This past week I (finally) received a copy of Reformation Review, a new Church of God publication of Reformation Publishers. The first issue actually came out in September, but because of moving this year I never received it (Thanks to Wayne Warner for getting me a copy!). Normally it is being sent to each pastor in North America.
[CORRECTION 10/31/07 - Originally I indicated here that RR is a reincarnation of Reformation Witness. I have learned that this is incorrect. The latter will continue to publish. Some of the following content is also modified to reflect this new information.]
Review is billed as “a grassroots publication of the Church of God”. It certainly appears to be fairly diverse and definitely is not an “Anderson” product. The premiere issue features a wide range of writings, including a controversial article by Jerry Hickson that continues his message that the Church of God does not really fit into mainstream Evangelicalism. An article from an outside author, Dr. Larry Smith, is also included and worth reading.
The impetus for this publication comes out of the frustration over the recent demise of our official publication, ONEvoice. Reformation Review is trying to fill a niche that many feel has been neglected, that is doctrinal writing. The format is unique for us, printed now in a digest size. The overall appearance is a step up from Reformation Witness, but, in my opinion, still is lacking in layout and design quality.
It will be interesting to watch the development of this new periodical and its acceptance across our movement. I understand that the next issue includes some material from one of my blog postings. Hopefully, that doesn’t kill it!
Friday, October 26, 2007
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
"colorless permutation of Christianity"?
This week a new biography has been released on perhaps the most famous person ever associated with our movement, Charles Schulz, the creator of the Peanuts comic strips. Schulz and Peanuts was written by David Michaelis, and has already raised some controversy for its depiction of the cartoonist.
Of interest to me is a review in the New Yorker. According to the article, in the book Michaelis describes Schulz's Christian roots, and states that "the Church of God has no defining style of architectural tradition. It barely announced itself". The reviewer, John Updike, takes it a step further with, "It was to this colorless permutation of Christianity, founded in Indiana in 1881, that the young Schulz attached himself, becoming a tithing pillar and part-time preacher."
What caught my attention is the perception of outsiders of our movement, particularly as it relates to the arts. While the above quotes might seem somewhat unfair or over-generalized, I believe they are not too far off in recognizing that the Church of God has not been a bastion of artistic flair. Our pietistic and holiness background have certainly relegated the arts to the background. Much of our past architecture has been bland and utilitarian, and while music has been one of our passions, other forms of artistic expression have been largely lacking.
There is probably much more that could be said about this by those who would wish to analyze this historically, socially and theologically. Suffice to say here, it provides an interesting look at ourselves and our own culture by those peering in from the outside.
Of interest to me is a review in the New Yorker. According to the article, in the book Michaelis describes Schulz's Christian roots, and states that "the Church of God has no defining style of architectural tradition. It barely announced itself". The reviewer, John Updike, takes it a step further with, "It was to this colorless permutation of Christianity, founded in Indiana in 1881, that the young Schulz attached himself, becoming a tithing pillar and part-time preacher."
What caught my attention is the perception of outsiders of our movement, particularly as it relates to the arts. While the above quotes might seem somewhat unfair or over-generalized, I believe they are not too far off in recognizing that the Church of God has not been a bastion of artistic flair. Our pietistic and holiness background have certainly relegated the arts to the background. Much of our past architecture has been bland and utilitarian, and while music has been one of our passions, other forms of artistic expression have been largely lacking.
There is probably much more that could be said about this by those who would wish to analyze this historically, socially and theologically. Suffice to say here, it provides an interesting look at ourselves and our own culture by those peering in from the outside.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Confronting sexual temptation
This past June, at the North American Convention, the Area Administrators' sponsored a "Training the Trainers" seminar led by Dr. Al Ells of Leaders that Last Ministries. All ministers were invited to attend, although because of insufficient promotion very few were in attendance. Because of his extensive experience in this area, Ells was asked to address sexual misconduct and pornography as it relates to clergy. His presentation was very powerful, and one that every Church of God minister should have heard.
The good news is that Church of God Ministries had this event professionally video-recorded. I haven't heard if they will be advertising the sale of the DVD's, but they can be obtained by contacting Joni Burnett at Church of God Ministries. The cost is only $4.00. I was so impressed with the significance of this presentation that we will giving one to each of the pastors in our district! I'd encourage you to obtain one for yourself and a pastor you know.
The good news is that Church of God Ministries had this event professionally video-recorded. I haven't heard if they will be advertising the sale of the DVD's, but they can be obtained by contacting Joni Burnett at Church of God Ministries. The cost is only $4.00. I was so impressed with the significance of this presentation that we will giving one to each of the pastors in our district! I'd encourage you to obtain one for yourself and a pastor you know.
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