Theology

Q&A: Richard Mouw

Mouw is president of Fuller Theological Seminary and a supporter of Evangelicals and Catholics Together.

Mouw is president of Fuller Theological Seminary and a supporter of Evangelicals and Catholics Together.

What is particularly appealing to evangelicals about this pope?

We have much in common with Pope Benedict, both doctrinally and morally. He has chosen to proclaim a Christ-centered message to the world, and he is not afraid to confront the prevailing mores of postmodern culture. Furthermore, his is a scholarly voice, echoing themes that resonate well with many of us in the evangelical world.

How will the pope's visit affect the U.S. Catholic church?

My sense is that Benedict's visit had a longrange consolidating and unifying effect on U.S. Catholicism. When he was elected pope, the almost universal response among my Catholic friends—most of whom are moderates— was negative. But my initial reading of their reaction to his visit is extremely positive. The pope sent friendly signals to all but the most liberal segments of American Catholicism. Most of those who occupy the right-to-middle part of the spectrum, which is the majority, were pleased and impressed.

He did them proud as well. He was a big hit, not only with grassroots Catholics, but also with the larger American population, even with the non-religious. He was firm in his basic convictions without coming across as cranky. This won over many who were not sure what to expect [of him].

The pope's anticipated censure of liberal Catholic colleges didn't happen. Did he give them a pass?

He did exactly what he should have done with academics: He taught. He did not issue condemnatory statements; he established trust. This is good pedagogy. A wise teacher creates an environment for the reception of his or her views.

How significant was the pope's willingness to meet with sex-abuse victims?

I was not prepared for the emotional impact of seeing him [meet with the victims]. I believe the encounter will turn out to be a durable image of his papal leadership.

Copyright © 2008 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Related elsewhere:

"Pope Benedict Goes to Washington" also discussed the relationship between Evangelicals and Catholics.

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.

Our Latest

Taylor Swift Makes Showgirls of Us All

Something compels us to perform our relationship with the pop star’s music. Maybe that’s her secret to success.

Public Theology Project

The Loss of One Forgotten Virtue Could Destroy the Country

We’ve all become numb to this unserious, trivializing age.

News

Amid Floods and Heat Waves, Indian Church Fights Climate Change

Christ Church in Kerala tends to its garden while helping its parishioners and neighbors live sustainably.

A Civil War of Words

Evangelical factions can increasingly be identified by our speech. We agree on big issues yet insult and talk past each other.

The Manosphere Gets Discipline Right and Dependence Wrong

Young men are right to want agency, clarity, and strength. But grit alone cannot carry them.

The Russell Moore Show

Benjamin Watson and Russell Moore on The Just Life

Christian justice, gospel-centered living, and faithful action

Is a Ban on Conversion Therapy Constitutional?

In her Supreme Court challenge, evangelical therapist Kaley Chiles calls the Colorado law a violation of her free speech.

Wire Story

Tony Evans Will No Longer Pastor Dallas Megachurch After Restoration

Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship announced that its pastor of 48 years won’t return to leadership. The church expects son Jonathan Evans to succeed him.

Apple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squareGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube