Think of someone you love, especially if you have children, think of them. Its a very confusing (and contentious) topic. Neither did I want to read the other peoples messages left to you, so that my opinion would be my own and not colored with other peoples classes. I was a Christian prior to the Reagan revolution in 1980 when Republicans deliberately confused Christianity with patriotism and capitalism to get their people elected. The Psychologist he had forced me to go to told me to get away from him and his group or they would destroy me . What does it take to move beyond wanting to change to actually changing? You embolden and inspire me to keep at it. And perhaps most temptingly, I cant try and write off the other Christians who supported President-elect Trump. All I can say is Wow! I finally got permission to bring in bins with lids for the garbage, to cut down on the flies buzzing around. One concentrated effort Ive made in the past year has been the regular practice of sending notes of appreciation to strangers writers, artists, varied creators whose work has moved me in some way, beamed some light into my day. I am still speechless in the face of evil. And then, as I waited with the crowd for lunch, I turned around and there you were, right behind me. The question can basically be summed up as, How can a reflective Christian remain sane while holding an orthodox view of Hell?. At the time of my suspension, he was on secondment to another institution. She was respected enough by her community that they listened to her account about Jesus and let her lead them to him. My partnership with Dr. Paul Brand was transformative for me. My books are a process of exploration and investigation of things I wonder about and worry about. Yancey writes with an eye for detail, irony, and honest skepticism. It was a lonely time as I did not speak Dutch . Your note is proof of that. Tragedy and death were so often on her mind that she couldnt stop talking about what had happened to neighbors or in nearby towns, telling us in detail even when her two young and obviously unnerved grandchildren were visiting. I was on my own. Second Opinion, October, 1994, Edwin R. DuBose, review of Pain, p. 111. Was this question not asked at any time before the Sandy Hook shootings? And when God did not answer our pray the way we wanted, it did not mean He leave us alone in our struggle. And how insignificant we really all are, but then how fortunate we are to have this body and to be able to enjoy loving here amongst the beauty of the Earth itself. Jim Lovell, Apollo 8 & 13, It suddenly struck me that that tiny pea, pretty and blue, was the Earth. Improbable but true. Given the events of January 6, 2021, might that editorial have been a bit prophetic? I love to read C.S. I dealt with some emotional pain in Disappointment with God, but nothing like the kind of pain you experience. Now look back at 2018 what you mention in the book. ' At the time you wondered, Could they seriously believe that?. Listening to an online sermon by Chuck Schlie, we heard your Traverse City Prodigal story. The danger of such a church like thatand there are manyis that by saying, "Don't doubt, just believe," you don't really resolve the doubts. I didnt agree with what was tolerated and what was condemned.I remember telling a friend of mine, how l benefited more from listening to doctor Phil than my local pastor. Philip. They cut right to the truth and bypass all the wrapping and bows. When I refused, I was dismissed without receiving any reasons in writing. Your book was written 32 years ago and God had me read it and put a deep burden on my heart for him. How could anyone be so cruel and hate me so much? Again I was shamed and put down I knew there was no such gay demon, we parted ways . I have been blessed so many times by your books and have read them all. I can hardly find the words to express how much your books have positively affected me. At first, I was scared at nights in my home, but then I reminded myself that my life was in G-ds hands, and that I could trust Him. Brad agreed that Pauls belief and behavior regarding flies was very strange. I now understand that when I am weak, I am strong (in Him, not in myself, my possessions, what people think of or admire about me, etc.) Im just reading your book Whats So Amazing About Grace? Keep your spiritual eyes open and rest assured that God wants to communicate with you also! Thank you for rescuing so many of us from rigid Christianity and teaching us to welcome messy Christianity :-), including doubts and questions. It helps me to consider alternatives. I finally got several opportunities to preach, and this simply confirmed the call my Pastor and I had heard. My God, I need something. Cant the same be said about Zeus? And reading your book has convinced me that something is Grace. Please do let me know! Most atheist point out that we dont take our epileptic child to an exorcist these days but rather to a neurologist. When I would kill the flies in my office, Paul would shout at me in anger not to do that because they were our brothers and sisters. A year later, in 1989, I was appointed by the Alberta Solicitor General to the position of Senior Provincial Chaplain for Alberta Correctional Services. It impacted me so much I had to read more. I have a question that has always burned in the forefront of my mind and was wondering if you could point me to any resources. There is so much more I could share but I will wait until another time. And as you read with a fresh eye the prayers, poems, songs, and bedtime stories that Jesus so revered, you will gain a profound new understanding of Christ. Popular Christian Author Is Downright Baffled By Evangelical Support Yes, God is like Jesus, so we can strive to uncover What would Jesus do?. Can you help me by telling me the difference between Christians and Evangelical Christians? As a political party member I can vent and debate, mock and obfuscate others policies. Pray that we may find a way forward for all of us together. I have read your books over the years and gained from them. I was reading your books more relevant in my preaching. Keep reaching! [3] Although Gords trial is still ongoing, I feel vindicated. For now my faith is limited. I havent read Hell: The Logic of Damnation by Jerry Walls, but that may be helpful too. It is a sad story and one that can be repeated, in many ways, by other families. He welcomes your prayers. I have already bought some extra copies of your book to share with others. It offers a glimpse of what millions of people may be going through right now, in the midst of this pandemic. First among these is probably Frederick Buechner, one of the most honest, funny and poignant writers I can think of. May the Lord bless and encourage you and keep teaching you amazing things! You honor and humble me to hear that I helped you back on the path that I found with such struggle myself. I listened to her stories, and at one point she asked me if I would like to see a photo of her husband. I couldnt finish the Gracia Divina Vs. Condena Humana but this afternoon my dad found the english versin Whats so Amazing About Grace and that tile immediately got my attention, I forgot I had it as a gift from a Pastor I meet in North Carolina, making a long story short I started reading tonight and what a much difference feeling. Encyclopedia.com. Hey have you checked out Evan McMullin for President? "The more we comprehend the Old Testament," Yancey writes, "the more we comprehend Jesus." This is so gripping and personally touching. I represent the online ministry http://www.befreeinChrist.com. Embracing the sacrilege the Church ever since has been shafted, Great Christian authors, preachers, renowned leaders unknowingly '72 as its 2020 Alumnus of the Year for Distinguished Service to Society, after postponing the 2020 event due to COVID-19.Known for his curiosity, honesty, and extraordinary leadership, Yancey is a best-selling contemporary Christian author and speaker who has impacted millions of people worldwide. Here is the story. I was especially moved by your chapter that touched on homosexuality. Thank you so much for your insightful and encouraging books and responses. He became grateful. Last year, on So Paulos Gay Parade, we had a scandalous protest from the LGBT community. friend is just should know how much Jesus loves him. In early 2000 I drove back to Alberta. Hanukkah Can both work together hand in hand? If I understand the poem and my experience correctly, it seems the lesson for me is to relax, to trust God, to stay in the moment and to focus on what I can do to help and make things better, especially for someone else. I went straight to the Wardens office and complained, and Warden Clovis came out with me and we went around to the door where I had been instructed to go through by V and C. There, the Warden was confronted by an angry Mr. French, who told him they were searching an inmate. One day as I sat at my desk, I found myself sobbing for quite a long time. Hello Philip Jesus Christ came into my life and gave me His life in February, 1980; I was 38-years-old at the time. God asks us to be obedient, and disobedience is our human trademark. My concern is this: Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, the life. She didnt do that. And its really very interesting. If Im ever in the area, Ill let you know. I feel abandoned. P.S. I was a Bible college student at the time, and Monty and I were working at the Toronto East Detention Centre (TEDC) and the Toronto Don Jail. Pray that the character of Christ will also be the character of his people. Today as I finished your book, my 7 siblings and I, along with my Mom prepare to say goodbye to my 89 yo Dad, who lies in a hospital with Covid and only hours to live. Philip. A group called Evangelicals and Catholics Together has been working on this for years (the magazine First Things covers them well). Please advise. Philip Yancey's Message of Grace - The Atlantic I explained that my GP, Dr. Pugh, was delighted to hear about my job at the Edmonton Institution, that I loved my work and could still do an excellent job. Sometime after my dismissal, a large box arrived by regular mail at my apartment in Morinville. I have had the book Where is God when it Hurts? I grew up as a Pastors kid in a pretty strictly religious home. Your essay Rumors Of Another World always serves as a reminder to me about the brevity of life. Is God purposefully steering the asteroid to miss us like He could have done on 9/11? I will keep you in prayer Ken, but please do not give up on our Heavenly Father nor his word! Absolutely. Thank you for your trouble in helping me locate the source of this story. Dear Mr. Phillip Yancey, Yes, its right to challenge and critique and question and even doubt aspects of our faith, because it leads us closer to Christ. My guess is that you are somewhat melancholic as well as very bright. I also told myself enough is enough and finally decided to stand up to Paul. There was no evidence that they had mental issues. Philip Yancey May 20, 1996. I was well aware of my sins from a very young age. Campus Life, Wheaton, IL, editor, 1971-77, publisher, 1978-79; freelance writer, 1980. Nevertheless, I always had just enough and with Gods help I moved on from my depression and started volunteering at a long-term care facility, taking services and doing visits. It sounds like youre doing great, frankly. Yancey, Philip D. 1949- (Philip David Yancey) | Encyclopedia.com Your books with Dr. Paul Brand have changed my life. Your books are a great help for my spiritual growth, but I must say, Ive never been angry with God and never questioned God as Father and his Son as my Savior. He began to gain back his life and ministry, in the midst of an uncomfortable and unpleasant life. I have no one to turn to, no one who can help me. (Magyarorszgrl), (google translate) My all-time favorite is Whats so Amazing about Grace, but recently I read Reaching for the Invisible God again, which caused me to remember that my faith is just that: faith. I will be purchasing a few more of your books as I only have 3 or 4, but know that you are in my prayers daily as I read a portion of your books. I am always reminded of soldiers in WWII that were of fighting age, but were not drafted. So many of the themes you touch on match the things Im praying about or reading about in the Word. ? So I am wondering if there is some kind of a generic guide you can point us to, questions to ask while we read the weekly chapters and for discussion when we meet? And that has been the common theme in your books. Ive learned much from Swedish Lutherans, many Catholic authors, Orthodox priests and a host of others. This was an unacceptable comment to make in a prison setting because it could raise tensions between Jewish and non-Jewish inmates. Let humanity directly seek the Maker, shun all pious blackguards It was your book who made me look and understand that through pain, God revealed His plan for us. Im not making this up. I just wanted to thank you for that initial spark. I am a middle-aged South African with a severe brain disability, but also a science degree (physics and computer programming). No doubt you know of Mother Teresas long drought of the presence of God. Your philosophical approach has a way of reaching those whose belief systems are vague, cynical, or impeded by discontent with paradox. Why deny Science? Ive grown up as the daughter of a pastor and an apologetics professor, and of the countless Christian books populating the shelves inside my house, yours were the ones my twin sister and I gravitated toward. Turn the other cheek. What is the greatest commandment? Ive just revised and updated two of those books with Dr. I told all this because I want to ask you: How to react? He does indeed stand for everything that Christianity is against! Philip Yancey - We feel pain as an outrage; Jesus did too, which We read them together, and then discuss Ive just read straight through at the library your book Disappointment With God, and bought copies for family members. Without going into too much detail, I cannot help but think that GOD does not care for everyone, only a few: David HE loved. PHILLIP! I will share your response with the group. The things that we share in our world are far more valuable than those which divide us. Donald Williams, pilot for Spaceshuttle Discovery and commander for Spaceshuttle Atlantis, This planet is not terra firma. We would love to have you come and speak here! Hello Philip! Blessing to you and whatever chapter you are in. Philip. Thank you. Im still trying to work this out and would love to have your thoughts on this complicated topic. And I feel the same about Jesus. I wanted to share a few of those excerpts. [27] I was shocked a second time; one minute he is in a rage over me getting his memos signed, and the next he is asking me to not only get them signed but to also distribute them. I spent a year trying to get a prison chaplain position in the Eden Detention Centre in Texas. I insisted and started a generic treatment that I would not have to pay, but I was disappointed as the doctor himself had already alerted me. Anyway, I wanted to apologize for our selfishness and being so inconsiderate. Philip Yancey's Alumni Award Remarks - Wheaton College He actually could win, but it would take a lot of publicity to get the word out. None apologized ever even though I sought reconsiliation. I just finished watching The Chosen written and directed by Dallas Jenkins, son of Jerry Jenkins. Not a hope like the one who bet on a game, but a hope that guarantees us eternal life. Im from Indonesia, and I love to read your books. The Doctors in Quebec told me there had been too much loss in my life for me to handle ,from being thrown out of the church Army onwards, and it was time to take care of me ,after 20 years as a prison chaplain and 13 as a palliative care chaplain. I hope you keep on writing. The diabolical plot to exploit Christ as a prefix was grafted On the 6th I was one of your several drivers and took you to the venue the school where you spoke and dropped you back. People have not unmasked the unholy conspiracy, The gospel as Good News was proclaimed in all simplicity It doesnt end. The pastor wrote later, Was God in Dunblane? Im already excited to think that I am able to send this message and you will be able to read and reply. Pauls Direct Push for My Resignation We keep at it because of responses like yours. As a result, I was forced into debt, was unable to keep up with my mortgage payments, and lost my home. With tears down his face the pastor said a prayer and suddenly one teenager said, I must change! He then discarded a knife while another pulled a piece of bicycle chain from his pocket and did the same. I heard you when you said that you felt comfortable when both sides sent you hate letters. AWI Brad Sass witnessed Pauls mocking me over my hearing disability. Or better, prevented the ignition. What would people think of us if we concluded that our epileptic or deaf child was possessed by a demon?! However, it does not look as though it will address a question I am interested in. I grew up in the South as well and resonate with many of the things your share around race and healing from church contexts. Later I learned that she adopted me as kind of a social work project, which became her profession, by the way. Such an encouragement. The author of more than a dozen books. So, thank you for bridging, in an inspiring way, the gap weve created between Christ and real life. What would you say God receives from us? In interviews Ive said if a church is abusive or toxic, you should find another one. When I teach fire safety (to adults, and after a warning), I show a video from the 2003 Station Nightclub Fire, very, very similar to last nights fire in Bucharest. My grandmother and my aunt fell in love with it almost twenty years ago, and after they shared it with me, I fell in love with it too. Hi Philip, It has been long enough that I am not sure what it is going to take to get me to go back. This helped me to say several prayers during the reading not only for people in my life but for many of the people whose stories of pain, heartbreak and sorrow you shared in the book itself. "I was immune to gospel tracts. At first, I didnt want to grab the book because the book was thicker than I thought Roman law did not allow the marriage of previous slaves and free-borns, so common-law marriage was rife. It simply was not strong enough. Keep up the honest and transparent dialogue in the church. An English degree maybe? I love Philip Yancey because of his emphasis on Jesus, and how much Jesus loves every human being. [17]. The National Fire Codes changed as a result of the 100 people killed and 230 injured. What an honour to have an opportunity to write to you and express my sincere gratitude in your work. Hes obviously not a Christian (its not even clear he believes in God) but he clearly takes the Bible seriously, and its refreshing to see that from someone in the elite. Presbyterian Record, September 1, 1989, review of Disappointment with God, p. 28; December 1, 1989, review of I Was Just Wondering, p. 31; July 1, 2000, review of The Bible Jesus Read, p. 45; January 1, 2001, Zander Dunn, review of Reaching for the Invisible God, p. 2; February 1, 2002, review of Soul Survivor, p. 45. I read quite a bit so I may have lost memory of where this story originated. Thank you Canada . If not, are you thinking of having it translated? It forgives the unfaithful spouse, the racist, the child abuser. Still writing, or planning on writing, that? We chaplains had to find work space wherever we could. So I keep searching. Oh God this is too hard, and Im too alone, and the world is making me feel like a helpless baby. Please look him up and consider supporting his candidacy! I cannot get past all of this for some reason. Then on your list book I got it!!! I wanted to ask you about your thoughts on atonement. Why? Ill make sure to get a front-row seat when you speak here, and to throw in some hurras and Amens , You make me want to return to Switzerland right away! Well thats how much of an impact this book has had on me, and I would recommend this one to anyone as the must read (if you only read one book by Philip Yancy) I struggle with my faith in the exact same way that Richard did and I am very interested to know if he ever came back to faith. They found her in a diabetic coma on Thanksgiving day and Hospice was called in a few days afterwards. Evil spirits are definitely present, existing somehow independently of the natural world. They tried to cast out homosexual demons, and I was told I was rebellious and so on. I have 2 questions. Hope you have a great day. I listen regularly to the BioLogos podcasts, and just listened to this interview with Thomas Jay Oort about his views expressed in his popular book God Cant. Thank you in advance. Might you consider writing your next book as a Christian and for Christians? You have no idea how many people you helped with our words, but in heaven you gonna see them all and your prize will be there. When Life Hurts: Understanding God's Place in Your Pain, Multnomah (Sisters, OR), 1999. Mine was specifically Southern fundamentalistangry, legalistic, and racist. I was lying on the floor of my daughters bedroom, trying to coax her to sleep (kids mental health has really suffered in this ordeal) while a million problems raced through my mind. Im grateful you took the time to write and I am thankful for the open discussion youre willing to have with all your readers.