The Iranian crisis has raised the consciousness level of most Americans, and especially of evangelicals, with regard to Islamic faith; may it also stir evangelicals’ concern for the Christian mission to Muslims. Don McCurry helps us to understand our contemporary world as he places in sharp focus both the challenge and the opportunity presented by recent Islamic trends.
American Jewry has long faulted evangelicals for efforts to convert Jews to Christian faith. Some even have viewed this as a mild form of Hitler-like genocide, for in the end the conversion of a Jew to Jesus Christ is considered by traditional Jewry as elimination of a true Jew. But recently, Marvin Wilson points out, some Jews are reviving the ancient Jewish zeal for proselytes. Such a revival need not lead to increased tension and bitterness between Jews and Christians, but rather to greater understanding.
As long as I can remember I have been addicted to science fiction—from Jonathan Swift and Jules Verne and H. G. Wells, to the potboilers of recent vintage. You may, therefore, be interested in Paul Leggett’s analysis of the theological implication of old and current science fiction films. For running freaks, Charles White of Park Street Church, Boston, provides a theology of running—orthodox running, naturally. What else after 150 years of Brimstone Comer?
D. G. Kehl helps us distinguish enthusiastic, effective witness to the gospel from sordid gospel hucksterism—an issue no evangelical in our day can avoid facing.
Finally, Walter Elwell continues the CHRISTIANITY TODAY-Gallup Poll series with an illuminating article on the Bible, its veneration, its use, and its abuse.