Letters to the Editor

A Woman’s Issue

Thank you for an intentional celebration of women’s leadership in the October issue. It was wonderful to see so many friends mentioned, and to meet new ones as well. Their holy boldness and God-given gifts are indeed changing the world. It was a great beginning to what I hope will become a tradition at Christianity Today.

Mimi Haddad President, Christians for Biblical Equality

I should have been thrilled to see the October issue. But the cover title, “50 Women to Watch: Those most shaping the church and culture,” sounded alarm bells. My concern is with the idea that anyone would or could “shape” the church. The only one who should be shaping the church is Jesus Christ. “Shaping” is what has caused so many divisions in the church and the watering down of sound biblical teaching.

Should our goal as Christians be to shape culture? Did Jesus call us to make our society more “Christian”? Does it help the ministries of those women to splash them across a magazine much in the style of People‘s “50 Most Beautiful People”? Or does it perpetuate America’s obsession with celebrities and trivialize the work the Holy Spirit is doing through everyday men and women?

Ann-Margret Hovsepian Montreal, Canada

Of course, our list of women to watch was in no way comprehensive. Here’s who we missed, according to our readers: Phyllis Tickle, Kay Arthur, Stormie Omartian, Michelle Obama, Katie Davis, Sherry Surratt, Jenni Catron, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Katharine Jefferts Schori, just a mom, Hillary Clinton, Hispanics, and Native Americans. Correction: Priscilla Shirer does not have a doctorate from Dallas Theological Seminary, nor was she the first African American to attend the school.

Not Risking Hell

“The Spiritual Sex” [Spotlight, October] states, “[W]omen are better Christians than men are.” The explanation of this supposed superiority lies in the risk-averse nature of women when compared to men. This “insight” concludes: “They don’t like risking injury, jail—or, it seems, hell.”

The foundational flaw in the analysis is making the results about “better or worse,” which blossomed into a more serious flaw that reports an insulting and unproven hypothesis to “explain” the apparent “superiority.” Even worse, women’s faith is not seen for the shining example that others in the body of Christ can learn from.

Heidi C. Lee Belle Chasse, Louisiana

Irrelevant Freedom

“The Bonds of Freedom” [October] observed that the concept of “true freedom” or “real freedom” can be confusing to the average Christian. Therefore we should abandon those terms.

The difference that others have tried to explain is the difference between relevant and irrelevant constraints. If my local government tells me I can’t build a factory on my land, that’s an irrelevant constraint; I don’t want to build a factory. But if my doctor tells me I can’t drink coffee anymore, that is very relevant. I love my coffee.

“True freedom” is the process by which the constraints that God asks us to observe become irrelevant. Technically, we are still constrained. In reality, we aren’t. We have chosen to exercise our freedom in good rather than bad ways. And thus the truth of God’s will makes us free.

Wayne Shockley Brooklyn, Wisconsin

The Men of YFC

As a former member of Youth for Christ (YFC), “The Choice” [October] brought back fond memories of working with men like Ajith Fernando, men who toiled among young people, often sensing the suspicion of church leaders and smarting from their criticism, for extremely low wages, while seeking to identify with the pain of the youth they were serving. Directors like Fernando are revered for their personal integrity, constant faithfulness, and fierce devotion to Christ and service. These are men for whom unsaved youth are glad and the church should be justly proud. Unfortunately, not much is heard about them. Thanks for the kind, thoughtful, and very gracious appreciation of a modern saint.

Steve Skeete E-mail

Against the Flow

Thanks for the excellent interview with sociologist Mark Regnerus [“The Regnerus Affair,” October]. Most published research on this subject is biased by those who want to support the current politically correct tolerant view. The postmodern trend says, “Do what you like—there are no consequences.”

Blessings (in the family and in society in general) can only flow from behavior that flows with God’s flow. To go against that flow is to invite negative consequences. Like driving against the flow of the traffic on the highway: you may come through unscathed, but you’re more likely to have an accident.

Hugh Wetmore E-mail

What Grace ‘Dictates’

I regret that October’s Village Green [“Is it stealing from God to split your tithe between the church and other charities?“] chose to avoid the issue of whether tithing for New Testament Christians is biblical. Tithing was obviously instituted under the law; we are now under grace.

The New Testament clearly indicates that stewardship is a matter of the heart and not of the law. While 10 percent is still an excellent guideline for stewardship, under grace, we give in response to what God has given us, not what the law dictates.

Tom Johnson Amarillo, Texas

Lit Lessons

“The Light in My Lit” [October] brought back memories of when my love for literature drew me into the works of Ernest Hemingway. As I relished his style, I grew increasingly aware of how vastly different his worldview was from all I treasured in Christ and Scripture. I have never forgotten the fright that gripped my soul as I pondered what awaited a life lived on the path his enticing prose beckoned. I believe God used Hemingway, along with other literary greats, to stay my course and steady my faith, drawing me closer to him.

Thomas J. Ramundo Superintendent, Southern Michigan Conference of the Free Methodist Church USA

What got the most comments in October’s CT

44% 50 Women You Should Know a CT Cover Package

16% The Village Green: Calculated Generosity by Gary Moore, Amie Streater, and Douglas LeBlanc

9% The Spiritual Sex a CT Spotlight

Readers’ Pick

The most praised piece in October’s CT

The Light in My Lit by Karen Swallow Prior

Worth Repeating

“Why don’t we admit that this election is a choice between two men who are not evangelicals?” Laura C Steel, amid a reader debate about which of the two presidential candidates is a better fit for their religious beliefs. Speaking Out: “The Real Differences Between Mormons and Orthodox Christians,” by Gerald R. McDermott

“Maybe they are learning that creating something that changes people is just as important, if not more important, than complaining that culture isn’t moving in the direction that you want.” Adam Shields, commenting on Liberty University students’ relaxing activism. Today’s students are more likely to try to change society by buying a pair of TOMS Shoes rather than being involved in politics. “Liberty University’s Flip-Flop Moment,” by Karen Swallow Prior

“I want my brothers and sisters to be protected from the bitterness and snark of the world for as long as they can.” Charity Jill, hoping to shield students from being mocked. A website displaying pictures of awkward-looking couples on the Christian campus is meant to be funny but raises questions about vo-yeurism and meanness. Her.meneutics: “The Problem with ‘Awkward Couples of Liberty University,'” by Karen Swallow Prior

“Speak truthfully. Live truthfully.” David Jongewaard, urging Dinesh D’Souza to “be transparent” about his actions. After reports that the married president of The King’s College was engaged to someone else, D’Souza resigned. CT Liveblog: “Dinesh D’Souza, Married President of The King’s College, Faces Questions Over New ‘Fiancée,'” by Melissa Steffan