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Christianity Today, March, 2007 |

Not What It Seems

A bird's-eye view of contemporary evangelicalism.

Philip Yancey | posted 2/28/2007 08:51AM

I spent last fall chasing a suitcase from city to city on tours of the U.K. and U.S., promoting my new book on prayer. Along the way, I got a bird's-eye view of the church, and among my observations, ...

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Chris Wray

Posted: March 06, 2007 7:32 AM


This column points to the mystery that is our life in the here and now. The point being that faith sustains, prayer is crucial, but that doesn't guarantee us the easy road that so many American Christians have come to expect, even demand.

David

Posted: March 05, 2007 1:57 PM

I don't think CNN views evangelicals as a bloc to be manipulated by politicians, but instead a bloc interested in manipulating politicians. The Christian right has minimalized itself to just another special interest group vying for their piece of the pie and selling their vote to get it. They, and we as well, would be better served by spending our time influencing our children so that their generation - and all the pols that emerge from it - have a genuine interest in the Kingdom, both in heaven and on earth and not just "looking Christian" to buy a vote.

eddie

Posted: March 04, 2007 9:17 PM


DeeRJay, May the Lord have mercy on such a bad reading of Scripture. You remind me of Job's advisers!

Tapolyai Mihály

Posted: March 03, 2007 2:53 AM


It sounds wonderfull for a psychiatrist, mainly the spiritual conclusion."Life is not a PROBLEM to be solved but a mystery to be lived." This is a new dimension for our psychotherapeutical conception.Believe me. — And I pray for him. We need such a wonderful helper in the spiritual growth. Sorry, I pushed five stars but my computer didnot work so.

BL Mitchell

Posted: March 02, 2007 2:59 PM


An excellent articel. 5 stars

Beth	Posted: March 01, 2007 11:59 AM

Mr. Yancey, many prayers are being offered for your healing. Here is a quotation to uplift your heart: "The Father's presence encircled Christ, and nothing befell Him but that which infinite love permitted for the blessing of the world. Here was His source of comfort, and it is for us. He who is imbued with the Spirit of Christ abides in Christ. The blow that is aimed at him falls on the Saviour, who surrounds him with His presence. Whatever comes to him comes from Christ. He has no need to resist evil, for Christ is his defense. Nothing can touch him except by our Lord's permission and 'all things' that are permitted 'work together for good to them that love God.' Roman's 8:28." Quoted from "Thoughts From the Mount of Blessings" by E.G. White

Ralph

Posted: March 01, 2007 11:25 AM


Mr. Yancy could use a heavy dose of the Catholic understanding of prayer, pain & suffering.

mihaela

Posted: March 01, 2007 11:06 AM


Mr Yancey : your books were a real help for my life.I was full of questions , doubts and struggles. God really give me a hand through you.Thank you for your open heart , for your work , books articles and for listening to to God.Bless you!Keep going!

sharon

Posted: March 01, 2007 10:27 AM


Suffering in itself is a blessing, it brings you closer to God.

DeeRJay

Posted: March 01, 2007 9:20 AM

Diseases does not come from GOD.When our Lord Jesus ministers here on Earth All HE does is heal people(did anyone noticed that?)So this phase..GOD gave me this disease is a FS(False Statement).When we sin and is not repented of(DAILY) it is an open door for satan our numero unos enemy of the soul attacks us with..diseases.he is a liar & a thief(JOHN 10:10)he deceives you to think it is GOD who is the cause of our miseries.No HE is not..Obey HIS HOLY statues & you're in the right track.REMEDY:TRULY REPENT IN THE HEART BEFORE THE FATHER...BE CLEANSED,SET-FREE..HEALED!HE died on the cross for us to give that awesome probitions..DELIVERANCE...HEALINGS...RESTORATION(Physically,Spiritually,Emotionally,Mentally,Financially) in ALL areas of life.Probided you OBEY HIM FULLY.

H. D. Schmidt

Posted: March 01, 2007 6:26 AM

However, Mr. Yancey the more America's inhumane and horrendous war machinery circles the globe, mowing down anything and everthing this Nation under God does not like and thousands if not millions of innocent people are killed, as it defends its oil interest, I dare to say that, in reality Christianity is being stabbed through its very heart as never before in history. America's so very Christian President is contantly demanding God to bless America over what is more and more nothing but pleasing Satan himself. The very sad thing is the fact that the most Conservative Christian bodies are in hot suupport America's Imperialism! While America waste yearly over 400 billions in maintaining its war machinery over 18000 children die daily of hunger! I am reminded of these words: "Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signigfies, in the final sense, a theft of those who hunger and are not fed, from those who are naked and are not clothed. Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Terry Abel

Posted: March 01, 2007 12:12 AM


Philip. Thank you thank you thank you for such a balanced persepective of our Christian experience. Sometimes I feel all we can really do is revel in the mystery of life and trust God is sovereign. Thankfully the Bible refects such bumpy reality and can be trusted as a window into God's character and will.

Joshua

Posted: February 28, 2007 10:52 PM

Phil -- Great book on prayer. All you book are well researched and written. How about a tour of the Occupied Territories in Palestine. You could interview Palestinian Christians and ask them how they pray and keep alive hope in prayer while living under oppression. You do know, right? that there are Christian villages in the West Bank that are some of the worse treated of all the villiages in the region -- and this by Israel. Come and get your prayerful hands dirty in the midst of this struggle by your abandoned Christian brothers and sisters. Be advised however, that it will hurt your popularity among your readership -- but you want to be one of those Christians who lives a faithful life of following Jesus even if it cuts against culture, right? Before you answer, you might want to ask brother Jimmy about the cost of following Jesus to this place.

Naomi

Posted: February 28, 2007 10:28 PM

wow... i'm holding your book about Prayers in my hand, which i bought earlier this morning... and while i was contemplating on whether or not i should start reading it, a friend sent me an email containing this article! you've moved me beyond tears... i better start reading your book now. all i have to say now is *2 Corinthians 12:9* - for in our weaknesses we display the power of God's grace! 18, Australia.

Journeyman

Posted: February 28, 2007 8:52 PM


Mr Yancey has experienced an awful automobile accident and is in serious condition. Let us lift him and his family up in prayer.

Jeremy

Posted: February 28, 2007 5:22 PM

If endure was all we do then why should we? But if in sufferring we experience the eternal grace found only in harmony with Him who sufferred that we might be free in conscience in an evil world; then we in the midst of chaos have found peace. While I rail against the restraints of Christ's love I am like a dumb beast. But in those sweet moments of lucidity I see a granduer far beyond time's restraints. Then come that day when I am changed in a twinkling of an eye!

Andy Perkins

Posted: February 28, 2007 5:03 PM


Eye opening. A personal relationship with the infinite God while being part of a body of believers and spending most of our time in a secular culture is quite complex yet simple. Helpful observations.

PJ	Posted: February 28, 2007 4:29 PM


I appreciate Philip Yancey, for his willingness to address topics that few ever tackle, particularly in terms of reality. He offers some much-needed sanity and balance, perhaps as the "Lewis" of our generation, and does so with a smooth, developed style that explores his subjects without either bashing the church or excusing its insanities.

Milton

Posted: February 28, 2007 3:05 PM

It seems to me that we have embraced the belief that everything that happens is God's will. We are told to pray for God's kingdom to be brought to earth as it is in heaven. Though I will not argue that God might allow (maybe even give) someone Parkinson's Disease, I will argue that it is not his will for them to have it. Like the pain is not the father's will for the son he punishes, yet he may inflict it TEMPORARILY in order to teach him how to avoid painful consequences later in life, so it is with our Father in heaven. Lack of faith is not the only reason prayers are not answered. The honest truth of it is, God wants more and better for us then we will ever experience in this life, and to justify our faith, obedience and motive pure and complete is not humility. In this world we will have suffering, whether we understand it or not, but the Father has asked to be viewed as a Father, and we would consider any father that desires sickness, poverty or pain for his child, a cruel Father.

Leo	Posted: February 28, 2007 2:14 PM

Kudos for observations on the 'different universe' distinction between the news & media picture of Christians and reality. I too find countless people sincerely trying to take the narrow path upstream. Countless acts of generosity, care for the hurting and people in need. Acts done in quite, the actors don’t seek the photo-op. You might also have mentioned Gladys Staines, the Australian missionary in India who in 1999 publicly forgave the killers who burned to death her husband and two sons. Or the Elliots and Saints who forgave and served those who killed their husbands/brothers/fathers. Of course 'prayer offers no guarantees' that we will get what we ask, but it is still right to ask. Only the object of our prayers can guarantee, and He is good but not tame. Mystery (to us) does not mean without meaning or purpose. There's trouble in life and I would that the cup pass from me. Yet not my will but Yours. A larger good is being accomplished and good kingdom is coming.

Norman Rohrer

Posted: February 28, 2007 2:14 PM

Philip, I grew up in Paradise, Pa., three miles from where the Amish children were murdered at Nickel Mines. With Amish all around our farm, we knew them well but could never pry loose any of their convictions. The best they could do when asked why they eschew automobiles and electricity and other conveniences is: "That's the way the old folks did it." We installed a telephone in a shed across the road because they were always borrowing ours. These followers of Jacob Ammon seemed hypocritical. I hope you write objectively what you learn about the Amish. Five stars to you for reporting fairly. Norm Rohrer, your fellow EPAer.

Dena	Posted: February 28, 2007 12:49 PM

I found the article honest, often sad and hopeful. I believe we struggle in the US to stay close to God. As Yancey mentioned, our churches can and do so much for general Christians that it becomes more of a title than a lifestyle. We have to consciously choose to live more like Christ, to do his work, to live our faith. I have three children and we talked just last night at dinner about some children who live in horrible conditions in South Africa and discussed whether 'God love us more?'. No, he doesn't, of course, choices are made, often far, far beyond any person's ability to understand and even then, it is not for us to know why, but to trust God in the unfairness, the injustice and the evil in the world. I don't know how necessarily, but I know we must. Excellent, honest writing.

Charles

Posted: February 28, 2007 12:12 PM

"I learn that life is not a problem to be solved but a mystery to be lived." Why is this a mystery? Jesus said, "In this world you shall have tribulation." No mystery there. "Take up your cross and follow me." No mystery there either. The Bible teaches that we live in an inherited evil world. Again, a very clear statement. Then we have the hope and the promise that "God will wipe away the tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." Crystal clear. The Christian life is: how do we take up that cross and follow Jesus? I am not discounting pain or suffering. Rather, believing the above is part of our calling, not a mystery. What do we have to help us get through these things as we wait for our glorious resurrection to a robust body that will never die? We can let the same Joy fill us that filled Jesus the eve of his brutal murder: "With joy I share this meal with you."

Barb Bloom

Posted: February 28, 2007 11:18 AM

The observations you bring to the forefront about the condition of the American Church challenges me to live a more serious, and disciplined life. While I don;t know that I could shun modern convenience as the Amish do, I often admire their pure and simple insight into living for jesus. May God move on us and our churches to be more like him. Yes there are alot of hurting people out there, but I can;t help but think that if more of use embraced our faith as sincerely as the Amish we would see healing begin.

Des Cartwright

Posted: February 28, 2007 11:12 AM

Refreshingly honest. How many preachers ask for feedback from their listners? On my first visit to speak at an American college they gave me such an introduction that I told them that I was looking forward to hearing myself. On a subsequent visit some years later the students were asked to write their comments on my presentation. I was given them in a folder before I left. Some preachers would not cope with such a response. One day we shall have to an account of ourselves to God for our life and ministry. We may be asked in the future to answer to a wider audience.

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