A Reformer Who Keeps ‘The Faith’

For further discussion about how evangelicals can engage the culture in all of its various spheres but not as a mere "power group" (Colson), see JP Moreland's book KINGDOM TRIANGLE (Zondervan, 2008). Its focus is not merely on winning the "culture war" but on evangelicals becoming thoughtful persons who can interact at the level of ideas. See www.kingdomtriangle.com for further info.

I thought the brief discussion of "orthodox Christianity" was both rewarding and frustrating. Rewarding in that the definition given was accurate: "Right thinking and right beliefs. It doesn't change as times change. It's eternal truth..." [I'll leave off the hedge at the end.] Frustrating, exceptionally so, because there seemed to be no recognition on either the interviewer's or interviewee's parts that "Christianity in its radical form, its apostolic form" is alive and well in the Orthodox Church (capital "O"). Right thinking and right believing, it hasn't changed as the times have changed except to adapt its language and culture to embrace those who would embrace it: hence Greek Orthodoxy, Russian Orthodoxy, and an emerging American Orthodoxy which marked its bicentennial anniversary in North America in 1994.

There are lots of great books available: Timothy (now Metropolitan Kallistos) Ware's "The Orthodox Church" is a classic; Fr. Alexander Schmemann's books remain timeless; and for those who like to read on-line, there's even an OrthodoxWiki. Better yet, find a local church and "Come and See!" This advice -- from the Apostle Philip, quoted by the Evangelist John -- has not changed either.

Warm regards,

Deacon Seraphim Solof

Ah, Intelligent Design strikes again. How charming. Apparently it's all but impossible to have an article on religion and not bring up evolution. Congratulations on your faith, and I do mean that with all due sincerity if it truly brings you pleasure and purpose. However, based on your comparison of the evolution of man over millions of years to the creation of a computer, I would agree that, yes, "science and reason" seem to have died for you.

You end by nearly shrieking for the other writer to grow up since he apparently doesn't believe as you do. It seems ironic as a tactic to make your point, since it's so completely juvenile. All the best to you and yours. Now leave the rest of us to ours

In response to Cates: This is no way relates to this article. Common courtesy.
There is only one God. My GOD. Faith, by definition, is the only thing on this planet that you can't prove wrong. My FAITH in JESUS CHRIST is the only real thing there is. Science and reason die away every second to be replaced by something else that is already dying away. I am a Christian woman who loves her God and loves His creations and I KNOW that HE is real because He is in my life every second. I call anyone who is ruled by this world and can't figure out why nothing of this planet can make you happy to seek God with all your heart and He will find you and give you happiness and peace you could never imagine, not to mention salvation.
Aside from Computer Engineers, most of us look at a computer as a complex piece of equipment. We don't really know how it all works and don't really care as long as we can check our Stocks and our Myspace when we hit the on button.
Would you believe me if you and I were sitting in front of my PC and I told you I was sitting there oneday and it just popped into existance. No one thought it up and you can't give credit to anyone, it just appeared. Would you believe me? I certainly hope not. Now compare the biggest super computer on this planet to one human body. No computer man can make can compare to the human brain in memory storage, processing speed, or sheer functionality, and yet so many people are willing to accept someone's view that oneday this amazing planet just BIG banged into existance without any thought or care from something greater. ARE you kidding me? Grow UP!

Apparently "drewmanley", you are ignorant of Christian teachings and the Muslim religion. Their is one huge difference between the two, amongst many others. The Quran says that "The case of Jesus with God is like the case of Adam. He created him from dust, and then he said to him "Be!" and he came into being." Quran 3:59. Jesus in this verse is no different from man, any man. they believe him to be a prophet and a great man, but not God himself. This is a critical distinction. The basis of Christian teaching is that Jesus IS GOD, and that he came to us in the flesh. John 1:1- 2 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God." Then in John 1:14 it says, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory"... And lastly John 10:30 says "I and the Father are one." This does not even touch on the fact that the Quran directly deny's another major christian teaching by stating: "Jesus was not crucified, but his likeness was put on another man and they killed that man." Quran 4:157. Muslim teaching tells a different version of two major points of the christian doctrine; that Jesus was God in the flesh and that He did not die through crucifixtion. Therfore denying He paid for our sins through death, burial and ressurection, and that Jesus is the ONLY way to salvation! But, Mr Manley, I understand why you would think this way. Your view of religion and God is through a worldls view, not through personal study and investigation. The bible in 1 Corinthians 1:18-19 says "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate." I pray you will open your heart and close your head. God is not known and understood through reasoning, but through faith. By believing in Jesus Christ. Read the book! Look for yourself, so that you also may not perish but have eternal life! Love you man!

We're moving to a post-Christian world, and Christians are so hopelessly lost in 17th century interpretations of the Bible I don't think we stand a chance of doing anything but slowing it down a few generations.

It's days like this which make me believe Revelation may happen more and more.

Unfortunately, imaginary friends and politics do not meld well. There is not much difference between an ortodox Christian and an orthodox Muslim.

I appreciate so much the books written by Mr. Colson. Kingdoms in Conflict is an excellent volume for thoughtful Christians to read and discuss in small groups.

It's good to hear that Mr. Colson stands for the truth! Praise God that truth is sufficient!