I am always reminded of soldiers in WWII that were of fighting age, but were not drafted. Ruby is my wife. I recently attended a Young Life camp for military families at Trail West in May of this year. Even as the Christianity here is thoroughly European in images, tradition, rhythm (Christmas and Easter in Summer and Autumn makes no sense, symbolically or corporeally) and sensibility. Despite his renunciation of strict fundamentalism, Yancey remained religiously active and, after college, he began writing for the Christian magazine Campus Life. Mr. Yancey, I should have written this years ago when I first read The Jesus I Never Knew! It forgives the unfaithful spouse, the racist, the child abuser. So, I went back, the door opened for me, and I stepped in. What He taught men the Apostles simply referred to as The Way Even one of my own physical disabilities was used to torment me. I will try my best to take this privilege as often as possible. We expressed our hopes and asked protection for our country. You honor and humble me to hear that I helped you back on the path that I found with such struggle myself. John Perkins, whom I got to know, holds out realistic optimism for reconciliation, something in short supply. My eyes were opened to the suffering of those all around. I now view politics and religion cynically as a tool to maneuver people to an end that benefits their personal goals, not goals of a God whom might think differently. God bless you Phillip. You should have my e-mail, and I would love to meet you. After I told him what Paul had said, he went to talk to the Warden. So, during the spring of my senior year I was invited to preach to my fellow students and the faculty. Ive seen interviews in which he broke down in tears speaking of Jesus, and another in which he paused quite some time before answering that, No, he did not believe in Jesus bodily resurrection. In his most personal and provocative book ever, Yancey offers compelling, true portraits of grace's life-changing power. Yancey lives in Colorado, working as a freelance writer. I explained that the depression had resulted from bullying by my own licensor, Threshold Ministries, as well as my own Anglican bishops, Alberta government officials and the Edmonton police. But God does indeed promise this very thing: The LORD will protect you from all harm; he will protect your life. (Psa. Yes, its possible to be an evangelical Christian without embracing todays evangelical culture. Let us give its due and rename it CNT for it is Clever, Not True., There is One called Christ and there is something called Christianity By the time I had given out about 15 stamps/cards, word had gotten around to Paul. A book is a poor substitute, I know, but I would recommend Henri Nouwens The Inner Voice of Love (written when he was in a similar state) or most anything by Brennan Manning, who battled this issue all his life. I have hope that this process for me will result in a strengthened and more vibrant faith. I can see why youre a little relationship-shy, Carol, in view of the brief background you mention. The Envelope Now back to the sunset. So far, I have not had luck with that pursuit. He attended some unnamed Bible college in South Carolina that forbid interracial dating and marriage. Clearly, the highest loyalty we should have is not to our own country or our own religion or our hometown or even to ourselves. Funny, isnt it, how those old houses like Downton Abbey and the Southern plantations, built on the backs of oppression and injustice, become such tourist magnets. . How can I Whereas I had worked in the correctional institutions for nearly 20 years and was the Senior Chaplain for Alberta Corrections, Paul had worked in Corrections for only four years. I read Black Like Me and was somewhat like the black community. Oh how I love my God. C. S. Lewis would be another example. ." Your father left you a legacy, and you are embracing it. We both are graduates of the counseling graduate program that CCU hosted under Dr. Larry Crabb and Dr. Dan Allender in the early 1990s. I wanted to comment some text of the latest I have been reading (not finished yet), the Soul adventure. Look up Preston Cloud for a clear and logical rebuttal of Creationist beliefs. His voyeurism, a criminal offense under Canadian law, was permitted to go on until I blew the whistle on him. You each speak to the same truth from different directions and style and I am a lifetime reader of something every day. Of course God will protect you. Years ago, early in my faith walk, I read the books you wrote with Dr. Like me, they are beggars of grace. The Lord clearly reached out to motivate me to catch up on my long ignorance and vague beliefs. Whats So Amazing About Grace, amongst your other publications, has been a great blessing. Philip Yancey publishes a shining example of "Christian" contradiction. 3. Smith blackened my name right across Canada and made it impossible for me to be accepted by a Bishop and so I went to the breakaway Anglicans, Reformed Episcopal Church ,and they were as cruel and bigoted as Capt. The Earth was formed 4.6 billion years ago and life has changed through the ages. I dont know what to make of him myself. Though my life was different than yours, there were elements of your story that sparked memories for me. I just sent the book to a former high school student of mine now in college (I send her one a year) because, as I wrote her, it can help her see and experience how richly diverse Christians & Christianity are, helping us avoid (as the Japanese proverb puts it) being a frog in a well that does not know the ocean (and in some cases helping us survive wounds from those wells). I was tempted to stop writing and look for another job to provide to my family, because, you know, sometimes is not just enough that you feel your job as writer is useless, its also the Spains political and economical crisis; its look threatening poverty into the eyes. I am not fancy with words but I have been looking forward to speak to you. I packed up my things and was excited about the years of study ahead ,as I stood on the Train platform in Saint John waiting for the train to take me to Toronto and the Church Army,./now called Threshold Ministries. Even though I was not interested, she showed me the photo. After few more meetings, she invited me to attend her church of three years an Independent Baptist Fundamental church. Therefore, there was no Creation , Eden, Adam and Eve, Fall of Man, Noahs Ark, or Tower of Babel. Dear Lisa, We both grew up in fundamental churches and experienced some of the unfortunate aspects of that that you did. I gave the first copy I had to a friend, who also gave it to another friend. Youre right about Judaism too: the scribes codified their Hebrew Bible (our Old Testament) into 613 commandsyet this was the very legalism Jesus railed against in Luke 11 and Matthew 23. Even days after that final judgement, I was not able to focus on my work life seemed too heavy to face. I have only one advantage: I am still alive! Dear Mr. Yancey, I have read almost all of your books. You absorbed exactly what I hoped to accomplish, and thanks for letting me know. Just this summer I have been reading your book and it is speaking to me very clearly and refreshing my heart! By the way, I have read all your books, I think. We are about the same age (Im two years older). It has given me additional assurance in growing my relationship with God. As you know, Dr. Heater, there are many, many people out there who were damaged by the church or its institutions. He then stormed out of the chapel, leaving me shocked and yes, deeply hurt. She abandoned her little girl to the streets. I hear from Mormons, Seventh Day Adventists, Catholics, and others who had experiences quite unlike mine yet can identify with some of the excesses I experienced. I thank God for you and for your openness and courage to explore beyond the surface. Its almost completely for your benefit if you choose to do that and essentially of no practical use to me. You were the first Christian writer who made room for a thinker like me. One day I saw Pauls memos on the Holy Communion table, just lying there waiting to be taken to the AWI for signing. I do know where Cape Town is, and its one of the most beautiful spots in the world. Your sorrow has been used to comfort so many of us. We are a fellowship of Christian men who are struggling with lust, in one form or another. I pray and pray and pray and pray.no response. Yours in writing I know my books are in Indonesia, both in English and many in Indonesian language. 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. Philip Yancey May 20, 1996. I am not at either extreme of the gay issue , I am just me who loves people no matter their struggles in life . So basically, l believe in a penal/substitutionary view while trying to incorporate parts of the Christus Victor view. May God bless you and your efforts to help others! I recently decided to write out my personal faith story over the Christmas holiday, covering my faith journey throughout my life and the crisis surrounding evolution that by the grace of God I did come to find peace and resolve in. Thank you. Now you too can be a grace-dispenser! Mark your calendars today! Naturally, I defended Rabbi Ari. I went through much pain with the Salvation Army anger over them loosing their stronghold. It only scratches the surface because we dont want to know so much why, I think, but what now? How do we live in light of this? I teach philosophy in Chicago. As for Genesis, I recommend that you find books by John Walton. It should be compulsory reading for Christians to learn how not to be full of ungrace, how it saddens me when I hear harsh words spoken of others by those in debt to the Grace of God. For the past 6 years, I have prayed for them every day and still come home to a completely non-Christian family (with the exclusion of my now-spouse, which is a tremendous blessing). Then whence cometh evil? Philip Yancey grew up in a strict, fundamentalist church in the Deep South. I feel overwhelming gratitude that I can make a living writing about the questions that most interest me. Youre all reaching out to a specific kind of audience, perhaps, and I sort of identify with that audience. . Let me know if you have insight or resources on any of this. I went onto a security assessment in Houston. If thats not what you have done, then you are truly genius!! . The Institution later wrote me to request that I return the Torah study books, claiming that they had been sent to me in error [49]. all of your books-multiple times! Youve written a lot about how your racist upbringing and how youve worked to overcome it. Jesus has my faith well in hand but Philip Yancey has helped me keep my sanity. And we were taught that God answers prayers, miraculously, but my father died of polio just after my first birthday, despite many prayers for his healing., For Yancey, reading offered a window to a different world. Can you please recommend a book about forgiveness? The good news is I finally got around to reading and finishing the book and I have become a huge fan. This YWAM leader left me on the streets of Grand Junction for the night and I was terrified. We first met at a YFC Directors certification course in 1972 in Rockford, IL. Its hard, but its beautiful. I am a great admirer and follower of your writing and teaching and your Grace Notes daily readings are an essential part of my day. Like you, I feel Im sometimes on a high-wire act, tiptoeing through the culture and subculture both. I have read some of your books and enjoyed them all. Any suggestions? I went to the sessions twice and left. The quote is (roughly), You cant worship a homeless guy on Sunday then ignore one on Monday. Been reading almost all of your books. What I can do however is give an indication as to its importance in my life based on a recent event. I live in New Zealand but am happy to use a U.S. editor given the wonder of technology. I saw that you are on the schedule to speak this semester during our chapel. I guess I will try Vanishing Grace next. It is a little snapshot of my Me too! and my journey to a deeper understanding of grace. I have been radically convicted that I do not have that right. I would read a chapter every couple days and think about what I had read. So, thank you so much, Mr. Yancey. And the one like it? Years later, when I first started to really struggled with the church I attended and with a season of doubt in the pursuit of my Ph.D., I found it again and God used it to keep me hanging on. I have been feeling quite overwhelmed, alone, discouraged and truly terrified that this journey will lead me to a place of unbelief, and what would I be left with then? Their 13 lives & testimonies still live to edify so many more through the gift of your book. He doesnt tell me to point fingers or join a country club church or sentimentalize or politicize or trivialize this great Gospel. They are sincere and genuine. I am confused if I am just appropriating certain verses for my self while the fact could be theyre meant for the ancient Israelites (Exodus 14:14; often used as a modern-day encouragement) or other groups or individuals. Thank You, Pleasure. Or punched a hole in the wall. I would cry out but my pain has robbed me of the energy. Ive just finished reading Scandal, am cherishing it, looking forward to reading his other books, while anticipating Martin Scorseses adaptation of Silence. I went through very difficult times in 2016 and as I went through that I read the book Disappointment with God. 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. 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. or The good of God by Yancey?? We both have speaking engagements this weekend. Annie Dillard and Henri Nouwen have also brought inspiration and encouragement. While the political part of me seeks revenge, (Let the markets crash! Or Allah? (Wish I could post the pic) This is my 3rd time reading Rumors. Just recently, I completed reading your book Soul Survivor. Personal I first came across staff from Dilaram houses ( YWAM) in Switzerland in 1975, I was searching for a purpose in life and they invited me to their Centre in Heerde,Holland where I went in early March 1976 . If so, where? The National Fire Codes changed as a result of the 100 people killed and 230 injured. Today I read these words: Although I believe that my readers come from different churches or denominations, at least two things surely unite us. Yes, I would recommend the books by Lewis Smedes, who wrote at least two on forgiveness. In the process he interviewed diverse people enriched by their personal faith, such as President Jimmy Carter, Habitat for Humanity founder Millard Fuller, and Dame Cicely Saunders, founder of the modern hospice movement. I tend to go back to the Bible as a model, because I dont know a more honest book, Yancey explains. Since Ive not had that particular gift, and try to focus on mere Christianity, I havent spoken about it. Really amazing! God is always there when the eyes of faith are open. He was making a bet on one of the games at the property. Every corner of my life, and heart, is completely broken. Thank you for your work and your ministry. Neither of us was what you'd call a "happy" student. This was a time in my life where I really had no idea what true disappointment with God might feel like. Id like to explore perspectives on faith with one or both of the Obamas, though theyd be tough to get to. Philip, I used to attend a local Church. Philip. The pastor said he gathered around youths paying tribute by lighting candles. I am considering borrowing material from your book for one of the sessions. I doubt a book is the place to start. When I said yes, he told me to put it back on and be our chaplain. Although her struggles may be different from yours (hers is a personal journey through deep depression) you may find it helpful. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may be rich in hope in the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13). It occurred to me recently that authors can be like mentors to us a thought that you have also expressed, and Im grateful to God for you being one of mine through your brave, compassionate and honest writing. From your reader: Ana Paula Nascimento Would it be possible to receive a donation? You were a gracious captive as we discussed our journey with Jacob. The Writing area of your site is very helpful as well. Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography. If we receive all good things from God, it is hard to see what God receives from us. It is also an answer to, not my, but my husbands prayer that same day I found your book, that God would give me what I needed. + Disappointment With God I would appreciate hearing from you with respect to that book! Theyre still voting Republican. Hello Philip! I do think the Israelite story, which later became the Jewish story, may be an example worth considering; its no accident that so many spirituals and so many civil rights sermons hark back to those days of oppression and liberation. You confirm my suspicions. He said you SHALL KNOW THE TRUTH AND THE TRUTH WILL MAKE YOU FREE. or to Spring Harvest?? It was refreshing to be reminded that although God is unlikely to magic a solution to all of my fears and doubts, that he is steadfast and sure in his promises. Bless you as you continue to navigate these stormy waters. Its wonderful that you have such an open line of communication with your parents. Your philosophical approach has a way of reaching those whose belief systems are vague, cynical, or impeded by discontent with paradox. I was stunned, never having had anyone react with such anger for having a tree planted in Israel in memory of their loved one. I will try to take it to heart because I know its what Jesus would want me to do, but I am finding it very difficult to want to relate to fellow Christians who are willing to die on the swords of anti-abortion and homosexuality, but who see no need for social justice reform in this country. Pauls Direct Push for My Resignation I went on to tell Brad about my desire to run different programs that the prisoners had asked for, and how Paul shut them down every time. Do you have any news about him? Basically, evangelicals take the Bible more seriously than some other shades of Christians, and tend to emphasize a personal conversion experience and the importance of spreading the message to others. Nothing yet and I am not trying to be like Abraham and Sarah. Your books have been so valuable to our family; especially my husband who has read some over again. Paul complained that I called him a bully and liar. I sat down in Alberts office and just sobbed my heart out. I just felt the need to let you know this and encourage you to continue! [32]. I dont know. They want to be just as extreme as liberals. For me, and only me, this was settled before Jesus was said to have walked the Earth 300 years BCE, as a matter of fact. Please, keep writing friend. Ive stood near the Yangtze River where in 1931 a flood killed four million. The summer after my junior year of college, I led a small group in the fellowship I was a part of. I find it much easier to feel (and show) true love and grace for people who are judgmental and unkind outside of the church than for those who are judgmental and unkind within the church. Not to mention the disappointments I suffered in the Church in which I gathered. We must connect because weve traveled such similar paths. You quoted the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, as an example of human suffering and tragedy. I was able to let go of the shame Ive always faintly clung to for the fact that I always felt like that person who went to the retreat and didnt get the experience Id hoped for, the person who closed my eyes during listening prayer times and was not blessed with a profound image, the one who yearned and longed and prayed for a tangible sense of Gods presence and overwhelming love and, more often than not, didnt get it. In late 2015, around the same time as my interview with the Summerside RCMP regarding Gord Dominey, Dr. Beckner from Bridges of Canada called me to ask if I was interested in a prison chaplains job at the Stony Mountain Institution in Winnipeg. Mark Dickson not Capt. I appreciate your spirit and your concern for your friends. Whats So Amazing About Grace ~ Philip Yancey He told me no, saying that neither he nor the Commissioner wanted this. In other words, the DVD player was brought in illegally. I want to thank you immensely for your wise way of writing and I praise God for your life. I have read it at very different stages in my life and get something fresh and encouraging each time. We are walking different paths but yet come to the same conclusions. We peppered you with questions to help us gain some type of understanding as to why Jacob was born with such a devastating prognosis. Thanks, I came out of the abuse in my childhood and became so angry with God that I did briefly become an atheist in words, in college, but could never convince myself that I actually didnt believe in God. We only have 2 choices. Although I did not find that the book helped me at all, I have to applaud you on your writing style. How do you deal with that? Went to a book store in Singapore, where I found most of your books, but couldnt find any of Buechners. Notably, I knew nothing of a postal weighing machine in the Administration Building and was warned by staff to stay away from the woman who ran the that department.