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- Duane L. Burgess

Tucson, Ariz.

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Yancey rightly condemns untruthful attacks on himself and other well-known Christian writers and leaders. However, I believe he has missed a key point of his debate. He mentions that "the real enemies are outside, not inside the tent." Really! A major portion of the churches surrendered on many of the major issues in the twentieth century-particularly abortion, homosexuality, and the moral law. What is left is a meaningless, cheap grace, where we can do anything and still love each other. How does one love when there is no law to define the parameters?

Instead of being the leaders of morality, we support churches a large portion of the population find irrelevant. The fundamentalists have pointed out repeatedly that we continue down a path that can only lead the church and our country to destruction. The vicious tone comes simply from frustration.

- Jeffrey Heyl

Bluefield, W. V.

MEL WHITE AND ORIGINAL SIN

In Bob Davies's review of Mel White's book [Books, June 20], Davies says, "Incredibly, [White] was still heavily involved in writing projects for top evangelical leaders" while he was an active homosexual. To me (and I hope to others who believe the doctrine of original sin), this is not incredible at all. At least, it is no more incredible than Jim Bakker continuing his ministry after converting Jessica Hahn from church secretary to national notoriety. In White's case, he was selling a service to Falwell, Graham, Kennedy, Robertson, and others. Gifted writers can communicate things they themselves understand only on the surface. The church, following after our culture, puts competence above character. Skill in writing, like skill in athletics or auto repair, is no guarantee of high morals—and a good predictor of arrogance and pride.

Sexual sin is the point that should most sharply separate cultural conservatives from orthodox believers. Cultural conservatives think responsible fornication and adultery with extenuating circumstances are acceptable. We Christians should put every sort of sexual activity outside marriage in a single category. White is an unrepentant sexual sinner, period. He is no better and no worse than the one million couples each year whose coupling ends in abortion. White was used for his skill; his character was not an issue until it was too late. Now he is yet another stain on the mega-ministries.

- Neil Gussman

Lancaster, Pa.

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Your review of Stranger at the Gate was worth the price of a year's subscription add more.

- Rev. Robert S. Vanderschaaf

Alton, Iowa

CLARIFICATION

In the August 15, 1994, News article "Mixing Politics and Piety," we reported allegations made against the Christian Research Institute, headed by Hank Hanegraaff. The editors did not intend to judge the truthfulness of the charges of financial impropriety by having it run under the section titled "When Leaders Stumble." Hanegraaff was offered an opportunity to respond, but he failed to return repeated telephone calls.

- The Editors

Brief letters are welcome; all are subject to condensation. Write to Eutychus, CHRISTIANITY TODAY, 465 Gundersen Drive, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188; fax: (708) 260-0114.

Copyright 1994 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

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September 12 1994, Vol. 38, No. 10