Subscribe to Christianity Today
Subscribe to Christianity Today
Donate to Christianity Today
login | my account
February 14, 2012

Home > 1998 > February 9Christianity Today, February 9, 1998
Inside CT: A Tough Choice

How we chose this issue's cover story provides a window into this magazine's editorial dynamics. We had three contenders, each representing a different piece of journalistic turf CHRISTIANITY TODAY is committed to cover.

First was an issue debated in the church. Psychiatrist Dwight Carlson takes up the task of "Exposing the Myth That Christians Should Not Have Emotional Problems" (see p. 28). His article is paired with a frank conversation about pretense in the pews with Steve Arterburn of New Life Clinics, the group that has done the most to make evangelicals comfortable with seeking therapy. We felt that many readers struggle with the proper role of psychology.

Second, an issue debated in the Christian academy. Our next contender for cover story was a spirited exchange over whether the evangelical theological consensus, which made our movement possible, has broken down or will soon do so. Bethel Seminary professor Roger Olson, coauthor of 20th-Century Theology, sketches the theological map, and three theologians respond: the staunch-conservative-turned-theological-pioneer Clark Pinnock; the hip-liberal-turned-paleo-orthodox Thomas Oden; and Southern Baptist historical theologian Timothy George, who hasn't changed much but is always worth listening to (see p. 52). While fewer of our readers live with these issues day to day, we felt many would be interested. We are all affected by the outcome of the debate, which will determine the degree of evangelical common ground.

And the winner is—a Christian idea debated in the culture. Apartheid was doubly tragic because South African culture was so permeated by Christian themes. During apartheid, Christians proved just how much evil could be done in Christ's name. Beginning on ...

This article is currently available to CT subscribers only. To continue reading:




Christianity Today


  


Subscribe to Christianity Today and get 3 free trial issues. No credit card required.

Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in U.S. only.

If you decide you want to keep Christianity Today coming, honor your invoice for just $19.95 and receive nine more issues, a full year in all. If not, simply write "cancel" across the invoice and return it. The three trial issues are yours to keep, regardless.


Click here for international orders2-for-1 Gifts!

You must be a Christianity Today subscriber or have created a FREE registration to post comments
[Browse More Christianity Today]



Search
Search
Search
Scripture Search
Go Deeper

Books & Culture
Christianity Today
Church Law & Tax Report
Church Finance Today
Leadership Journal
Men of Integrity
Kyria.com
ChristianityTodayLibrary.com
PreachingToday.com