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Indeed, Jacobs quotes John Updike, "the mind needs resistance in order to function properly; it understands itself and its surroundings through encountering boundaries, borders, limits—all that pushes back or refuses to yield." When this self-styled evangelical of the 19th century-type enters into negotiations with corporal authority, on behalf of the people we serve, he makes sure that the evangelicals of the 21st century-type are providing intercessory prayer. It works. Just as Daniel Taylor described in "Many Bibles, One Scripture," the differing new versions complement each other, as do the varied denominations of our ecumenical council, each free to operate, as God calls through their gifts, in the cultural pluralism of America today.

It is that freedom to think and choose which—as I read and devour your publication—I sense we both celebrate, despite the tactics we both employ of the world for the same ultimate purpose in the world. Was I able to convince you, dear editor, that this issue contained a single theme running throughout the articles? That's up to you now. I can't wait for the next issue.

William Mehr
Dumfries, Virginia

Copyright © 2002 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

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Books & Culture Corner appears Mondays at ChristianityToday.com. Earlier Books & Culture Corners include:

Herbie Goes Bananas | The rise and fall and rise and fall and rise of the VW Beetle. (Sept. 16, 2002)

So Far, So Near | A graduate of Murree Christian School in Pakistan, the site of a deadly assault by Islamic terrorists in August, reflects on his growing-up years, on what has changed in the interim, and on the beleaguered Christian community in Pakistan (Sept. 9, 2002)

The New York Times Discovers Religion (Again) | Shouldn't the paper of record be able to move beyond Square One? (August 26, 2002)

After the Quake | Bedside reading for the anniversary of 9/11. (August 19, 2002)

How to Avoid the Coming Disaster | "Imitate Japan." "No, don't imitate Japan." Time out. (August 12, 2002)

"Mind Control" and the Christian Citizen | Historian Sean Wilentz's misguided attack on Justice Antonin Scalia. (August 5, 2002)

Speak What We Feel | Frederick Buechner's latest book is one of his best. (July 29, 2002)

The Great Inflatable Shark Hunt | A report from the Christian Booksellers Association convention in Anaheim. (July 22, 2002)

Why Evangelicals Can't Opt Out of Political Engagement | Remembering Jeremiah Evarts and Samuel Worcester. (July 19, 2002)

The Pledge Controversy | Asking the wrong questions? (July 8, 2002)

Reading Danny Pearl | How would the murdered journalist want to be remembered? (July 1, 2002)

A Cry for Help | Sudanese Christians gather in Houston and ask for U.S. support. (June 17, 2002)

Agrarians of the World, Unite! | Wendell Berry's vision, and how Christians should respond to it. (June 10, 2002)

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September (Web-only) 2002, Vol. 46