Letters to the Editor - January/February 2008

'Long-Term Potential for Problems'
(posted 2-25-08)
I read with some interest the recent article about polysite or multiple-campus congregations (“The Polysite Church” by Dave Ferguson, February 24). I applaud the basic concern for outreach that drives this. I suppose, too, there is some concern for issues of stewardship. I also rejoice in the individuals won to Christ through the effort.

At the same time, the use of multiple sites reflects an ignorance in the history of Christianity and the development of ecclesiastical structures that ultimately resulted in the Roman Catholic Church. As the early church moved into the second century, it encountered practical problems which it solved by multiplying congregations in a city or region. Elders (presbyters) from the central church went out with the Eucharist (Lord’s Supper) to serve these gatherings. Over time the presbyters were identified with one or more of those congregations and remained subservient to the central church. Richard Wentz describes it this way:

“As these congregations grew too large and spread throughout the area, it became necessary to share that pastoral oversight with presbyters, who became known as priests. The priests served local congregations as representatives of the bishop as chief apostolic pastor or overseer” (Richard E. Wentz, Religion in the New World: The Shaping of Religious Traditions in the United States [Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1990] 89).

Although a pragmatic solution to a problem, the multiplication of sites resulted in the unintended consequence of the whole ecclesiastical structure of Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Anglicanism.

In my view, the long-term potential for problems in polity and purpose is rife in multisite churches. For a movement such as ours, which has always maintained the autonomy of a local congregation, this seems a serious departure.

The congregation established as an extension campus may be considered part of “one church,” but all of the congregations in Catholicism are considered “one church” as well. There can be no long-term guarantees that doctrine or method will remain static in an extension congregation. In some manner, when such guarantees can no longer be met, there will be “definitions” or creedal statements followed by some sort of “apostolic succession,” given another name, of course. But a skunk given another name still smells as bad.

When the changes come, who determines the “ownership” of the campus? How can one congregation in one cultural setting (even in one section of a large city) best determine how a group should operate in another setting? How long will the “central” church sink funds into an extension body that can’t or doesn’t “pay its own way”?

I am reasonably certain that the establishment of mutlisite churches is done with the best of intentions and the best of motives. I am also reasonably certain there will be few problems during the first generation. What we see, then, is a shortsighted solution to problems that will have long-term consequences.
—Michael Hines
Palm Springs, California

Two Additional Factors for Growth
(posted 2-22-08)
Thanks to Paul Williams for his gathering of views on what accounts for the recent growth of the Christian churches ("What Accounts for Our Growth?" February 24).
 
I cannot help but add an additional observation. Our churches today stand on the shoulders of two outstanding educators, Medford Jones and Joe Ellis, who impressed upon a generation of ministers and elders the imperatives of church growth. Both applied their outstanding skills in analysis and communication to furthering the core mission of making disciples. Today the ideas that they championed are central to the consciousness of our growing congregations.
 
As I celebrate their amazing contribution and give thanks for their influence on my own life, I pray for others who can devote themselves to the same task in the coming generation.
—Jon Weatherly
Vice President for Academic Affairs
Cincinnati (OH) Christian University

Applause for NACC's Bold Theme
(posted 2-18-08)
Thank you to those putting together the theme of this year’s North American Christian Convention and for your periodical’s advertisement of it (February 17 issue). I am excited that our movement is willing to tackle this idea of “living dangerously” for Christ.

Because of the truly bold nature of this theme, what I assume the NACC conversation will be about will not come from the white-suburban-middle-class context we are so used to (and comfortable with), but from the front lines of the worldwide Christian movement—especially those indigenous workers in hostile nations. Though the focus of the convention remains within our own longitudinal spectrum, we in North America might just be responsible for our brothers and sisters out there (let us not claim Cain’s folly).

I assume the NACC will also address the growing disparity in our own country between those-who-have and those-who-have-not, especially in regard to those churches and ministries braving it out in urban environments—those who do not have adequate resources to accomplish their overwhelming mission to a dysfunctional context. I assume it will take on the issues of globalization and urbanization and will issue a bold vision for resourcing the international and urban ministries that dare to take on these contexts and will address our own responsibility in regard to these.

I certainly hope, and would not at all assume, that the tone of this year’s convention will not be the oh-so-typical version of waving the “you can feel good too” banner in “Osteenian” fashion, which does not challenge well-resourced churches and ministries to realign their paradigms in order to take seriously the red letters of the Gospels (those words which say “dangerous” things like “sell all you have and give to the poor”). I trust that our movement’s commitment to the words of Christ himself will not allow this convention to take place on the metaphorical couch of fine linen of the American dream, but will instead move forward to challenge our inherent assumptions about what “living dangerously” really means. We shall see.
—Cody Moore
Denver, Colorado

'Character Creep' Article 'Right on Target'
(posted 2-18-08)
Jud Wilhite’s Reflections column of February 17 (“The Assassin of Character Creep”) was right on target. This lesson reveals much about falling to sin. In sin, Satan blinds his victim from taking responsibility for the actions of sin. Sin seems so unnoticed during the process of temptation as well as the action itself. But as James says, it brings forth death (James 1:15)—your death as well as the death of others.
—Bill Dinwiddie
North Carolina

Appreciation for 'God's Word' Series
(posted 2-8-08)
Words cannot express my appreciation and gratitude for the four articles on “How God's Word Has Come to Us” by Lynn Gardner (January 20, 27, and February 3, 10).

His ability to give us historical facts and information is remarkable.

Thanks to Mr. Gardner and thanks to CHRISTIAN STANDARD for publishing the articles. (Click here to read Part 1 of the series, "God's Word Written.")
—Milfred Hudson
Spencer, Virginia

'Really Spoke to My Heart'
(posted 2-8-08)
Many thanks for the theme of the February 3 issue, “The Measure of a Man Is His Heart.” I suppose since I am of the "old school," having served along with my husband in mostly smalltown ministries for nearly 50 years, that these stories really spoke to my heart. I couldn't put it down until I had read all of them. Thank God for the “Isaacs”!
—Bea Herrin
Enid, Oklahoma

'Appalled but Not Surprised'
(posted 2-8-08)
I was appalled but not surprised to read Jim Dahlman’s factoid that $98,000 in Ohio tax dollars are funding a study of the effects of Tibetan Buddhist meditation on women with post-traumatic stress disorder (“Seen & Heard,” January 20). Thanks for the heads-up, Jim!

What most Westerners don’t realize is that Tibetan Buddhism is tantrism: black magic/sex magic. The Nobel Peace-prize-winning Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of this branch of Buddhism and is worshipped as the 14th incarnation of the “god of mercy.”

An 800-page expose, The Shadow of the Dalai Lama by the German couple Victoria and Victor Trimondi (ex-disciples of the Dalai Lama), states: “A deeply misogynist culture appears on the Tibetan-Buddhist stage when the pacifist curtain of compassion is drawn aside . . . in tantric sexual rites the feminine life force . . . is bled out of women as ‘fuel’ (see www.trimondi.de/SDLE/Index.htm). For a less scholarly, but much shorter summary of the Tibetan Buddhist agenda, see www.exacom.net/firstlibrary/Articles/Moral%20Issues/Religion/Buddhism/The%20Dalai%20Lama.htm.

June Campbell, a victim of these secret practices against women, tells her story here: www.anandainfo.com/tantric_robes.html.

So this is what the Ohio Department of Mental Health is doing to help traumatized women—“an integration of the archaic techniques of altered states of consciousness deriving from a primordial North Asian shamanism with the highly sophisticated psychic sciences of Buddhism and (shamanistic) Bon” (John Myrdhin Reynolds, Vidyadhara Institute, Berkeley, California, 1989).

Wow. Where are the church and state crusaders when you need them?
—Jenna Lusby
Cincinnati, Ohio

'Statistics Are Misleading'
(posted 2-4-08)
Paul Williams’s column in the February 3 issue of CHRISTIAN STANDARD ("40 Is the New 20!") mentions some statistics on male “life expectancy.” For example, he says that in 1900, the average American male could expect to live to the ripe old age of 40. However, such statistics are misleading because they include a high rate of infant mortality. In 1900, 40 years of age was not considered old. Back then, adults expected to live about as long as people do today. However, in 1900, about 165 infants died in their first year out of every 1,000 that were born. In 1997, only about 7 per 1,000 died. Additionally, prior to penicillin and other drugs, childhood diseases claimed the lives of many children. So if an individual was fortunate enough to make it past childhood, his or her life expectancy was nearly as long as it is today.
—Paul McDorman
Cincinnati, Ohio

'It Has Made a Difference'
(posted 2-4-08)
Thank you for “When Worship Equals Service: A Conversation Between Paul and David” by Mandy Smith (January 27 issue).

For many years I realized worship could happen every day, all day, not just on Sunday for a couple hours. And I also realized that my works of service to whomever doing whatever outside the church grounds were also a form of worship.

What I had not thought of was how my works of service during worship could also be worship.

I am involved in the Welcome and A/V Ministries and often feel busy and not connected to the formal worship on Sunday. Now I see what I do in a different light and it has made a difference.
—Diane Mitchell
Des Moines, Iowa

'I Am Very Happy in Ministry'
(posted 2-1-08)
Although I didn’t see the Time article, I would agree that serving the Lord and his people in ministry is a wonderful life (see the February 3 editorial, “Ministers: The Happiest Workers in America”). The summer of 1954 at Cedar Lake camp in northwest Indiana, I, along with many others, became a “life-recruit.” I have never regretted that decision.

Have there been difficulties along the way? Have people disappointed me? Have I failed in various areas and in turn let others down? Yes. But looking back I realize how wonderfully blessed we are, and that includes our children and their families as well.

Just last year we moved from a joyous 15-year ministry in Illinois to assume a new challenge near to our hometown in Indiana. There have been some challenges, but all in all, I believe God’s hand was in it and he is blessing our efforts. I plan to continue as long as health permits and those with whom we serve respond positively to our ministry.

Yes, I can say I am very happy in ministry, and if that is God’s call for a life, go for it.
—Al LaRue
Via e-mail

Looking Forward to 'Year of the Elder'
(posted 1-22-08)
“The Year of the Elder” should be a great effort. Many churches do not train elders and this should provide some good resources. Arron Chambers’s survey (click here if you are an elder and want to participate) should be very interesting. I believe too many are stuck with the model from smaller churches where it’s the same person doing a task and also being an elder then equating the two.
 
Thomas Scott Caulley’s “To Err is Divine . . .” (January 6) had some very good points. I believe, however, that we should be a little more careful with titles than he suggests as those both inside and outside the church depend on the “handles” to determine what they think happens and place denominational attributes where they do not belong. I have observed a swing from significant intolerance to perhaps too much on some issues (Matthew 7: 21-23).
 
Confusion is generated by the churches where the minister performs an abundance of pastoral duties with ineffective elders compared to churches that have untrained and unthinking elders that insist that their opinions should totally prevail or those churches that have the combination minister/elder based on function.
 
This should be a good year for many of us. I hope many elders participate.
—Bob Kitchen
Batavia, Ohio

Two Questions
(posted 1-15-08)
I am a little behind in my reading of the CHRISTIAN STANDARD. I have a few items on which I wish to comment. One is your editorial in the December 9, 2007, issue, in which you say, “How can we point out the Christian roots in many of our traditional Christmas symbols and proclaim the Christian message in carols thoughtlessly crooned by rock stars on the radio?”

My question, to paraphrase the one the Israelite asked Moses the day following the murder of the Egyptian, “Who made you judge?” How do you know the heart and mind of the singer who performs the carols on the radio? Do you even know the heart and mind of the singer at church singing the same songs?

A second item is the title for the first article in the January 6 issue. On the front page the title is “Who Is a Pastor?” but the title on the first page (page 4) in about 100 point type, blares “To Err is Divine.” How you got from the first title to the second is beyond my comprehension. While the second title turned me off, I did read the article, but found nothing within the article that addressed this title either pro or con. It is, to say the least, disrespectful of God to equate him with error. I think that it was just a title thrown in to catch the eye, but in my case it gave me a negative introduction to the article in which unfortunately I found little new.
—Mark A. McClanahan
Doraville, Georgia

Enjoying Articles on Elders
(posted 1-15-08)
I really have enjoyed the articles in CHRISTIAN STANDARD about elders. I look forward to the next magazine full of elder articles. I hope to see something about deacons also.

In the church we belonged to the elders want to have meetings and make decisions but did not want to shepherd the flock. My husband was a deacon at the time and he called on more people of the congregation than did the elders. People wanted him to be an elder but he felt he was to young (40s) and we still have one child in school so he felt he could not commit the time needed to be an elder.

He says that if/when he becomes an elder he will go out several nights a week to visit and talk to people in the congregation. He doesn’t want to just make decisions and not talk and be with the people. I hope these articles help him, as I know he would make a great elder. He is very caring of people. The older women of the church just loved him, because if they missed a Sunday he would call to see if they were OK. No one else called and they said it was good to know that someone noticed they were missing and called on them. He would take Communion to sick and shut-ins and call on those that didn’t get to church often.

Our minister at the time taught us both how to be servants for the Lord. My husband and I would go calling together all the time. Not only is he a great servant, but also a problem-solver and a peacemaker. Hope to see more good articles on elders.

One question I have is if there are only two elders and they are split on a decision, do you think it is OK for the minister to be the tiebreaker? If the church has a board of former elders, deacons, and trustees, do you think they should be the tiebreaker? I thought the elders ran the church and the minister fed the flock!
—Val
Via e-mail

Elders Complement One Another
(posted 1-15-08)
I don’t think there is one of us who serves as an elder who has looked at the list of qualifications that Paul gives to Timothy and Titus and not felt incomplete. It’s a daunting task to measure up to that man.

I have believed that this list is more a picture of the character of the “ideal man” to serve as elder than of a legalistic list of requirements. Certainly all of us should strive for the sterling character described, but we should view our weaknesses in these areas to serve as glaring reminders of our need for Christ.

In Brad Dupray’s interview with Lynn Anderson that appeared in the January 6 edition, I was quite encouraged by Lynn’s words that he did not see the 1 Timothy 3 passage as a checklist. Seeking to establish that the beautiful picture of a man of virtue were qualities rather than qualifications.

Acts and the epistles speak of elders, plural, rather than to an individual. This seems to become natural when we see that each of us, as individual parts of a plurality, bring a different piece of the puzzle to the table. No single man can measure up, but in combination we more closely mirror the man described by Paul.

Taken further, when we apply the analogy of the body in 1 Corinthians 12, we can see our individual roles as individual parts of a complete body. With Christ as the Head and our brother elders as other parts of that body, the body is made whole. This is an obvious reference to the body of Christ as a whole but it has definite implications to the body of shepherds we know as “the elders”.

When I joined the elders of my congregation as a fellow elder, there was a considerable period where we had to grow together in maturity and intimacy. At first the differences in our personalities and gifts were a source of irritation to one another, but with time we learned to appreciate each other’s perspective, realizing that often another can see what I cannot. One man is pragmatic, another is impulsive, yet another is contemplative, and another is a visionary. We all like the comfort of being around people of like minds, but it is a rich experience to see what God can do with a group of diverse men who together value and respect the other and is challenged and sharpened by them.

Completing one another in spiritual gifts as well as in character and virtue, the body of shepherds become the man described by Paul.
—John Canon, minister
Jerusalem Christian Church
Greenville, Pennsylvania

Why Was the Anderson Interview Published?
(posted 1-15-08)
I minister with West Village Christian Church in Albion, Illinois. One of our elders and many of our congregation read through your articles on elders in the January 6 edition of CHRISTIAN STANDARD, and they had some questions for me regarding the interview with Lynn Anderson. I have since read the article and, hence, I am writing of this letter.
 
I will give you the benefit of the doubt, that I have misunderstood parts of this interview, which led me to question why this article was ever published in the first place, and why CHRISTIAN STANDARD (a Restoration Movement publishing house) gives credit to Lynn Anderson as “one of the most respected authorities on church eldership.”

I need clarification on two points regarding woman as elders. Maybe you can clear this up for me.
 
Does the Bible, in Timothy and Titus, give any indication that women can ever be elders? Is there some “hermeneutic/theology” here that I am missing, and will we, as Restoration Christian churches, need to move “culturally” into the future where women will be elders? When will our “church culture” be ready for women elders? I would suggest only when we get rid of the Word of God and “do our own thing!”
 
“Locally and contextually,” should we not follow the guidelines given in these epistles for elders in our congregations?
 
Please reassure me that CHRISTIAN STANDARD is not faltering on biblical truth, and that there was some error in publishing this man’s teachings! Our churches need to be reading thoughts, ideas, and commentary that are biblically oriented, and help grow the church—not cause confusion!
 
Please tell me that I misunderstood this article, and that you do not support this misguided teaching on elders? There are a lot of people who are questioning—why?
—Derek J. Facculyn-Gous
Albion, Illinois

'No Simple Solutions'
(posted 1-11-08)
Robert Hull’s article entitled, “What About War” (January 20 issue, which “goes live” on January 16), caused me to initially flinch. I thought, Here comes another anti-war type and a diatribe against the current war on terrorism. But, as I read the article carefully, Bob put his finger on a subject that eventually we all must resolve in our own minds. It is not a clean issue and the Bible does not provide a clear direction for modern Christians. It is true that the Restoration churches in the South during the Civil War advocated pacifism, while at the same time the northern churches led by James Garfield were staunch advocates of the Union cause. Many members of churches of Christ were pacifists prior to December 7, 1941, but few after that date.

I have always thought that the New Testament showed the Roman centurions as examples of faith without castigating them for their military role. For instance, the centurion who indicated Jesus did not have to come personally to heal his sick servant, but just to say the word . . . or the centurion at the foot of cross who said, “Surely this is the Son of God” . . . or finally Cornelius who became a Christian along with his entire household.

I do believe Christians must defend their families and nations. I have never fought in a war, but Hull is right when he says there is no good war.

When I visited Peleliu while writing about a group of young Marines in their first combat, I stood on the landing beach and just shook my head as to how young boys could charge through the blood-tainted surf with machine guns firing at them from just a few yards away. My uncle could hardly talk about the grisly scenes he had seen at the Nordhausen concentration camp and how it was no big deal to just shoot all the SS guards in reprisal.

As a family we lived for more than three years with our grandson fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan and wondering whether he would come home alive. Six purple hearts did not help our anxiety. We were proud of him when his Special Forces team eliminated the terrorist Zarquahi. But, God was faithful and he is now home for good. Yes, Bob Hull is right, “There are no simple solutions.”
—Larry Woodard
Meridian, Idaho

'Parallels . . . Are So Clear'
(posted 1-10-08)
The parallels drawn by Dr. Robert Lowery between Charles Dickens's Christmas Carol and the prophecy of John on the isle of Patmos are so clear, yet have not been previously observed by this reader (“A Christmas Carol,” December 23). He brings alive those things we must remember as Christians—that Christmas is not just December 25th, it is every day that we live and breathe while on this temporal orb.

Lowery always speaks and writes concisely so that Scripture is understood and made applicable. This is especially true in his book Revelation’s Rhapsody. We often attack Revelation with a vengeance thinking it can never be understood this side of Heaven; however, Lowery unlocks the book and allows us to let loose of our fears of the study of this final book of prophecy. I thank God for Lowery as one who strives to preach and teach the Word without compromise.
—Donna Adams
Shelbyville, Indiana

A 'Messy Point . . . that We Overlook'
(posted 1-4-08)
Brother Jeff Walling tried to make the point that the birth of Jesus was unconventional in a social sense, besides being unconventional in a spiritual sense. (A virgin bearing the Son of God?!). (See “Messy Christmas!” December 16, 2007.)

There is a messy point about the birth of Jesus that we overlook. First, for scriptural and logical reasons, his birth probably did not occur in December. Second, this date (the traditional birth date of Tammuz) was chosen when the church was forcibly merged with official Roman theology (paganism) in the fourth century. To make matters worse, we place the traditional pagan Tammuz tree (an evergreen, showing how Tammuz later came back to life) in our church lobbies and sanctuaries. Do a little research on Babylonian mystery religions. There is a mess for church leaders to consider.
—Ronald Taylor
Apex, North Carolina

'The Truth Hurts'
(posted 1-4-08)
After reading so many comments concerning Jeff Walling’s “Messy Christmas!” (December 16, 2007), I decided to read the article for myself to see what this heretic had to say.

After reading it the first thing that came to mind was, “The truth hurts.” I heard Fred Craddock once say that everybody wants the story of Luke—angels, shepherds, and praise for God. But nobody really wants the story that comes from Matthew—a crazed king killing young children to try to eliminate what he saw as a threat to his kingdom. Not the perfect story we always hear about.

But this “Messy Christmas” that Jeff Walling describes is about perfection.

It is about a Savior who comes into the world to save messy people. People who have messed up lives being connected to a Savior who brings perfection to an imperfect world. I think God had a plan in the story of the birth of Jesus. He wanted to show us that, despite how difficult and messy life can be, Jesus brings hope, peace, and joy.
—Scott Baker
Tallmadge, Ohio

'Expectations of Perfection'
(posted 1-4-08)
Thank you so much for writing about eldership in 2008. As a young elder (mid-40s), I have found that expectations of perfection stymie the effectiveness of many an eldership, regardless of whether those expectations come from the congregation, the leadership, the pastorate, or even the elders themselves. Mostly, opinions feed those expectations. Understanding of the biblical office of elder is necessary to keep opinion out of expectations. Expectations should only reflect the faithful pursuit of God’s will. That’s a hard task in a broken world.

I pray that the CHRISTIAN STANDARD series will promote a dialogue of discernment and holiness commanded of this most important role.
—Alan Kirkpatrick
Hebron, Indiana

Series on Elders 'Vital to Me'
(posted 1-4-08)
I for one will be eagerly looking forward to each CHRISTIAN STANDARD issue with articles on elders (see January 6 issue).

As the pulpit minister of a church of about 250, this is particularly vital to me. Most everything has flowed smoothly here, except the lack of agreement between the elders and myself on the role of elders. I have been influenced by Lynn Anderson and others who emphasize the need for shepherds to mingle among their flock and to lead by moral suasion, not rank and title. The conflict that has developed over our disagreement has resulted in four of our six elders resigning and we have hired a conflict management consultant.
 
Beginning in March we will have our adult Sunday morning Bible class focusing on the topic of elders, and I will certainly pass on what I’m reading here!
—Craig
Via e-mail

'One of the Main Problems Faced'
(posted 1-4-08)
Thanks for the exciting emphasis on congregation elders and leadership in the STANDARD over this coming year (see January 6 issue). In the consulting we do through the Center for Church Advancement, one of the main problems faced by a myriad of churches is the difficulty in developing and training men to effectively fulfill the role of elder. I truly believe that strengthening the elderships of our churches will move many of our churches to the next level in terms of effectiveness. Thanks for your insight and contribution in this area of church life.
—David Roadcup
Executive Director
Center for Church Advancement
Cincinnati (Ohio) Christian University

'Deserved an Award'
(posted 1-3-08)
Your first edition on elders (January 6) deserved an award. What a superb start to 2008. Having been an elder in four states and seven different churches, I have seen moments of leadership greatness and weakness. If our churches had strong leadership, we would not be having the problems of no weekly Communion, twisted doctrine, consumer-oriented church names, and men aspiring to the title and not the role. I look forward to your next edition.
—Larry Woodard
Meridian, Idaho

'Church Elders Are . . . '
(posted 1-3-08)
Church elders are:

1. “Clerks watching the store while the Boss is away.”
Someone has to keep things running smoothly.

2. “Older brothers watching out for the younger children.”
They need protection and guidance.

3. “Not dictators but facilitators.”
Not ruling by pride and oppression, but enabling each to do his/her task in the functioning of the congregation (see 1 Peter 5:2, 3).
—Rhoderick D. Ice
Philippi, West Virginia

Still Playing the Organ
(posted 1-3-08)
I am writing in response to the letter written by A. William Johnson, Tulare, California, in “Readers Write” in the December 2, 2007, issue of CHRISTIAN STANDARD.

I have been playing the piano in church since I was a teenager (I am now 67) and the organ for more than 30 years. I still play the organ for our traditional service every Sunday. . . . I also play the organ for the Communion meditation as often as I can and always have something ready, although sometimes there is a change in the service.

Just wanted to be counted as one who still plays the organ at a Christian church service regularly.
—Lois Whitlow
Valley Mills Christian Church
Indianapolis, Indiana

Column Was 'Completely Repulsive to Me'
(posted 1-3-08)
The December 16 “Reflections” column by Jeff Walling (“Messy Christmas!”) was completely repulsive to me. He says the Christmas message scene on cards, in church plays, and in children’s hearts is all wrong because it is completely unbiblical and tells the wrong story. If he is right then billions of devout Christians since the first century have been wrong, since this is what brought them to Christ. It seems as if in an attempt to write something new and clever he has turned the New Testament Gospel story of the birth of our Savior into a MESS instead of the BLESS it really is.

When he spells the sacred scriptural term for Christ as Messiah he has really become sacrilegious—for shame of Emmanuel, our Lord and Savior.

Let us look at his foolish points. He first brings up the “mess” that Joseph was about to divorce Mary when he learned she was pregnant. So what? This was natural. Even if he had, it still was not part of the redemption story of our Lord’s birth at all. Jesus would still have been born as our Savior. That story was messy but a blessing to know there was a man of Joseph’s character.

Then he derides the fact that Jesus was born in a stinking manger and homeless, and pictures Joseph, even Mary, as downcast by the messy situation, not smiling and happy as Christmas cards portray. Good grief, a loving couple is always happy at the birth of a child, no matter the circumstances. These conditions meant nothing to Joseph and Mary. They were so happy over Jesus’ birth they would be singing with joy because they knew Who and What he was. Did Jeff never read Luke 2:11? The angel of God had told them, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (King James Version). With that message stirring their hearts would they be sorrowful or think themselves in a mess? How ridiculous can one get?

I think that even the animals with their keen instincts realized Joseph and Mary’s happiness and were in some way rejoicing with them.

Then he brings up Herod killing the babies in Bethlehem as part of his messy Christmas story. That had nothing to do with the gospel message of Christ’s birth. The great event had already happened as a time of joy. Herod couldn’t affect or change God’s plan of salvation. All that tragedy did was prove how wicked the world was and how it needed a marvelous, not messy, Savior.

Furthermore, he uses it to say Jesus caused his folks more misery in his first three years than most of us do in a lifetime. Where in the world did he get this idea? Jesus didn’t cause them any misery at all during that time except they had to journey to Egypt for a while where they were probably blessed. See Ann Rice’s best-selling book, Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt.

Simeon later prophesied that the final destiny of Jesus would bring Mary a sword that would pierce her heart (Luke 2:35), referring to Christ’s coming passion. However knowing the Truth, she would rejoice in this as well, while naturally crying over the suffering of beloved Son. Tradition about her subsequent life has indicated this would be the case.

So what’s the purpose of Jeff’s messy Christmas story? He seems to think it will turn modern young people on to Jesus. But they are in a big enough mess today as it is; why wallow in another messy story? Surely a joyful, scriptural, Gospel message of salvation through a wonderful, BLESSED, loving Savior should appeal to them as it always has, and as Jeff admitted it had him. Praise God for the true Gospel story as found in the accurate and reliable New Testament.

Let me suggest that if someone takes Jeff’s advice and greets you with “Messy Christmas to you,” that you be prepared to tell them the true Gospel story of the birth of Jesus in order to lead them to the Blessed Savior. It certainly would be a good field for evangelism.
—Donald A. Nash

For letters from November and December 2007, click here
For letters from September and October 2007, click here
For letters from July and August 2007, click here
For letters from May and June 2007, click here
For letters from March and April 2007, click here
For letters from January and February 2007, click here
For letters from November and December 2006, click here
For letters from September and October 2006, click here
For letters from July and August 2006, click here
For letters from April through June 2006, click here.
For letters from January through March 2006, click here.
For letters from October through December 2005, click here.
For letters from July through September 2005, click here.
For letters from February through June 2005, click here.