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Christianity Today, April, 2008 |

The Healing Pen

Philip Yancey writes to save his past—and others' futures.

Tim Stafford | posted 4/29/2008 08:25AM

I met Philip Yancey when we both were 22, newly minted editors at Youth for Christ's Campus Life magazine. He was of medium height, without a single ounce of fat on him, and had sandy, curly hair that ...

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Alden

Posted: May 04, 2008 6:53 PM

Strangely, I have never read even one of Philips books but certainly intend to do so. I am always interested in the life sojourn of people who have rejected their roots in pursuit of a more engaging faith. Though Philip may have found a way to preserve the best of his past, the tribute writer unfortunately appears to have little affection for "fundamentalist" elements in the family of faith. The term is used with such derision throughout that I cannot help but feel that this review contradicts the foundational principles of its subject - to promote healing through grace.

Kate Ellis

Posted: May 03, 2008 3:52 PM

If you haven't read any of his books, start now. 'What's so Amazing about Grace' is a must-read, as is 'The Jesus I Never Knew'. In fact I've never read a Yancey book - & I've read them all - that doesn't more than repay the time set aside to read it. Stafford writes accurately when he says that Philip Yancey writes to heal. If ever you have been bruised by a church - and no church is perfect - or are struggling with life, read Yancey, and in his books find - not religion - but a God who loves, who reaches out, who loves you more than you can imagine. Then, with your heart made tender, go and love those around you as God does. Thank you, Philip Yancey, for your books. Thank you, God, for Philip Yancey.

Ron Weist

Posted: May 02, 2008 9:12 PM

Years ago I aquired a book by Mr. Yancy. He wrote that Moses had cataracts, and coundn"t see clearly, and that Moses was so physically feeble he could hardly stand or speak. According to Deuteronomy 34:7 And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died; his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated. I think a person who is going to use the bible for background should be more fundamental than that!!!

Johnelle

Posted: May 02, 2008 1:36 PM


I have been a fan of Philip Yancey for a long time and had the pleasure of meeting Philip and his wife at Montreat several years back. I noticed he was wearing a Masters tee shirt. Philip, if you are still interested in going to the Masters, email me, because I lost your contact information! Johnelle jdonnell4@aol.com

Beatrice

Posted: May 02, 2008 12:59 PM

Philip is my favorite writer. I have read all his books, some more than once. I keep going back often to"The Jesus I Never Knew" (in my opinion, his greatest thus far) and have given the book as a gift to friends in the U.S. and abroad, including the Spanish version. So Philip is indeed a missionary for Jesus through his writing. God bless you Philip and continue to inspire you so you can bless others!

Abby	Posted: May 02, 2008 5:07 AM

I once picked up Yancey's What's so amazing about grace from a bookshop and read it.Wow!!! what a blessing it was for me.As a christian I never understood God's grace and love until I read the book.It was such an eye-opener and very liberating.I've introduced a couple a friends to the book and they love it too.I was reading my bible once when I had this sudden desire to know Jesus more on a personal level,that's when I rememembere that my favourite christian author had actually written a book called the Jesus I never knew.After reading that book,I couldn't help but Thank God for men like Philip who are helping me to mature in my Christian faith,it's a must read!!.I'm looking forward to reading all of his books and would encourage everyone to read his books.God is certainly speaking to us through him and may God continue to bless Yancey so he can be a blessing to us also. Thanks Tim for this article,I think Philip deserves all the praise you've accorded him.To God be the Glory.Amen.

Ginnie

Posted: May 01, 2008 1:55 PM

I have recognized Philip Yancy's Southern fundamentalism in my own upbringing--although a different denomination and Bible college; his escape mirrors my own--albeit by a slightly different route. I appreciate his passion for the arts, for nature, for people. I resonate with his writings. I too love to write, and more than anything else, I hunger to share the Good News I have found in a way that is truly redemptive, that makes an eternal difference for others. I feel a harmony with Philip Yancy and am helped in my quest by his. Thanks, Tim Stafford, for sharing a broader vignette of Yancy the man, that we might better understand and be blessed through Yancy the evangelist.

Brian

Posted: April 30, 2008 4:31 PM

The dictionary describes ‘fundamental’ as “essential or primary... the most important and basic parts of a subject”. What other kind of Christianity is there? A kind that is factitious? Christian faith is founded on a truth that will always appear ‘too narrow’ in a post modern culture.This truth will require a kind of forcefulness and willingness to fight as Tim sees in the ‘ex-fundamentalist’. We should avoid that kind of all 'knowingness' and judgmental mindset that can characterize those who have become legalistic in their religion. But can we doubt that Jesus conveyed with intentionality, all that was essential and primary; the apostles, rigorously espousing the fundamental (important and basic) elements of the Gospel? Tim rightly observes “we should consider Paul and his “unyielding determination…”. Whether by the effusions of 1 Corinthians 13 or the cautions of 2nd Timothy 4, Paul provides a rounded example of belief and practice in the fundamentals of our Christian life.

nicknotes

Posted: April 30, 2008 1:50 PM

When it comes to Philip Yancey's books I have to agree with Billy Graham, " Philip Yancey is one of my favorite Christian writers..." (on the back sleeve of The Jesus I never knew). I appreciate Yancey's courage to be transparent with his struggles as an honest child of God as opposed to being another ear tickler for those of us struggling with denial. Furthermore, I've often felt that there is some Gnosticism in Fundamentalism; some people are convinced that there church has a monopoly on correct doctrine. (Philip can make that point without the sting). Thanks for the article and thank you Philip.

Greg Chase

Posted: April 30, 2008 1:27 PM

Yes, it was a fine article but Phillip would be pained by it since he has always shied away form bring attention to himself. I met him while at Columbia Bible College. He was editor of the school news paper and I did layout for it. I didn't know him very well and we never had many classes together since he was a year ahead of me. However, one teacher that seemed to get him moving on his journey from his past was James Hatch, one of the finest professors I ever met and a man well acquainted with pain on many levels. I did know some of Phillip's background from those days but I was more enlightened by this article. I have read his books and gently recommended them to many others who are in need of the healing balm that exudes from his writing. May God give him the "amazing grace" to continue this ministry to the body of Christ that often shoots its wounded instead of binding up its wounds.

ibunnie

Posted: April 30, 2008 1:07 PM


I've never read a Yancey book, but I want to now.

revronvegas

Posted: April 30, 2008 12:09 PM


Did Yancey die? Why the eulogy?

Amy	Posted: April 30, 2008 12:29 AM

I too appreciated this article. Yancey's books have been incredible ministers to my soul during the last 8 years. During times of intense anxiety or depression, I have devoured them as a starving person would devour food. They have brought intense joy and a deepened understanding of myself, the world, and our God. My husband and I have given away dozens of his books as gifts. Thank you, Lord, for Philip Yancey!

Neita

Posted: April 30, 2008 12:15 AM


Too many of us too often see Jesus as a cutout on a flannel board. Philip Yancey has helped me to see His humanity - His pain, His joy, His sorrow Thank you, Tim, for sharing your deep insights into the man who is Philip Yancey.

Yenny

Posted: April 29, 2008 8:53 PM

I have read almost all of Yancey's books and they've been great blessings for me. Even sometimes i reread the books over and over again just to get my soul charged and reminded on how great God's grace is. He basically doesn't talk about something brand new or way too innovative, but about something that we know deep down, and he shouts it loudly through his books and wake our consciousness. He's one of my favorite authors who also introduced me to lots of other great authors that he admires. I come from Indonesia (where I think grace is needed desperately), and his way of viewing and presenting God's grace is a truly blessing... For you who haven't read his books, I would recommend you to grab one asap!

Arlyn Plowman

Posted: April 29, 2008 6:34 PM


Thank God for Philip Yancey. Only my parents benefited my spiritual development more. One cannot read Brother Yancey without being challenged and comforted.

Scott Brewer

Posted: April 29, 2008 6:02 PM


Tim, I have benefited from Yancey's writing and was blessed to get to know him better through your writing. What moves me most is how well you understand Philip. As I read your insights into Philip's life I thought, "How many people are so well understood by another?" You've inspired me to give the gift of understanding more and better.

Joseph

Posted: April 29, 2008 5:23 PM


Would the writer do readers a favor and explain the definition of fundamentalism? I'm not sure anymore reading CT what is the view of Jesus Christ, the Scriptures and the Gospel, and wonder if writers like Mr. Stafford and Mr. Yancey would define their terms a little than what is emotive, subjective and suggestive.

steve

Posted: April 29, 2008 5:11 PM


what alovely article!

David.

Posted: April 29, 2008 4:47 PM


Thank you, Tim, Thank you God for Yancey

THOMAS

Posted: April 29, 2008 4:25 PM


You sniveling weaklings! You are not fit for the kingdom of fundamentalism!

Dick Christen

Posted: April 29, 2008 3:40 PM

Having pastored for many years, and, having come out of an isolationist kind of fundamentalism, I read absorbingly and with great profit all that Philip Yancey has written. I delight in how he doesn't skirt the tough questions and answers them with discernment (God given) and balance. His book on pain/suffering, written with Dr. Brand, should be a "must" read for all Seminarians. He is my favorite contemporary author. I just shared two of his books with a friend, who, though retired, is soaking up truth and growing extraordinarily in the Lord. He's thrilled with the books. Thanks for this insightful and warm essay about his life's journey. In his book on prayer who could say it any better than Mr. Yancey when he likened God's origins in prayer and our involvement too by likening it all to a mountain stream coming down from on high and we in our prayers getting involved in that stream of Divine purpose by interjecting our prayers therein as it rolls by. Beautiful!

David

Posted: April 29, 2008 2:35 PM


There are few, if any, writers that touch me more deeply than Phillip. God continues to minister to me through his computer (pen if you will ...) Thanks for the insights offered in this article.

Annette DiMarco

Posted: April 29, 2008 2:03 PM


Thank you, Tim, for revealing Philip Yancey to me. I've read "Disappointment With God" but none other of his books. You, by your writing and style have moved me to read all of Philip's works, desiring to know a little more about the man you admire so much and much about the God we serve.

Laura Gabriszeski

Posted: April 29, 2008 2:03 PM


There are few Christians I truly admire and wish to emulate; but Yancey is one. Kudos on an article that highlights Yancey's sincere desire to know God and share Him with the rest of the world.

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