Issue #6 - 2000 A Publication of Ransom Fellowship

CritiqueHelping Christians Develop Skill in Discernment

In This Issue

04 TheChris Discerningtian Discernmen Lifet 101 Denis Haack outlines the questions and principles at the heart of discernment.

05 OutDevil ofish TheirScheme Mindss One devil advises another in an excerpt from C.S. Lewis’s Screwtape Letters. 10

06 TheStrai Darkenedght Shooter Room Drew Trotter reviews The Straight Story.

08 ReadingThe Second theMar Wordtin A book by Martin Chemnitz for meditation on the Lord’s Prayer.

02 Editor’s Note 10 ResourcesCollege Prep 101 and more 03 Dialogue Reviews: How to Stay Christian in College, The Legacy of Sovereign Joy, Where Shall My Wond’ring Soul Begin?, and Virtual Faith. 09 Poetry by Isaac Watts

13 Digressions 14 TunedTavener, InCCCM 16 Clicks John Mason Hodges writes about John Tavener, Classical Contemporary Christian Musician. Critique Issue #6 - 2000

Editor Denis Haack

Managing Editor Marsena Konkle

Contributing Editors Editor’s Note Steven Garber, R. Greg Grooms, Douglas Groothuis, ailing to mention something can make a real here. It’s just that it’s been some time since we Donald Guthrie, John Mason difference. A friend recently told me about a spelled them out. And like a recipe missing one Hodges, David John Seel, Jr., F woman whom he remembers as having the ingredient, that can make the rest of what we Andrew H. Trotter, Jr. reputation of being a fabulous cook. People publish in these pages a bit less understandable. looked forward to invitations to dinner, knowing For one thing, there are new readers every Board of Directors that they would be treated to a superb meal. At issue, and they deserve to know what we mean by Craig M. Chambers MD church pot-luck dinners her contribution was discernment, since that’s what this newsletter is always noted, and folks moved through the buffet all about. Though what we mean by discernment Steven Garber, Scholar-in- line hoping those ahead of them hadn’t taken it is implicit in all that we publish, making these Residence at Council for all. She was gracious about the praise she ideas explicit will help readers develop skill in Christian Colleges and received, insisting the food she made wasn’t that using them—in turning them from ideas into Universities special. And she always made copies of her skills, and finally into habits of thought and recipes for everyone who requested them. imagination and life. And since discernment in a Donald Guthrie, Vice President Without fail, however, people always returned fallen world is so crucial to faithfulness, even for Academics at Covenant with the identical message. “I tried your recipe those who have been reading Critique for Theological Seminary last week,” they would tell her. “It was good, real- awhile could benefit from reviewing the basics ly good, but not as good as yours. I followed the periodically. Denis and Margie Haack, recipe, but somehow it wasn’t quite the same.” So, I hope you’ll spend some time reflecting co-founders of Ransom The woman would smile, and assure them that on the column in The Discerning Life in this Fellowship with some perseverance their culinary efforts issue of Critique. This is where I usually either would improve. After all, she reminded them, she pose an issue which requires a discerning Bonnie Liefer, Director of had been cooking for a very long time. response, or I occasionally take one of those Communications at Coalition What they didn’t know, of course, was that exercises in discernment and propose a possible for Christian Outreach the recipe she had given them was incomplete in response. This time, however, the column reviews some way. An ingredient would always be left what we mean by discernment. We plan to Henry Tazelaar MD, Professor out, or sometimes the proportions would be reprint this column from time to time, perhaps of Pathology, Mayo Medical altered slightly. If the copy had been compared to annually. To be discerning means to have a School the original recipe, it would have looked like a questioning mind, and so our understanding of simple error, a copying mistake anyone could discernment can be summarized as a series of Submissions & have made. The change was always small, hardly simple but probing questions which help us Correspondence worth noticing, almost imperceptible. Still, when reflect Christianly on life and culture in a Critique considers unsolicited the recipe was followed, the omission always fallen world. manuscripts only for fiction made a difference. Things just didn’t seem quite As you’ll see (I hope), these questions form and poetry. Mail with SASE to: right. the backbone of all that is found in these pages. Marsena Konkle Though it’s not really the same thing, They are the framework which defines our Critique Managing Editor reviewing the past few issues of Critique has approach to engaging the culture with the 406 Bowman Avenue caused me to realize that we’ve failed to mention gospel. They are present in each issue of Madison, WI 53716 a few things. More specifically, there are some Critique—even if we have failed to mention essential ideas or definitions, some concepts them as often as we should. ■ All other correspondence foundational to what we mean by discernment ~Denis D. Haack and changes of address: that we haven’t repeated often enough in these Denis D. Haack pages. We haven’t left them out on purpose, of 1150 West Center course. That’s the main difference between us Rochester, MN 55902 and the cook—I’m not confessing to a conspiracy Ransom_Fellowship@com- puserve.com

Critique #6 - 2000 2 Dialogue The movie discussion continues...

was disappointed in Drew Trotter’s y church recently had its third cinema response to Dan Balbach’s letter (Critique festival and I would love to share our I #3 - 2000). Balbach asked some important M experience in hopes that others will see questions about whether we can be infected by this as a vital part of interacting with post- the movies we watch, and how to deal with modern culture and even revealing our own the violence, sex, etc., in modern movies. (In misguided and idolatrous hearts. other words, should we have standards for At the first festival, we had a writer from ourselves like those we set for our children?) Entertainment Weekly who attends our church I believe Trotter has neglected several discuss some of the language of cinema, as issues in his response. These are holiness, call- well as classic narrative structures in film. The ing, and the nature of rest and entertainment. second year we concentrated on the percep- The Bible consistently sets a perfect stan- tion of Christians in a number of “secular” You are invited to take part in dard of holiness. The deeper I go with God, movies and in a Billy Graham film. Critique’s Dialogue. Address all the more sensitive I am to things that grieve This year we looked at the way we correspondence to: him. This means I am now more deliberate approach films in general. The reviews and about what I do with my time; I watch far critical questions from Critique really helped Marsena Konkle fewer movies than before, select them more outline what a thoughtful Christian response Critique Managing Editor carefully, and am less tolerant of trash and to film might look like. We began with medi- 406 Bowman Avenue triviality than I used to be. tations from scripture that addressed the idea Madison, WI 53716 Although all of us are called to exercise of entertainment and Paul’s example of “tak- critical thinking, not all of us are called to be ing every thought captive to the obedience of or e-mail: movie critics. I have found that having a deep, Christ” (II Cor.10:5), as well as his exhorta- [email protected] personal interest in people is more than ade- tion not to be taken captive to wordly philos- quate for me to connect with them, whether ophy (Col. 2:8). This was followed by a dis- Unfortunately, we are unable to or not I know the movies they watch or the cussion led by a screenwriter/producer on respond personally to all correspon- music they listen to. I think Trotter—and Christians’ attitudes toward the entertain- dence received, but each one is Critique—have vastly overstated the need to ment industry and how to discern the world- greatly appreciated. We reserve the be students of our culture. views within a film. We then watched The right to edit letters for length. One issue that deserves deeper discus- Matrix and The Straight Story and applied sion in Critique is the nature of rest and some of Critique’s tools and questions in our entertainment. Should our rest even include discussion. passive entertainment like t.v., movies, or We now plan on having two monthly spectator sports? Are there more edifying, film discussion groups to continue developing constructive, and refreshing things we discernement in what we are watching, as well should be doing instead? as to learn how to use film as a bridge for Tim Goring sharing the Gospel with non-Christian friends. Dallas, Texas Thanks again for modelling Christian dis- cernment of postmodern culture in Critique. Greg Stump Grace Brethren Church, Long Beach

3 Critique #6 - 2000 The Discerning Life

Christian Discernment 101 Probing questions to help develop skill in discernment.

f anything is certain for Christians is a process which involves answering assumptions? What’s really at stake, or today, it is that we find ourselves living four simple but probing questions. The being requested, or argued for, or I among people who do not share our questions are simple enough to be taught disputed? deepest convictions and values. If we are to children; they are probing enough to What are the essential or foundational to be faithful as Christians in such a plu- help us get to the heart of whatever we issues? What are the secondary or ralistic setting, we’ll need to develop skill are trying to reflect on as Christians. The less important issues? It’s vital to in discernment. An ability to respond questions can be learned and used, until distinguish between the two, so we winsomely to those who see things very with practice they become a habit, a way don’t get distracted by things that differently than we do, instead of merely of biblically interacting with ideas and may have significance, but are not of reacting to the ideas, values, and behavior issues in a fallen world. primary importance. of the non-Christians around us. An abil- Our concern is not simply with iso- 2. What is a Christian response? Notice we ity, by God’s grace, to lated ideas, but with the whole of life and are concerned with “a” Christian creatively chart a godly response, not necessarily “the” path through the maze Christian response. Minds renewed by of choices and options The questions can—should—be asked the truth of God’s word may not agree that confront us, even as we scan the newspaper, attend a at every point on every issue, and there when we’re faced with is room for diversity among the people situations and issues seminar, read a book, listen to a ser- of God. that aren’t specifically mon, or talk with a neighbor. Where do we agree? Where do we mentioned in the disagree? Seek points of agreement Scriptures. before identifying areas of disagree- This was what Paul wanted for the culture. The questions can—should—be ment. Christians have the unfortunate Christians who lived in the pluralistic asked as we scan the newspaper, attend a reputation of being unnecessarily nega- culture of the first century. “We have not seminar, read a book, listen to a sermon, tive and disagreeable, unlike Paul, who stopped praying for you,” he wrote to the or talk with a neighbor. We need to be in Athens began his discussion with a Colossians, “asking God to fill you with discerning about all of life and culture, pagan audience by finding a point of the knowledge of his will through all because all of life and culture has been contact with them. spiritual wisdom” (1:9). J. B. Phillips tainted by the Fall. 3. Why do we believe the Christian translates it this way: “We are asking God The process outlined here is not a position? What reasons would we give? that you may see things, as it were, from formula or recipe, nor is discernment 4. How can we talk about and live out the his point of view by being given spiritual some sort of technique. Nor are we guar- truth creatively and winsomely in a insight and understanding.” Os Guinness anteed that answering the questions will pluralistic culture? Since most of our uses the term thinking Christianly, and somehow make everything turn out well. friends and neighbors see things defines it as “thinking about anything at Rather, as discerning Christians we may, differently, how can we make sure we all in a distinctly Christian way. Where by God’s grace, be remembered as those are being understood? our minds are so informed by the truth who sought to be faithful. of God’s word in terms of our assump- Discerning Discussions tions and presuppositions that we increas- Discernment Questions with Unbelievers D e v e ingly see as God sees, though it will be in for Believers When we are talking with non-Christian l o p i n an imperfect way.” 1. What’s being said? What is the nature friends about issues that matter, the four g

D i

s One way to develop skill in discern- of the challenge confronting us? What discernment questions can be changed c e r n

m ment is to recognize that being discerning ideas are presented, or are implicit as slightly to become a framework for e n t

D D D D Deepening Discipleship 4 Out of Their Minds

Devilish Schemes One devil advises another. discussion. (Note: they are questions, not y Dear Wormwood, regard the sun and moon as his chattels. He mini-sermons.) Men are not angered by mere misfor- is also, in theory, committed to a total service M tune but by misfortune conceived as of the Enemy; and if the Enemy appeared to 1. What’s being said? What’s the message(s) or issue(s)? injury. And the sense of injury depends on him in bodily form and demanded that total 2. Where do you agree? Where do you disagree? the feeling that a legitimate claim has been service for even one day, he would not refuse. 3. Why? Why do you believe that? What rea- denied. The more claims on life, therefore, He would be greatly relieved if that one day sons would you give? that your patient can be induced to make, involved nothing harder than listening to the 4. What difference does it make in your life? the more often he will feel injured and, as a conversation of a foolish woman; and he How does this conviction or value change result, ill-tempered. Now you will have would be relieved almost to the pitch of dis- how you live or affect your choices? noticed that nothing throws him into a pas- appointment if for one half-hour in that day sion so easily as to find a tract of time which the Enemy said, “Now you may go and ecause movies and popular music are he reckoned on having at his own disposal amuse yourself.” Now, if he thinks about his art forms, and not merely ideas, we can unexpectedly taken from him. It is the unex- assumption for a moment, even he is bound B add a couple of questions to help us pected visitor (when he looked forward to a to realise that he is actually in this situation better comprehend what’s being said in each quiet evening), or the friend’s talkative wife every day. When I speak of preserving this case. (turning up when he looked forward to a assumption in his mind, therefore, the last tête-à-tête with the friend), that throws him thing I mean you to do is to furnish him Movie Discussions out of gear. Now he is not yet so uncharita- with arguments in its defence. There aren’t 1. What was your initial or immediate reaction ble or slothful that these small demands on any. Your task is purely negative. Don’t let his to the film? Why do you think you reacted his courtesy are in themselves too much for thoughts come anywhere near it: Wrap a that way? it. They anger him because he regards his darkness about it, and in the center of that 2. In what ways were the techniques of film- time as his own and feels that it is being darkness let his sense of ownership-in-Time making (casting, direction, script, music, sets, stolen. You must therefore zealously guard in lie silent, uninspected, and operative. action, cinematography, editing, etc.) used to his mind the curious assumption “My time is nd all the time the joke is that the word get the film’s message(s) across, or to make the my own.” Let him have the feeling that he “mine” in its fully possessive sense can- message plausible or compelling? starts each day as the lawful possessor of A not be uttered by a human being about 3. Since movies tell a story, what elements of twenty-four hours. Let him feel as a grievous anything. They will find out in the end, narrative are important to this film? What is tax that portion of this property which he never fear, to whom their time, their souls, the significance of each of the main charac- has to make over to his employers, and as a and their bodies really belong—certainly not ters? With whom did you identify in the generous donation that further portion to them, whatever happens. At the present film? Why? which he allows to religious duties. But what the Enemy says “mine” of everything on the he must never be permitted to doubt is that pedantic, legalistic ground that He made it. Music Discussions the total from which these deductions have Our Father hopes in the end to say “mine” of 1. What is the message of the lyrics? How good been made was, in some mysterious sense, all things on the more realistic and dynamic is the poetry? his own personal birthright. ground of conquest. 2. What is the message communicated by the You have here a delicate task. The Your affectionate uncle music? How good is the music? Does the assumption which you want him to go on Screwtape ■ music fit the words? making is so absurd that, if once it is ques- 3. How is the performance? tioned, even we cannot find a shred of argu- Copyright © C.S. Lewis, 1961 4. Do I like it? What does that say about me? ■ ment in its defence. The man can neither Source: The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis ~Denis D. Haack make, nor retain, one moment of time; it all (New York: Time Inc. Book Division; 1961) comes to him by pure gift; he might as well pp. 72-75.

5 Critique #6 - 2000 The Darkened Room

Straight Shooter A Review of tells him of the near-accomplishment of the journey. It is a moment of triumph with- The Straight Story out a single word, just the tears of joy on an old man’s face that signal to him that he has not suffered in vain. Powerful and by Drew Trotter deeply moving without being maudlin, the scene causes us to feel the special sense of No movie in recent memory so exemplifies rightness in what Alvin is doing; his the wisdom of the less-is-more principle journey will be worth the effort after all. than The Straight Story, David Lynch’s G- Lynch uses the camera in other ways. rated, true story of Alvin Straight, the man Off-camera noises build tension in the who rode his lawnmower across Iowa to viewer as we are made to be as patient as visit his brother in order to be reconciled to Alvin in order to find out what we want Straight Story him before his death. Though this film is to know. In the opening scene of the Credits not as short as many (one hour, fifty-one movie, for instance, a helicopter shot of Starring: minutes), dialogue is kept to a minimum, the empty main street of Laurens, Iowa Sissy Spacek and the most exciting action is that of becomes a crane shot of two modest hous- (Rose Straight) Richard Farnsworth Alvin’s John Deere careening down a hill es with an overweight woman sunning (Alvin Straight) out of control. Alvin, played by Richard herself optimistically while wolfing down Everett McGill (Tom, John Deere Farnsworth in an Oscar-nominated per- cream puffs and drinking iced tea. She Dealer) formance, does encounter a number of gets up to go fill her plate again and while John Farley (Thorvald Olsen) people and have a lot of experiences during gone, the camera slowly moves in and Kevin P. Farley his six-week journey, but Titanic this is not. rests on a single window of the house next (Harold Olsen) What it is, is a powerful statement of the door. We hear an ominous thump from Jane Heitz (Dorothy) gospel of humility and forgiveness. within, one that would have alarmed the Lynch tells much of the story with his woman had she heard it. We do not find Director: David Lynch camera. Recurrent themes of the stars of a out what has happened until at least five late summer Iowa evening, the sweeping minutes later when we learn that Alvin has Screenwriters: John Roach vistas of corn and wheat fields, close-ups of fallen and cannot get up without assis- Mary Sweeney members of the present older generation, tance. It seems like an eternity to us, but showing their sadness and strength build a we learn something of the patience that Producers: Pierre Edelman statement that focuses on the simple, pri- Alvin has, as he calmly lays there on the Neal Edelstein mary virtues of life as it is supposed to be floor waiting for someone to find him so Michael Polaire Alain Sarde lived: the beauty of nature, the worth of he can get up. The same device is used Mary Sweeney work that grows things out-of-doors, the later in one of the funniest scenes in the

Music: knowledge that comes through suffering. movie (and there are many) when a frus- Angelo Badalamenti Nowhere is Lynch’s use of the camera to speak more evident than when Alvin Cinematographer: Freddie Francis finally crosses the Mississippi. After three hundred miles and almost six weeks, he is Costumes: just about there. Alvin goes over the bridge

D Patricia Norris e v e entirely alone, rejoicing in the steady, slow l o p Run Time: 111 i n clack of the lawnmower as it rides along, g

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i Rated G

s looking left, right and down through the c e r n

m cracks of the bridge to see the water as it e n t

D D D D Deepening Discipleship 6 trated woman runs over a deer, but I will leave that one to your viewing. I cannot The real strength of remember when I have laughed so hard. But the real strength of this film lies in this film lies in the the character of Straight himself. character of Straight himself...a wonderful blend of Farnsworth’s performance (as well as those cantankerousness and warmth, and full of wisdom. of all the characters in the film, especially that of Sissy Spacek who plays his full- grown, retarded daughter) is an unbeliev- what he knows he must do, no matter how years. It does not matter what it will take to ably wonderful blend of cantankerousness crazy it might seem, his ability to listen to get there, he must do it simply because it is and warmth. Full of wisdom that he has others or even simply tell from looking in the right thing to do. What he learns along gained from the years of his experience in their eyes how he can help them are woven the way, and what others learn from him, is his family, and also especially the Second together around a story that is dominated by worth infinitely more than all that Alvin World War, Alvin gives us lines, stories and one single motivation: Alvin Straight, proud Straight does not have—the money, power or images that lift our spirits and make us master of his own fate, knows he needs to fame so coveted in our possession-drunk want to “be like that when we get old.” humble himself and go see the brother to culture. And what we learn from this movie His patience, stubborn adherence to whom he has not spoken in over eleven is worth even more than that. ■ ~Drew Trotter

Dr. Andrew H. Trotter, Jr., is the Q UESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION executive director of the Center for 1. What was your initial or immediate reaction to the film? Why do you think you reacted that way? Christian Study in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he teaches and 2. What is the significance of this story? Why bother telling it—as a film, or a short story, or a novel? Why writes on theology and culture, is it worth reflection and discussion? What does it reveal about humanity as created in God’s image in a focusing on modern American film. fallen world? 3. Where do you agree or disagree with the message of the film? Why? In the areas in which you disagree, Copyright © Drew Trotter, 2000 how can you talk about and demonstrate the truth in a winsome and creative way? 4. In what ways were the techniques of film-making (casting, direction, script, music, sets, action, cine- matography, editing, etc.) used to get the film’s message(s) across, or to make the message plausible or compelling? 5. What is the significance of Alvin’s pilgrimage? To what extent is Alvin’s pilgrimage a metaphor for the Christian life? With whom did you identify in this movie? With whom are viewers meant to identify? Discuss the different characters in the film and their significance to the story. 6. Since we as Christians are commanded to offer hospitality to strangers (see Matthew 25), what responsi- bility would we have before the Lord to allow an Alvin to camp in our yard? 7. What insight does the film give into the way postmodern people see life, meaning, and reality? How can you use the film as a useful window of insight to better understand your non-Christian friends and neigh- bors? 8. Might the film be a useful point of contact for discussion with non-Christians? What plans should you make?

Critique #6 - 2000 7 Reading the Word

The Second Martin artin Chemnitz may not Chemnitz allows us to listen things in his Church; 3) divine wisdom, be well-known outside of in as this 16th century that he knows the way to send help and M Lutheran circles, but he Lutheran pastor and deliverance; and 4) divine rule and was an important figure in the theologian teaches on the dominion, that it belongs to the kingdom Protestant Reformation. Known Lord’s Prayer, phrase by and office of him who dwells in heaven as the “second Martin,” phrase. Here, for example, are to hear our prayers, to regard our affairs, Chemnitz not only followed in a couple of sentences from to help, to deliver.” Luther’s footsteps, he is credited Chemnitz’s chapter on “who Those of you who are aware of the by historians with rescuing the art in heaven” which will give tendency of authors in Chemnitz’s day to Lutheran stream of reform from you the flavor of the work. give their books very long titles might dying out. “After Luther’s “When we death,” translator Georg Williams writes, say ‘Our Father,’ we by faith “the Lutheran movement drifted into think about the readiness, This brief study is both a good such theological and political diversity willingness, and eagerness of reminder of the wonderful grace that this disarray eventually would have God to help us. When we God has granted his people in call- led to its fragmentation and demise. add ‘who art in heaven,’ we Chemnitz stepped into this arena with add to the good will of God ing us to a life of faithful prayer, his deliberate, systematic, and pastoral the following 1) divine and a thoughtful exposition of how method and became a major force in the power, that having all things unification that was achieved in the in his power he is able to do Christ taught us to pray. Formula of Concord. Without his efforts, and to give those things we much of the Lutheran realm would have ask; 2) divine providence, that seeing and suspect The Lord’s Prayer is not the origi- fallen into such confusion that soon knowing our wants, he is aware of our nal title. Your suspicion is warranted. Roman tradition would have once again requests and hears the same; that he cares Though Chemnitz’s original Latin version dominated European Christianity.” for us; that he orders, disposes, adminis- has been lost, the work was published in The Lord’s Prayer by Martin ters, and governs all things, especially all English by the University of Cambridge Briefly Noted: First Century Life The Greco-Roman World of the New Testament Era: Exploring the Background of Early Christianity by James S. Jeffers (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press; 1999) 323 pp. + maps + notes + index. When my copy of The Greco-Roman World arrived, I scanned the table of contents and the first page, as I always do with new books. Usually it then goes in the ever growing to-be-read pile in my office. In this case, however, I sat down and began to read. This is a very good book. Well-written enough to be read for enjoyment, and carefully organized and indexed so as to be a use- ful resource, The Greco-Roman World is a superb introduction to first century life and culture. Dr. Jeffers, who teaches ancient history at California State University, brings a wealth of historical research to shed light on the names, places, events, and times that we read about in the Scriptures. “If the New Testament texts were written to make sense to people in the first century,” Jeffers writes, “then we must try to put our- selves into their places in order to determine what the writers of the New Testament intended their readers to under- D e byDenisD.Haack

v stand by what they wrote.” e l o p Perhaps not since the first century have the people of God lived in such a pluralistic setting religiously and cultur- i n g

D ally as we do today. The Greco-Roman World can help us better understand the culture of the New Testament, so that i s c e r we can be more faithful in our own. We recommend it to you. n m e n t

D D D D Deepening Discipleship 8 in 1598 as A Substantial The Second Martin is a scholarly biogra- no hint of scandal ever tainted his reputa- and Godly Exposition of phy, with a far greater emphasis on tion. Often ill, he served faithfully until his the Prayer Commonly Chemnitz’s thought and theology than on death in 1586 at the age of 63. Called the Lord’s Prayer. the details of his life and times. Chemnitz The Second Martin is not light reading, Still, long title or short, was a modest man, leaving a professorship at but it is a good introduction to Lutheranism, this brief study is both a Wittenburg to assume a far less prestigious to the great debates of the Reformation, and good reminder of the position in Brunswick, where he remained to a man who should be remembered and wonderful grace God for the rest of his life as a pastor. He traveled honored as a pastor, theologian, and has granted his people in extensively, wrote tirelessly, trained and Reformer of integrity and courage. ■ calling us to a life of encouraged men for the pastorate, and ~Denis D. Haack faithful prayer, and a thoughtful exposition defended Lutheranism at a time when both Books reviewed: of how Christ taught us to pray. Roman Catholicism and Calvinism seemed The Lord’s Prayer by Martin Chemnitz, translated by he Second Martin: The Life and Theology to threaten the movement. “Chemnitz did Georg Williams (St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing of Martin Chemnitz is the first biogra- not hesitate in the defense of the truth and of House; 1999) 103 pp. + index + biography. T phy of Chemnitz to be published in Lutheran theology,” Preus writes, “to enter English, and is by the former president of the into theological dialogs and controversies The Second Martin: The Life and Theology of Martin Lutheran Church/Missouri Synod, who with anyone.” Well-read, a devoted father Chemnitz by J. A. O. Preus (St. Louis, MO: Concordia has become intimately acquainted with the and husband, Chemnitz was so deeply loved Publishing House; 1994) 343 pp. + chronology + notes Reformer by translating some of Chemnitz’s by his congregation that they never released + index. 65 works into English over the past him to accept another call. With none of the three decades. earthiness for which Luther is well known, A Poem The Divine Perfections Order From: How shall I praise th’ eternal God, He knows no shadow of a change, That Infinite Unknown? Nor alters his decrees; Who can ascend his high abode, Firm as a rock his truth remains, Or venture near his throne? To guard his promises.

The great invisible! He dwells Justice, upon a dreadful throne, Conceal’d in dazzling light: Maintains the rights of God; But his all-searching eye reveals While mercy sends her pardons down, The secrets of the night. Bought with a Saviour’s blood.

Those watchful eyes that never sleep, Now to my soul immortal King,

All books mentioned in Critique may be Survey the world around; Speak some forgiving word; ordered directly from Hearts and Minds. His wisdom is the boundless deep, Then `twill be double joy to sing A portion of the proceeds will be donat- ed to Ransom Fellowship. Where all our thoughts are The glories of my Lord. drown’d. ~Isaac Watts (1674-1748)

9 Critique #6 - 2000 Resources

College Prep 101 he irony of the title of “How then did God Fabric of Faithfulness (IVP, 1996—for J. Budziszewski’s book, bring me back? I came, more mature students). T How to Stay Christian over time, to feel a The style of How to Stay Christian is in College is not lost on him. greater and greater horror pure USA Today: wide margins with big After all, why write a book about myself—an over- type and lots of highlighted boxes full of like this when you yourself powering sense that my catchy quotes, comments, and questions. failed to stay Christian in condition was terribly At first glance readers of J’s articles in college? Budziszewski’s (pro- wrong. Finally it occurred First Things may find this disappointing, nounced “BOOjee to me to wonder why I but only at first glance, for How to Stay SHEFski”) own story is, should feel horror if the Christian is a rare example of the triumph perhaps, the best answer to this question. difference between the wonderful and the of substance over style. In this book, J “At the age of ten I had committed horrible was something we humans make not only tackles the intellectual issues of my life to Jesus Christ and was baptized. up. I had to admit that there was a differ- the campus—the world’s ideas vs. God’s As a teenager I had not been a mature ence between the wonderful and the hor- ideas—he is immensely practical. believer, but I had certainly been an rible after all. And that meant that there Chapters on loneliness, sex, dealing with enthusiastic one...” had to exist a wonderful, of which the hostile teachers, even “Holding Your “Why [did] I fall away from faith? horrible was the absence. So the walls of Own Without Being a Jerk” make faith a For many reasons. One was that I had my self-deception collapsed all at once.” matter of doing, not just knowing. been caught up in the radical politics To his credit J not popular among many students...I had my only reaffirmed his faith own ideas about redeeming the world, in God, he changed his Chapters on loneliness, sex, hostile and my politics became a kind of substi- academic goals. He teachers, even “Holding Your Own tute religion. During my student years I turned from the study had also committed certain sins that I of relativism to natural Without Being a Jerk” make faith a didn’t want to repent. Because the pres- law (see his Written on matter of doing, not just knowing. ence of God made me more and more the Heart, IVP, 1997). uncomfortable, I began looking for rea- Even more importantly sons to believe that He didn’t exist.” the man who once tried to undermine Perhaps the best thing I can say While earning his Ph.D. at Yale, J the faith of his students is now perhaps about How to Stay Christian is simply was convinced he’d found plenty of rea- the most eloquent and out-spoken this: after reading J’s book, one knows sons for atheism and moral relativism, so Christian witness on the University of that he hasn’t only read lots of good much so that the latter became more Texas faculty. books; he has spent hours enjoying the than a personal faith to him; promoting He wrote How to Stay Christian in company of real students. To those of you it became his career. “Eighteen years ago, College with three needy groups in mind: who know and love real students, I I stood before the Government Christian high school students who plan heartily recommend this book. ■ Department at the University of Texas to to go to college, Christian students (espe- ~Greg Grooms give my here’s-why-you-should-hire-me cially freshmen) who are there already, Greg Grooms is the director of the Probe Center, a lecture. Fresh out of grad school, I want- and the parents of students. The shortage Christian study center serving students at the ed to teach about ethics and politics, so I of good books on apologetics written for University of Texas at Austin. was showing the faculty my stuff. What this audience is a pity, for no one needs Copyright © Greg Grooms, 2000 did I tell them? First, that we humans them more. How to Stay Christian nicely D e v e beings just make up the difference fills the gap between such excellent books Book reviewed: l o p i n between good and evil; second, that we as Susan Maculay’s How To Be Your Own How to Stay Christian in College by J. Budziszewski g

D

i (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress; 1999) pp. 140

s aren’t responsible for what we do anyway. Selfish Pig (David C. Cook, 2001—for c e r n plus notes. m For that, I was hired to teach...” younger students) and Steve Garber’s The e n t

D D D D Deepening Discipleship 10 Grace in Clay Pots ach February Margie and I look forward writes. “Therefore it is a book about grace, the people of God to to attending the Bethlehem Conference not only because the faithfulness of God rejoice in God’s grace E for Pastors in Minneapolis. And each triumphs over the flaws of men, but also make these biographi- year we look forward to John Piper’s lecture because this was the very theme of their lives cal sketches a delight during the conference, which always consists and work. Aurelius Augustine (354-430), to read and discuss. of a biographical sketch of one of his theo- Martin Luther (1483-1546), and John We recommend logical heroes. “God ordains that we gaze on Calvin (1509-1564) had this in common: The Legacy of Sovereign his glory,” Piper says, “dimly mirrored in the they experienced, and then built their lives Joy to you. And we ministry of his flawed servants. He intends and ministries on, the reality of God’s recommend listening for us to consider their lives and peer omnipotent grace. In this way their common to the audio version through the imperfections of their faith and passion for the supremacy of God was pre- on tape as well, since behold the glory of their God. ‘Remember served from the taint of human competition. Piper is a passionate and effective public your leaders, those who spoke to you the Each of them confessed openly that the speaker. ■ word of God; consider the outcome of their essence of experiential Christianity is the ~Denis D. Haack life, and imitate their faith’ (Hebrews 13:7).” glorious triumph of grace over the guilty Now three of those lectures—on impotence of man.” Book reviewed: Augustine, Luther, and Calvin—are available Piper’s obvious love for these heroes of The Legacy of Sovereign Joy: God’s Triumphant Grace in in book form as The Legacy of Sovereign Joy. the faith, his eagerness to honor and learn the Lives of Augustine, Luther, and Calvin by John Piper “It is a book about three famous and from them while refusing to overlook their (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books; 2000) 148 pp.+ index. flawed fathers in the Christian church,” Piper faults and errors, and his passion for calling For tapes: Rev. Piper’s biographical sketches given at Briefly Noted: Tech Danger the annual Bethlehem Conference for Bill Joy, cofounder and Chief Scientist of Sun Microsystems, is concerned Pastors are available on audio tape from Desiring God enough about where science and technology is headed that he makes a radical Ministries. The three lectures published in The Legacy of suggestion: some knowledge is so dangerous and some technology is so ethically Sovereign Joy include “The Swan is not Silent: Sovereign questionable that they simply must not be pursued. “I think it is no exaggera- Joy in the Life and Thought of St. Augustine” (1998); tion to say we are on the cusp of the further perfection of extreme evil,” he says, “Martin Luther: Lessons from his Life and Labor” “an evil whose possibility spreads well beyond that which weapons of mass (1996); and “The Divine Majesty of the Word: John destruction bequeathed to the nation-states, on to a surprising and terrible Calvin: The Man and His Preaching” (1997). To order empowerment of extreme individuals.” or for information write to Desiring God Ministries, We recommend his article in Wired, “Why the Future Doesn’t Need Us” to 720, Thirteenth Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN you. Well written and accessible, Joy writes not just for fellow scientists or com- 55415 or phone toll-free (888-346-4700) or visit them puter nerds, but for the thoughtful lay person. That it appeared in Wired, on the web (www.DesiringGod.org) or email which usually celebrates technology with an almost religious optimism, is inter- ([email protected]). The tapes are esting. That it was written by such a knowledgeable leader in the field is signifi- available at a very reasonable cost, and those who cannot cant. And that it is a serious effort in postmodern ethical reasoning about issues afford the listed price are invited to order the tapes for

byDenisD.Haack that truly matter means it is part of an ongoing conversation in which whatever they can afford to send. Christians must be thoughtfully and creatively engaged.

Source: “Why the Future Doesn’t Need Us: Our most powerful 21st century technologies—robotics, genet- ic engineering, and nanotech—are threatening to make humans an endangered species” by Bill Joy in Wired (April 2000; #8.04) pp. 238-262.

11 Critique #6 - 2000 Resources cont.

Evangelicalism: An Overview ne of the social responsibility. Other papers touch members who are committed enough to gifts that on spirituality, tradition, and trinitarian be critical, consider reading Where Shall O Christian theology. My Wond’ring Soul Begin? ■ scholars can give “Evangelicalism is historic ~Denis D. Haack to the believing Christian-ity. Its beliefs correspond to Book reviewed: community comes the central doctrines of the Christian Where Shall My Wond’ring Soul Begin?: The from their ability church down the ages,” Alister McGrath Landscape of Evangelical Piety and Thought edited by to see the whole argues in his book Evangelicalism & the Mark Noll and Ronald Thiemann (Grand Rapids, picture. Or, to use Future of Christianity. “In its vigorous MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; 2000) an overused defense of the biblical foundations, the- 96 pp. metaphor, they ological legitimacy and spiritual rele- can survey the forest so the rest of us vance of these doctrines, evangelicalism Source: don’t get lost among the trees. has shown itself to have every right to Evangelicalism & the Future of Christianity by Alister This is exactly what the scholars in claim to be a modern standard-bearer of McGrath (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press; Where Shall My Wond’ring Soul Begin? do historic, orthodox Christianity.” For a 1995) p. 94. for their readers, offering a wide-ranging survey of the movement, by committed survey of the stream of Christian faith known as evangelicalism. The papers which make up this book were written originally for a collo- Briefly Noted: Pop Culture quium on “Understanding “This is a book about impropriety and irreverence, Evangelicalism” celebrating the beginning with my fundamental claim that founding of an en-dowed professor- Generation X is—despite and even because of ship in evangelical theological stud- appearances—strikingly religious,” Tom Beaudoin ies at Harvard Divinity School. writes. “We express our religious interests, dreams, Mark Noll, Wheaton College fears, hopes, and desires through popular culture.” professor and first incumbent of Beaudoin, a Catholic Gen-Xer who studied with the McDonald chair writes Harvey Cox at Harvard University School of “Evangelical-ism at Its Best,” which Divinity, explores four interrelated themes in Virtual is displayed, he argues, in its classic Faith: Generation X, pop culture, postmodern spiri- hymns. Philosophy professor Dallas tuality, and Christianity. In the process he develops a Willard contributes “Christ- theology of pop culture and attempts to bridge the chasm that separates Centered Piety,”suggesting that the church from the generation of unchurched young people who tend to evangelical thought and practice find Christianity irrelevant, negative, and unattractive. has been responsible for much indi- My response to Virtual Faith is mixed. I found Beaudoin’s theology

vidual and social transformation. by Denis D. Haack. sadly lacking, some of his analysis of pop culture flaky, and some of his William Abraham, professor at conclusions flawed. Virtual Faith is very helpful, however, for those who Southern Methodist University, wish to better understand Generation X, the nature and significance of says evangelicalism’s commitment postmodern spirituality, and the importance of pop culture in today’s to Scripture is the source of the world. movement’s strength. Richard D e v e Mouw, president of Fuller

l Book reviewed: Virtual Faith: The Irreverent Spiritual Quest of Generation X by Tom Beaudoin o p i n Theological Seminary, examines (San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Publishers; 1998) 181 pp. + appendix + references + index. g

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s evangelicalism’s growing role in c e r n

m defining both personal ethics and e n t

D D D D Deepening Discipleship 12 Digressions

Could the ACLU be Right? he full-page ad for the ACLU is chance of being stopped by the police simply justice, and to work for racial reconciliation. designed to get your attention. It got because he is black. Not because he has a Because we take the Bible seriously, we T mine. It depicts a stained wanted-poster criminal record. Or because he is breaking a should be in the vanguard, but we aren’t. nailed to a rough wall. The poster features law. Or because he is driving erratically. But Most of us are so removed from the reality of two pictures, side by side. The left picture is because he is black. racial injustice in our society, in fact, that we that of Martin Luther King, and the one on In our racially torn society, racial recon- find the story of Luke’s grief at the birth of the right shows the scruffy face of convicted ciliation is not optional for evangelicals. To son surprising, if not shocking. murderer Charles Manson. align ourselves with a conservative agenda We also need to give one cheer for the The headline frames the issue in large which supports law enforcement without ACLU. Perhaps not three cheers, but at least bold print: The man on the left is 75 times simultaneously supporting justice is not one. On this issue they are correct. On this more likely to be stopped by the police worthy of the Christian. Faithfulness requires issue the ACLU is our co-belligerent. while driving than the man on the right. If you’d like a tape of Jerram’s workshop, The small print spells out the details: order “The Importance of Racial Reconcilia- “It happens every day on America’s highways. In our racially torn society, tion” by Jerram Barrs (catalog #6416) from Police stop drivers based on their skin color racial reconciliation is not L’Abri Cassettes, P.O. Box 2036, Chesterton, rather than for the way they are driving. For optional for evangelicals. IN 46304. Or order online (www.sound- example, in Florida 80% of those stopped word.com). ■ and searched were black and Hispanic, while ~Denis D. Haack they constituted only 5% of all drivers. These that we seek to flesh out the gospel of Christ humiliating and illegal searches are violations in this broken world. That gospel is called of the Constitution and must be fought. the “message of reconciliation” by Paul in 2 Help us defend your rights. Support the Corinthians 5, where he states we have been ACLU.” given a “ministry of reconciliation.” And lest Many evangelicals believe that whatever we explain that text away by insisting the the ACLU stands for must be wrong. It’s a reconciliation in question is merely between liberal organization, after all, in the forefront God and humans, we should read Ephesians of the fight for the liberal agenda. The 2:14-17. There Paul teaches that Christ ACLU has defended abortion, fought against himself is the peace that breaks down the prayer in schools, and sought to strengthen barriers—the walls of hostility—that divide the rights of criminals. It’s almost an article people from one another. of faith: if the ACLU is for something, it At the last Rochester L’Abri Conference, must be wrong. Jerram Barrs was scheduled to lead a work- This past summer I had the privilege to shop on racial reconciliation. His workshops work with Luke Bobo, the Administrative are usually standing-room-only affairs, Send Critique to a Friend Director of the Francis Schaeffer Institute in crowded even when the assigned room is one If you know someone who might be St. Louis. Luke is a godly man, a gifted of the larger ones. This time, however, only a interested in receiving a copy of minister and leader whose love for the Lord handful of people showed up. Now, in fair- Critique, please let us know! Give us and his Word is both passionate and ness, I should add that I do not know why their name and address and we’ll be compelling. At one point during the week, this was the case. Perhaps everyone else had glad to send out a copy. Jerram Barrs mentioned that when Luke’s son already heard him speak on the topic. was born, Luke had cried. There was a mix- Perhaps everyone else is conscientiously Contact us via e-mail: ture of emotions at that precious moment, of working for racial reconciliation. I do not [email protected] course, but Luke’s tears were not all due to know. But I doubt it. or mail: 1150 West Center, Rochester, happiness. He cried also because he knew White evangelicals need to repent of our MN 55902. that his son would someday stand the real failure to live out the gospel, to stand for

13 Critique #6 - 2000 Tuned In

Tavener, I am often asked, “We In it, Tavener “tries to encompass the events which know there were faithful have taken place since the beginning of time, and Christian composers in the before time.” Quite a goal for a 67 minute work! past, but what about But for the Christian, it is possible to encapsulate Christian composers today?” the impossibly complex work of God in the words One of the most popular “creation, fall, and redemption,” or as Tavener’s living composers today is work is formed: Paradise and Catastrophe, the Englishman John Prediction, Incarnation of the Logos, and finally, Tavener, whose name may Dance of Resurrection. be heard with Henryk Tavener’s compositional language is sparse and Gorecki of Poland, and minimal. The texts he chose (by Mother Thekla) Arvo Pärt of Estonia. are distillations of the biblical story and become a Together these three are moment suspended in time. For example, the called Christian minimalists, entire paradisal relationship between Adam and or the “God squad” of post- Eve is summed up in their repeated lines: modern composition. Adam: Wife. Born in London in 1944, John Tavener is a Eve: Husband. graduate of the Royal Academy of Music whose Adam: Eve. Looking music openly embraces Christian spirituality. His Eve: Adam. compositional style is a pairing of medieval coun- These lines are compelling, especially when set terpoint (drones and chant-like melodies) with to Tavener’s haunting melodies, beginning with a for ecstatic outbursts of radiant chords held by full rising interval of a major sixth followed by a half orchestra and chorus. step, done antiphonally, as they echo each other in Classical or many years Tavener served as organist and what can only be the bliss of their unfallen composer in a Presbyterian church, but in relationship. F 1977, Tavener entered the Eastern Orthodox Into paradise enters the serpent in the guise of Contempory Church. He said, “It sounds very extreme, but I an untrustworthy saxophone, playing a line with think sacred art has gone downhill since the slithering half-steps trilled then chromatically Middle Ages...however impressed I am by descending and ascending again, while the man Christian Michelangelo, the simple Greek peasant icon and woman sing lines that seem to be choked with means much, much more to me. Or to give a apple pieces in their throats, bending pitches and musical example, I’m deeply moved by the very forcing stutters. The only words sung by Adam Musicians simple harmonic music they sing at the Russian and Eve are “apple tree.” The weight of the catas- Orthodox cathedral.” trophe is then made all the more horrifying by a Tavener exemplifies a growing fascination with blown ram’s horn. Chaos follows while the chorus the differences between Western and Eastern repeats, “Knowledge Divine” and “I am God.” approaches to composition. The Western linear After the fall, Adam sings, “Eve! What have we approach is to develop the musical themes as they done? Who are you? Who am I? Who is God?” go through time. The Eastern circular approach Now that the rebellion has occurred, the meditates on a musical idea without much devel- wisdom the serpent promised has come, but in the opment over the course of the piece. Like an icon, worst possible way, namely, by the experience of D e v e there is no directional movement, development, or evil. The unforeseen result has been the loss of l o p i n expression of dramatic time. something they had taken for granted: the intimate g

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s So it is with Tavener’s recent composition and knowledge of each other and of God. The ache of c e r n

m world premiere recording of Fall and Resurrection. these questions has haunted husbands and wives e n t

D D D D Deepening Discipleship 14 CCCM ever since, even though marriage is the most (Rabboni), and a tower of sound grows to signify the intimate relationship we can have with another resurrection, ending with the words, “All is transfig- human being. Later, the two, barred from the ured...” while what sound like the bells of St. Paul’s garden, sing simply: Cathedral (where the performance was recorded) Adam: I must clothe Eve. ring in glory. Eve: I must feed Adam. t must be said that surely this is a monumental In these two lines one hears something of the undertaking for a composer if there ever was to be selfless love they once had and the resignation to life I one, and much of what in a fallen world: there is work to be done, work that Tavener does is quite impres- It is a great joy to find a com- is at once futile and necessary. The simplicity of this sive. However, the lament of captures the tragedy all the more painfully—perhaps Adam and Eve seems sappy poser with Tavener’s skills the greatest beauty of minimalism is its understate- and not in keeping with the writing music that takes ment. Part one ends with the words, “Paradise lost.” lofty, mystical quality of the The next section, “Prediction,” wrings a cry for rest of the work. The final Christianity seriously. mercy from Adam and Eve and the chorus, but “Cosmic Dance of the immediately the question of justice comes to their Resurrection” with its repeated bells is also a bit of a minds—“How can a man be just before God?” The disappointment, but how can anything that begins answer comes in the third section, “The Incarnation with so wild a palette of musical colors, rhythms, of the Logos.” The same ram’s horn announces the and musical ideas capture that moment? It can only by Incarnation, and the choir sings “Logos, Logos.” try as all great art to find a fresh way to inspire our Then, we get a short glimpse of the Magnificat text imaginations to take delight in the moment set to the Adam/Eve melody, once again free and described. John spinning, implying that Mary has something of Eve’s With so few great works coming out of the original innocence (in keeping with Orthodox Christian church in the last 150 years, it is a great Mason traditions). joy to find a composer with Sir John Tavener’s skills Something of Jesus’ life is sung about (healing, writing music that takes Christianity seriously. teaching, the Last Supper) in between cries for His Works like this will go far to help make the Faith Hodges crucifixion and the text, “We adore thy cross.” plausible to a jaded post-modern culture. With its Mixing the chronology of the story (non-linear, you Byzantine and Hebrew modes and melodies, and its see) can be disconcerting, but for those who already colorful timbres, this work is worth hearing to know the story it is a powerful poetic device taking expand our ears beyond the major and minor modes all the elements and forcing them on top of each most often heard in everything Western from Mozart other, each garnering reflected meaning from the to Amy Grant. ■ others, and finally giving the scene a sort of chaotic, ~John Mason Hodges nightmare-like sense one might expect from a fallen John Mason Hodges is Associate Professor of the Arts at Crichton world that crucifies its Creator. College, Memphis. His background is in orchestral conducting, and Then, in what comes across as one of the most performs occasionally with his Ars Nova Chamber Orchestra, and as horrible moments, the chorus sings “Crucify Him!” guest conductor for various instrumental and vocal ensembles. He one last time, but perversely to Adam and Eve’s lives in Memphis with his wife Day, and their son Mason. melody from the garden (mocking what humanity Copyright © John Mason Hodges, 2000 used to be), mixed together with the saxophone of the serpent playing the trills from the fall. Then on Music reviewed: Him all hell breaks loose. John Tavener, World Premiere Recording of Fall and Resurrection, St. The last section is the resurrection, with only Paul’s Cathedral Choir and City of London Sinfonia. R. Hickox, one word sung, by Mary Magdalene, “Ravoni” Chandos 9800.

15 Critique #6 - 2000 Clicks

A Religious Delicatessen http://www.beliefnet.com A Religious Delicatessen We live in a pluralistic culture, surrounded by an amazing variety of beliefs, religions, spiritualities, and world views in the public square. Discerning Christians recognize the need to engage this pluralism with a winsome statement of the gospel, and to do that we will need to listen with care to the competing voices around us. Sometimes it almost feels like we’ve wandered into some sort of spiritual delicatessen, what the UTNE Reader calls “Designer God: In a mix-and-match world, why not create your own religion?” Beliefnet.com is a good example of this, where the seeker can find information on almost any world view or religion imaginable.

Ransom Ratings Design: Not spectacular, but attractive; designed, it seems, primarily to be informative.

Contents: A wide variety of resources on everything from Buddhism to angels to movies to sacred texts to Christianity. Columnists include Margot Adler (Wicca priestess and NPR correspondent), Frederica Listening to Competing Voices Mathewes-Green (columnist for Christianity Today), David Wolpe (Rabbi of Sinai Temple, Los Angeles), Starhawk (author and ecofeminist), and Surya Das (Tibetan Buddhist Lama). If you want to listen in as believers from various religious traditions explain and discuss their beliefs and con- cerns in their own words, or if you need to learn in more detail what people believe and why, this is a good place to start your research.

Ease of Use: Lots of material, but it is well organized, and the site is easy to navigate.

The articles and resources reproduced or recommended in Critique do not necessarily reflect the thinking of Ransom Fellowship. The purpose of this newsletter is to encourage thought, not dictate points of view.

Critique is a newsletter (published nine times each year, funds permitting) designed to accomplish, by God’s grace, three things: 1. To call attention to resources of interest to thinking Christians. 2. To model Christian discernment. 3. To stimulate believers to think biblically about all of life.

Critique is sent free of charge as a ministry to all donors to Ransom Fellowship, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-deductible ministry. Everyone on Ransom’s mailing list also receive Notes from Toad Hall, a newsletter written by Margie Haack in which she reflects on what it means to be faithful in the ordinary and routine of daily life, and gives news about Ransom’s ministry.

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