Book Briefs: October 4, 1985

Also in this issue

The CT archives are a rich treasure of biblical wisdom and insight from our past. Some things we would say differently today, and some stances we've changed. But overall, we're amazed at how relevant so much of this content is. We trust that you'll find it a helpful resource.

Christianity Today October 4, 1985

What Is the Solution to South Africa’s Racial Problems?

Eutychus and His Kin: October 4, 1985

Alcoholism Is Not a Disease

Larry M. Thomas

Forgive God?

V. Gilbert Beers

Editorial

The Rationalization of Racism

Beth Spring

The Bible: The Year in Review

Randall L. Frame

The Homeless Poor

Marjorie Hope and James Young

TV: Where the Girls Are Good Looking and the Good Guys Win

Lloyd Billingsley

A Tale of Two Sons

F. Dale Bruner

Falwell Raises a Stir by Opposing Sanctions against South Africa

Beth Spring

The Optimists’ Shell Game

Opponents Fault a New Organization that Helps People Leave Fundamentalism

Tom Neven

U.S. Supreme Court Prepares to Hear Right-to-Life and Religious Freedom Cases

Evangelist Leighton Ford Plans to Form a New Ministry

Ethiopia Continues to Impose Restrictions on the Church

Sharon E. Mumper

Books: October 4, 1985

The Reformation Revisited

The Spiritual Morning Sickness of a Writer

Our Latest

A Hanukkah menorah is projected onto the sails of the Sydney Opera House in memory of the victims of the shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney on December 15, 2025.

News

Church Provides Shelter, Aid During Bondi Beach Attack

Amy Lewis

Australian Christians are finding ways to support the Jewish community after an ISIS-motivated shooting killed 15.

Brown University student kneels in front of a memorial

News

How Rhode Island Churches Responded to the Brown Shooting

Harvest Prude and Kara Bettis Carvalho in Providence, Rhode Island

God “draws near to us in our suffering,” local pastor Scott Axtmann preached after Saturday’s deadly attack. Area ministries were active too.

Two women facing away, one has an Israel flag draped over her shoulders, the other woman has her arm around the first.

The Bulletin

Hanukkah Attack in Australia and Christmas Hospitality

Steve Cuss, Mike Cosper, Clarissa Moll

Shootings prompt a conversation about antisemitism and violence, and Being Human’s Steve Cuss discusses God’s hospitality.

Coptic Christians in Egypt tattoo crosses on their right wrists as a symbol of their faith.

News

Religion on Egyptian Citizens’ ID Cards Enables Christian Persecution

Jill Nelson in Egypt

The requirement makes it difficult for religious minorities to get jobs, justice, and opportunities. Advocates are pushing for change.

The book cover.

Review

Personal Preference Is No Way to Judge Faithful Worship

Steven Félix-Jäger’s new volume on biblical, aesthetic, theological, and pastoral considerations in worship will serve many churches.

An image of Jubilant Sykes.

News

Killed: Acclaimed Gospel Vocalist Jubilant Sykes

Kelsey Kramer McGinnis

The Grammy-nominated singer jumped from gospel to opera to spirituals to jazz; he considered it all sacred.

The book cover.

Review

Union With Christ Means A Responsible Life

Christa McKirland

Theologian Kelly Kapic’s new book Christian Life is a corrective to anxious faith.

Baby Jesus and a cross shadow.

In Bethlehem, God Chose What Is Weak to Shame the Strong

Brad East

What is true of Good Friday applies to Christmas too.