A Tough Choice

How we chose this issue’s cover story provides a window into this magazine’s editorial dynamics. We had three contenders, each representing a different piece of journalistic turf CHRISTIANITY TODAY is committed to cover.

First was an issue debated in the church. Psychiatrist Dwight Carlson takes up the task of “Exposing the Myth That Christians Should Not Have Emotional Problems” (see p. 28). His article is paired with a frank conversation about pretense in the pews with Steve Arterburn of New Life Clinics, the group that has done the most to make evangelicals comfortable with seeking therapy. We felt that many readers struggle with the proper role of psychology.

Second, an issue debated in the Christian academy. Our next contender for cover story was a spirited exchange over whether the evangelical theological consensus, which made our movement possible, has broken down or will soon do so. Bethel Seminary professor Roger Olson, coauthor of 20th-Century Theology, sketches the theological map, and three theologians respond: the staunch-conservative-turned-theological-pioneer Clark Pinnock; the hip-liberal-turned-paleo-orthodox Thomas Oden; and Southern Baptist historical theologian Timothy George, who hasn’t changed much but is always worth listening to (see p. 52). While fewer of our readers live with these issues day to day, we felt many would be interested. We are all affected by the outcome of the debate, which will determine the degree of evangelical common ground.

And the winner is—a Christian idea debated in the culture. Apartheid was doubly tragic because South African culture was so permeated by Christian themes. During apartheid, Christians proved just how much evil could be done in Christ’s name. Beginning on page 18, the new dean of Duke University’s divinity school, L. Gregory Jones, shows that while the church was crippled it was not broken, and out of the ashes has emerged the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, “one of the most dramatic and hopeful signs of an authentically Christian contribution to political life to emerge in many years.” Combined with Seattle Pacific University professor Susan VanZanten Gallagher’s eyewitness account and Bishop Desmond Tutu’s reprise of what has been achieved, this cover-story package constitutes an exciting and hopeful statement of Christian social impact today. We felt we could all be inspired by this report.

If you disagree with our choice, feel free to read your contender first. ct editors try to cover each of these areas, and more, as we attempt to report on what the Holy Spirit is doing in his church. As always, let us know what you think of our efforts and choices (see Letters, p. 6).

Copyright © 1998 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Also in this issue

How Much Truth Can We Take? South Africa looks for healing from its violent past. Christian people and Christian ideas take the lead.

Cover Story

How much truth can We take?

Between a Nightmare and a Dream

Classic & Contemporary Excerpts from February 09, 1998

Revival: Brownsville Revival Rolls Onward

Moon-Related Funds Filter to Evangelicals

Profamily Groups Demand More Cyberporn Prosecutions

Prisons: Unique Prison Program Serves as Boot Camp for Heaven

New York City: King's College Resurrection Signals Big Apple's Renewal

Imprisoned Evangelicals Dispute Accusations of Terrorism

Growing Criticism

Jesus’ Unanswered Prayers

Cry with a Beloved Country

The Word Became Art

Strict Antimissionary Bill Retooled

Plans Under Way for Next Day of Prayer

New Leaders Emerging After Civil War

Assemblies of God Church Attacked

NAE President Argue Takes New Post

Split Nearing for Texas Convention

Gender Revisions Completed on NIrV

Tin Drum Oklahoma Clash Marches On

Man Objecting to Foster Parents Fired

Does Evangelical Theology Have a Future?

News

News Briefs: February 09, 1998

News

News Briefs: February 09, 1998

We Get Letters

Editorial

Let the Prisoners Work

Editorial

Wimber’s Wonders

Exposing the Myth That Christians Should Not Have Emotional Problems

I’m Not OK, You’re Not OK

The Alpha-Brits Are Coming

News

Seeker Sensitive on Russia's Frozen Frontier

A Pilgrim on the Way

The Real Reformers are Traditionalists

A Theology to Die For

The 'Jackie Robinson' of Evangelism

Why We Love This Deadly Sin

Don't Blame the Publishers!

The Struggle for Lincoln's Soul

Paid in Full

Racism’s Faces of Faith

View issue

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The Bulletin

Young Republican Texts, Anglican Split, and George Santos Released

Controversial Republican texts, Anglican Communion splits, and George Santos’s sentence is commuted.

Review

Do Evangelical Political Errors Rise to the Level of Heresy?

A Lutheran pastor identifies five false teachings that threaten to corrupt the church’s public witness.

Highlights and Lowlights of 1957

In its first full year of publication, CT looked at Civil Rights, Cold War satellites, artificial insemination, and carefully planned evangelism.

News

Will There Be a Christian Super Bowl Halftime Show?

Conservatives suggest country and Christian artist alternatives for game day.

News

As Madagascar’s Government Topples, Pastors Call for Peace

Gen Z–led protests on the African island nation led to a military takeover.

News

Amid Fragile Cease-Fire, Limited Aid Reaches Gazans

Locals see the price of flour rise and fall as truce is strained and some borders remain closed.

News

Federal Job Cuts Hit Home as Virginia Picks Its Next Governor

Meanwhile, the GOP candidate draws from Trump’s playbook to focus on transgender issues in schools. 

Religious OCD and Me

Scrupulosity latches onto the thing we hold most dear—our relationship with God.

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