Related articles and links |  1 of 5

Many have written to express an opinion about the News update article "Growing Criticism" (Feb. 9) concerning Growing Families International and their Preparation for Parenthood Program. A large number have taken CT to task, citing positive personal experience with the GFI program and suggesting the information we published was biased and even "misleading" to those unfamiliar with Preparation for Parenthood. Expressing a sentiment echoed by many, one parent who is also a nurse wrote, "I have been tremendously blessed and helped by the Ezzos' materials."

At the same time, however, others have applauded CT for, in the words of one, "having the courage to publish a follow-up story on the program that is currently sweeping the nation." A marriage and family therapist, observing families using GFI materials who "join the chorus of how well it's 'working,' " expressed dismay that the "definition of 'working' seems to be limited to the parents' convenience." "I've never heard these parents discuss their children's emotional well-being or how much they enjoy the relationships with them," she says. "I find that grievous."

Randy Frame, who wrote CT's article, suggests that friends of GFI gain access to GFI's "alleged list of supporting physicians. … If they can't, perhaps they, like Grace Community Church, will begin asking some of the same questions critics have been asking."

I want to thank you for your article on Jimmy Swaggart ["Still Wrestling with the Devil," Mar. 2]. It was refreshing to see a more gracious approach toward one who has fallen rather than a critical attack. Randall Balmer made a great point we should remember, that, like Swaggart, we are all human and daily need the grace and forgiveness of God. May God help us to practice Galatians 6:1: "looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted."

Pastor Joseph Pjecha
Tionesta Alliance Church
Tionesta, Pa.

Randall Balmer's story on Jimmy Swaggart was one of the saddest I have read in a long time. I had hoped to discover some insight from Swaggart, some deeper understanding of what happened to him, and what true religion really is. But there lingers about him a hint of a victim practicing a type of confession that avoids consequences by convincingly delivering sentimental intensity, not unlike another famous evangelical now making tabloid headlines (President Clinton).

Trey Bane
Marietta, Ga.

Thank you for the article on Jimmy Swaggart. I agreed with the church on discipline; however, he did at times cause me to pull my truck off the road and have church.

George Moizman
Orting, Wash.

When I conducted my first evangelistic meeting after finishing Southwestern Bible Institute in Waxahachie, Texas (now Southwestern Assemblies of God University), in June 1949 at Ferriday, Louisiana, a young teenager attended regularly. His name was Jimmy Swaggart. I had no idea his ministry in tv evangelism would be so far-reaching over the world in the years ahead.

As I have traveled over the world, I have seen the productive work of Jimmy in many countries, where he spent millions helping orphans, building Bible schools, and helping churches during his heyday in evangelism.

I have kept in touch with Jimmy and fully believe that God has used him mightily in years past. I believe he still has a heart of gold.

Talmadge Ford McNabb
Browns Mills, N.J.

Mercy, Not Justice
* Ronald J. Sider and Fred Clark properly defend government as a God-ordained necessity, but their understanding of justice as going beyond unbiased courts is unconvincing ["Should We Give Up on Government?" March 2]. When God makes the poor in spirit rich in Christ, it is an act of mercy, not justice. Similarly, when individuals, churches, and governments decide to give aid to the poor beyond fair treatment, they are being more than just; they are being merciful. The issue with which many Christians wrestle is not government and the justice it should provide; the issue is how merciful the state should be.

next page... |  1 of 5

share this page

April 27 1998, Vol. 42, No. 5