The Most Astonishing Easter Miracle
As one who has subscribed to and read CT for 45 years, I think your current cover article, “The Most Astonishing Easter Miracle,” is an absolute stand out! Mark Galli’s introduction was very contemporary and creative. The main doctrinal issues were well organized and presented (e.g., the 10 appearances of our risen Lord during the 40 days). Also, your pointing out of the absences is the remarkable truth we take for granted, as well as the teaching of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and our eternal union with Christ! It is, as you point out, the premier truth and gift to every believer.
Russ Guppy Tacoma, WA
Nothing in Galatians 3:28 implies that “Paul seems anxious to do away with those categories.” Paul’s typical use of the coordinating conjunction οὐδέ is to join two elements to convey a single idea. Here it means “there is no Jew/Greek division in Christ,” as the Galatians 2:1–14 historical context and the parallel Jewish and Greek thanksgivings demand. The interpretation “there is neither Jew in Christ nor Gentile in Christ” defies reality and the context.
Philip B. Payne Edmonds, WA
It would certainly advance the kingdom of God more if we all looked beyond our earthly perceptions. Something to strive for each day, seeing people as souls first.
Jeff Stachmus
A Tale of Two Churches
Thanks, @AJWTheology, for this in @CTmagazine on failures in Christian history. Much to learn and much to repent of.
@chriswignall
Grace First or Grace Alone?
Although I disagree with the bishop’s conclusion and would firmly stand on grace alone, I very much enjoyed his writing. I think more Christian humility and grace in disagreements would solve lots of the spats within Christendom. Please provide more articles like this!
Wayne Huberty Baton Rouge, LA
As a Southern Baptist, I certainly fall on the side of Roger E. Olson’s view of grace versus the view held by Robert Barron. That being said, I could not help but think that Olson’s view is probably not the view of many of the Reformers, especially of the Puritans. For instance, when he quotes from a hymn—“God should love a sinner such as I”—as part of his argument that these songs testify of our helplessness, not our worthlessness, it reminded me of another hymn, “At the Cross.” This hymn was originally written with the lyrics “would He devote that sacred head for such a worm as I?” which clearly shows a worthlessness. However, it was rewritten to say, “would He devote that sacred head for sinners such as I?” This clearly is a deviation from the original meaning and moves more to the helplessness aspect that Olson refers to. But recently the line has been rewritten to say, “would He devote that sacred head for one such as I?” Now even the idea of being a sinner is removed. Grace is necessary because of our worthlessness, not just our helplessness. This is something Luther understood, something the Puritans understood, and something the Reformers thought was worth dying over.
Terry Hill Valley, AL
How Jesus Found Me in Paraguay
This article resonated so much with me because I grew up in Paraguay, where my parents were missionaries. Back in the ’80s, Peace Corp workers had to go into Asuncion to collect their checks, and often it cost them most of their salary to come in to the city. My parents came across some of them and invited them to eat and sleep at our house. So every month for a few years, we would have a living room full of Peace Corps volunteers sleeping in sleeping bags on our floor and lots of guys around the table. A few of these guys have gone on to be lifelong friends of the family.
Jerry Joule McAllen, TX
Out of the Cult and into the Church
Thanks for carrying the powerful story of Anna LeBaron. It was a great reminder that God is able to heal very broken lives, and that he often uses Christ followers to facilitate the process.
Rick Knox Lake Zurich, IL
What an incredible story of survival and salvation! Thank you for including Anna’s story in this issue.
Allison McNeil Argyle, TX
Wow, an amazing story of God’s love. Brought me to tears. May we continue to share the good news of Jesus!
Kristen Knodel Muncie, IN
