivals, especially in Muslim nations, have been significant.

Do these “results” justify my failures, or my continuation in ministry? Absolutely not! Spiritual results are not due to anything great in any person, but only because of the goodness of Jesus Christ. Neither do these “results” disqualify me, as I am encouraged from Scripture and church history that God has used flawed individuals, at times people, who no one expected. The past eight years have been a spiritual journey to discover more of the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It seems when non-believers or believers hear this message their hearts are attracted towards Christ, just as my heart has been drawn closer to Him.

Peter Youngren
St. Catharines, ON

RE: Peter Youngren making waves

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

I am a former member of Peter Youngren's St. Catharines church. [What Youngren told] ChristianWeek is not true regarding "I had a great failing in my life eight years ago. I'm not trying to hide that. I didn't try to hide that eight years ago when it happened...All matters of my personal life were discussed at the time."

The facts of the matter are these. After years of loyal membership, plus giving him tens upon tens upon tens upon tens of thousands of dollars over the years, he strongly rejected any attempt on the part of me, my wife and dozens of members to address said matters. He never once acknowledged the facts when directly and respectfully confronted with the truth.

I still do business with a significant number of people who have supported [Youngren] over the years, and I ask that my identity be withheld.

Name Withheld
St. Catharines, ON

RE: Hard of listening

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Having read "On the Record-Hard of Listening" I am not sure exactly what problem the writer has with a forceful, loud and belligerent presentation of one's convictions.

As I read about Jesus' attack on the Pharisees (Matthew 23) I get the distinct impression that He was loud and aggressive. He even used a word in verse 17 which, in Matthew 5:22, He said would deserve the punishment of hell, if applied to another.

When I read Galatians I get the impression that Paul was really mad. He used some choice phrases. What about Peter telling Simon to "go to hell" in Acts 8:20? There are more examples in Scripture. Soft words are not always appropriate when confronted with hubris, tyranny, bigotry and arrogance.

H. L. Wipprecht
Cobalt, ON

RE: Veil ban mostly about scoring political points

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Good for the [Quebec] government for looking out for women's rights. The full face veil is a sign of oppression, not modesty as Muslim men want you to think. Women of that culture are viewed as having only half the value of a man. It would be strange for Muslim women [to remove the veil] because they have never been exposed to being equal [or to being able] to make up their own minds.

Marnell Keller
Cape Coral, Florida

RE: Surge in visible minorities: good news for Christians

Monday, April 12, 2010

It was good to read "multicultural congregations are the future of the church." Please keep on offering us articles on this important topic!

Twenty five years ago, when church growth experts were telling congregations to stay mono cultural ("homogeneous" was the "hot" word), I had the privilege of being pastor/evangelist of an outward looking congregation in Ontario that, in reaching out to the community with the gospel, grew to embrace people of over 50 nations. Now, with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association of Canada, I hold "Intercultural Symposiums" across the country to help church leaders learn how to position themselves to embrace the nations at their doorstep.

As the article points out, the opportunities are amazing! A great door for reaching cross-culturally with the gospel has opened for us in our own backyard. The future belongs to congregations with visionary leaders willing to leave their comfort zones to follow the biblical mandate to "make disciples of all nations."

David MacFarlane
Waterloo, ON

RE: Walk a mile in a homeless pair of shoes

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Having been on an excursion with UrbanEx, I challenge anyone to be brave and risk being changed by "walking a mile!" Em and Al are where they need to be and doing what they need to be doing! It's up to us, the more comfortable ones, to heed the call that is put before us by them!

Roger Lichti
Kitchener, Ontario

RE: The curious case of the mislaid Lord

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Terrific article, Doug. Thanks!

Don James
Winnipeg, MB

RE: The curious case of the mislaid Lord

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Excellent article!

Irving Spencer
Ottawa, ON

RE: The fable of the talking trees

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Thank you so much for this article. I just read Judges chapter nine in my Bible and sat there just not getting it. I look extensively online for help with no luck until I found Rob Alloway's article. His piece really helped me understand the scripture passage. Thank you.

Meghan Gonski
Palmer, Alaska

RE: Fraser Health axes hospital chaplains

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

I find it "sadly amusing" to read about the Fraser Valley Christian leaders who "fear the recent decision by the region's Health Authority to all but eliminate hospital chaplaincy services." Most strange since it is surely a primary Christian duty and calling to help people in times of trauma, distress and illness.

And then [to read] the accusation that the government is "stealing from the collection plate." Multiple surveys by credible Christian pollsters, Reginald Bibby and George Barna, [find]...evangelical Christians' level of charitable donations is less than one-third of a tithe.

The 60 church leaders referred to in this news report need to have the courage to hold the saints' feet to the fire to encourage greater commitment to their God-given mandate to care for the homeless,[support] food banks and provide care and comfort for the sick and terminally ill. The Chilliwack Ministerial was confronted with the same issue and...some 20 churches to-date have committed to financially support the chaplaincy at the Chilliwack General Hospital.

The Christian public also needs to bear in mind that in many cases churches rent their facilities to other churches and community groups. That income is tax-free, and churches pay no property taxes. Christians of all people should not be moaning about getting a bad deal from the government but rather be grateful that they are not only permitted to enter the hospitals with the Good News but are also most appreciated and welcome to pursue their calling.

George H. Epp
Chilliwack,B.C.

RE: Religious activity challenges liberal societies

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Right on, Doug. The distinction between individualistic and corporate was one I hadn't heard before and makes real sense.

Ruth Reid
Surrey, B.C.

RE: Maternal health is not about "politics"

Sunday, March 14, 2010

It is sad that an initiative such as maternal health was derailed by political opportunism. The Liberals and the NDP made a mistake when they criticized this initiative. They should have embraced it and when it was evident that the Conservatives had not thought out what maternal health means, they could have submitted a proposal.
But those who think that clean water, nutrition and vitamins are the answer to maternal health are stuck in their upper-middle class environment. You can’t act on maternal health without talking about family planning, contraceptives and yes, sometimes as a very last resource, abortion.

Michèle Dextras
Ottawa, ON

RE: Essay on faith a new endeavour for novelist

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Kurt Armstrong's review of God Is challenges me to read this book. I'm not sure I have the same capacity to wade through something heavy, but I too wish to know what others are thinking, and to have my thinking challenged.

Karin Armstrong
Linden, AB

RE: City approves Youth for Christ centre despite opposition

Saturday, March 6, 2010

I attended [the session] at city hall, and opposed the Youth for Christ proposal, primarily on the basis that appropriate ground work had not been done in the community, and because all levels of government have failed to support properly the existing community clubs and related organizations impacting Aboriginal people.
Unfortunately, few if any of the points about the proposal, pro or con, have been detailed; this fact becomes significant when it's realized more than 15 delegations appeared to oppose the proposal for a variety of reasons. The reasons have validity, and to not report them, while mentioning the one individual who spoke favouring the proposal is to leave readers wondering what is wrong with the rest of us, that we don't appreciate what is being done for us. Once more, without intention I am sure, Aboriginal people are put in a one down position.
If the main stream evangelical community wishes to involve itself in the Aboriginal community, it needs to realize both Christianity and the way of Aboriginal people is relational. As I pointed out in my presentation, there's a wealth of Christian and secular community development literature which makes the case for a relational approach.
I am a charismatic Christian, and I am an Aboriginal man. I have more than 10 years experience in hospital and community chaplaincy. Also, I am a therapist, and have much experience working with people who still carry deep wounds of contact with the church, even though some of them are also the staunchest, most devout Christians you may ever meet. Similarly, I have first hand knowledge of existing organizations that have been given short shrift by our city council and government.

Daly de Gagne
Winnipeg, MB

RE: Wondering where the butterflies are

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

As the acting curator of the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory and a Christian, it was wonderful to your read article. Although many people visit to be educated and entertained we do have a number of visitors who return for the spiritual connection.The beautiful environment is a wonderful place to take time to meditate especially during our quieter winter months.
As Easter approaches, I am continuously reminded by the metamorphosis of the butterfly of our Lord's sacrifice for us.
Thank you for such an inspiring article on the conservatory.

Cheryl Tyndall
St. Catharines, ON

RE: And now the work begins for YFC

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

I appreciate the editorial from Doug Koop on the Winnipeg City Council decision to fund the YFC youth centre. It provides a very balanced perspective [of the issues] faced by Christian groups who seek to obtain government funding. ... One of the strategies that YFC might want to adopt is to begin to rebuild relationships with other agencies serving youth who may not have had a cabinet minister to spearhead their funding demands. It has been my experience that Christian groups are welcome at community planning tables, on the committees that work together to provide services for youth or others in communities and more than welcome to support social planning councils. This might be a good opportunity for YFC to extend a helping hand to other groups and share their resources with groups who are not as well resourced.

Annie McKitrick
Victoria, BC

RE: Is going for gold un-Christian?

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

I really enjoyed reading Mags Storey's article. I found her approach refreshingly real and honest. It made me stop and think about the boundaries that I impose on myself too, which is liberating. Thank you for voicing what many of us, as Canadians and as Christians, are thinking.

Amie Reid
Georgetown, ON

RE: Fraser Health axes hospital chaplains

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Chaplaincy, especially for the unchurched, is probably better administered through local ministerial associations.... The attitude of the churches in this article is disturbing as churches have a responsibility to the whole community which includes those in hospital. Let us pray that the spiritual needs of the people in this area will continue to be met.

John Thompson
Winnipeg, MB

RE: Canadian team visits Mennonite colony plagued by rape

Friday, February 26, 2010

It was discouraging to read about the horrendous event in the Mennonite Colony in Bolivia. [The Canadian team's] visit there and the results are most interesting. You report that the men say they were innocent and then that seven accepted the Lord. What happened to the other four men? Also what did [the Canadian team] tell them for two hours? They said they were innocent. From what then did they repent or did they?
Has anyone been back to see them to do follow up work?

Art Hildebrand
Crystal City, MB

RE: Fraser Health axes hospital chaplains

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

A few years ago I was contracted by the Surrey Memorial Hospital to propose a plan for an integrated spiritual and religious care department and therefore totally support the lobbying and advocacy efforts of Christian leaders to have the Regional Health Board reverse their decision to cut funds for the chaplains. However, I am concerned that the willingness of Christian leaders to advocate on behalf of patients is very selective. Where is the Christian leadership when there are discussions on the increased privatization of long term and acute care facilities and the reduction of free services, the contracting out of food and housekeeping services and the resulting lower salaries for workers.
There are a lot of decisions that are impacting negatively patients, their families and the workers that look over them. The voice of Christian leaders would be appreciated on these issues too.

Annie McKitrick
Victoria, BC

RE: Wondering where the butterflies are

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Simply beautiful. Thank you.

Patricia Paddey
Mississauga, ON

RE: Brian McLaren lets the cat out of the bag

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Thanks for this good work. I was an intrigued Brian McLaren reader way back in the day but lost interest in his repackaging liberal theology for a new generation of bored Christians. On a positive note it helped me see the weakness of doing the same with the genuine gospel. It is good that he has just put it out there. Perhaps many will ask the hard questions about how much they really believe they can "do away with" and still be walking the path. Perhaps generous orthodoxy really is a broad road. At least Brian's directions are now well signed and mapped out!

John Blackman
Brooklin, ON

RE: Brian McLaren lets the cat out of the bag

Friday, February 12, 2010

What's really fascinating--and troubling--about Brian McLaren is watching how he's walking the same path taken by well-known, controversial Canadian author Tom Harpur.
Harpur's early-1980s book, For Christ's Sake, sounds a lot like McLaren's A New Kind of Christianity. Twenty years later, Harpur reached a stage where he wrote (in The Pagan Christ) that Jesus is likely a myth. I wonder if McLaren has heard of Harpur, and if he has, does he recognize the parallels?

Frank King
Calgary, AB

RE: Rescuing worship

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Micheal Krahn’s insightful essay makes a crucial distinction between music and worship. After decades in Anglican liturgical worship I have spent the past decade in United and Congregational Churches. I notice how much more the liturgical traditions involve the laity in participatory (non-musical) worship. The Collects, Creeds, General Confession, Psalms, readings from both Testaments and the carefully crafted Great Thanksgiving before the Eucharist, and prayers after it, provide all participants with enhanced opportunity to worship God.By contrast, all that is available to Protestants is two or three songs; an address terminated by another song or two and it’s done until next week.

Bert Hopkins
Ottawa, ON

RE: Rescuing worship

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

This article struck a responsive chord with me. It leads me to think how uncomfortable I am with signs outside many churches announcing "Worship at 10:30", or something similar. Surely, worship is only part of our service. There's also Prayers of the People, Preaching, Announcements, Sharing and Fellowship, etc. Some will come, not ready to worship, for various reasons, and yet we still want them to be there. So this is another way in which the term "worship" is used unwisely, and leads to a shallow understanding of the concept. I appreciate your columnist for making us do some soul-searching on this topic.

John Gibson
Seagrave, ON

RE: Rescuing worship

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Excellent article by Michael Krahn. I have long believed that we are restricting the term “worship” to the musical performance or concert which occurs in many of our churches, particularly the charismatic and evangelical ones. Our lives as Christians are to be worship to God. All that we do, say, think and influence should be immersed in the idea of adoring, loving and praising our God and Father.
We too easily get caught up in word descriptors and it can be like moving a mountain to change our thinking. Thanks to Michael for challenging what has become an unquestioned, and unexamined, tradition in our churches.

William Hart
Dauphin, MB

RE: Rescuing worship

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Thanks for the great reminder. This continues to be an important discussion for the church. To the model of the rock concert, we could add the model of the theatre, as not necessarily the best [model] for worship. I also like Driscoll's definition of worship.

Dale Dirksen
Saskatoon, SK

RE: Lord, have mercy!

Monday, January 18, 2010

Your message really touched a chord in my heart. I have sent your message to many others. I was feeling and thinking and praying much along the same lines. Hang in there, I believe this moment in history will be a “transformation point” for the nation and the people of Haiti. A nation “scattered and peeled” will experience a rebirth from the ashes. That is my hope for Haiti.

James S. Eagles, president, Intercede International
Fort Erie, ON

RE: Orillia church witnesses inexplicable growth

Monday, January 18, 2010

What a powerful story of encouragement of how God has blessed the Orillia First Baptist church for doing church God's way. All is not lost.

George H. Epp
Chilliwack,BC

RE: Church forms group to support foreign caregivers

Friday, January 15, 2010

Good to see you highlighting relevant realities and solid responses from the folks at this assembly. This is Christianity--and it works!

Patty Kingsley
Bowmanville, ON

RE: Lord, have mercy!

Friday, January 15, 2010

Your thoughts echo mine as I continue to listen to the reports from Haiti, even now airing in the background as I write this. My prayer has been that those of us who are so comfortable within our fragile webs will pour out our resources and prayers and perhaps, in the end, Haiti will be in a better position physically and spiritually than it ever could have been without such a disaster. If God's people act as His hands, feet and bank account would, perhaps then all the pain and suffering will at least not be totally in vain.

Marcia Laycock
Blackfalds AB

RE: What will normal look like?

Friday, January 15, 2010

This editorial raises an issue that should resonate with all of us, not because the church balance sheet is in distress, but because the old normal of budget-line allocations has actually worked against making disciples of Jesus and has mis-directed so-called offerings away from New Testament patterns of financial stewardship.

Does every cluster of 200 believers need a separate building and complement of paid staff, and all that goes with that structure, at the typical cost of 85% plus of annual giving? How have we come to accept that God’s impact among us depends so much upon what’s in the coffers? What holds us into ways of doing church that cost so much? Any possibility that we like the safety, the predictability, the control?

What do we discern to be the fruitfulness of that old normal? Is the kingdom of God, the government of God in people's lives, growing in a way that even hints that the gospel is powerful? Do we have the reputation of "turning the world upside down"?

For the name of Christ, are those being discipled through the old normal deliberately engaging with the folks next door, in the adjacent work-station, on campus, at little-league practices? Would we characterize ourselves as people of bold abandon to whatever God speaks into our midst? Within our gatherings, how much is happening that could be attributed only to the empowering and directing Spirit of God? Or can most of it be credited to planning, routines and expertise—the old normal?

Perhaps there is more than a chuckle delivered by the cartoon next to this editorial: a pastor towing pulpit and electric guitar (symbols of lecture-style discipling and scripted worship) into the pawn shop in order to supplement the diminished tithes. Could there be a prophetic voice there, giving us an opportunity to have our collective spiritual imagination stirred? Could we be reckless enough to consider what it would look like if God were to build His church without our buildings, programs and specialized staff—in short, using only what He started His church with?

Jim London
Virgil, ON

RE: Haitians in Montreal wait and pray

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Great story! For Canadians who want to help out, the best way to read about the efforts of Samaritan's Purse Canada is to check out www.samaritanspurse.ca

Frank King
Calgary, AB

RE: Lord, have mercy!

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Wonderful touching article. Indeed, Lord have mercy on the people in Haiti.

Janice Glatz
Winnipeg, MB

RE: An opportunity for the Church to lead

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Thank you for printing Dave Toycen’s call to action on child health and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). As Toycen points out, 2010 is a year of unprecedented opportunity for Canadian Christians to collectively advocate for the end of global poverty, as the international spotlight is shed on us with the Olympics and the G8/G20 Summits.

God’s heart for the poor, the orphaned and the oppressed is so clear throughout Scripture. Let us be people who communicate that heart this year, and who hold our government accountable to the commitments they made to the poor when they signed on to the MDGs in 2000. At that time, the leaders of 193 nations declared that they would “spare no effort to free our fellow men, women and children from the abject and dehumanizing conditions of extreme poverty.” Should we not take on that same challenge?

Robyn Bright, national coordinator, Micah Challenge Canada
Ottawa, ON

RE: Human trafficking bill stalled in the Senate

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

It's a sad commentary on our society that no such bill has passed into law to date and that our unelected Liberal dominated senate can stall it now. Hopefully this case can yet serve to encourage some meaningful senate reform when parliament resumes in March.
These children deserve our protection. Failure to provide such yet again demonstrates the need to improve our democracy.

Al Hiebert
Steinbach, MB

RE: Party soldiers on despite scant support

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

The article stated that Canadians have a scant interest in this party's platform. I don't think it's a lack of interest, but lack of knowledge of the existence of the CHP, and for some who do know of it, apathy.

Many people are willing to start new churches from the ground up, yet expect a political party to be fully grown before supporting it. This is not the right approach. I'm sure that many readers of ChristianWeek would support a political party like CHP, but they need to become members and take the time to grow and develop the party. This includes building Electorial District Associations (EDAs) in their local ridings.

It is a waste of time and money to support a political party that may be "more established" if they do not support the views that you care about. (Don't forget that the Conservative Party gave $400,000 to a gay pride group).

Don't refuse to support CHP because of our small size. If you like the platform that the CHP supports, then I invite you to join us and help us become the large party that we should be.

Mark Price
Winnipeg, MB

RE: Couple to bring child sex slavery issues to light

Thursday, January 7, 2010

I am a part of YWAM (Youth With a Mission). God has been impressing on my heart to get involved with different social justices around the world. I was moved by this article about the child sex slavery. Thank you for what you are doing to bring the light of Christ to these dark places. I pray that I will someday be able to join a ministry such as this.

Aaron Cieply
Newton, MA

RE: Former MP finds blessing in charity work

Thursday, January 7, 2010

I was disappointed in your naming the churches with whom former MP Jake Epp had difficulties. I consider this poor journalism on the part of a Christian publication.

Esther Quiring
Winkler, MB

RE: Christian clubs on campus

Monday, January 4, 2010

I am not a religious person at all, but I am an alumnus of the University of Winnipeg. It is noteworthy that our Canadian colleges and universities have always had religious clubs available for those interested. This is freedom as it was meant to be, and is in sharp contrast to American colleges, where the establishment of such clubs is always a contentious issue.

Hugh (Bart) Vincelette
Vancouver, BC

RE: Kairos' funding cut, no explanation

Monday, January 4, 2010

CIDA’s withdrawal of funding from Kairos is a very sad case of throwing the baby out with the bath water. But there is an explanation. Mary Corkery says, “We fit the long term overall priorities that CIDA needs to carry out.” A good deal of the problem is distilled in this statement. There is a gaping and growing difference of opinion in what the priorities ought to be and how they ought to be addressed in the field of world development. Like so many para-church organizations and mainline Christian denominations, Kairos has been hijacked by an ultra-liberal feminist agenda which redefines justice and seeks to impose that definition upon the rest of humanity. In its choice and implementation of programs, Kairos has finally drifted too far away from both its own mandate and that of CIDA. CIDA, on behalf of the government, has made a very tough but necessary decision.

Patricia Belan
Inwood, ON

RE: Organizations' Christian identity threatened

Monday, January 4, 2010

I graduated as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse, class of 1972, in Manitoba. In the ensuing years, I have earned, along with higher education, a superb reputation of which I am proud. If I had ever applied to Christian Horizons, I’d have been turned down. Period. What is significant here, and ignored by the faith-based groups, is the fact that they are funded by tax dollars. And gay Ontario residents pay taxes like anyone else. In so many other issues the religious are the first to bemoan their tax dollars being used for whatever doesn't agree with their ideology.

Hugh (Bart) Vincelette
Vancouver, BC

RE: Organizations' Christian identity threatened

Friday, January 1, 2010

While faith-based organizations have a responsibility to their donors, that responsibility is framed within the context the organization's principles and organizational by-laws, not within the context of the varied views of donors.

Donors are able and free to choose which organizations they wish to support. If they do not accept the values and principles of a particular organization, they can donate elsewhere.

This article indicates the faith-based organization is largely funded by government funds. This is a distinctly different relationship from that between an organization and donors.

However, if the funding was willingly provided in the full knowledge of the values and principles of the organization, then even the funders have tacitly given their assent. Government funders also have the freedom to choose where money will go, and can choose to support other organizations providing the services.

However, if the organization accepted funds knowing of the conditions that compromise their own principles—well, that speaks for itself. The final choice is with the organization—to live up to its principles even if it means the loss of government funding. I am confident Jesus would give unto Caesar what is Caesar's, but not compromise on the principles of God.

It is not to late for the Church universal to stand up for God's truth and to put civil governments on the defensive to either do the valuable work that Christian organizations do on their behalf or to back off on challenging their faith-based values and principles.

Roy Bedford
St. Albert, AB

RE: Where are our young people?

Thursday, December 31, 2009

I am writing in response to Josh Ruth's letter to the editor. As a freelance journalist and a regular contributor to ChristianWeek, I certainly appreciate Mr. Ruth's concern about the need for open, civil debate about religion. We live in troubling times; the world is becoming dangerously popularized along religious lines. However, I respectfully suggest that Mr. Ruth is off base in his criticism of ChristianWeek. In my opinion, the piece in question was balanced and well written. And it should come as no surprise that a Christian publication offers a Christian interpretation of current events. Christian Week provides the reader with solid journalism on issues of interest to many Christians, who are often ignored by the so-called mainstream media.

In my time as a journalist, I have never allowed a source or subject to read or vet an advance copy of an article that I have written. It is the job of the journalist and his/her editor to decide what stays in the piece and what must be deleted.

Geoffrey P. Johnston
Eastern Ontario

RE: Where are our young people?

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

I applaud ChristianWeek for publishing an article that addresses the question of why some, namely young, people leave the church. It demonstrates an honest attempt to examine a situation that many may find uncomfortable, if not inflammatory.

I am one of the “young people” that were interviewed for the article, and it was a deliberate act on my part to speak candidly about a decision that I did not take lightly. I was the only subject who has not only stopped regularly attending church (for seemingly ambiguous reasons), but also denounced a tenet of the Christian faith—the divinity of Christ.

I was originally sent a version of the article that I thought well represented what I had to say about my experience. I am not a bitter ex-Christian, nor a backslidden drifter who left the church to lead a frivolous lifestyle. In fact, as I said in the section of the article that was ultimately cut, I often defend Christians to those who see the church community as an intolerant bunch of bigots.

That is because I still consider myself Christian in heritage. As Yann Martel writes, “I was taught to see the world through [Christian] eyes.” The fact that I no longer believe in the divinity of Christ is why I ultimately left the church, but in my opinion this sort of questioning and willingness to alter personal doctrine should be embraced in the church community. I think young people are interested in real dialogue and many of us are not willing to simply bury our heads in the sand when it comes to tough issues like the exclusivity of Christianity, homosexuality and social justice. We do not want to be judged for refusing to accept Sunday school answers on blind faith.

I raise this point because when I inquired about why a large section of my interview that was originally posted in the article had been cut, I was told “we could not give the final word to a non-Christian, when our audience is primarily Christian.”

Really? In an article about why young people are leaving the church, I think maybe you can. In fact, I think it would be considered a gracious act of openness, and would demonstrate an attempt to truly hear what is going on with “our young people,” whether nominally Christian or not.

I was disappointed by the exclusion of my thoughts because by cutting out the final part of my interview, I feel that I was characterized as someone who had simply turned from the faith, and therefore sort of invalidated. While I respect the desire to please your readership, this topic is arguably (and judging by the responses in Letters to the Editor so far) not a pleasant matter. If you want a happy ending, stick with articles about all the good stuff that the church is doing.

Josh Ruth
Winnipeg, MB

RE: "An emergency room for hurting people"

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Great new ministry ! And led by someone with such a story of her own! I know both Todd Petkau and Trevor Hutchins who are also on staff at Riverwood and totally respect their leadership. Go for it Riverwood!

Ruth Reid
Surrey, BC

RE: Orillia church witnesses inexplicable growth

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Thank you so much for that inspiring story. It truly goes to show how God moves when churches have a Kingdom mindset. Thank you and may God continue to bless your work at ChristianWeek. Keep up the good work, Doug and staff.

Marg Pollon
Calgary, AB

RE: Where are our young people?

Monday, December 21, 2009

People stop going to church because in their church they do not find “a meaningful experience and meaningful engagement.” So, why do they not go to church? Answer: the problem is the Church.

Why would anyone think that makes sense? Does this make sense? People stop eating because the food they are eating is not sufficiently nourishing.

The excuses make sense only if you too are like-mindedly ready to push the problem onto the Church, when it is a failure of individual Christians to be the Church.

Worship the God who made you with others. Don’t stop. It's basic, Biblical.

If your church is failing the gospel (does somebody know one that isn’t?) then make it answerable to the gospel so that it can be what it is supposed to be, for more people like yourself.

Edward Tingley
Ottawa, ON

RE: Prairie stays put, president leaving

Saturday, December 19, 2009

I am one of those that sighed a sigh of relief when I heard that Prairie will stay at the current campus. Priaire's history is in Three Hills and remains intact without the huge expense of moving and all the implications that come with moving.

While change is necessary at times, I believe necessary changes have been successfully been done on campus since I was there in 1970-71.

I trust the future will bear witness that not moving has been a good, sound decision.

Judith Kopchak
Rockvale, TN

RE: Church musicians urged to broaden their horizons

Friday, December 18, 2009

In my experience, local coffee house audiences will accept a performer who authentically sings from the heart about what they know, or believe - who tells of their own experiences.

Christians often have strange concepts about what comprises witnessing. When we can relax and just be who we are, without feeling like we have to "get" others to believe what we believe, we actually become a lot more attractive.

Grant Corriveau
Nanaimo, BC

RE: Compassion Canada takes Jesus mainstream

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

"So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven," (Matthew 10:32).

Thank you for being willing to stand up for truth. May God richly bless your ministry.

Grant Hutchison
Burlington, ON

RE: Ring them bells

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Rather than having our churches co-opted by global political agendas, let's think about stewardship in a disciplined and biblically warranted way. Let's approach any this-worldly 'consensus' with persistent truth-seeking rather than lazily "going along to get along."

And let's save the bell-ringing for Christmas morning.

K. Jeffrey
Ottawa, ON

RE: A day in the life

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

I just wanted you to know how I go through my ChristianWeek every time it arrives in my mailbox: with a highlighter pen. I read each article and at the top mark the name of people I can share it with. I then photocopy it, underline the key parts that caught my attention and put it somewhere where he/she will read it.

In this way your paper has enabled me to share carefully considered Christian thinking and well-worded articles with people who have faith ranging from moderate to none. It sometimes provokes discussion, and sometimes doesn't, but I have never had anyone ask me to stop giving them these articles to read.

Often I find that when I have been praying for a specific neighbour or colleague, an article will 'surface' that somehow makes me think of that person or a conversation we have had. Coincidence? Not likely. "God is not willing that any should perish," so I know that this is one way He uses to answer my prayer and give nominal or non-believers (and sometimes even believers) a nudge toward greater faith in Him.

Allow me to use this platform to thank all of your contributors. As a subscriber, I enjoy the topics you write about, but it may be news to you to realize how far-reaching your thoughts actually are.

Yvonne Breg
Shanty Bay, ON

RE: Chavez attacks Venezuelan churches

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Any and every religious and political movement has its difficulties and problems. It's doubtful that many people outside of Venezuela put Hugo Chavez on a pedestal. He has enacted many social and economic changes, benefiting the poorest of his country's poor, but his rhetoric against American policy, in particular, does not enhance his overall credibility.

Does the writer of this piece mean to suggest that Catholic or other churches should not be criticized by political leaders? Is turn about not fair play when the church is on the receiving side of criticism?

Latin America's history is rife with all kinds of political and economic manipulation and abuse, often with full knowledge, blessing, and even participation by the church. It may not be as difficult to rationalize what some consider extreme behaviour against the church, just like the church rationalizes extreme behaviour against the state, when the shoe is on the other foot.

Interestingly, it seems rightist political leaders are often considered "reformers" by the "mainstream" church, whereas leftist ones are "socialists", which is church code for "evil." Talk about a link of church and politics! If the Reformed Catholic Church or liberation theologians are considered "politically radical," perhaps it is equally accurate to refer to more "mainstream" church and political organizations as alliances colluding for power and money.

Are we really surprised that an American religious group would attack a Latin American socialist leader who is vocally critical of U.S. policy? The ACN's church is decidedly not the "only moral authority" in Venezuela any more than it or any other church is the "only moral authority" in any other nation.

Tim Thiessen
Winnipeg, MB

RE: Prairie stays put, president leaving

Saturday, December 5, 2009

The facts are stated clearly, but the reports and analysis of opinions about it are heavily biased. Those of us on staff and in the town who opposed the move come off badly. It appears that the board gave in to our blind pressure, that John Ohlhauser attempted to ask the right questions and be a "change agent," and that, in Tim Callaway’s words, it was our "very deep-seated resistance to change" which torpedoed the move and the president. That resistance, he says, "could come back to haunt" PBI.

With all due respect to Callaway, his analysis is wrong. The school and atmosphere he describes may have existed in the 1970s when he was here; not now. Since Ohlhauser became president, PBI has closed its graduate school, released its entire general division, started the first Christian vocational college in Canada, hived off a mission aviation school, knocked down a dozen buildings, built a new administration centre, gotten its first transfer agreements with a provincial university and revamped the entire Bible college curriculum twice. These are only highlights. What other Christian institution in Canada has gone through such radical change in the same period?

PBI’s staff and culture are not "resistant to change"; we are not backing away from the "Crucified Life" and from going wherever God calls us to go. But we want to make sure that any proposed move is in fact God calling us. And that is why we opposed this one.

A single example. The article says that according to Ohlhauser’s analysis, "Drumheller offered more practicum placements and better growth opportunities for a technical college." In fact, PCAAT’s teaching staff carried out their own analysis which showed clearly that practicum placements would be fewer, and that the "growth opportunities" required specialized training and qualifications which would not translate easily into the ministries PCAAT students are preparing for.

A large number of considerations like this, along with many intangible factors, simply deepened and solidified the initial concerns we had about the move. If we had been convinced that Drumheller was the better place for the ministry of PBI, we could have put our energy into dealing with those concerns.

We wish Ohlhauser well. He has some outstanding gifts and has done some great things for PBI in the service of God’s kingdom. But since we now learn that he has "serious questions" about continuing the ministry in Three Hills, we are reluctantly compelled to agree that "it’s best if someone without those questions carries on." And we do feel excited about what God still has to accomplish through us here.

Douglas Lewis, registrar, Prairie Bible Institute
Three Hills, AB

RE: Ticklish times

Friday, December 4, 2009

It is indeed a sign of the times--the end times--when people are no longer willing to place their full faith in the Word of God. The lack of Bible knowledge and errant teaching allowed into the mix is noteworthy.

This is a sign of postmodernism, where subjective views override objectivity. Self is elevated above the Church.

It goes together with the huge swing to "tolerance" that has swept Canada over the last 20 years. Tolerance for all other people's views to a fault. Truth is not subjective, it is absolute. God is not tolerant. He is jealous, loving, just, holy, etc. He does not close one eye to unholy living, or to other views/gods. Mixing popular secular/politically correct thoughts with God's Word does not work. At least not to a holy, just, jealous, and yes, loving God. And it should not be our mix either.

Jon Peters
Winnipeg, MB

RE: Season of waiting

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Loved your article. I grew up in a very traditional Mennonite church
which followed the church calendar.

Later, living in a small town, we attended a United Church for the first time. Here there was even more emphasis, with the minister changing the color of his stole and discussing the colors with the children, etc.

At present we have been attending the evangelical church just across the street from us. There is much we appreciate about this church, but I deeply miss the emphasis on the church calendar,
with only Christmas and Easter being mentioned.

Selma Pauls
Winnipeg, MB

RE: Where are our young people?

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

This article brought tears to my eyes. My heart is broken by what I feel is the failure of my generation (Baby Boomers) to be honest about our own faith journeys and to invite the next generation to walk with us on that journey. I totally agree with Kathy's comments that they want to engage. I am encouraged that we are at least asking them why they have left. We can learn from them and perhaps begin to travel together from where they are on the route.

Eleanor Shepherd
Pointe Claire, QC

RE: Prairie stays put, president leaving

Monday, November 30, 2009

I went to my High School 50 year anniversary and was so disappointed to find so much changed. Music was gone, missions couldn't really be found and the Maxwell Tabernacle was soon gone. What really upset me was that the whole focus of the school had changed, and I made up my mind I would not come to Prairie again. I may change my mind since the president is leaving and maybe the board will bring someone to run Prairie who graduated from there and will uphold the old values that the school with Mr. Maxwell held dear. I saw Mr Maxwell in action on the train once, with his Bible under his arm going through the train. He smiled at me and said " I am going fishing." That is what the school is all about.

I know change is necessary but when the steam tunnels were gone and the farm was gone and property sold...it just seemed like Prairie was falling apart in front of my eyes and I felt such a loss and mourned the loss. Hope to hear more about the students who are following the Lord in ministry. I might change my mind about supporting the school. I loved my seven years at Prairie. I grew up there and came to know the Lord better and found my husband there even though I wasn't looking for him. I graduated from the high school in 1955 and the Bible School in 1959.

Lillian Evans Baker
Ritzville, Washington

RE: Prairie stays put, president leaving

Monday, November 30, 2009

Did you hear the strange sound coming from all corners of the globe on Saturday, October 24? It was the collective sigh of relief emanating from hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Prairie Bible Institute alumni when we heard the welcome news that our beloved alma mater would be staying in Three Hills instead of moving to Drumheller.

Thank you for your article, which helped me to understand the current president's thinking. I must disagree with my friend Tim Callaway's depiction of Prairie as a place that has "a very deep-seated resistance to change ... that could come back to haunt them." I think the concern of the alumni that I know, was that so many changes have been made already that the next change would be "throwing the baby out with the bathwater,"--the baby being the core values of the school.

My prayer now for Prairie -- a place I left 25 years ago but which had an indelible effect on my life -- is that it will prosper and grow as it returns to the principles upon which it was founded in 1922. I trust that as Prairie does so, it will be restored to its former place as one of the foremost schools in North America for the preparation of pastors, teachers and missionaries.

Enid Sanford
Edinburg, Texas

RE: Where are our young people?

Monday, November 30, 2009

My heart goes out the young people whose estrangement from the church is chronicled in this article. It is hard for me to imagine a Christian believer arriving at such a state of indifference regarding whether or not to have regular fellowship with a like-minded local body of believers.

Such a state is certainly not anticipated in the teachings of the New Testament. At the moment we recognize we are poor lost sinners for whom Christ died and repent and receive Him as our Saviour, we are spiritually reborn and become children of God. Simultaneously we become members of His body the Church, the family of God. This kinship draws us together in love, praise, worship, witness and discipleship.

The apostle Paul makes this unity/diversity structure of the Church clear as follows: "Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others" (Romans 12:4-5). And again, "From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself in love as each part does its work" (Ephesians 4:16). We need one another.

Regarding the witness of the Church to a watching world, Jesus taught, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35). Professed faith that does not issue in mutual love and Christian fellowship, if not in doubt, is at least an anomaly. It is unknown in the teachings of the New Testament.

Bert Warden
Abbotsford, BC

RE: Bible humour: it happened in the bathroom

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Rob Alloway clearly had a lot of fun writing this column. Congratulations on another very fine piece of writing!

Paula Thomas
Toronto, ON

RE: Mother speaks out 20 years after Montreal massacre

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Wow! Thank you for sharing Monique Lepine's story.

Don James
Winnipeg, MB

RE: Orthodox Anglicans sign constitution for new province

Thursday, November 26, 2009

"For liberal or inclusive Anglicans, there is the Anglican Church of Canada. But for conservative or orthodox Anglicans there is now the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA)."

I take issue with Frank Stirk's implication (intentional or not) that liberal and inclusive Anglicans are not orthodox. I, and many other Anglicans, would consider ourselves to be both inclusive and orthodox, holding to the faith expressed and defined in the historic Christian creeds while maintaining open minds and hearts on issues facing the contemporary church.

There has been too much infighting, divisiveness and rancour within the global Anglican communion (primarily over one issue), in recent years. Comments like these by Mr. Stirk do nothing to alleviate this, and in fact have quite the opposite effect.

Steven Thiessen
Winnipeg, MB

RE: "Urban Saint" story released

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Excellent article on this "saint that walked among us." I knew Harry [Lehotsky] and his ministry qualities and heart. What people don't know is how he challenged each and every one of us to become better people--to look after one another, regardless of their lot in life.

The Catholics have the monopoly on "sainthood." I hope they might reconsider a Baptist!

I'll be buying copies of the book for Christmas presents for friends and family members.

Dan Palsson
Portage la Prairie, MB

RE: Does God listen to drunk prayers?

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Wow, this is an amazing and powerful story. Thanks for sharing it, Tim.

Frank King
Calgary, AB

RE: Ticklish times

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

How disappointing, sad and scary to read Doug Koop's editorial endorsement of Phyllis Tickle's position relating to the emerging church. To hear that "Our Holy Book no longer carries the full weight of authority typically accorded it" should have elicited censure from Koop, not "that's tough to hear."

One is left to wonder what "new locus of primary authority will come to the fore a hundred years from now." Whatever that form is, we know will be man-made and therefore totally non-authoritative.

We Christians are staggered to hear Koop say "we have never been able to base our lives and beliefs on definitive certainties." Hebrews 6:15-20 speaks of God's Word, given with His oath, as an anchor for our souls. Matthew 5:17-19 gives us Jesus' pledge that His Word will never pass away. This Word He gives to His disciples as truth by which alone they can be sanctified (John 17:14-19).

It seems sadly ironic that Tickle's surname fits so well with the apostle Paul's warning to Timothy that there will be those who "will not endure sound doctrine, but want their ears to be tickled." Koop writes: "Tickling may not be comfortable, but neither is it deadly." In this case it surely is, and nobody's laughing.

Robert Lively
Parkhill, ON

RE: 100 Huntley Street hosts still lying low

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Thank you for the two stories (Sept.15 and Oct.1) on the Mainse brothers. The process of discipline and their subsequent restoration would be meaningfully welcome. There are two other areas that Crossroads would do well to pay attention to:

1) Talking a bit less about themselves and the longevity and efficacy of on-the-air programs. Proverbs 27:2.

2) 100 Huntley Street should also rethink the periodic TV fundraising techniques they undertake. The auctioneering-type publicity on air does not exactly lend credence to another scriptural passage: 2 Corinthians 5:7.

Narayan Mitra
Kamloops, BC

RE: Where are our young people?

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

I have grown up in the church, so to speak, and have never felt like leaving it. The reason is because I do believe the central teaching of the church, namely that Jesus Christ is God's Son and came into the world to remove the sin that separated humans from God. This belief is central to my faith and going to, or being part of the church undergirds that belief.

It is very helpful to me to know and understand the reasons young people give for not attending church services. Thanks for publishing your article.

Jake Harms
Winnipeg, MB

RE: Church welcomes gifts of the disabled

Monday, November 16, 2009

First off, let me say that pastor Robert Gagnon is an awesome man. I know that because he is my big brother. It has brought me to tears to hear that someone could be so hateful to such a good man. Every one in this world is different, but they all deserve a chance. He is one of God's children and God has asked him to work in the house of the Lord. Gagnon is a strong man, so if you have nothing nice to say, please say nothing.

Amanda Gagnon
Toronto, ON

RE: Rediscovering the "exponential Jesus movement"

Monday, November 16, 2009

After centuries of Christianity being the dominant religion in the western world, what has happened to the Christian Church? Has it lost its life, its essence that made it stand out to those who observed it from outside the fold?

The problem may be that the Church has been “too successful” in influencing the society of which it has been a part. Because of Christians, society has actually become more humane, more concerned with the welfare of all its members and more caring so that even society’s most “lowly” members are considered to have the same rights as its more privileged citizens.

Social responsibility has risen over the centuries so that now there no longer appears to be such a wide gap between the behaviour of the general members of society and the behavior of members of the Christian church.

In the ancient Roman times others witnessed something in the lives of Christians which made them stand out. But that awe the early Christian community drew from others does not appear to be so present now. The lives of Christians now are no longer seen as being so obviously different, so that there has been less and less impetus for individuals to seek the life Christianity offers.

In the early years of Christianity, society observed Christians acting in loving concern for their neighbors. When plagues struck, Christians did not try to escape into the hills, but remained and ministered to the sick and threatened.

How do we witness, through our actions, that Christ in our hearts can make a difference? We must re-examine our lives and go back to the strengths of the early Church. We must show our light by what we do, and that light must shine brightly enough in society to make a noticeable difference.

David Graham
Scarborough, ON

RE: Canadian team visits Mennonite colony plagued by rape

Sunday, November 15, 2009

As a Christian psychiatrist with a particular interest in post-traumatic disorders, my first intuitive response to reading the article and seeing the photo of the young men behind bars is that the whole accusation is a pack of lies, perhaps some mass hysteria to cover for some worse deed that there is no permission to talk about.

In societies where oppression and repression is the rule, lies are generated upon lies in order to keep those in power, in power.

They hung a man by his arms to get "the truth" from him? I wonder who it is that really has the truth and has to develop such lies and torture to make the lies seem like the truth?

May God give the Banmans and their team discernment and courage to expose the truth and bring God's healing!

Stewart Wakeman
Winnipeg, MB

RE: H1N1 facility opens for Winnipeg's homeless

Friday, November 6, 2009

It's wonderful to see Christians being Christ-like and doing something practical for the homeless. God bless the Salvation Army for their good works to the poor and needy!

Walter Kambulow
Burlington, ON

RE: Ticklish times

Friday, November 6, 2009

I'm sure the editorial is correct (as will probably be demonstrated by responses to it) that "many Christians—especially conservative Protestants—are dismissing the message and rejecting the messenger." Wishing it were not so, however, doesn't change the reality that I think Phyllis Tickle has accurately assessed.

Mark Galli's article, Yawning at the Word, in Christianity Today demonstrates Tickle's point for evangelical churches. Liturgical churches that insist on reading three substantial portions of Scripture and a Psalm are hearing more Scripture than many churches that talk loudly about scriptural authority.

Having attended "The Great Emergence" workshop, I was convinced by most of what Tickle said. I was, however, disappointed that the whole analysis of church history and especially the current transitional time did not take into account the huge portion of Christians in the Orthodox church. It also seemed more relevant to North America and Europe than to the Global South, where the centre of gravity of Christianity has now moved. I would like to know whether the shift she describes is happening outside of what she calls the Latin church in the Global North.

Dan Nighswander
Winnipeg, MB

RE: Ticklish times

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Thank you for this Doug. And thank you Phyllis Tickle. Ecclesia semper reformanda.

Colleen Peters
Winnipeg, MB

RE: Ticklish times

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Thanks for the piece. I think Phyllis Tickle is describing a real shift for one segment of the Church, which you rightfully describe as "many Christian believers in conservative Protestant congregations." It's less disconcerting for others, and hardly a societal shift as she seems to suggest. I would suggest that the perceived challenge to some of the authority of Scripture is a piece of a greater societal shift that includes deconstruction of institutions and their authority. But if Tickle is suggesting that a shift from sola scriptura will change society, I think she's giving the conservative Protestant Christian church far more influence than they have in western society.

Tim Thiessen
Winnipeg, MB

RE: Ticklish times

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

I didn't hear Phyllis Tickle, nor have I read her book, but a good number of people from our church went, and I've also read quite a bit about her thesis. I enjoyed your summary of the day and her work. I like your line about each epoch having its "rough spots and benevolences." And I resonate with that sense of hope that pervades Tickle's work and your piece. We're part of a much wider cultural context; we simply can't help shifting in many ways, and of course the currents we're in provide their challenges. But it's never ultimately about us, is it, or what we manage to do? God, who got the incarnation right that first Christmas in Bethlehem, continues to get it right in every subsequent age. "I am with you always!"

Dora Dueck
Winnipeg, MB

RE: Ticklish times

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

I feel devastated! I never ever thought I would read in ChristianWeek words supportive of such wishy-washy views on the authority of the Bible as those expressed by Phyllis Tickle.

Of course her caveat is that the Bible is not going away and that it is still trustworthy and it will continue to be "significantly authoritative." Well, thanks for at least that concession!

No, no. If the Bible is not indeed the very Word of God, if it is not the ultimate source of truth, then the foundations of our faith are destroyed. If I did not believe Jesus was telling the truth when He said, "I am the way, the truth and the light; no man comes unto the Father except by me," I would be lost eternally.

I think this is the second piece I have read in ChristianWeek that is partial towards Tickle. Have you published anything that calls in question her views?

In your last paragraph you state: "We live by faith, not by sight and have never been truly able to base the conduct of our lives and beliefs on definitive certainties." I think the martyrs down through the ages have had a different view. They found that the Word of God was worth dying for. Many others today around the world are finding it so as well.

I'm sorry to have to disagree with you.

Bert Warden
Abbotsford, BC

RE: Ticklish times

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

I left the seminar by Phyillis Tickle very fired up and excited to love God's Word and to love the truth of God's Word. I left being more committed than ever to Sola Scriptura. I am so saddened and heartbroken that so many people, young and old alike, would see Tickle as an example. She said that anyone is arrogant to believe that Jesus is the only way to God. I guess she believes that Jesus is arrogant in what He says in John 14:6.

If this is indeed a new reformation we had better pray for people even more bold than Martin Luther who will stand up to these so-called reformers and be willing to lay down their lives for Scripture alone and for Christ alone. God's Word is still our sole authority even if the culture does not believe it is so.

Gary Smith
Landmark, MB

RE: Reformer fights failure with fury

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

While I'm inclined to agree with much of what Warren C. Smith writes in his "Lover's Quarrel" treatise, I find it's almost impossible to plant one's self totally in one camp or another.

Smith is critical of mega-churches and the "universalism" of Billy Graham's mega-evangelism of the last 50-plus years.

I find it interesting that Smith takes on Dr. Graham from the evangelist's home turf--Charlotte, North Carolina.

As a high school student in the sixties, I wrote a paper on the controversy then swirling around between the Graham organization and Bob Jones University. The approach that Billy Graham always took was not of confrontation but rather reconciliation.

The truth that the Graham legacy has imprinted on the 21st Century evangelical church is that universalism doesn't mean that everyone will eventually be saved--but rather that all nations, tongues, colors and political persuasions are welcome to come and hear the message that Jesus, the Creator's Son, died for the whole world and rose again so that all are welcome to choose whether or not to come and drink from the fountain that flows from the heart of God. All colours, economic classes, conservatives and liberals, are welcome to drink and find healing and hope through Jesus, the Way Maker.

Jim Uttley, Jr.
Winnipeg, MB

RE: The truth about sports isn't sexy

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Thanks for the informative article that introduces us to the terrible practice of human trafficking in the sex trade "industry" that takes advantage of large sporting events.

But I take exception to the statement: "And like me in 2006, millions of sportsfans around the world are about to have their eyes opened to the impurity of sports."

The disgusting practice of human trafficking does not make sport more impure. The increase in trafficking simply makes trafficking more impure.

Sport is not perfect as you state. I think many of us want sport to be last bastion of purity. Once we realize that politics, business and much of culture is corrupt we hope that our games will be the last ones to stay pure. But alas they are not. Humans are broken because of the "fall" and everything they touch becomes stained - even sport.

The true victims of trafficking are the young men and women who are bought and sold, and their families. But to a much lesser extent sport is also a victim in the tragedy. The event organizers in no way want, encourage or endorse this criminal behavior. The perpetrators are just taking advantage of the events or using their platform for their own ungodly purposes. The guilty ones are the trafficking agents and their customers, not the sport organizers or participants.

If drug deals take place on the corner beside a church, it does not make that church more impure. If criminals are selling sex near the stadium, it does not make the game more impure.

Let's join in the outcry and fight against human trafficking without implicating sport as part of the problem.

Dave Johns
Winnipeg, MB

RE: Pigeonholing evangelicals a political error

Monday, October 19, 2009

"Given the choice, many Canadians would rather eat glass than endure another useless election that will scandalously cost $300 million and likely produce another pizza-Parliament with another minority government. But common sense and politics are rarely used in the same sentence."

First of all, elections in Canada are not "useless." Every election, whether perceived in public opinion as timely or not, is an opportunity to exercise one part of the democratic process.

Second, that elections cost money to administer is not "scandalous." It is a reflection of the fact that in Canada, we value the democratic process and are prepared to make sure our elections are free, fair, and well administered. The people who work for Elections Canada perform a valuable public service, whether or not public opinion favours the timing of an election call.

I don't even know what a "pizza-Parliament" is, but Joe Couto obviously does not approve of minority Parliaments. That fact is completely irrelevant. If Canadians, in the exercise of their democratic franchise, elect a minority Parliament, it is the duty of MPs to serve the public as best they can. That Canadians have done so for...is it three, elections in a row?...may simply indicate a more deeply held view that they want political parties to learn to work together, rather than focus on polarizing and divisive tactics of the past.

Finally, if Couto has such a low regard for political involvement as to degrade it so, perhaps he should leave it alone and decline comment. Otherwise, he is merely reflecting a political view of his own, and sharing in the very process he denigrates.

Tim Thiessen
Winnipeg, MB

RE: Sri Lankan author urges less arrogant gospel

Monday, October 19, 2009

Very true. We Christians first need to ask God through His Holy Spirit to give us wisdom and love to reach out to those outside His Kingdom. Thank you, Mr.Fernando for your valuable insights.

Dinesh David
Chennai, India

RE: Tragedy tells cautionary tale

Monday, October 19, 2009

Thank you for your thoughtful article. We are very distressed by a needless death. This young fellow did not get enough support. One would have thought Pioneer should have given it.

Philip Wood
Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo

RE: Tragedy tells cautionary tale

Sunday, October 18, 2009

I feel that your article is completely without Christian compassion.

Kay Speed
Gueph, ON

RE: Nobel Committee jumps the gun

Friday, October 16, 2009

Thanks for that insightful article. I completely concur. I do believe that Barack Obama has been awarded this prestigious prize way way too soon. He has done very little thus far, and perhaps nothing to justify this hasty decision.

G. Betzold
Winnipeg, MB

RE: Nobel Committee jumps the gun

Friday, October 16, 2009

This article well written. Peace without God is certainly elusive and bound to fail. Peace will only come when the Prince of Peace is on the throne. Obama has not even begun to bring peace to the world situation. In fact, as I keep up on the American news and my contact with folk from south of the border, I believe that Obama will divide America. My American friends say America is very close to anarchy and civil war. This is very frightening. Many have placed their hopes on this man. There is already a shift in his popularity as many see the real Obama. Thankfully our hope is in the Lord not in political figures.

Hugh Hamp
Shelburne, ON

RE: Grappling with God in the wake of a son's suicide

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

God is sovereign and good. This week, God has again demonstrated to our family His sovereignty and goodness. We are the objects of his care. Note how the timing of our first grandchild’s birth redeems the day of our son's death:

Oct 6, 2008
12:30 a.m. our son Brad heads out down the train tracks.

At about 4:00 a.m. he is pronounced dead.

Just before 6:00 a.m. the police wake us up to tell us the sad news.

Oct 6, 2009
12:30 a.m. Jen and Andy (our daughter and son-in-law) head for the hospital.

At 4:16 a.m. Tikiah is born.

Just before 6:00 a.m. Jen wakes us up to tell us the good news.

God is sovereign and He is good.

P.S. Tikiah (Tiki) is named after Tiki Barber, Brad's favorite football player. For years Brad would say, "Seriously Jen, you should name your kid Tiki." Tikiah means "one who worships."

Russ Toews
Winnipeg, MB

RE: Nobel Committee jumps the gun

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

It might be an impetus to help keep Barack Obama on course, having received such a widely acknowledged honour. And he did say he was going to give the money to charity, which is good.

Ruth Reid
Surrey, BC

RE: Tragedy tells cautionary tale

Friday, October 9, 2009

I appreciate the reminder, near the end of Doug Koop's article, that few of us could endure such awful media attention. In that regard, it seems that IVCF did everything possible to protect children.

But I am respectfully wondering if they and others did everything possible to protect David Dewees, himself a child of God. Did anyone discern the strong possibility of suicide? Moreover, what role might "well-meaning" Christian gossip have played in the way this story seemed to get out of hand in the media? Finally, did anyone remember to help Dewees see that a cardinal principle of God's grace is that there is nothing we can do to make God love us more, and there is nothing we can do to make God love us less?

Koop reminds us that: "It would be better for you if a millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea than for you to cause one of these little ones to stumble" (Luke 17:2). I completely agree that both the secular law and Christian principles regard the abuse of those who are legally "little ones" as abominable and punishable. However, I submit that in God's eyes we are all "little ones" in various ways.

I don't mean to accuse anyone of not providing Dewees with close support after taking all the legal and "right" actions in this case, because I don't know the details, but I do mean to raise the general and provocative question of what constitutes being a "little one" in the Kingdom of God, and how that may affect our ways of dealing with problems.

Marjorie Cooper
Lansing, Michigan

RE: Tragedy tells cautionary tale

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Thanks for this story. It is a reminder about the importance of the Church defending and loving all sinners, not just those with safe sin.

Dale Dirksen
Saskatoon, SK

RE: Tragedy tells cautionary tale

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Whatever the facts in this sad situation, that David Dewees felt compelled to take his own life only compounds a tragic situation.

The article reminded me of Psalm 130:3 "If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?" As Doug Koop so poignantly wrote: "Is there any among us who could stand unashamed under spotlight scrutiny and blazing media attention to every aspect of our life and character?"

If the charges are true, then there is no excuse for this sinful breach of trust, and yet, we must all be grateful that the final judge of all the earth will judge justly and has great mercy for those who truly repent.

David Daniels
Whitby, ON

RE: Artist preserves sacred tradition

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Someone has to preserve this historic form of art. I met the man personally; he is a man who loves his painting. I am glad to learn how it all started. Just a brush and paint. He is an amazing guy. Thanks Josiah for the article.

Erick Nduwimana
Winnipeg, MB

RE: Grappling with God in the wake of a son's suicide

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

As someone who has struggled with many of the same issues, I felt I needed to share the writings of Father Ronald Rolheiser. He makes a point of writing about suicide yearly because it is so misunderstood. I have found such comfort and compassion from his words that I can't help but feel it will bring a new level of understanding and healing to the Toews family.

Here is his website with a list of all the articles he has written on suicide.

Many blessings.

Adriana van Ineveld
Winnipeg, MB

RE: Tragedy tells cautionary tale

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

In my opinion, David Dewees should not have been summarily dismissed from his teaching job. I have heard of many situations where professionals have committed worse deeds, including severely injuring people while driving drunk, where loss of job was not the result, let alone before conviction. I am not even sure that the police should have been notified. Not every moral transgression requires police intervention.

After all, what we have here is not a pattern of evil deeds but, as I understand it, a serious deviation from a pattern of excellent behaviour. Does reputation and a lengthy track record mean nothing? In sum, I believe that the camp authorities over-reacted and that considerable guilt should be experienced by those who played major roles in precipitating a needless death.

John H. Redekop
Abbotsford, BC

RE: Tragedy tells cautionary tale

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Accusations against someone can destroy that person's reputation, career, private and public persona. The shaming and scandalizing can never be taken back. As a consequence, that person may take their own life.

Why do adults get so publicly displayed and disgraced, even when there has been no trial? When there is a trial, the victim usually gets all the protection and none for the accused. I have seen two lives destroyed by wrongful accusations and convictions, all because the young people played the victim card and the legal system let them get away with it. Who holds them accountable? What protection can be given to any accused before there is a conviction. Why the public display and disgrace before a trial?

This sickens me. We do not live in a society with a good justice system.

Sam Buick
Waterloo, ON

RE: A near miss for the United Church

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

I am appalled and offended that a writer who confesses to being a Christian could be so unjust, unloving and unintelligent in his response to the United Church's attempt at boycotting Israel.

Just because we regret past injustices, must we excuse any bad behaviour?

The Holocaust was an awful thing, but I cannot accept nor excuse the slaughter of innocent Palestinians, the mistreatment of human beings or the arrogance that many Israeli citizens and the government have about the land and people of the West Bank.

I believe Couto said it right when he said: "He didn't free the tax collector, the prostitute and the sinner to go and pick on someone else." God did not free the Jewish people from oppression only to have them oppress others.

I especially find appalling the seeming lack of research in your article. I can accept that other people have different views, but to blatantly ignore facts is sloppy journalism and an embarrassment to me as a fellow Christian.

When I visited the West Bank last month I took a photo of a family's living room that was fire bombed by Israeli settlers in Hebron. You can call them "alleged attacks", but I have seen them. I have heard people's stories; I have watched mistreatment and been powerless to stop it; I have felt the pain and persecution that Christians in the West Bank feel.

Do some research, Couto, and then maybe you can say "I'm sorry."

C. Friesen
Saskatoon, SK

RE: Renewed Islamist violence in Nigeria targets Christians

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

We are praying for our persecuted Christian brothers and sisters who are suffering throughout the world. Congratulations ChristianWeek on updating us with the true news.

God bless you.

Azher Kaleem, president, Tree of Life International
Pakistan

RE: Salvation Army provides concrete solutions for pressing needs

Monday, October 5, 2009

Thanks for sharing this article. We have recently moved to this community, due to my son-in-law getting work here, and have seen how devastating this is . Ive heard of young people doing two or three jobs just to pay rent. They don't think they'll be able to keep it up, they are not able to save like they thought they could.

The money appears to be in the oil fields, but not everybody wants to work there or is able to get a job there. There are so few resources here for people who come because of family, not for an oil sands job. And then, once you are here, it seems you are stuck. That is my impression.

Patricia Lalonde
Fort McMurray, AB

RE: Stay out of church, human rights tribunals

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Perhaps it is best that such a complaint comes before the HRC , as it will inevitably be dismissed, thus setting a precedence. The church cannot be compelled to choose servers at Mass that it doesn't want. That would be ludicrous. On the other hand, it is sad that the parishioners in question have such a negative and exclusionary agenda. But that is, of course, their right.

Hugh (Bart) Vincelette
Vancouver. BC

RE: Promise Keepers Canada charts independent course

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Thanks for the article. Clearly stated. I appreciate the emphasis of working with men at the local church level. The big events are good, and I hope Promise Keepers Canada will have one soon here in the west, but it is the daily, weekly encouragement and growth that men need.

I affirm Promise Keepers Canada in the direction they are heading.

Henry P. Klassen
Grond Forks, BC

RE: A near miss for the United Church

Monday, September 21, 2009

I have always enjoyed turning to Canada Today, confident that Joe Couto will have a few faith-based comments and views that invariably prod me into thinking differently about contemporary issues and my own Christian beliefs.

I regret to say, however, that his diatribe against the United Church really sent my blood pressure up.

While I am not a member of the United Church, I strongly object to Couto’s criticism that it is “open to the moral perversion of modern anti-Semitism” because it objects to the known (not “alleged”) abuses of Palestinians.

Just because the United Church (along with a healthy segment of the Canadian population) abhors the brutal excesses of the Israeli military (in Gaza for example) is no reason whatsoever to label them anti-Semitic. Is Amnesty International anti-Semitic? What about the U.N. Commission investigating Israeli war crimes during the assault on Gaza? Are they tarred with the same brush?

Couto concludes with a scathing indictment of the United Church’s theology: “a church held hostage by a godless minority…” Pretty judgmental and totally irrelevant to his accusation of anti-Semitism. Pretty unchristian too, if I may say so.

Gerald W. Hankins
Canmore, AB

RE: The B-I-B-L-E

Friday, August 28, 2009

The questions are and always have been: which Bible and whose interpretation of it? These questions make moot the notion of "infallibility."

Tim Thiessen
Winnipeg, MB

RE: Prof dares students to fast from media

Thursday, August 27, 2009

This article, coupled with the recent news reports on "multi-tasking"--usually having to do with things like computers, phones, texting, iPods, etc.--are a powerful warning to our culture on the emptiness and danger they can bring. Maybe the Amish are on to something.

Jim Church
Peace River, AB

RE: Teens to get time off to see the Dalai Lama

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Though the Dalai Lama may be a model of cheerful compassion in a situation of injustice, he believes and advocates ideas that are false and contradictory of Christian faith. Though he is not known for these beliefs, he believes there is no supreme being to whom we are ultimately accountable. This is essentially atheism, which is the worldview of secularism.

It is right for public schools to teach cheerful compassion, as the Dalai Lama does. It is wrong for public schools to teach an atheist worldview, which the Dalai Lama also does. Hence, it is inconsistent for the BC school board to encourage 18,000 school children to learn from the Dalai Lama, but not from Christian leaders about how to live in a world of peace.

As Christians we believe that peace comes from respecting that all humans are created in God's image and are sinners for whom Christ died. The Dalai Lama does not believe this. It is sadly not surprising that secular school administrators want their students to learn from thee Dalai Lama. That does not make it right.

Al Hiebert
Steinbach, MB

RE: Priesthood after politics

Thursday, August 20, 2009

It was good to see Elizabeth May reiterating her Christian faith.

I was particularly impressed with the fact that she is taking studies at St. Paul University, in partial preparation for a possible future in Christian ministry.

I would encourage her to include, in her work, some courses in conflict management. St. Paul is most well-regarded for its initiatives in that area.

May has often exhibited a pit bullish approach toward the prime minister and the current governing party.

True, she is in an adversarial political setting. But, as a Christian, she has the opportunity to exhibit a more conciliatory stance.

Indeed, she has nothing to lose by encouraging Conservatives and Liberals -- as the two largest parties -- to work together on some of the issues which are important to her.

Lloyd Mackey
Ottawa, ON

RE: Couple to bring child sex slavery issues to light

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Thank-you for bringing this issue a bit more into the light.

Lynne McIlvride Evans
Port Perry, ON

RE: Priesthood after politics

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

I was thrilled to hear that Elizabeth May is a committed Christian, since I am also, and have been getting progressively more involved in supporting the Green Party. This just encourages me to keep supporting their efforts.

Ruth Reid
Surrey, BC

RE: Tattoo artists inks God's canvases

Saturday, August 15, 2009

I am really shocked at the recent article of a tattoo artist in Winnipeg. So much for guarding your eyes at this little tattoo shop. The fact that Ritson tattoos lewd images of half-naked women plus has adopted the idea that Bettie Page is eye candy is so against what God calls us to guard ourselves from. We are to be careful with our eyes, hearts and thoughts.

God commands us (doesn't ask us) to be watchful and protect our wrongful thoughts from taking over our lives. This is for our benefit so that the enemy cannot get a foothold on us and tempt us into deeper sin.

ChristianWeek puts it on the front page of their newspaper with all those lewd half naked women on the wall showing in the background. Wow, time to change the name of the newspaper to WorldlyWeak.

Proverbs 6 speaks of the dangers of adultery and describes it this way: "Can a man take fire to his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Can one walk on hot coals, and his feet not be seared?"

Then Jesus takes adultery a step further and says in Matthew 5, "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

Today the harlot is our society. The programs and commercials on TV, advertising billboards, posters, movies, internet, tattoos, etc.

These are all things unto which we have to guard our eye, thoughts and heart. Praise God that the harlot will be dealt with as we read in Revelation. 18.

Also Praise God that we have Jesus to forgive us of our sins.
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John, 1:9).

I cannot believe that ChristianWeek would condone this article. Obviously Christianweek is into eye candy. Maybe it helps to catch the eye of the reader by being placed on the front page, but at whose expense?

No Thanks ChristianWeek.

Curtis Kalinski
Beausejour, MB

RE: The idol of Big Government

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

While I sympathize with Joe Couto and everyone else who had to endure the recent municipal strikes in Toronto and Windsor, I do not share Couto's low opinions of unions and so-called "big government."

The right of workers to organize and to bargain collectively are hallmarks of Canadian democracy. Before Canadian workers won the right to organize in the last century, many had to toil long hours in dangerous conditions for little pay. The union movement did much to address those social ills. And it is important to remember that some Canadian churches did much to support workers in their struggle to win a "living wage." Indeed, social justice was integral to the "social gospel," which helped to establish the Canadian welfare state as we know it today.

Where would Canadians be were it not for Tommy Douglas, the legendary CCF Premier of Saskatchewan and the father of Medicare? It took the power of "big government" coupled with the vision of Douglas, a politician committed to the social gospel, to make public health care a reality.

Individualism is both important and desirable. But we must never forget that we are also members of a larger civic community that cares for one another. Unions and government help to remind us of that.

Geoffrey P. Johnston
Kingston, Ontario

RE: Years spent in gay community equips author

Monday, July 27, 2009

Re: “Years spent in gay community equips author” (June 19, 2009)
Welcome to the most neglected and misunderstood mission field in North America. A number of years ago I moved into the gay neighbourhood of Toronto, shortly after I started to attend a large evangelical church.

I still shed tears when I recall the many honest, very broken and searching men who poured out their hearts to me as the community chaplain, only later to be rebuked by an evangelical pastor with a reckless tongue and an un-Christ-like heart. Sadly, most of those men were raised in homes where the Bible was read and prayers were said.

As I minister among the growing number of homeless, a number of them tell me of their “secret sin” and are looking for a way out.

I remember going with a Christian man who was struggling with unwanted same-sex feelings to speak to an evangelical pastor who invited this man to give out condoms on the busy street with an invitation to this large church.

The successor to this pastor told another Christian brother, “Praying for your kind is useless.” Going to another evangelical church of a very different denomination, this brother was forbidden by the senior pastor to speak to anyone in this church before, during or after the worship service or using the washroom at anytime.

Over the many years I have been in urban street ministry in Denver, Chicago, Calgary and Toronto, I have found many times churches respond to the issue of homosexuality with either an angry and judgmental response or an acceptance of homosexuality.

Both are equally wrong and inaccurate representations of God’s response. Too many of us have found it is easier to see this as right versus wrong than to love them. Are we not to welcome the brother and sister but not to affirm them?

In his book Love is an Orientation, Andrew Marin seeks to build bridges between our homosexual neighbours and those who have a passion to engage them in conversations about the good news of healing in Jesus Christ.

There is much we can learn from Marin who is incarnationally present in the gay community of Boystown in Chicago.

The Bible contains a gracious word to the gay and lesbian community, giving genuine loving solutions that will bring understanding and freedom. Brian Keith Williams, founder of All Nations Church, has written the book Ministering Graciously to the Gay and Lesbian Community to educate the people who want to learn how to relate to those who are entrenched in what is called an “alternative lifestyle” to find the path of peace and freedom in the recovery of their lost soul.

It continues to be my heartfelt prayer that I may have the opportunity to reach those wounded brothers, that lasting change requires not only pointing the way, but also grabbing their hand and walking alongside. Are you ready and able to walk with me?

Al Stewart
Toronto, ON

Former drug lord meets God after near-death beating (July 14, 2009)

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Wow what a testimony. Praise God that He picks us up off the floor and restores us -- if only we ask.

Kimberley Payne
Millbrook, ON

Former drug lord meets God after near-death beating (July 14, 2009)

Friday, July 17, 2009

I had the privilege of meeting Michael at a writer's conference about a month ago. Mike reminds me once again that we serve a God who has provided a Redeemer, and if there is a breath in us (and there was only one breath left in Mike) then we stand to receive that redemption, no matter what we've done or what's been done to us.

Thank God who in his His mighty love responded to this broken little boy in a giant man's body. I am waiting with great joy and anticipation as to how Michael Bull Roberts will help others come into the freedom found only in Christ.

Michelle Sim
Oakville, ON

Former drug lord meets God after near-death beating (July 14, 2009)

Friday, July 17, 2009

Nice testimony Mike. May you continue to serve the one true God. You have been pulled out of the dirt that had no future, to that
wonderfull world of JESUS. All praise to HIM alone Mike!!

Diane Woudenberg
Waterdown, ON

RE: Hard times at Huntley Street

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

As an investor in Crossroads Television System and a strong supporter of Crossorads Ministries, I felt very satisfied with the letter I received from David Mainse stating that the situation is definitely one of Ron and Reynold being "duped" as you put it, not consciously aware of wrongdoing. The fact that they have stepped down from leadership until the situation is resolved seems to me evidence that there is no cover-up happening. Having been involved with the ministry for many years, I feel its integrity is well established and this storm, like so many others it has faced, will be worked through with God's help to a positive conclusion.

Ruth Reid
Surrey, BC

RE: One plain Bible please; hold the fixings

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Re: "One plain Bible, please; hold the fixings" (June 5, 2009)
I appreciate David Daniels' concern regarding all the study Bibles on the market. I agree that there are far too many people and publishers flooding the market with editions we do not need!

Having said that, can study Bibles (or those using them) confuse divine inspiration with human interpretation? Perhaps, but that can also happen simply using a Bible with no study notes. Translation itself involves interpretation; there is really no such thing as "word for word translation," since word meanings, idioms, grammar and sentence structure differ considerably from language to language. Often it is a case of choosing among several possible translations from the original Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek into English. A translation committee will tend to put its primary choice in the text, with other options in footnotes.

And often a passage can be misleading for the English reader if there is no background or explanatory information given. The meaning of a word in the original text may be broader or narrower than its closest equivalent in English. Or there may be known or suspected specialized meanings in a particular period of history. I suggest that a good study Bible is a valuable tool, but should be prepared by a team of competent scholars who are at home in the original languages.

A good study Bible will explain translation and interpretation options, cultural, historical and archaeological background, and perhaps also discuss varying interpretations of key verses on topics like baptism and the millennium, etc. Doesn't the reader have the right to know what the options are, and where those holding diverse views are coming from? That encourages thoughtful study.

So, don't be afraid to use a study Bible. Just do some careful checking before selecting one!

Vern Raaflaub, professor emeritus, Concordia Lutheran Seminary
Edmonton, AB

RE: Editor does the Write thing

Thursday, June 18, 2009

So, you're speaking on how to deliver the bad news in good taste, how to expose sin graciously, how to tell the truth in love, how to do what the Bible does so well: give the whole human goods so we are reminded of how much we need God.

Christ's church needs good writers--not verbal entertainers, but artists with an edge. Two edges.

Thanks for being such a writer. I pray for you, and now I have added reason to do so.

Bill Tuininga
Edmonton, AB

RE: Death is not a prolife answer

Friday, June 5, 2009

You handle an emotional, divisive issue with great skill and sensitivity.

When I was in my twenties, I was a nominally “pro-choice.” I was wrong. As I matured, listened, learned and lived life, I came to understand my position was morally indefensible. I recognize that in extreme medical circumstances abortion is the only option to save the mother's life, and is therefore regrettably necessary. However, as you point out, the vast majority of abortions are performed to preserve the current lifestyle of the would-be parents. Killing an unborn baby for the sake of convenience is morally repugnant.

My point is this: If I can change my mind on such an important issue, surely others can also be swayed by reasoned appeals to intellect, compassion and our better nature. The only way to change minds and effect change in a civilized society is to engage in civil, respectful debate conducted in a non-violent environment. Killing an abortion doctor is murder. Plain and simple.

When I heard the news of the brutal killing of Dr. George Tiller, my heart sank. Violence only radicalizes and divides. Jesus Christ won people to his cause with love and compassion, meeting people on their own terms. Christians need to follow his example. I pray for the unborn, but also for parents thinking of aborting the lives of their unborn kids. Thanks for tackling such a difficult issue. It takes courage to wade into this debate.

Geoffrey P. Johnston
Kingston, ON

RE: Harper needs a water pistol

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Joe Couto should stick to topics he knows something about. He knows nothing about rural life in Canada, nor use of weapons in crime, the two critical issues in the long gun registry discussion. The analogy to car registration is egregious; such registration primarily serves to protect the owner of a car, not victims of crime. Why not register knives, a weapon actually used in crime? It makes much more sense than long guns.

Police organizations have good reason to tow the activist line. They already have enough harassment. Couto needs to conduct a survey among officers where party line is not required. His “coincidence” comment is just as absurd; Couto has established no correlation between unregistered long guns and suicides or murder of women. There are other unsubstantiated assertions; it is impossible to restrict automatic weapons apart from this long registry? We are used to government waste; this registry is the most notorious, not only of taxpayer money, but of the time of citizens requiring the use of long guns.

August H. Konkel, president, Providence College and Seminary
Otterburne, MB

RE: Harper needs a water pistol

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

I first want to comment on how much I appreciate your newspaper. It is refreshing to be able to read news from a positive, Christian perspective that is almost always politically and denominationally neutral.

That is why I am puzzled by your decision to publish Joe Couto’s most recent column. I don’t think it is too out of line, other than the usual ramblings of a journalist with an opinion. In fact, I agree with the preservation of the long gun registry (although I would use more valid arguments for doing so).

What bothers me is that it is a secular column. I don’t see the relevance of the column from a Christian perspective, nor do I see a hint of effort where Couto tries to tie the subject back to Scripture or Christianity. Your website states that “...Canada Today columnists discuss current trends, issues and opinions, and provide insight as to how people of faith might respond.” I read the column twice to see where the “insight” might be hidden and was unsuccessful in finding it.

There may be many persons, like me, who put down the paper after reading Mr. Couto's column and miss the Christian testimony found in the rest of the magazine. I did, however, pick up the paper again and was blessed by many of the other articles.
Be cautious in selecting columns that have at least a hint of significance to the Christian faith. A blank spot on page five would have been just as beneficial to your readers.

Les Funk
MacGregor, MB

RE: Presbyterian church leaves denomination

Sunday, May 24, 2009

I hope this can be a positive update on this article. Today, May 24, 2009, Trinity Community Presbyterian Church is alive and well and its membership voted today unanimously to call Mike Hamilton as our new minister. We have not only survived the departure of Carey and his followers, but have continued in our mission to preach the gospel in the community and around the world. Carey's hope to buy out the building from the Presbyterian Church failed when more than 50 members and adherents met in October 2007 and pledged to support the ongoing ministry.

We were able to reduce the outstanding mortgage to about $234,000, and then the Presbyterian Church showed its wonderful support to us by taking it over from the bank.

Each week we have been led in worship by our own worship team, visiting musicians and a wonderful group of ministers and a couple of lay leaders who brought us their messages.

So no, we aren't dead, or dying. We are alive and well and following the Lord's teachings.

Rob Ward
Oro-Medonte

RE: Peter Youngren buys Canada's largest Christian TV channel

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Since publication of this story, the CRTC has given regulatory approval and World Impact Ministries is expected to start operating the channel by June 1.

I do believe that God, by His Holy Spirit, speaks to believers by urging us to pursue certain paths, and I also believe that God can speak through visions. I am not given to visions, though during a five-hour prayer time in 1973, I believe God spoke to me in a vision that lasted 10 to 15 minutes (not five hours). I frequently draw strength from that experience. When the opportunity to purchase The Christian Channel was presented to me I did not consider it to be “the voice of God” but an opportunity that may indeed be from the Lord.

The article makes mention of our desire to rally broad-based support from Canadians for the channel, soon to be re-branded Grace TV. The writer then makes the valid point that we have not yet actually made contact with such groups as the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, the Canadian Counsel of Churches, the United Church of Canada, etc.

Taking ownership of The Christian Channel has been a long process which culminated in the recent approval by CRTC. We received legal advice to be careful to not speak for TCC or present ourselves as the owners of the channel until CRTC’s approval. Now, upon such approval, we plan to contact a broad range of people who we believe have similar goals to our own concerning presenting Christ to Canadians.

We are concerned about the lack of gospel awareness among Canadians, and we seek to join hands with those who have a similar concern. Like the apostle Paul, our goal is to find ways to present Jesus Christ crucified in a way that can relate to the every day lives of Canadians and people around the world.

Peter Youngren
St. Catharines, ON

RE: Peter Youngren buys Canada's largest Christian TV channel

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

The reference to the “five-hour vision” came from World Impact Ministries’ website, www.peteryoungren.com.

Eds.

RE: Peter Youngren buys Canada's largest Christian TV channel

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

I regret any confusion caused by our website regarding the very meaningful vision I experienced in 1973. It did not last five hours, but maybe fifteen minutes, during a five hour time of prayer.

Peter Youngren
St. Catharines, ON

RE: Evangelical hockey fights hard to keep it clean

Friday, May 15, 2009

Our Christian grandson plays in a regular hockey league and a couple of years ago while he was playing in the Bantam division he was involved in a "fight." He was checked from behind but did not retaliate, so the opposing player punched him in the back.

Our grandson tried to avoid fighting by falling to the ice but the other lad jumped on him and continued punching. Meanwhile, the officials stood and watched, doing nothing to stop the action. Our grandson then got up and wrapped his arms around the other boy's, but again the officials stayed away, watching. Finally, in frustration, our grandson pushed away the other boy firmly and the officials moved in, charging both with fighting and assessing our grandson a two-game suspension.

We reported and complained to the regulatory body for our area and the officials must have been reprimanded because even though my husband works with two of them, they refused any further conversations with him after that.

A small victory perhaps but we must continue to pray for our young people who are trying to hold on to and exhibit Christian values in a world that doesn't accept or understand.

Wish there were more Christian sports groups like these men in your article. Keep up the good work!

Dale Phillips
Wetaskiwin, AB

RE: Peter Youngren buys Canada's largest Christian TV channel

Monday, May 4, 2009

This is wonderful news after listening to and watching shows full of mixed doctrine, condemnation and ill-representations of our beautiful Jesus. I am looking forward to the refreshing messages and shows this ministry will offer. I have great confidence that Jesus Himself is behind all of this. My spirit is jumping with joy!

Julie Karanfilis
St. Catharines, ON