I am trying to put across (without causing stress to your followers) about how this book is, well, to be blunt not touching my heart strings. So, how can I be expected to forgive, as a Christian, anyone who causes me harm and is not seeking forgiveness? After my time there I went to work in the prison system and remained in that becoming the head chaplain over all the 13 prisons in Alberta a first for the Church Army and drawing incredible anger from the Salvation Army who had always held that position. We were not qualified to deal with the kind of emotional and mental pain that you describe. Mr. Yancy, Refer to each styles convention regarding the best way to format page numbers and retrieval dates. Moving forward, I will continue to read, pray, work hard, avoid sin, love everyone, and leave the rest to Him. This weekend to come I anticipate having the privilege of speaking at a small church Christian womens retreat and my kick-off question is Do you see God working through all of the prayers He hasnt answered the way you would have wanted? So most likely you are the person who built that foundation in my life. Lots of miracles. My reporting had alienated me from Threshold Ministries and the church that had ordained and licensed me, and the police called me a liar. My father died about a month ago and one of the things he left me was a book your book, The Jesus I Never Knew, given to me almost 20 years ago. Having himself undergone crises of faith, Yancey understands the varying degrees of belief amongst his readers, and he challenges Christians to become less judgmental and more childlike in their faith. I did sign up for the Launch Team, I hope that I can help in that. I am now going to be 66 yrs old next month. I think the reason why is that you both are unafraid to ask questions you dont have answers to. Your book Whats So Amazing About Grace? provided me with such freedom in my Christian walk especially now that i am Pastor. Thank you from the bottom of my heart from being willing to honestly broach subjects that so many wont. Its an honest representation of what a Christian walk really is. I see it was written in 1997, if it was relevant then it surely is relevant today. Thank you for being part of that process. Hanukkah The Reason for God ~ Tim Keller Sorry! I want to thank you for the frankness and honesty with which you write. The second is the reference to a spirit of deafness and muteness. If you read, say, Job, Psalms, Habakkuk, the complaints against God and criticism of how creation works are stark and obvious. I saw tears running down his face and I knew if they could, they wouldve taken the whole group of kids home with them. She said, Then he saw me out of the corner of his eye. After my 4 children went to heaven I devoured your books. This is the child for me. THANK YOU FOR TAKING TIME TO LOOK AT THIS, Im sorry youve had to go to all this trouble, but I dont think this is my story, at least its not in Whats So Amazing About Grace. Id listen to others talk about hearing from God so easily and felt two layers of shame one from my own doubts (is my faith not real?) And one other: I dont know about kiva.org, and I dont in any way minimize the compassion and practical help from atheists and groups like MSF; there are a lot of studies, however, that show volunteering and charitable giving are substantially higher among church attenders. In my first week at the Institution Paul Vanderham told me that he hated Rev. Ungrace moved me deeply. [20] I have heard nothing further about this letter. Among us we have chronic and invisible illnesses (such as terminal cancer, depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue to name a few), broken families, unemployed spouses, wayward children, difficult marriages, alcoholism, financial struggles, etc. Editor at large, Christianity Today. His mother was poor and eked out a living by working for churches and living in what today would be called substandard conditions. Philip. I treasure it. Philip. Hello Philip! I became the western representative of COPE, while Monty was its eastern representative. Brand & I was blown away. I have no idea if he intervenes in my life (or anyones) like that. He was making a bet on one of the games at the property. And today I woke up and I found your Why I write post. One source from jewishanswers.org, however says: Question: Theres a belief that the High Priest had a rope tied around his waist when he entered the Holy of Holies in the Temple during Yom Kippur (to pull him out should G-d judge him unfit and take his life). For whatever reason, God has chosen to let natural laws predominatelaws that encompass much good (the bodys healing properties, our immunological systems, etc.) Philip. How much grace and reason went into a law like this? The way you write about his thoughts gets rid of that linguistic barrier. They dismissed my story as a fabrication. By the way, I have read all your books, I think. I want to start off by saying that you have been an invaluable resource for me in my shaky Christian walk. My aunt and uncle introduced me to your books almost 15 years ago. The Business Detail, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/title-page?lang=eng, Spiritual Lessons from the Human Body: An Interview with Philip Yancey RCCG, https://www.dropbox.com/s/b1sr3nroq4ivp25/2018%20Men's%20Retreat%20Promo.mp4?dl=0, http://qideas.org/contributors/gabe-lyons/, http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/04/07/my-take-how-churches-can-respond-to-mental-illness/, http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2013/january-february/my-top-5-books-on-mental-illness.html, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3EfssqGuQM, http://necrometrics.com/pre1700b.htm#Martyrs. Publishers Weekly, March 9, 1984, Miriam Berkley, interview with Philip Yancey, p. 116; December 20, 1985, William Griffin, review of Open Windows, p. 37; January 13, 1989, review of Disappointment with God, p. 66; September 27, 1993, review of Pain, p. 55; September 29, 1997, review of What's So Amazing about Grace?, p. 85; August 16, 1999, review of The Bible Jesus Read, p. 76; July 24, 2000, review of Reaching for the Invisible God, p. 88; July 31, 2000, review of Reaching for the Invisible God, p. 55; August 13, 2001, review of Soul Survivor, p. 308, and "PW Talks with Philip Yancey," p. 309; November 19, 2001, review of Soul Survivor, p. 43; August 4, 2003, review of Rumors of Another World, p. 74; November 17, 2003, review of Rumors of Another World, p. 37; August 28, 2006, "PW Talks with Philip Yancey: Why Pray? People who say they care about me dont understand the condition and what really bothers me is that they dont even try to. (https://www.netgrace.org/) who have convinced me that many of the accusations are 100% right. That same day, on Wall St, so many people said to me that I was the first Christian they had ever met a Christian who wasnt right-wing and intolerant, etc. When this therapy failed, I was blamed, shamed and rejected by the groups that applied it to me. It seems like youre name keeps popping up as weve learned from these folks, so weve been reading Whats so Amazing About Grace. Audible downloads are great for myself but not easy to give as gifts. Mr. Yancey, The other side of the coin is that while art today is here and present, it lives on, not necessarily as a piece (or artist) itself, but in the minds of those who encounter it and the influence they have on others, who in turn influence still others, and so on. And the other is to ask this question of how? How have you managed to stay on the shelves of Christian bookstores all this time? Shame on me for referring to another book, but I addressed this very problem in Reaching for the Invisible God. Its a great question, one I spent a year exploring. Gratefully, Philip, For the first time in my 40 uears as a Christian, I am able to give Christian books to non-Christians. Keep feeling differentyoure not alone. You write the same questions and discoveries as I occasionally think. Thanks, Matt, Ill try to listen and then email you. As a Protestant, I believe youre right that God wants us to keep digging, and in doing so to emphasize the universals (love being at the top) more than any set of dogmatic beliefs. So, I guess Im an Evangelical?? I first read Whats so amazing about grace? in 2008 and immediately bought 10 copies as Christmas presents for my bible group. He had blocked these programs in the past and did not want to see them running. Jesus talks about not being able to serve God and Money, yet our culture has glorified the comforts we enjoy thru money- to the point where when everything doesnt go our way we decide to fix it. You might not want people to see you wiping your eyes and reflecting on your own shortcomings and repentance. I am attempting to help a man who says he needs to forgive God. When I came back I said, Paul, here are your memos. She is currently more open to the Lord. Of course that is true, but also rather clinical. Justin married Delphine Chiasson. Smith was out to get me. The dream of Nelson Mandela is still only halfway fulfilled. Why would God allow it? Much later, in May 2017, I met the V and C guard again in Morinville. Thank you that you are able to help us see Gods love through our journey, and also His plan for us along the way. Again, thank you. Ive found that small groups at church canor, to be honest, cannotbe a good place to look for compatible friends. If I summoned the courage to get through the small group, Id often spend the service saying prayers I didnt understand, and singing familiar hymns that didnt move me. Its one of my favorite times of the year: Christianaudio.com does their $7.49 sale. Its lonely. Paul and former police officer and chaplain Oliver Johnson told me that Spilsby had been connected in some way to the murder of an inmate in the past, and that he was quite capable of killing me. I was soon to find out that, just like Threshold Ministries, the care facility did not abide by this order either. You seem to have managed it though and I am both grateful and amazed. Thank you. While reading your book called Whats so amazing about grace? , I found their answers was full of contradictions. Its the easy way to try to sell a book because who wants to hear the true gospel that requires sacrifice and calls for repentance? A big concern of Dobson is Supreme Court appointments. I prefer the term Jesus followers, keeping the focus on the one we follow. Reinforce the satanic suffix foolishly extending its legitimacy As dvidas de J foram silenciadas por uma viso de Deus respondendo-o de um redemoinho. That gave me courage. The Participants Guide is tied directly in to the video, week by week. ), it does not mean that Jesus was actually extending forgiveness to his murderers at that moment. I use evangelical in its original meaning as good-news-messenger, and call those labeled as such to work harder on truly expressing that good news. Sorry I had never heard of you before. I want to be more like Jesus, I want to react as He would. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. They pass on ugly rumors and they gossip about things that are all stirred up at church, of all places! Hello ! I resumed teaching our adult Sunday School class after about six-weeks of experiencing the terror of losing his loving companionship. Im glad to make this connection, and thank you for the encouragement Philip. Barry Rose, the chaplain that I had come to replace. He was busy, so I went to see Acting Deputy Warden Albert. Choice, June, 1994, G.B. Your book is helping me. Recently I did complete it and I put it online for free (www.trippingup.net). Philip Yancey, author of books like Disappointment with God, The Jesus I Never Knew, and What's So Amazing About Grace, is one of the best selling Christian authors alive today.His interactions with Christians from around the world and his early church experiences inform his writing on faith, the problem of pain, and unexpected grace. Spilsby claimed that it was my couch, but it was the old urine- and sweat-soaked couch from behind the gym. Herbert Spencer and others created Social Darwinism and caused a huge amount of suffering. Went to a book store in Singapore, where I found most of your books, but couldnt find any of Buechners. How would I know if the Bible addresses specific people (to Jesus disciples, as you stated in the Prayer: You may ask me for anything in my name and I will do it) or everyone in general (Jeremiah 29:11; I even insert my name I know the plans I have for you, Horeb)? The first time I almost lost my faith, the second time I got it back, and this time Im just enjoying it as well as the scribbled notes in the margins from my previous 2 sojourns. Is he a noble pagan like the Church Fathers viewed Plato and Aristotle? Thank you for the reminder. Sadly, the guards frequently would not let the inmates out to light the candles. I discussed it with an experienced educator here in Baltimore, Rabbi Moshe Oppen, and he said that the source is actually in two places in the Zohar: in Parshas Acharei Mos (67a), and in Parshas Emor (102a). Philip. I resist . them. At the meeting, the Warden asked Paul to speak first, even though I had been the victim. I pray that God continues to work thru your heart and hands to inspire all of us Christians in a modern society deeply needing such truth, as you share it. I got to hear firsthand many of the stories you talked about. Say what you will, but there is no concrete example against the fact that he is allowing his children to suffer. and its still the thickest book Ive ever read in my life. In other words, the DVD player was brought in illegally. Feel the love! In this session, it was taught that all breaches of the law or prison security rules must be reported. Soul Survivor is my personal favorite because I got to write about my heroes. Just like you, I am deeply baffled by how many Filipino Christians have voted, even defended our current president. I wish in my heart that I would have had a chance to see you talk when you visited here. I moved to Florida when I was 18 and Prayer was the first book I bought, this time in English. Christian Century, March 1, 1989, Mark E. DeVries, review of Disappointment with God: Three Questions No One Asks Aloud, p. 236; April 17, 1991, review of Reality and Vision, p. 441; May 18, 1994, Frank Ramirez, review of Pain, p. 545; September 13, 1995, review of Finding God in Unexpected Places, p. 862; August 1, 2001, Peter W. Marty, review of Reaching for the Invisible God, p. 32; December 12, 2001, Wayne A. Holst, review of Soul Survivor, p. 25. Your writing has resonated more strongly with me than that of any other Christian writer, and you come across as a thoughtful and insightful individual who responds instead of reacting to the most challenging situations. The book is eloquently written so its still delightful to reread the same page for 10 times. Very recently, a popular christian leader and singer posted on her instagram what she called a #HolyIndignation. Dear Mr Yancey, Whew, great question and well-expressed. Romans 8:18-25 is fairly clear on that. She has many Christ like qualities, humble, modest, caring, forgiving, and has a heart for the disadvantaged. I wrote that book in my active journalism days, when I was seeking people to interview who might be models for my life. It would make an intriguing subject. Shame on the Church for making him feel so unwanted. But then I heard the story above from a man who has suffered needlessly due to prejudice: Let the people around you know that you are serious about institutional corruption and the protection of whistleblowers. This is his call to be vindicated! One has to be born-again. It has been a pretty satisfactory life. When I failed to be accepted by a graduate school I had applied to, she said, God knew it would make you proud, so you didnt get in. Later, when I left the rural church I had served for a dozen years in west Texas to go to a suburban church in Ohio, she accused me of abandoning those good people for a big city church; again, because I was proud. The Couch I miss my kids so much its like a deep grief. Best-selling author and 1970 Columbia International University alumnus Philip Yancey often recounts tales of his time at CIU: how he met his wife, Janet; how his fellow students went on to do powerful ministry around the world; and even how he began a relationship with God during his time at CIU. We ate lunch together before we delivered to the airport. It didnt take long for this little girl to draw conclusions about herself based on the way that people treated her. Its sane, reflective, and creative. One day as I sat at my desk, I found myself sobbing for quite a long time. I know what you mean about reading more about it than praying Philip. Ruby is my wife. There is so much available to describe the dysfunctional but very little aimed at how to do it right. This is probably not the book to take along to a spiritual retreat for discussion, mainly because it is far too raw and honest. Friends even repeatedly appealed to the premier of PEI, Robert Ghiz [13] [14]. and hope for the best? christie street animal hospital. And I ask, as a parent do you do everything your child wants you to? Mr Yancey, I want to thank you for giving me hope in a tough life. I went to a fundamental Church and sent my children there. Your books are REFRESHING! We typically feature a different writing each week to every 2 weeks. Thank you. I read about Evangelical Christians on this web site but, to me, it just describes Christians. I would be remiss if I didnt thank you properly or tell you that. We were wondering, did you mean that literally or were you speculating? Just thought you may be interested in looking into this. I am in the early stages of a memoir-like writing project which will engage the topic of faith in the midst of trial. It seems like God created us to sit back and watch us suffer. Did not one parent pray before their child left for school, God protect my child? Did not one child themselves pray, God protect me? How can you possibly say to a Newtown parent, Yes! 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. That might stir up some interesting discussion! This continues to haunt me for some reason and I am continuing to pray for him. 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 yearned for more, not knowing what more meant. Dear Philip! Meanwhile, Im simply grateful for the privilege of making a living by exploring what I would do anyway. I will try to learn from your comments, and thank you for doing the biblical and honorable thing by writing me directly. I worried it was blasphemous and put it down and was afraid to read it again for a long while. In the past few years where Ive finally begun to process all the pain in my life because I didnt have to be mother and just ignore the pain and push on, your books have meant the world to me. He explained that he intended to ask them to replace Bridges of Canada because it was his belief that they were not qualified to oversee Chaplaincy Services. She even complained to Threshold Ministries that I was trying to destroy her job. No misunderstanding That's probably one of the main reasons why I'm a writer today: because there are millions of people in a [closed] world like [the one in which I was raised]. I hope you know this history. It grieves me that people like Paul Vanderham and other bullies are allowed to continue spreading their poison there, while I am dismissed from my position there without cause. Any reasoning anyone gives for this is that we just have to wait until we die and then God will reveal himself. Over the years I have continued in my studies and now serve as Senior Research Professor of Biblical Exegesis atCriswell College (Dallas, Tx). I had paid dearly for following the Deputy Wardens teaching to report illegal activities. Here is my email address. Now, with a mandate from half of the voting public, Donald Trump takes the office of president backed with a Republican majority in the House and Senate. He said that an investigation by Bridges of Canada was going on, that my life was in danger and that my position as chaplain had been suspended. In addition to the MLA, Chicago, and APA styles, your school, university, publication, or institution may have its own requirements for citations. I have grown up in church and Christian schools and have experienced and witnessed both tremendous grace and painful ungrace from Christians, though I most strongly associate church and Christians with the latter. Phil tries to reassure me over and over that just faith that God is in control offers great comfort and peace. I did not come to condemn but to save, he said. Most of them said, Forgiveness is disappearance of sin. You clearly reflect the grace and kindness of our Savior. Strangely enough, your mentioning of the disorder in one of your books (Prayer, if Im not mistaken) was what prompted me to look into mental illness in the first place. They found her in a diabetic coma on Thanksgiving day and Hospice was called in a few days afterwards. Dr. Do we live in a world with no religion and only the fit survive? Sometimes we learn most by staying with a group that may not be our first preference. http://necrometrics.com/pre1700b.htm#Martyrs, Maybe you have know that already, so I am sorry for stepping in. Im open to the theophany. Phillip, I shared with him one area that a lot of evangelicals dont hold, that he said they did. I love this letter. After years of study on O. T. worship especially the tabernacle and temple worship, I have not been able to verify this fact. Look at Matthew 23 and Luke 11 in which Jesus lashes out against the judgmental and rigid religious leaders of his day; youll never find him more angry. Otherwise, Ive mostly read the novels by Richard Wright, Toni Morrison, Ralph Allison and the liketheyve certainly shaped my sensibility, if not my faith. I want to thank you because your books have been a source of inspiration to my faith (especially The Jesus I never knew and Prayer Does it makes any difference?). I am a 68 year old male so you can imagine how much religion, society, and politics have changed in my lifetime also I was born and raised in LA.