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News. Clues. Kingdom views.

Russian pawns ‘Here I raise my Ebenezer’ The plight of Eastern Ukraine and its believers The uncommon fidelity of Richard Mouw Russia and the rest of Ukraine. Pervomaisk church are [on] the hit One such displaced family is list of separatists,” they explain. All Igor and Inna Bykadorovs and Protestants, all evangelicals, are their son Vadym, a football-play- viewed by the powerful, pro-Russia, ing 15-year-old. Originally from Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Mos- the town of Pervomaisk in east- cow Patriarchate) as the enemy. ern Ukraine, Igor and Inna never “For years,” Igor and Inna con- thought they’d have to flee. tinue, “they were preparing [for] “We were naive and careless the current war by taking away about real danger for our own pro-Ukrainian priests, who also lives. The separatists came closer are more friendly to Protestant and closer but we believed God churches, and then zombie-ing would never let it happen in our people to hate all except Russia town,” they recall. and Russian Orthodox church.” Even when heavy artillery So when violence broke out, started shelling their town over things quickly became danger- Mouw (b.1940), President emeritus of Fuller Theological Seminary, the summer, they held out hope ous for the 300 members of the calls for civility from Christians rather than combativeness. for liberation from the Ukrainian Pervomaisk church. army. But after living for weeks “We were amazed at the ease in the basement – “half-hungry” with which local people turned People worth knowing – they knew hope was gone. On against us as soon as they felt the What does today’s theological landscape look like? Who Vadym, Inna and Igor at Youth July 26, when airstrikes began, support from separatists. They were is influencing modern churches? This is the third of five in our series on for Christ Ukraine: “Pray for the salvation of our nation.” they fled to a neighbouring town the same people whom we con- contemporary Christian theologians. Each piece will introduce a major under airstrikes, eventually making stantly fed, shared humanitarian aid figure in the theological world and explore his or her sphere of influ- Judith Dinsmore their way to a Youth for Christ con- with . . . but now . . . they got guns ence, most well-known works and most helpful insight on God’s word. Igor and Inna are homeless, ference centre right outside Kyiv, and could shoot us as ‘enemies of refugees – like a hundred thousand where they now live along with 12 the people,’” they explain. James C. Schaap professor of philosophy at Calvin others – of the year-old conflict in other refugee families. Igor and Inna describe their Not long ago, Dr. Richard College, was, in my humble opin- eastern Ukraine. But they’re also church as close-knit, a family, Mouw, long-time president (now ion, stunningly good as a guest of on a “hit list” for being members Christians a target who could knock on each other’s emeritus) of Fuller Theological Krista Tippitt on National Public of an evangelical church. And they will never return home: doors in the middle of night for Seminary in California and former Continued on page 2 Last February, Russia quietly for when they fled, they were more help if needed. They built their rolled troops into Crimea on the than just refugees from violence. own building over many years – “it heels of unrest throughout Ukraine. As Christians, they were targets of became the most beautiful build- A few months later, pro-Russia separatist persecution. ing in the town! – complete with a militants began grabbing up ter- “Practically all members of our rehabilitation center, a shelter for ritory in the eastern provinces of the underprivileged and a play- Donetsk and Luhansk, sparking ground for the whole town to use.” violence with the Ukrainian army. During the shelling, they and oth- The fighting continued throughout ers prayed vigorously and not one the year, flaring up yet again in the bomb or shell hit the church build- middle of January 2015. ing. However, after the separatists As of February 12, the UN es- took control of the town, it was the timates that casualties are 5,700 locals who “set the church on fire with 13,961 wounded and hun- and rejoiced as if was Christmas! . . dreds of thousands displaced into Their church after the fire. Continued on page 2 Mouw speaks of God’s faithfulness as a legacy and a promise. PAGE 2 CHRISTIAN COURIER

News

Russian pawns continued More information If you’re looking for reliable . Many took smiling pictures in front of the blazing church.” in partnership with news on Ukraine . . . “It broke our heart,” they conclude. “We have nothing the Association for vice.com/tag/Ukraine to come back to.” Spiritual Renewal rferl.org/section/ukraine/164 (ASR), which is cur- If you’re looking for reliable Ukranians hung out to dry rently overwhelmed ways to give . . . The Russian propaganda that so swiftly turned the minds with social service devuysts.com of locals in Pervomaisk even separated families as parents efforts, distributing crwm.org and children, sisters and brothers, disagree on whether to humanitarian aid and russian-ministries.org support Ukraine or Russia. Scripture placement yfccanada.org/support-a- “Please read from trustworthy sources,” Igor and Inna through its network national-staff-c23.php urge. “We see that since the very year 1991, Russia has of church leaders. never ceased hoping and planning the return of the empire “The church in Ukraine is trying very hard to find its and even more . . . we feel that Ukraine is like a pawn, an place in a very difficult cultural situation. There’s been a lot appetizer, for Russia. If they are not stopped – more and of upheaval in the last 20 years and now especially in the more countries will suffer.” last year,” de Vuyst concludes.. “Pastors have been killed But that sort of message seems to fall Last August, the church in Pervomaisk was bombed and or disappeared, have been kidnapped or imprisoned [and] on deaf ears. burned, sustaining severe damage inside and out. church buildings have been expropriated by the militants and “Ukrainians feel like they’re being hung minent world financial aid, according toForbes magazine, turned into their bases . . . they need Christians in Canada out to dry,” explains Gerard de Vuyst, a Ukraine’s economy faces collapse. and in the U.S. to stand up for the church here.” Christian Reformed pastor working in Igor and Inna would agree. As they spoke with a transla- Kyiv. “The thing that we hear more than A vision for new leaders in the midst of turmoil tor for CC’s interview, Inna would every so often duck her anything else is that Ukrainians are ex- But, as de Vuyst sees it, the Ukrainian church should head and hide it under her palm. Each time, Igor reassured De Vuyst tremely frustrated by the lack of response now shine brighter: “God has placed the church here in this her: “it’s just the children playing.” Eventually, the translator from the West . . . Europe is already talking about lifting time in a very strategic manner – the church can be an agent realized that Inna, with reflexive fear, was ducking from the sanctions against Russia.” of reconciliation in this horrendous and horrific situation.” sound of a basketball on the floor above the office. And no wonder: much of what we know about the Organizations like Youth for Christ and Students Without And yet, without jobs, far from home and unsure of the Russia-Ukraine situation might be straight from Russia’s Walls are tireless examples of just such work (see related future, Igor and Inna hold onto both hope and love. “Pray for pen. Ukraine, whose government is riddled with corruption interview on page 3). the salvation of our nation,” they beg. “Pray for God’s protec- and lacking strong leadership, “doesn’t have the infrastruc- However, reconciliation and aid in a crisis situation takes tion over the soldiers, volunteers and chaplains who regularly ture in place to deal with the media campaign that Russia training. And that’s where de Vuyst comes in. go to very dangerous spots to share the Good News with is waging . . . the world isn’t hearing Ukraine’s side,” de Already a church-planter in Ukraine, de Vuyst was ap- soldiers. Pray for God’s healing in hearts and minds. Pray for Vuyst observes. proached in 2010 by the Timothy Leadership Training Insti- the repentance of Putin and authorities; may they know God’s It doesn’t have the infrastructure to deal with the ex- tute, a highly practical grassroots program for the training love and turn away from their evil deeds. penses of war, either. It can’t afford much besides old, of native church leaders begun in 1997 in Kenya and now Pray, as we all do: May God frustrate the rusty, Soviet-era makeover weapons for its troops. Its spread to 57 countries, including, in nascent stages, eastern devices of the crafty, so that their hands currency dropped 50 percent in only two days last month. Europe. They wanted de Vuyst to be a trainer in Ukraine. cannot carry out their plans.” It is drafting soldiers by the tens of thousands. Without im- The Institute, now picking up momentum, operates often Judith Dinsmore is a freelance writer living in Pittsburgh, Pa.

‘Here I raise my Ebenezer’ continued Radio’s On Being. But I’m probably in- out his life he’s seen believers create formula created by a Dutch synod 400 years ago. capable of objective evaluation when, enemies, evildoers, even anti-Christs. Abraham Kuyper: A Short and Personal Introduc- on air, a talk-show guest claims Abra- He remembers his own people hat- tion (2011) refreshes us all on why Kuyper is so often ham Kuyper as his hero and quotes ing Catholics and communists with heralded these days, even if and when so many of the de- freely from John Calvin, as Mouw did. similarly unbridled intensity. Today, he scendants of his Dutch followers have seemingly assumed Mouw’s particular branding across said, that level of hate has descended on his irrelevancy. the culture these days is attributable Muslims, making him wonder whether In those books and others, Mouw doesn’t simply genu- to the argument of his ninth book, Christians simply are not happy with- flect. Kuyper had warts and more, visible to all. What Uncommon Decency, first published out arch-enemies. Mouw does is outline Kuyper’s major ideas in a fashion in 1992 but reworked in 2010. He cited Calvin’s “civility.” Calvin that makes those ideas both understandable and compel- Every decade features its own urged restraint from those believers go- ling, even today, in our post-modern mix, most especially putrid examples of “common inde- ing to war. He wanted his people to re- to those who don’t know him. Praying at Burger King cency,” but the tally of such offenses spect enemies because they too were im- (2007) includes personal essays that are as warm-hearted as in the last 10 years make Mouw’s Mouw makes Calvin understandable and age-bearers, God’s own workmanship. they are thoughtful, reflections on the very common, even Uncommon Decency seem more pro- compelling for a contemporary audience. elemental ways in which faith meets day-to-day culture. phetic than it may have been when Still, it’s his thinking about civility, on bringing Chris- first published almost a quarter century ago. Today polar- The essential canon tians together, that has given him a significant national ization in political and religious arenas seems a way of life. Mouw has spent a goodly presence. No single event in anyone’s life can ever, on its Tippett asked Mouw specifically about the questionable chunk of his professional life own, create character and personality; but I wonder whether behaviour of some American evangelicals, a legitimate reconditioning Reformed his father’s conversion experience, even though it happened question given that he was president of the largest evangeli- classics. His Calvinism before son Richard was born, isn’t central. It’s a story he cal seminary in the world. Mouw conceded what everyone in the Las Vegas Airport uses as a springboard in The Smell of Sawdust: What Evan- knows: many well-meaning evangelicals are scared and (2004) reviews and updates gelicals Can Learn from Their Fundamentalist Heritage mad and pushy and sometimes, these days, uncommonly ye olde acronym T-U-L-I-P (2000). “My father, who didn’t have a strong Christian indecent. Sadly enough, some Christians have given the in a fashion which pulls no upbringing, had experienced a dramatic conversion in his word evangelical a political definition more recognizable punches but also makes per- late teens at the Star of Hope Mission, a fundamentalist than its spiritual origin. fectly clear that, with some inner-city ministry in Paterson, New Jersey,” he says, a Richard Mouw, who grew up in a Dutch-American necessary modification, he conversion which soon had his father “preaching on street community in New Jersey, told Ms. Tippitt that through- wouldn’t drop a tenet of a Continued on page 6 MARCH 9, 2015 PAGE 3

News ‘Russian Orthodox Church at war against Evangelicals’ Interview with Mykhailo Cherenkov

Judith Dinsmore SWW students and graduates in Ukraine serves as a military base for separatists, and What is the number one threat up ahead Mykhailo Cherenkov is professor of theol- have a unique opportunity to serve their they are holding hostages there. At great risk for SWW? ogy at the Ukrainian Seminary of Evangeli- nation – hundreds of thousands of refugees, of life the university staff were evacuated. The greatest threat is the loss of vision. cal Theology and the author of A Future and soldiers, orphans. Therefore I think I’m The separatists hold nothing holy. Many are capable of uniting around a vision, a Hope: Mission, Theological Education, right to say that the war in Ukraine brought but not many are capable of developing a vi- and the Transformation of Post-Soviet So- unprecedented openness to the Gospel and What can Christians in Canada and the sion and uniting others around themselves. ciety (2014). He is also vice-president of equally unprecedented activity among our U.S. do to support the work of SWW and At the same time we also have a unique op- the Association for Spiritual Renewal, which students, who serve as volunteers. Christians in Ukraine? portunity – to inspire every young Christian seeks to develop a “church without walls.” This is a big challenge to churches in There is a great need for prayer for with the vision of SWW, so that they feel From this movement came Students Without Ukraine and Russia – serving refugees, Ukraine and for believers there. Our nation their own significance and belonging to the Walls (SWW) – training the next generation showing them love and sympathy regard- relies on the Church for support, and this Great Commission. This is our greatest chal- to be society-changers for Christ. Spread less of political views. In both countries is a big test for the Ukrainian Church. Pray lenge and opportunity – to return to each his now to 12 countries, it has impacted more churches are involved in the “I Care” proj- for spiritual renewal within our churches, special place in God’s plan. than 700,000 people in its outreach. ect initiated by young Christian leaders. The that they can be a true sup- program includes distributing food to those port to our nation, and to o Europe in 2 ravel t 015 What does “SWW” mean? in need, organizing training seminars for promote reconciliation T In contrast to tra- pastors and volunteers and offering coun- and peace. I want to em- We’d love to talk to you and help you plan your trip to Holland and beyond whether it be flight ditional ideas of mis- seling to those traumatized by the conflict. phasize that this is a fight only, car rental or travel by rail, river cruising, sions – “God is at not only for Ukraine, but coach tours and much more. work in our church, How has the persecution of Christians for the entire fragile Eur- Our experienced staff are pleased to serve you! let’s invite people affected SWW? asia region and for revival. here,” SWW offers a Many of my friends, Evangelical church Ukraine has sent thou- Call us now new model: “God leaders, were kidnapped and tortured. sands of missionaries and VERSTRAETE TRAVEL & CRUISES Cherenkov works not only within Churches were seized, looted and burned. pastors into Russia alone. 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The What has changed for SWW since Russia best-known case is when four lead- invaded Ukraine? ers from an Evangelical church in There is a real war going on in Ukraine, Slavyansk were kidnapped directly therefore normal life has been destroyed: from a worship service on Pente- the plan by investors group grow protect save enjoy share people don’t think about studies, but about cost, then tortured and killed. survival. Emotions are at a peak. Unfor- The most painful part of the Hosted by: CLARENCE WEIMA CFP tunately, this war has divided post-Soviet conflict for me personally was the Senior Financial Consultant peoples. In Russia many believers support seizure of Donetsk Christian Uni- Putin’s politics, therefore our opportunities versity, where I served as rector for Investors Group Financial Services Inc. for partnership with them are limited. But the 2012-13 academic year. 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Reading Calvin in a mosque Defend the persecuted church Nick Loenen note speaker, a woman and university professor, Michael Coren The horrific attacks onChar - maintained that love in public life means justice for As I write this column, I stop typing every few minutes to roll lie Hebdo workers provoked all. Martin Luther King Jr. and Dooyeweerd, too, some small objects in my hand, rather like rust-coloured beads. worldwide demonstrations in would agree. Next, the imam presented Islam as In many ways this is profoundly jarring, in that they are in fact support of free speech followed a religion of peace and tolerance, not to be judged spent bullets and small pieces of shrapnel, taken from the floor by equally heated worldwide by what terrorists do in its name. Then, a poem of Our Lady of Salvation Syriac Catholic cathedral in Baghdad Muslim demonstrations calling recitation recounted an event from Mohammed’s after the evening Mass on October 31, 2010. That was when a for limits to free speech. In a Vancouver Sun inter- life, showcasing the prophet’s tolerance. Sunni Muslim terrorist group known as the Islamic State of Iraq launched a con- view, the leader of the B.C. Muslim Association After dinner we viewed displays of various certed attack on the church, murdering at least 58 people and wounding more than reportedly called for protection of religion by law Muslim charities and information tables about 75. My brothers and sisters in Christ were slaughtered that night, and the floor of against freedom of speech attacks. On freedom of the place of women in Islam; fasting and prayer; the church was still bloody when the bullets from sub-machine guns and shrapnel speech issues there are no moderate Muslims. They Islamic teachings; media misconceptions and from anti-personnel grenades were gathered and preserved. all want limits imposed and enforced by law. Until so on. The information booths were hosted by It is not exaggeration to say that what Christians are facing in most Muslim- the Christian Reformed Church synod of 1910, the young, well-educated professionals of both sexes, majority countries at the moment is the most pernicious example of religious Belgic Confession also called on the power of the passionate to share their beliefs. The Quran booth persecution since the Holocaust. It may well be that many of these countries, and sword to destroy false worship and promote the displayed prominent texts, such as, “Let there be in particular the Middle East where Christianity began, will be entirely free of kingdom. Today, we deem that unbiblical. Muslim no compulsion in religion,” begging the question, Christians within our lifetimes. The world is doing relatively little to stop all this. expectations that government protect and promote “Why then seek legal protection against freedom The campaign of persecution is international, as I found while doing research for religion run counter to western thinking and are of speech?” Much discussion ensued but no my latest book. In the sharia-dominated states of Nigeria, in the cities and villages of deeply troubling. meeting of minds. Pakistan, in the towns of Egypt, in many of the islands of Indonesia, in Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, Sudan, post-Saddam Iraq, those areas of Syria not under government ‘Beyond our knowing’? control, even the Maldives, Christians are tortured, raped, beaten, arrested, crucified, Guided tours gave small groups a chance to exiled, murdered. Sometimes I felt like giving the project up, surrendering to the despair view the premises, including a huge aerial photo of having to chronicle so many attacks and so much barbarism; all the time knowing of the Khaba shrine in Mecca with thousands of that to many outsiders the idea of persecuted Christians was something of history. pilgrims, both Sunni and Shia. “How can Sunni and Shia be brothers in Mecca but kill each other ‘Unfashionable’ victims? in Iraq?” someone asked. In fact Christians are the most persecuted identifiable group in the world, and The Az-Zahraa Islamic Centre in Richmond, B.C. The tour guide responded humbly, “Yes, sadly while two of the 20 most oppressive countries for Christians are non-Muslim – one Soon after, I attended my first Journey Into it is true. I do not understand how they can do is, obviously, North Korea, where everybody lives in a metaphorical prison – the Islam at the Az-Zahraa Islamic Centre in Rich- that.” Richmond B.C. also has Sunni and Shia overwhelming dynamic is one of Islamic subjugation of the Christian minority. Even mond, B.C., an annual event to introduce Islam mosques; their members get along fine. Later, I those commentators who admit this is the case tend to argue that this is a contem- to non-Muslims. Attendance was over 200, with recalled Christian brothers also killed each other porary malaise within an otherwise tolerant Islam. Problem is, that isn’t the case. about one-third non-Muslim, mostly Christians. – the US Civil War, Northern Ireland and both While there are lyrical, poetic, gentle and tolerant verses in the Quran, there are also It started at 5:30, after a personal welcome, a WW’s; a reminder that the splinters of others violent, oppressive, absolutist and vehemently intolerant ones as well. Due to the name tag and shoe removal, we watched the loom larger than our own beams. At 10:00 p.m. law of abrogation, those verses written later in Mohammad’s life take precedence daily Maghreb, or sunset prayer – men and we left for home to reflect. What stood out? over those written earlier, and unless we understand this we can be deceived. Like it boys on the main floor, women looking on Their sensitivity, taking pains to explain why or not, accept it or not, Islam does not call for equal co-existence with other faiths. from above. Then a traditional Muslim meal the men and women would eat at separate ends In its purest form the Quran commands that people of the book, which includes was served at each round table with a mixture of the room; their friendliness; how much they Christians, will be treated with respect as long as they pay a head tax, never preach of Muslim and non-Muslim men or women. value education and learning and their passion publicly about their faith or try to convert people and ask permission to build Before eating, a boy read a chapter from the for what they believe. They feel under attack, churches or repair old ones. Quran; a girl read the English translation. The key- misunderstood and want to explain their faith. At various times of Soon after, I read Calvin’s commentary Islamic history Chris- on the Lord’s Prayer (Institutes Bk. III, xx). tians have even pros- Christian Courier Calvin considers whom is included in the pered, but the ines- Founded in 1945 “our” of Our Father. He remarks that Jesus capable fact is that the An independent biweekly that seeks to engage creatively in teaching us to pray Our Father implies more secular and less critical Christian journalism, connecting Christians with a network some kinship with all people, because “our” Islamic the state – the of culturally savvy partners in faith for the purpose of inspiring all to participate in God’s renewing work within his fallen creation. includes everyone. I could not believe this Shah’s Iran, Turkey be- from Calvin and looked again. Yes, Calvin fore the current regime, EDITORIAL TEAM & PRODUCTION STAFF Editor: Angela Reitsma Bick [email protected] says that Our Father in the Lord’s Prayer Ba’athist Iraq and Syria Features Editor: Monica deRegt [email protected] denotes that God is father to all people. To – the better Christians Church News Editor: Marian Van Til [email protected] ensure we get it, Calvin writes regarding were treated. Saddam Reviews Editor: Brian Bork [email protected] those outside the true religion, “For what was a brute, Assad a Contributing Editor: Bert Witvoet [email protected] God has determined concerning them is dictator, but both were Memorial for the victims of violence in Baghdad, 2010. Contributing Editor: Michael Buma [email protected] Admin/ads/web: Ineke Medcalf-Strayer [email protected] beyond our knowing except that it is no enemies of Islamic fundamentalism and both protected their Christian minorities. Circulation: Rose der Nederlanden [email protected] less godly than humane to wish and hope As for the future, we have to demand more of the West, of our leaders and of Social Media Editor: Rachel Baarda [email protected] the best for them.” our churches. The reluctance to intervene and speak is multi-faceted: sometimes Christian Courier is published by the Board of Reformed Faith Witness. If I link to all people every time I pray a fear of being condemned as Islamophobic or racist; sometimes a misplaced The publication of comments, opinions or advertising does not imply Our Father, I should have more generous and misunderstood approach to ecumenism; sometimes simple cowardice and agreement or endorsement by Christian Courier or the publisher. Please contact circulation if you cannot afford the subscription price thoughts about Muslims. Habitually, when fear of political and even physical consequences; often because Christians are of $65.00 but want to receive Christian Courier. I pray Our Father, I connect to my wife simply not considered a fashionable group and struggling believers in Africa or The paper is published the second and fourth Mondays of the month. Jayne, the children, family, friends and Asia confused with comfortable Christians in North America. Every one of us Christian Courier Tel: 905-682-8311 my congregation, perhaps, but I do not must ask those in authority and in media how they would react if the victims of 5 Joanna Dr 1-800-969-4838 St Catharines ON L2N 1V1 Web site: christiancourier.ca consciously connect to Muslims. My image this repugnant persecution were of another faith or group. Surely they would do of Muslims needs correction, no less than more; they must, then, do more now! “We acknowledge the my image of Calvin. [financial] support of the Michael Coren ([email protected]) is a controversial Christian speaker and Government of Canada.” Nick Loenen ([email protected]) author, host of CTS’s Michael Coren Show and regular contributor to over a dozen lives in Richmond, B.C. newspapers across Canada. His new book is Hatred: Islam’s War on Christianity. MARCH 9, 2015 PAGE 5

Letters

Posts on Facebook On fire-hoses and mirrors I appreciate the patience with which Lloyd Rang read Third, Lloyd would have liked answers to the tough Parents’ student loans + kids’ tuition = tough Inspired by Vision . . . Constrained by Tradition and the 21st century questions about parental attitudes, curricu- fair comments about it (“A top-down look at a grassroots lum design, pedagogy and school-economy connections. Angela Reitsma Bick’s “Under the microscope: Affordabil- movement” Feb.9). Allow me to draw attention to a Originally we had included a chapter on the Optimum ity” (Feb. 9) was a good read. I also wonder about the effect couple of design features that created the problems that he School, but we decided that was too much of a good thing. of post-secondary student debt on young families that want to rightfully noted in his review. First, the book is aimed at These local classroom issues are mentioned in passing send children to Christian schools. If others are like Janessa and explaining the declining student numbers in CSI-related because the research, about how important these factors myself, paying off student loans, saving for a house and then Christian schools across North America since 2005. A actually are in the private school sector, is so skimpy. I’m starting Christian school payments is tough! I’m not sure how narrow “Reformed” focus was taken largely because the glad to see that Cardus is attempting to fill this information many in past generations had the growing expense (and debt) 11 contributing authors are familiar with the subculture gap (“How Christian schools benefit the public,” Feb. 9), of post-secondary education. Our parents had little money to that drives the “Reformed” school movement. So while but a lot of work needs to be done to expand the Gallup send with us to help pay for university because they were still other private Christian schools (evangelical and Catholic) survey efforts of the OACS in the 1990s. making Christian school payment themselves. are also declining, we did not have the time or resources Fourth, I noticed that in Lloyd’s own article on the fu- I hope Christian education can remain affordable for more to delve into those stories. Others should examine those ture of the Christian schools (CC, Dec.8), he makes some people. Thanks for the article. two traditions so we can get the complete North American good suggestions on these matters. The idea of shutting Michael Huizenga trend picture, which will put a lot of the current hand- off the Reformed fire-hose for a bit and so reigniting some Bekasi, Indonesia wringing speculations in better perspective. thirst is interesting. You cannot reinvent an organization Second, the book has a deliberate top-down focus on if you do not change the visionary platform and challenge Christian schooling across Canada governance because that is the major weak spot in Re- the old worldview as well. This tends to make many folks formed theories of organizations. I well remember Lloyd’s uncomfortable, and they will [take it out] on the reform- We are SO blessed in British Columbia to have our inde- father Bill making fairly sharp comments about his own ers. I propose we shut off the ideological fire-hose and pendent schools funded 50 percent for Group I schools. This is Board at OCSAA retreats in the 1980s. This governance instead look in the historic mirror provided by my book. thanks to years and years of lobbying and intentional efforts of weakness is the fatal flaw in the Kuyperian philosophy, Do we like what we see being practised as Reformed and many to not only achieve those funding levels but to protect and which prevents the schools from being re-structured Christian education? Is this God-honouring excellence? maintain them. Here (in B.C.) it is very easy to quickly judge for success. Despite a couple of good Christian books Finally, the political context of the 2000-2007 period those who make the choice not to send their children to one of on this intriguing subject of authority and power, most in Ontario is missing in the book. Indeed it is. The politics the many Christian schools available in most areas; however, board members, like most church council members, are around the now-infamous equity in education tax credit we often only see a snap shot of the lives of others – not the happy to ignore this topic. Instead they blame the decline legislation would [. . . ] take another book. This current movie. I can only encourage my friends and gently share the in church and school on external factors like secularism, book should be read as a background study in Reformed benefits that I see for my children. In Ontario, it is a completely consumerism, lack of money and lack of spiritual com- politics before tackling the important government fund- different story where families bear the full cost of Christian mitment. The book illustrates the thesis that the school ing issues again. education. Never doubt that your sacrifices are worth it. decline is not due to these external excuses, but to dated So are the current leaders ready for a rethink of the old Heather Loenen internal reformed principles and real economic limits. community ideals or are they operating on auto-pilot? Kelowna, B.C. The Reformed tradition has some major blind spots that I look forward to more dialogue on these important need to be addressed. Bert Witvoet’s editorial (CC, Feb. Kingdom topics related to growing Christian schools. Cracks to let the light shine through 9) hints at another one of them, the antithesis. Adrian Guldemond Ancaster, Ont. “From shards to artwork – Teaching for transformation in TWU and a hostile culture Zambia” (Feb. 9) is a great article! It shows God’s sadness at his broken creation [and] reconciliation illustrated by the pieces put The January 26 issue of CC included two letters to included on that list as examples of wickedness. together with God’s glue (love). Cracks let the light shine through. the editor, both questioning Trinity Western University’s We live in a culture which affirms many wicked activi- This is where my mind goes with this “art from shards”: per- policy requiring students and staff members to practice ties. Our culture particularly demeans anyone who might haps glass vases smashed and then made into a big mosaic a Christian lifestyle, including sexual activity within dare to say, with scripture, that homosexual practice is that goes in a window. A quilted panel made with selvedges Biblical guidelines. James Joosse suggests that the policy offensive to God. In this context, we must admire the cour- (self-finished edges of fabric). A crayon activity with kids to may constitute discrimination against a sexual minority. age of Trinity Western University in asserting a Christian show that even broken ones still colour. John Kamphof suggests that the policy actually imperils lifestyle requirement on its campus. Like all Christian Church is made up of broken people but together we our faith by seeking to live by [God’s] law and defining schools in Canada, Trinity Western already pays a high are beautiful and are working to reconcile God’s beautiful our faith by that law. cost for its Christian identity, which makes it ineligible creation. I would answer Mr. Joosse by pointing out that a for state funding. Will its Christian identity also disqualify Jennifer Feenstra Ben Shaw biblical standard for sexuality discriminates against its graduates from employment in the professions for Kingston, Ont. every one of us. All of us struggle with sexual issues which they are trained? I believe that this is the kind of in our sex-obsessed culture, regardless of same-sex or oppression our Lord warned us opposite-sex attraction. I would say to Mr. Kamphof that about when he said, “I did not Christian Courier the apostle Paul, who in passages such as Galatians 3 ar- come to bring peace, but a sword” Canada Mail: U.S. Mail: gued passionately against law-based religion, also wrote (Matt. 10:34). Let’s be prepared PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40009999 Christian Courier (USPS 518-090) in 1 Corinthians 6: 9 &10 a list of practices that preclude for hard times ahead, and not try RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO Second-class postage paid at CHRISTIAN COURIER Lewiston NY membership in the Kingdom of God. Homosexual prac- to modify biblical requirements 5 JOANNA DR Postmaster: send address changes tice, along with sexual immorality and adultery, idolatry, to accommodate a hostile culture. ST. CATHARINES ON L2N 1V1 to: Christian Courier, Box 110 theft, greed, slander, swindling and drunkenness, are all Ron Rupke email: [email protected] Lewiston NY 14092 Cobourg, Ont. Subscriptions: Canada and USA Overseas Last in a series one year (24 issues) $65.00 $100 two years (48 issues) $120.00 Can you prove God exists? Why do kids get cancer? and love. We have made the se- Advertising deadlines: display and classified advertising: Tuesday, 9 a.m. (13 days before These are some of the questions we've wrestled with in ries available in one place on our publication date) See classified pages or web sitewww.christiancourier.ca for more details. our Redemptive Windows series, begun last July. website: at christiancourier.ca go (ISSN 1192-3415) Published second and fourth Mondays of the month. On page 20 of this issue, Albert Wu answers the final to Columns/Op-ed and select “Re- question – on Christians and divorce. demptive Windows” from the drop Address all correspondence to: 5 Joanna Dr, St. Catharines ON L2N 1V1 Christian Courier would like to thank the seven down menu. Tel: 905-682-8311 or 1-800-969-4838 Christian Reformed Campus Ministers who answered Angela Reitsma Bick e-mail: Advertising: [email protected] your faith-challenging questions with great insight Editor Subscriptions: [email protected] PRINTED IN CANADA PAGE 6 CHRISTIAN COURIER News

Prisoner’s guards stayed by ‘strong presence of the Lord’

TEHRAN, Iran (BCN) – Pastor Saeed Abedini has now which turned into a few hours! Saeed and his father were been in prison in Iran since the summer of 2012. He was shocked the amount of time that they were allowed.” sentenced to eight years for his house church activities and What was different? Naghmeh’s father-in-law told her, “The refusal to deny his Christian faith. He has been tortured, presence of the Lord was so strong that the guards did not want ill and refused medical attention. He has been moved to to intervene and end the visit!” She added, “Praise the Lord!” different prisons. Through it all his faith has remained Saeed was able to hear words of encouragement from those steadfast, and he counts on the prayers of Christians from praying for him, and was reminded that he is not forgotten. around the world. She ended her post asking for more prayers for her Last month his father visited him in prison. A strange husband. and wonderful thing happened during that visit, reports “Continued prayers appreciated for Saeed’s health, his Saeed’s American-Iranian wife, Naghmeh. nutrition and for clean water. The quality of the prison water The men prayed together and read the Bible while is very poor and so is the nutrition (lack of protein). Saeed guards watched. That is sometimes allowed. But, wrote has not been able to purchase mineral water or protein from Naghmeh on her Facebook page, “The normal 20 minute The children of Pastor Saeed (inset), Rebekkah and Jacob, the prison store as they have stopped providing them for visit turned into 40 minutes which turned into an hour continue to advocate for their father’s release. purchase, which has affected his health,” she wrote. Brother of slain Coptic Christians thankful martyrs’ words of faith can be heard in murder video

SIRTE, Libya (ICC/CNA) – The brother of two of the 21 The men were captured by Islamic State in December and Egyptian Coptic Christians murdered in Libya has thanked January. Asked by host Maher Fayez what he would say if their killers for including the men’s declaration of faith in he were asked to forgive ISIS, he related what his mother the video they made of their beheadings. said she would do if she saw one of the men who killed her Speaking on a live prayer and worship program on Chris- son. “My mother, an uneducated woman in her 60s, said she tian channel SAT-7 ARABIC, Beshir Kamel said that he was would ask [him] to enter her house and ask God to open his proud of his brothers Bishoy Estafanos Kamel, 25, and Samuel eyes because he was the reason her son entered the Kingdom Estafanos Kamel, 23, because they were “a badge of honour of heaven.” to Christianity.” Invited to pray for his brothers’ killers, Beshir prayed, Harrowing scenes of the murders have been seen around “Dear God, please open their eyes to be saved and to quit the world. The last words of some of those killed were “Lord their ignorance and the wrong teachings they were taught.” Of his brothers’ killers, Kamel prayed: “Open their eyes, God.” Jesus Christ.” Within hours of SAT-7 posting the clip on Facebook it had strengthened by the murder of our brothers in Libya.” Beshir Kamel said, “Since the Roman era, Christians been viewed 96,000 times. By February 19 it had received And at the Vatican Cardinal Pietro Parolin said the Feb- have been martyred and have learned to handle everything over 110,000 views and been shared nearly 5,000 times. ruary 17 massacre was “terrifying,” but the men’s fidelity that comes our way. This only makes us stronger in our Meanwhile, Coptic Bishop Youssef Aboul-Kheir of to Christ “provides a wonderful testimony of Christian faith because the Bible told us to love our enemies and Sohag affirmed something Christians understand but a fact martyrdom. . . . May God give us the grace to die in the bless those who curse us.” others may find baffling: “The Church in Egypt has been same way.”

‘Here I raise my Ebenezer’ continued from page 2 corners, in prisons and in county medical care facilities.” to Evangelicals (2012), puts to practice what he elsewhere Many an old CRC church When, later, his father entered Western Theological preaches, sharing with readers what common ground has etched the word Ebene- Seminary to become a preacher in the Reformed Church he believes evangelical Christians can find with mem- zer into its cornerstone, he in America, he didn’t walk away from the embrace of that bers of the Church of the Latter-Day Saints. He wants to said, because church mem- Star of Hope conversion; and that’s why his son, as a child, dull the quick-tempered criticism evangelicals train on bers were just as deter- walked down so many “sawdust “Mormonism,” as if a fellow- mined as Samuel to testify trails” at missions and retreats ship of 15 million people and to the timeless sense of the and out-and-out revivals. His Today polarization almost 90,000 missionaries is word “hitherto:” as he has father’s fundamentalist stirrings in political and religious arenas little more than another Kool- done in the past, hitherto he Even cornerstones can testify. may have been somewhat un- Aid cult. He wants us to talk. will do in the future. usual in RCA ministerial circles seems a way of life. He’s trying to make peace – a Much of the Mouw canon practices the dedicatory in- in the post-war era; but Rev. tall order, but it’s something he’s tent of the word “Ebenezer.” He has blessed his readers, Mouw nurtured those stirrings, been working at for years. especially his Reformed readers, with the kind of com- not only in himself but also in his children, so that when Right now, peace-keeping may headline his contribution memorative promise forsworn in the word “hitherto.” So Dr. Richard Mouw talks about sawdust the way he does to Christian thought especially, but he’s also blessed the much of what he’s written reopens the blessings of a rich in many of his books, he’s on ground near and dear to his Christian Reformed Church in particular. In the lecture he theological heritage he believes should not seem as close own history and experience. Throughout his professional gave at the 150th birthday of the CRC, Mouw lamented, to forgotten as it does. Much of his work hitherto testifies life, Mouw’s personal history has allowed him to feel just in passing, the way the denomination’s alteration of the to faithfulness as both a legacy and a promise. as much at home in, say, some downtown street mission text of “Come, Thou Fount” removed the word Ebenezer As he has been since the publication of his first book in as Princeton Theological Seminary. (“Here I raise my Ebenezer”), an allusion to the monu- 1978, Mouw will, hitherto, be rare and invaluable reading ment Samuel used to celebrate the Lord’s victory over the also and maybe most especially to those of us who value Peace-keeping Philistines (I Sam. 7). Mouw explained his fondness this the Reformed faith. To some Calvinists, Mouw’s leaving Calvin College way: “In that ceremony, Samuel was both looking to the James C. Schaap taught literature and may well have looked like theological treason. But he took past and to the future. As he considered what had happened writing at Dordt College in Sioux Center, the position at Fuller and eventually became its President, in Israel “hitherto” – thus far – he saw only the grace of Iowa, for more than 30 years. He’s the an office which likely put him into a position to practice God: it is the Lord who has helped us up to this point, he author of many books, including CRC his own “uncommon decency” when advocates of a variety said. And as he looked forward he set up a stone of hope in Family Album: the Unfinished Story of the of theologies do battle – as we always do. the confidence that this same grace of God would continue CRC and Up the Hill, recently published His latest book, Talking with Mormons: An Invitation to bless the life and mission of Israel.” as an e-book through New Rivers Press. MARCH 9, 2015 PAGE 7

News Iraq: Iraqi-Canadian offers help for body and spirit to displaced women

CRC Home and World Missions propose to unite GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (CRCNA) – Last month, the boards of Christian Re- formed Home Missions and Christian Re- formed World Missions voted to study the possibility of those two longstanding CRC mission agencies becoming one entity. The two boards instructed their direc- tors, under the supervision of Dr. Steven Kurdish refugees adapt to life in a camp near the Turkish border. Timmermans, executive director of the CRC, to explore the feasibility of bringing Vanessa Matthews Hannah job, your work and your friends.” ing in my heart. I hugged her and prayed together Home Missions and World Mis- BURLNGTON, Ont. (CRCNA/Worl- It is this plight that has inspired Safou to with her. I believed the Holy Spirit would sions into one agency with both a local dRenew) – Insaf Safou is an Iraqi-Cana- action. “When I hear the word ‘IDP’ – I just comfort her. From then I felt God calling and global vision and mandate. dian woman whose heart breaks for the need to imagine one minute in their shoes, me back to listen to the women and help The directors have been asked to pre- devastation that has been taking place in what would they be feeling,” she said, ex- comfort them.” pare a detailed plan for consideration her homeland of Iraq at the hands of the plaining that putting herself in the place of Since that time, Safou has made trips by the boards when they meet again in Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). these displaced women forces her to act. to Iraq each year, always visiting fami- April. The plan would lay out the steps In June 2014, ISIS proclaimed a caliph- “I need to be loving, understanding lies affected by the war. In 2005, she was necessary to enter into the process for ate – a government based on Islamic reli- and respectful of their situation. We want inspired to hold her first conference for significant structural change through the gious law. They have since been violently to reach these women who have become women at an Alliance church in Baghdad. CRC’s board of trustees and synod. The displacing anyone standing in the way of displaced, and bring belief together with It was open to women in all churches decision whether or not to take the first “their territory.” They have forced many non-believers. We will speak about Jesus throughout the cities of Baghdad, Kirkuk, steps toward becoming a unified mission minorities in northern Iraq to convert to being our security and peace.” Mosul, Duhok and Sulymania. She orga- agency will be made at that time. their extreme brand of Sunni Islam, or give nized inspirational Christian presenters As the pace of globalization has in- up their homes and all possessions – or die. Not a typical project who could speak into the lives of these creased, the distinction between the mis- Faced with the option of converting or Ken Little, World Renew senior pro- women. It was largely successful because sion fields of the two agencies has been death, most people have fled their ancestral gram manager, explains, “While this is it was the first of its kind in bringing many shrinking. Aware of this fact, the boards lands to the autonomous Kurdish region, not a typical project of World Renew’s women together from different churches. of both agencies had instructed their di- where they are now living as refugees disaster response team, we are pleased to At this year’s conference, there will rectors in September 2008 to collaborate (called Internally Displaced Persons or partner with Insaf to reach these women in be four speakers, each with a different on specific projects in areas of ministry IDPs). this unique way. These families have been background, ranging from pastoral care where Home Missions and World Mis- World Renew is partnering with Insaf violently uprooted from their homes. We to Christian counseling. sions can serve together without regard Safou to bring spiritual nourishment to are grateful to partner with HPJ to meet The women will have the opportunity to geographic boundaries. displaced women who have witnessed their immediate physical needs.” to bring their children, who will have their A joint leadership team was formed to unspeakable violence. Safou is organizing Little continued, “Now we have the op- own time of worship with Sunday school review collaborative efforts. Subsequent two spiritual conferences in March 2015 portunity to provide these women with a teachers. Throughout the conference, work was done under the supervision of for displaced women in Dohuk and Erbil. cathartic outlet through these conferences. women and children will have the time to the director of denominational ministries These women are living in tents, unfin- They will have the opportunity to spend fellowship together and share meals. to accomplish the 2008 mandate. ished buildings or simple mobile homes time with our Lord and each other. They Safou wants the women attending to Moses Chung, the director of Home far from their real homes. will be strengthened and spiritually re- know that God loves them deeply and Missions, and Gary Bekker, director of freshed, and this will help them cope with understands what they are going through. World Missions, both said they feel a the difficult memories of displacement “We preach about Jesus, God’s love, Jesus’ strong sense of God’s call to unify the as well as their current living situations.” love for the entire world. He is the healer. two agencies, and will bring a detailed Safou is not a stranger to the experi- On the cross he went through everything plan to their boards in April for approval ences of these Iraqi women. She lived we are going through now. He understands to move forward. for seven years as a refugee in Istanbul us now. We are going through all these If both boards agree, the proposal will before immigrating to Canada in 2001. emotional and physical things. We need a be submitted for approval to the board When the new war in Iraq began in 2003, solid base to stand on, and that can only of trustees when it meets in early May. Safou lived seven years as a refugee before she understood what this would mean for be found in Jesus.” From there it will be submitted to the CRC immigrating to Canada. her homeland and felt called to go there. Safou also plans to provide a blouse to congregations across Canada and the U.S. “Imagine, within a few hours, your “Saddam’s regime was falling” she each woman at the end of the conference, who covenanted together many years ago home is taken from you and you are in the says. “I felt like my people had enough. that they can wear for Easter. These will to create these agencies. The congrega- streets,” Safou said about the hardships There was too much war. God was calling be purchased locally in Iraq. She wants tions and classes are ask for reflection, that these women have gone through “You me back to Iraq and I wasn’t sure why.” to give something special that will make input and response before a decision is can’t sleep in your own bed. You can’t On a visit to her homeland, she met them happy. made by a subsequent synod. take a shower in your bathroom. You find women who had lost their loved ones. “I “The needs in Northern Iraq are so big. The boards are asking church members yourself in a tent or mobile home or in the met a woman whose husband was killed But my God is bigger. That’s why I go back. to pray for guidance, wisdom and direc- street. You are waiting for someone to give in roadside bomb,” she explains. “Hearing Even if I work with a few people, at least tion as this process moves forward. you blankets and mattresses. You lose your her story felt like a volcano of fire erupt- I can make sunshine in a small area.” PAGE 8 CHRISTIAN COURIER Feature

Fifty shades of shame

Monica deRegt I am not the first voice to speak about the Fifty Shades of Grey phenomenon, nor will I be the last. In fact, I am hesitant to even add fuel to the blazing fires that some may argue only further promote the popu- larity of this book and movie. But as I sift through the endless blogs and editorials about this subject, I can’t help but notice what is missing. Although it might be trite to write about “fifty shades of grace,” the truth is there hasn’t been much grace at all. Yes, I’ve felt it too – the cringe inside when I realized what Fifty Shades of Grey was really about (which, apparently, isn’t a nice book about aging – a fact my sister was thankful to discover before she handed it over to my Mom as a birthday gift!). The response to this controversial book, and now the movie (released on Valentine’s Day 2015) has been swift and divided, with op- posing sides making it clear that this issue What is not OK in real life (Ghomeshi, R, on his way to court) is titillating in fantasy. is the furthest thing from “grey.” The fact that thousands of people lined in teen violence, depression and drug abuse. tance. Shame and pride are not lovely and living in the “Christian bubble,” preferring up on February 14 to be entertained by this Really? When there is such a gaping divide admirable. They are just as deviant from instead to allow these narratives to become new genre of “soft pornography” so soon between the real world and our inner imagi- what God desires for our lives as anything part of what shapes our understanding of after the recent demise of CBC’s Jian Gho- native life, this surprises us? These are only in Shades of Grey, uncomfortable as that man’s brokenness and God’s redemptive meshi for his actions – alleged sex crimes two examples. truth may make us feel. plan? Do we judge this position as being that he tried to justify as being “Shades of too tolerant, or do we fling accusations of Grey-esque” – is ironic to say the least. On the wagon Light without shadow watered-down morality? I believe the en- Ghomeshi, Canada’s very own live version Meanwhile, the Christian response to So where does this leave us? Should we emy rejoices when we do, using us against of the novel’s main character, Christian Shades of Grey is coming out in full force see the movie so that we can relate to oth- each other to accomplish his scheme to Grey, was removed from his throne of pop- – on blogs, Facebook posts, Twitter, edi- ers? I would say a definite no, and I applaud devour us. ularity as CBC’s sexy “well-hello-there” torials. And the message is far more than those who are taking the time to share, with radio show host because of his penchant fifty shades of shame:don’t see the movie, gentleness and love, why those who are Cascading love for violent sexual encounters. It was a blow flee from this evil filth, speak out against considering going should not go – because Instead of shaming those who are look- to loyal fans, who at first didn’t want to this sinful new form of entertainment! It’s these images have a psychological effect ing for something – be it acceptance or en- believe it, and to the many who wanted to not a new bandwagon that we are jumping on our brains, and distort our view of love tertainment – in Shades of Grey, we should defend his actions. But in the end, most of on – this one has been around the track a and the gift of married sex. Galatians 1:6 be showing them – showing ourselves – the general public was relieved that CBC number of times. Now it has a particularly says “Brothers and sisters, if someone is what Jesus’ love is really all about. If we stood up on behalf of abused women and shiny, new paint job. And it sure feels good caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit as Christians want to engage our culture sent him on his way. The fact that the same to jump out of the filth and take a ride, should restore that person gently. But watch and be Christ-followers, then this is our general public is quite happy to allow this doesn’t it? We quickly scramble to get yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” doorstep! Jesus wouldn’t jump on the band- scene to play out very differently on the big the best seat, believing that somehow this Clearly, it is not necessary for us to watch wagon of shame-blogging, he’d jump into screen is a fascinating statement about our shame-blogging will make a difference. the movie to be an effective restorer any the filth and clean it up. When his people culture. On the one hand, we are disgusted Or that, at the very least, we will avoid more than our friends need to join in our shine his light, there can be no shades – no by deviance. On the other, we are drawn to getting our own shoes dirty, heaven forbid. gossip before they can carefully help us shadows – because his light chases away it, turned on by it. And while we want it to But when has this attitude of superiority avoid that sin. The fruit of gentleness at- all darkness. be illegal and punished, we also want it to ever won any hearts to Jesus? When did tracts more bees than the vinegar of con- For our school’s Valentine Day celebra- be mainstream and accessible. And yes, I we start believing the lie that any of us demnation. When it comes to defending the tion, the students were asked to wear red, am deliberately saying “we” because any- are better or less sinful than others? When truth, is it possible to take a stand without white or pink to represent the colours of one who thinks there are no Christians in will we as Christians see that our reactions taking a stance. love. When I went to pick my children up at those line ups is fifty shades of naïve. of judgement, hate, separation and shame Maybe we need to look deeper and open the end of the day, I was struck by the cas- What is not OK in real life is titillating are far more reflective of “What would the up conversations about why these books cade of these colours that flowed out of the in fantasy. Does this sound familiar? As Pharisees do?” than anything close to what appeal to so many. Could it be that viewers building. If we as Christians took our call our teens and even, yes, our children, play Jesus would do? are sucked in by the vacuum of our society to “love one another, for love comes from increasingly alarming amounts of time Of course we should not be silent. The that provides Shades of Grey on one side God” to include those who make choices on addictive and violent video games, we Bible is clear about immorality and sin and Shades of Shame on the other? For the that we might not agree with, maybe our question why there is such a dramatic rise – all sin, not just sexual sin. We are com- lonely people in less-than-satisfying mar- shades of love would also flow out of our manded to flee from it, to riages, for the teenagers looking for love churches, and become more attractive than be in the world, but not of and acceptance, for the person who can any shade of grey. the world. But when Phi- relate to these characters and is finally able In order to defend the truth, lippians 4:8 commands to feel OK about their secret desires, the us to think on “whatever popularity of this phenomenon provides a Monica deRegt we can take a stand is true, noble, right, pure, sense of belonging and community they are ([email protected]) lovely and admirable,” this longing for. Who can blame them for choos- is the Features Editor for without taking a stance. is not a license to shame or ing it if they aren’t finding it elsewhere? Christian Courier. judge each other. In fact, I And what about those of us who believe think it is a call to repen- in artistic license and who shun the idea of MARCH 9, 2015 PAGE 9

Review Wrestling with the Word

Elmer Thiessen I resonate with Peter Enns’ personal story which he reviews briefly in the first chapter ofThe Bible Tells Me So. For a long time I believed in the inerrancy of Scripture. But increasingly, I found this standard evangeli- cal doctrine dying the death of a thousand qualifications. Like Enns, I couldn’t simply ignore the questions I was facing. But unlike Enns, I come out rather differently at the end. The book under review can be seen as a popular summary Enns suggests that Christians know the real Jesus by faith, not through one true and of Enns’ earlier and controversial coherent story out of the four gospels. book, Incarnation and Inspira- tion (2005). I was intrigued with highlight how “utterly new and unexpected” the story of Jesus was. “JESUS WAS CRU- its thesis. The Bible, like Jesus, CIFIED on Good Friday and raised from the dead on the third day, on Easter Sunday.” It must be interpreted as having nearly sounds as though we are here finally dealing with real history. But Enns focuses both divine and human origins. instead on how difficult it would have been for a first-century Jewish audience, shaped Over the years I have become by its ancient story, to accept an executed and resurrected messiah. more willing to admit that the So what do the New Testament writers do to overcome this problem? They reinterpret The Bible Tells Me So . . . Bible was written by fallible hu- the Old Testament so that they point to a messiah who suffered, died and was raised from Why Defending Scripture Has Made Us Unable To Read It man beings. And yet, I also want the dead. Jesus himself engaged “in a bit of creative biblical interpretation” to make the by Peter Enns to say that the Bible is inspired Old Testament point to himself. The Gospel writers too “do some creative reading” of New York, N.Y.: HarperOne, 2014 by God. the Old Testament. Paul too had “to rethink and transform his tradition and his scripture.” In The Bible Tells Me So, Enns But there are limits to the creative reading and transformation of the scripture. Maybe, maintains that the Bible is primarily a record of “ancient journeys of faith,” and these just maybe, the Old Testament does in fact point to Jesus. Here again, Enns fails to make journeys then become “models for us on our own journeys.” My worry here is that this room for genuine revelation and prophecy. description of the bible is very human-centred. Where is God in this description? And We are still left with the question as to whether Jesus was actually crucified and resur- what about revelation? I want to say that the Bible is both human and divinely inspired. rected. I expect the crucifixion is an historical event for Enns – hence the capital letters in Without an equal emphasis on the divine we are simply left with the feeble spiritual the quote noted earlier. But what about the resurrection? Enns tends to skirt the question gropings of human beings who create their own gods. of the historicity of Jesus in the concluding chapters. To get his views on this question, The first big issue of the book concerns Israel’s invasion of Canaan, described in we have to go to an earlier chapter (ch. 3). Here we are again told that if we read the Bible chapter 2. Enns explains that this chapter is “so dreadfully long” because the Canaanite as a book that has to get history “right,” then “the gospels become a crippling problem.” genocide is a key problem for “sincere readers of the bible” and “contemporary athe- Why? Because the Gospel writers give us very different portraits of Jesus, each one ists.” But sincere readers of the Bible don’t need an exhaustive description of Israel’s offering his own perspective. Most scholars, we are told, think that Matthew “created” barbarous conquering of Canaan. Or, is Enns mainly concerned about gaining credibility some of the scenes surrounding Jesus’ birth to “shape” his story. Enns also suggests that with contemporary atheists? trying to create a harmony of the four gospels so as to yield one true and coherent story Enns gives another reason for his preoccupation with Israel’s extermination of the is a mistake. Instead, Christians get at the real Jesus by “faith.” Canaanites. He uses this story to drive home a key point for understanding many other There you have it. The story of Jesus too is a record of subjective experiences, and parts of the Old Testament: “the ancient Israelites’ tribal mentality about themselves, is accepted on faith. What is so misleading is that in the final chapters Enns gives the their world and their God is reflected in what they wrote.” The chapter concludes with impression that he is treating the story of Jesus as history. Even in his earlier treatment, Enns’ solution to the embarrassment we feel about God telling the Israelites to kill the he contradicts his rejection of harmonizing the gospels by suggesting that Matthew, Mark Canaanites: “Canaanite genocide is . . . not a historical account of something about God.” and Luke “are likely following the flow of history more than John.” Really! I thought any “God never told the Israelites to kill the Canaanites.” According to Enns, the Israelites attempt to read the gospels as a way to get history right was a mistake. You can’t have only believed that God told them to do so. Note again how human-centred all this is. your cake and eat it too, Peter Enns. “God likes stories,” Enns tells us in chapter 3. But stories of the past are always told Enns reminds us repeatedly to read the Bible on its own terms. “You can’t just make for a purpose – “to persuade, motivate and inspire.” They are built on “imperfect memo- the Bible mean whatever you feel like making it mean. You have to stick with what the ries,” and there is a good deal of “creating” and “inventing” going on to accomplish this text says.” I agree. Unfortunately, Enns does not follow his own advice. Indeed, at one purpose, with little concern about the original story being true. But if the events in the point he says, “we’re all free to put the pieces together as we think best.” So, each to his past never happened, how can recounting them provide encouragement to people living own! A truly post-modern and relativistic approach to the Bible! If you don’t like the in the present? Enns also falls prey to an either-or fallacy: he assumes that Israel’s stories gospel according to Peter Enns, create your own. of the deep past cannot be written with both purposes in mind – to record the past, and Enns sums up and gives us some practical advice in the final chapter. We need to ac- to help us to cope with the present. Furthermore, there are limits to creative license, and cept the Bible for what it is “with wrinkles, complexities, unexpected maneuvers and Enns needs to pay more attention to defining these limits. If we allow too much creative downright strangeness.” “This Bible is worth reading and paying attention to, because license, we will end up with the entire Old Testament as fiction. this is the Bible God uses . . . to point its readers to a deeper trust in him.” Some good Enns reminds us repeatedly that we must not impose modern criteria of historiogra- advice. And, I like the God-centredness here – finally! Unfortunately, much of Enns’ ear- phy on ancient texts. “Getting the past ‘right’ in a modern sense wasn’t high priority” lier analysis undermines the possibility of accepting the Bible as God’s word. I therefore for biblical writers, according to Enns. This doesn’t mean that biblical writers were cannot recommend his book. “trying to pull a fast one” or that they were being “sloppy.” Such accusations arise out of “modern thinking relying on modern rules of history writing.” But where is the evidence for these claims? I would suggest that ancient biblical writers were concerned about historical accuracy. Enns also assumes that we moderns are more “enlightened” Elmer Thiessen is a semi-retired philosopher. His most recent book: than the ancients, and therefore we have more rigorous rules for history writing. This The Ethics of Evangelism: A Philosophical Defense of Proselytizing is post-Enlightenment nonsense. and Persuasion (Paternoster and IVP Academic, 2011). In chapters 5 and 6 we move onto the story of Jesus. Enns goes out of his way to PAGE 10 CHRISTIAN COURIER

Features Changing donor trends in Canada

Hank de Jong the communities in which we are invested As the Executive Director of a Christian would be impaired, if not jeopardized. charitable organization in Canada, I am Donors are rightfully demanding account- deeply grateful for the support of the ability, while at the same time recognizing Christian community across the country. A that challenging and complex work requires recent national survey by Statistics Canada strong resources to be done well. indicated that in 2010 only 23.4 percent of Canadians claimed donations in their tax fil- Generational differences ings, and that average combined donations Accountability also requires mature re- for the year totaled only $446. Imbued with lationships between charities and donors, a strong sense of stewardship and a grace- and here, too, the trend is changing. “Gen driven impulse to help others, Christians X-ers” (those born between 1965-1980) are comparatively generous people and are taking over family businesses from the their giving far surpasses national averages. “Baby Boomers” (1946-1964). Their par- While support for charities among ents supported many charities, not wanting Christians remains strong, donor trends to say “no” to anyone. Children who inherit are changing in Canada. This changing control of family operations are, unlike their landscape of generosity and stewardship parents, prone to select five of their favour- invites our observation, reflection and dia- ite charities, build relationships with their logue, and I intend in this article to make a leaders, invest heavily, allocate funds for modest contribution to this important dis- these charities in their annual budgets, hold cussion. One of the important responsibil- them to a high level of accountability, and Donors like these participants in EduDeo ities I fulfill in my role is to interact with say “no” and “God bless” to other charities. giving can sometimes be obscure, however, HANDS teams want to see the results and donors and other charity leaders and what Online giving is also changing the char- especially on social media. Several years measure the impact of their giving. follows are some conclusions I’ve drawn ity landscape. As I often remind our staff, ago, women were broadcasting their bras- from these interactions. Though I do cite whereas Baby Boomers give with their siere colours on Facebook, simply putting a couple of sources, much of what I share checkbooks, Gen X-ers don’t know where in their status lines, “red” or “black” or below is derived from personal experience. their checkbooks are, and Millennials whatever colour. This generated quite a (1981-2001) don’t know what a checkbook buzz, especially initially, when few under- Suspicion or accountability is. My assumption is being challenged, stood the meaning. It soon became apparent At a recent meeting in which I partici- however, with a report that three out of five that this was a campaign to raise awareness pated, mention was made of the “increasing Canadians over 65 years of age are making for breast cancer. Women were contribut- suspicion around giving.” My curiosity online contributions. Widening the demo- ing to this campaign by posting one word aroused, I began to wonder whether this graphics, three out of every four Canadian on their Facebook statuses. Was this really was really the case. It does seem giving? No financial contribution to be true that donors are hold- was made. Did it create aware- ing charities to greater levels of ness leading others to contribute? accountability, but whether this Perhaps. Through “sharing” and stems from suspicion is difficult “re-tweeting,” social media al- to determine. Accountability for lows us to transmit information charities should be welcomed, at an incredible rate, and enables and in the case of our organiza- us to contribute in diverse and tion we made it a priority by, for sometimes modest ways towards example, partnering with rep- a cause that captivates us. utable foundations in Canada Globalization has also changed which operated with strict re- our giving patterns. Having a porting guidelines. The level of strong preference to give either reporting expected from these globally or locally, in the past entities could be construed as people would often say, “I appre- while one’s heart is still beating. The chal- excessive, but it motivated us ciate all the good work happening lenge, of course, is that we do not know our to report more comprehensive- Three out of every four Canadian donors transacted at least one around the world, but my heart earthly lifespan. ly and effectively to our entire gift online in 2010. is for my own community” or, Amid the changing trends in giving, I donor constituency. “we certainly have needs locally, remain optimistic and encouraged about Donors want to see results and measur- donors transacted at least one gift online but nothing compares to helping starving the Christian communities’ understanding able ways in which a charity is fulfilling in 2010. This figure rises to nine out of ten children around the world.” Today, those and practice of stewardship and generosity. its vision and mission. Charity leaders are among Canadian donors under the age of 35 distinctions are rarely voiced. The globe is The Bible is remarkably unambiguous on now being asked, “What impact is your (Source: Cygnus Applied Research, Inc.). shrinking, and people generally recognize the topic of generosity and church leaders organization making?” rather than “What Rather than cancel all mail campaigns, that global investments can also be local should continue to keep stewardship at the percentage of funds goes towards admin- charities can use these for soliciting dona- investments. We need not choose. forefront of our hearts and minds. In some istration?” Donors increasingly recognize tions, as well as for driving people to their An unprecedented transfer of wealth is sense, every Christocentric sermon should that charities face complex challenges that websites. expected between generations in the next inspire a life of thankfulness and generosity require competent administration to ad- 20 years, and therefore legacy and planned for what Christ has done for us. We love be- dress and resolve. Achieving meaningful Sharing more than finances in a giving options continue to be promoted. cause he first loved us. We and long-term solutions to emerging global changing global environment The results will have a significant impact give because he first gave complexities requires strong financial and Social media is changing our percep- on charities and should be encouraged. I himself for us. human resources. Wiring money around tion of giving as well. Our contemporaries am often regaled with stories of people who Hank de Jong serves the world, for example, would enable us to are keenly aware that giving need not be want to “give with a warm hand as opposed as the Executive Director operate with a modest administration, but reduced to finances, but can include our to a cold one.” People want to experience of EduDeo Ministries our ability to make durable contributions to time, expertise, etc. The wide diversity in the joy of giving, and this can only be done (edudeo.com). MARCH 9, 2015 PAGE 11

Features

K2K Productions cast of “Beauty and the Beast.” A scene from K2K Productions’ “Cat in the Hat.” K2K Productions: Building community, character, and Christ-centred youth through the arts – An interview with Brian Belleth Sonya VanderVeen Feddema Tell us about K2K Productions, YFC’s theatre arts ings. We continue to see an increase in parental involvement. Brian Belleth’s love of the arts is changing lives in ministry. What does the acronym K2K stand for? How Change – YES! I have come to be more sensitive to Woodstock, Ontario. Born in Canada 43 years ago to Sri is your program structured? the brokenness that we experience. Through one-on-one Lankan parents, Belleth grew up in the cities of Toronto K2K, or Kid to Kid Productions, is a theatre arts program meetings with parents, I have been able to listen, encourage and Cambridge, Ontario. He attended Wilfrid Laurier that creates opportunities for children ages 7-14 from all and pray for parents going through personal challenges. It University where he received his Honours Bachelor of social, ethnic and economic backgrounds to experience is truly an honour to see how we can bring Christ into all Vocal Performance and Opera Diploma. He is a pro- theatre, as well as an introduction to Jesus Christ. We have facets of the family. fessional singer who has performed in opera, musicals, developed a two-hour program in which we create small international worship teams groups and drama sessions. Through small groups the In your 2013-2014 season, K2K Productions presented and commercials in Canada, students share their lives and we introduce them to Jesus “Seussical.” How many staff, volunteers and youth the United States, Germany, through Bible study. Our drama sessions focus on a few worked together – and for approximately how many South Africa and France. He projects, primarily our spring musical production. hours – to make this production a success? What impact has been a vocal coach for 15 did your production have on those who participated? years. Presently, he is a mem- How do you reach youth with the gospel through theatre? When all was said and done, we had about 80 people ber of Innerkip Presbyterian Through actions and words. Sounds simple, but the win involved. Our team averaged 180 hours to create the best Church in Innerkip, Ontario. for us is simply to share our story, God’s story, and to en- experience we could for our students. The impact was life I recently interviewed courage hope in the children’s personal stories. We desire changing. We have witnessed the fulfilment of our vision Belleth to discover exactly how to walk with every child. In community, we can express to build community, character and Christ-centred young his passion for the arts is leading love, hope, joy and support. Through the Holy Spirit, we people through the arts. to community transformation. K2K’s Brian Belleth. pray that God – the Father and Son and Holy Spirit – will become the children’s hope and lifeline forever and ever. What are your plans for the 2014-2015 season? How did God lead you to your present position as Director Our vision for this coming year and the next decade is to of Arts for Youth for Christ (YFC)/Youth Unlimited in Have you seen young people’s lives changed through expand our age groups through a recording studio program Woodstock, Ontario? your ministry? and campus theatre program at one of our local elementary/ Working with young people as a vocal teacher inspired Over the ten years, we have seen true elements of life high schools. We will be presenting The Little Mermaid in me to seek God’s will as to how we could encourage young change. For some students and their families, it has become May 2015. We would also like to launch a summer theatre artists in their talents and faith. God unveiled to me a vision the one place where they have a sense of belonging. Some program in July 2015 and develop two separate programs to to build community, character and Christ-centred young have said “K2K is a place where people get me.” address the specific age groups of Grades 2-5 and Grades 6-9. people through the arts. For others, it has brought healing in the brokenness In 2015-2016, we hope to hire more staff to strengthen our Studies have shown that by the age of 12, children have of their lives due to bullying they have experienced. One foundation. We are in the planning stages of a travel theatre formed principles and moral pillars, including faith, that student, Shane, and his mother shared the testimony that presentation. We would like to help others create a K2K they will live by. This doesn’t seem to change until they the bullying he was experiencing had completely sucked productions program in their communities. Lastly, we want are in their 20s. Therefore, God made it very clear to me the life out of him. However, the mother testified, “Through to infuse our program with artists from around the world. to work with children primarily. the K2K ministry, we have seen restoration and we have Ten years ago, I presented my vision for this ministry our son back!” Members of your staff raise their own support to be to Southwestern Ontario Youth for Christ. This was the My most thankful moments have been the result of wit- able to do their work. If Christian Courier readers are beginning of my formal youth ministry. nessing children giving their lives to Jesus Christ. interested in supporting you or other K2K Productions staff members, how can they do that? What core values do YFC and its arts program strive to What role do parents or caregivers of youth play in We would ask them to consider being a ministry part- implement? your program? Have you seen parents’ or caregivers’ ner with us via our website, yfcwoodstock.com, which We encourage and celebrate freedom of expression – lives changed by becoming involved? creates opportunities to donate to staff and to the pro- namely, creativity – through the arts. We are committed to We continue to present the counter-cultural position of gram. We would love to invite them to helping young people discover their potential strengths and inviting families to get involved with our program. “The drop- join our facebook page (facebook.com/ abilities. We go the distance. In other words, we strive to off mentality” remains strong, but we have seen many get YFCWoodstock) and we welcome them do what we say we will do with unwavering commitment involved, especially when they see how much their children to come see our productions. and humility. We seek intimacy with God, and try to obey enjoy being with us. We believe it takes small steps for parents his command to “love the Lord with all our heart, soul, to become involved, from ushering at our events, creating Sonya VanderVeen Feddema is a free- mind and strength and love our neighbour as ourselves.” costumes, designing sets, or helping at our dinner/show even- lance writer living in St. Catharines, Ont. PAGE 12 CHRISTIAN COURIER

Features A different path to mercy: How should Christians respond to the Supreme Court decision to allow assisted suicide? Rachel Baarda suffering as well as physical suffering. It was also On February 6, 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled not restricted to those with terminal illnesses, but that Canada’s century-old laws against assisted suicide were included those with “irremediable suffering.” in violation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and should Now that the Supreme Court has made its deci- be struck down. sion, Parliament has 12 months to make the decision Many voices responded to the ruling, with some welcom- into a law. The actions of lobbyists and legislators ing the decision. Lee Carter, the daughter of Kay Carter, who on Parliament Hill will shape the legislation, but traveled to Switzerland at the age of 89 to end her life, said, the issue of assisted suicide could also become an “We just felt that it was a fundamental right for Canadians election issue, since a federal election is scheduled that they should have this choice.” Kay Carter had spinal for October, now less than eight months away. stenosis, which involves nerve deterioration. Canadians are facing a real and urgent decision on The Canadian Medical Association said that although legislation that could dramatically change the status it supports patients who seek a physician-assisted death, it quo for doctors and patients in Canada. also supports physicians’ rights to objections of conscience, including religious reasons. On the other hand, disability Fighting for dignity or life? remedy as yet. This could qualify as a reason for physician- advocates are troubled by the decision. Marie Ryan, former At first glance, this ruling seems to offer a simple choice. assisted suicide. chair of the Council of Canadians with Disabilities, called Most people have witnessed friends or family members the Supreme Court ruling a setback for disabled people, by suffering as they near the end of their lives. Others have A different kind of mercy returning disability to a “medical model.” been diagnosed with a terminal illness themselves. We don’t People suffering from depression and feeling suicidal Christian groups also spoke out�������������������������. The����������������������� Evangelical Fellow- like to watch or think about suffering, let alone experience today include adults with physical disabilities, young women ship of Canada, of which the Christian Reformed Church it ourselves. The pro-assisted-suicide movement is called with eating disorders, gay people, transgendered people, and is an affiliate, said, “As Evangelicals, we believe that life is Death with Dignity. It portrays physician-assisted-suicide anyone else who feels they do not fit into society. For these a gift from God which should be respected and protected as a less painful way out of this life – a chance to leave people, death may look like a welcome release from a hostile through all its stages. Each human life has inherent worth, this earth with our self-respect intact, instead of dying after environment. But should our medical communities – licensed regardless of age or physical, mental or other abilities.” a prolonged illness that strips us of our autonomy. Most to help instead of harm – really help these people die? Or Despite the different perspectives offered by groups and Canadians would prefer the choice to walk away from an should we, as a society, turn our energy instead toward build- organizations, a poll showed that 84 percent of Canadians illness before death overtakes them. ing community and helping those who need a helping hand? are in favour of assisted suicide. That feeling is understandable. God never intended the The Bible does mention the topic of assisted suicide. world to be a place of death and suffering. Sin has left us King Saul asked his armour-bearer to kill him when he was Definitions and decisions with a world of drawn-out, painful illnesses and deaths. The defeated in battle; but the armour-bearer refused, leaving Many Canadians, however, may not know exactly what impulse to walk away from the painful aspect of death, to Saul to fall on his own sword (1 Samuel 31:4). The armour- the Supreme Court ruling entails. The court ruled that eu- escape before it is too late, is only human. bearer was afraid because he would have been going against thanasia and assisted suicide should be allowed for “a com- There is a reason, though, why suffering can ultimately God’s command not to kill. petent adult person who clearly consents to the termination be less harmful than walking away from it altogether. If you Instead of taking life as a way of providing “mercy” to of life and has a grievous and irremediable medical condi- watch any action or fantasy movie, you’ll see characters those who are suffering, the Bible calls Christians to be tion (including an illness, disease or disability) that causes repeatedly dangling from cliffs, towers and bridges, at the compassionate by providing people with resources to al- enduring suffering that is intolerable to the individual in the brink of death, only to be rescued at the last moment by a leviate their suffering: circumstances of his or her condition.” hand pulling them up. The heroes in the final installation Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: What is assisted suicide? First, let's define what assisted of The Hobbit are beaten up so often that by the end of the to loose the chains of injustice suicide is not: it isn’t avoiding emergency resuscitation mea- movie, you’re left scratching your head wondering how only and untie the cords of the yoke, sures on a person who, through a living will, has expressed one dwarf died, while hordes of orcs, trolls and a formidable to set the oppressed free that they don’t wish to be resuscitated. It isn’t a cancer patient dragon lie slain all around them. and break every yoke? refusing chemotherapy that will prolong a few months of life Hollywood movies like The Hobbit are at odds with the Is it not to share your food with the hungry in the midst of terminal illness. cultural narrative that promotes assisted suicide. The heroes and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter – Assisted suicide is the provision of some drug, perhaps in The Hobbit don’t quietly step out when the battle brings when you see the naked, to clothe them, orally administered, that will presumably cause a painless them to the brink of death; they fight back from impossible and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? death to those who ask physicians to help them die. Euthana- odds, because they believe in something – a cause, a better (Isaiah 58:6-7) sia involves the physician actually administering that drug to world – and because they have people helping them. The Marie Ryan of the Canadian Council of Persons with Dis- the patient. The Supreme Court decision ruled that patients band of protagonists is fighting for life, not death. abilities says, “As a person with a disability, I’m not suffering have the rights to both assisted suicide and euthanasia. This is important because the Supreme Court ruling with my disability. I may have pain. I may be in a position The February 6 Supreme Court ruling was broader than indicates that doctors should, if asked, help a patient die, where I need support. What I may be suffering from are all the many expected, encompassing those with psychological rather than finding ways to alleviate that patient’s pain, or other things that I should be supported in: my employment, learning how to help someone else with a my education, my care, my financial situation.” similar condition in the future. Furthermore, The assisted suicide ruling has been announced, but there “suffering” in the Supreme Court ruling is is still time to shape the legislation so that it includes safe- not limited to terminal, physical suffering. guards to the well-being of patients as well as the conscience The classic image of assisted suicide is of a of physicians. More than this, though, maybe it’s time to terminally ill patient, perhaps someone with realize how many members of our communities, both visible ALS, who is slowly losing control of his or and hidden, are suffering. Maybe it’s time to open our doors, her body and wants to choose to die with hearts, minds and resources more fully to these people, so dignity, instead of becoming paralyzed. Many that no one will see death as the only way out of emotional people find assisted suicide understandable or mental pain. under these conditions. However, the February 6 assisted suicide Rachel Baarda is a communications in- tern for the Evangelical Fellowship of Cana- ruling includes many more people than just da, which “gathers Evangelicals together for the terminally ill. It includes irremediable impact, influence and identity in ministry and psychological suffering. For some people, public witness.” The EFC was an intervener depression or bipolar disorder is a life-long on the assisted suicide issue. Rachel is also Could the new assisted-suicide law decrease last-minute hope of restoration? battle, not terminal, but with no effective CC's social media coordinator. MARCH 9, 2015 PAGE 13

Features Growing up CRC His story from here and thinking about Planting an Intergenerational Church Mark Knetsch homosexuality Those who know me know I deeply appreciate various A two-part series on faith and sexual identity expressions of diversity. One particular and vital expres- sion of diversity that I believe is undervalued is “inter- In 2013 the Christian Faulty assumptions generational” diversity, one that also does not hold enough Reformed Synod was Writing that last paragraph was hard for value within the church planting world. Unity can only be asked by member classes me because I can now see that I have been experienced within diversity (i.e. Unity ≠ Sameness) and for guidance on the issue a source of great pain to gay people over the that unity must include everyone, “young” and “old” alike. of homosexuality, given course of my life. I repent of this. I repent The current trend of churches closing their doors across North America is due that same-sex marriage is of this because I now know that what I was in part to the fact that they are no longer intergenerational. As a church planter, I now legal in Canada and taught about homosexuality was not based realize that maintaining and investing in relationships across generational divides most of the United States. The CRCNA on Scripture but was based on an assump- is crucial for long-term survival. It is relatively easier to connect with people our holds that, “Homosexuality is a condition tion about what Scripture said. I know this own age, but we need the insight, wisdom and experience from those who are of disordered sexuality that reflects the will upset readers, but hear me out. I’ve older. In order to be a church that will last multiple generations we have to have brokenness of our sinful world.” Synod has worked on this; I’ve struggled with this. multiple generations worshipping together. appointed a study committee and we expect And I’ve come to understand that on this a report a year from this summer. issue we have seen through a glass darkly The dance of accommodation I know that contributors to and readers of (1 Cor.13:12). It can be challenging to attract people from different ages, but it is a necessary Christian Courier hold a variety of different Over the course of a few years three challenge to take on. Intergenerational churches enjoy an experience that is rich and perspectives on this topic. Some have argued things happened to bring me on a journey. healthy. Seeing faith in people of all ages can renew the soul. While it may lead to that social concern about homosexuality First, I lived in the Netherlands and in preferential fighting over “worship style” (which occurs all too often), it can also lead is a sign of a liberal “slippery slope” akin Washington D.C. for a period and met gay to beautiful illustrations of sacrifice. For example, consider the following statements: to legalizing euthanasia and smoking pot; Christians. This was cognitive dissonance “I love the organ because Mrs. Betty does,” or “I’ll listen to that guitar as long as little others call for a more generous compas- for me. Sally can worship that way.” In its purist form, the dance of accommodation between sion toward those whose sexual identity is Second, I learned more about biology generations for the purpose of worshipping our God is a glorious one that can last. something we may not understand very well. and came to understand that God has cre- When I was a pastor at Immanuel CRC in I’ve spent a lot of time and prayer fo- ated a wide diversity of human beings with Hamilton, Ont., we would often invite members cused on LGBTQ matters and I’d like to chromosomes that are XX, XY, XXY and of our congregation to speak to our youth group. share my thoughts with readers. In this other formations. What we now call intersex One evening we invited three couples of different series I want to do two things. First, be- has existed in all places and at all times; mil- ages, including one in their 70s, to speak more cause narrative is so lions and millions directly about marriage as part of our study on important in under- of people do not dating and relationships. It is difficult to describe standing different fit into what I al- how meaningful it was to have these older couples perspectives, I will ways believed was share their thoughts about marriage to the young share my own story. a standard XX/XY people of their congregation. Some of the ques- Then, next month I clear, biologic- tions asked by the teens were probably not ones will describe what a ally delineated they would ask their own parents or grandparents. variety of Reformed dichotomy. Yes, intergenerational churches have their challenges, but all forms of diversity and Evangelical Third, I heard a do. Look at the challenge Jesus embraced by opening the floodgates of salvation for theologians teach sermon that dem- people from all tribes, languages, nations, and epidermis colors. Intergenerational regarding Biblical onstrated to me that diversity is not as well-known as other forms of diversity and therefore many hermeneutics on Sodom's sin: not homosexuality but being the sin of Sodom churches do not consider themselves to be diverse when in actuality they have a passages that I was inhospitable. and Gomorrah was “hidden gem” deserving great celebration. taught condemn homosexuality. not homosexuality but violence and lack of As I have mentioned in earlier columns, hospitality. The assumption that the Hebrew The risks of diversity I was born into a Christian Reformed family word yada, translated in English as to know, Diversity can sometimes be risky because of a perceived power imbalance that and attended CRC churches and Christian means sexual intercourse has led our com- exists within the unity. While intergenerational churches are good, it would not schools all my life. Being a Calvinist was munity to assume this story condemns homo- be fair to ignore the fact that generational bullying can happen. An example is an important part of my theological identity. sexual acts. But if yada means knowing in a “worship wars” – a sin that misrepresents the true witness of the Gospel. There are I was a Calvinette decades ago, and I could different way, like to interrogate or to meet, multiple forms of abuse that can happen due to corruption in the hearts of power- recite the TULIP (a Calvinist acronym) at then our assumption about homosexuality hungry sinners. The pattern of corrupting what God has made good remains a age eight. When I met Charles, my husband, is misdirected. This sermon sent me into struggle. For the ways in which intergenerational sins have caused God’s children, at Dordt I was charmed to see Calvin’s Scripture and then into a seven year study both young and old, to go astray, we must cry out for mercy and forgiveness. Institutes on his bookshelf. It’s embarrass- of all that theologians have taught us about As our church plant continues to meet, and as we continue to bear witness ing, but in college friends and I had t-shirts how to understand the teachings of both the to the Gospel in southwest Wake County, we do so taking up the charge to be made with the face of Abraham Kuyper to Old and New Testaments. diverse, to do so with wisdom, prudence and due-diligence, and to do so seeking demonstrate our commitment to Reformed Next month I will share material from reconciliation and justice for all. principles: All of life is religion. the authors that have been the most helpful Do you feel inclusive and affirmed because of your age within your church If you had asked me then what I thought to me in understanding the questions my family? If not, I encourage you to reach out, become vulnerable and begin a about homosexuality I would have an- study raised. The thing that was the most discussion within your church. swered glibly, “Look to Scripture.” Sodom surprising to me was that theologians in and Gomorrah were punished because of my own Reformed tradition have guided gay men; Scripture is clear that homosexu- me the most clearly. My opinion about Pastor Mark Knetsch is married to Heather and is a father to ality is unnatural, and also kind of creepy. homosexuality has changed not because of Mark, Deacon, and Ava. He is a Christian Reformed Church I spent little time thinking about this other culture and not in spite of Scripture; rather, planter near Raleigh, North Carolina. Resurrection Life Church than to parrot what I had been taught: homo- it has changed because of Scripture. started meeting October 2014 and now 40 amazing and diverse people currently worship together each Sunday morning. Mark sexuality is sinful but homosexuals must be Julia Stronks has practiced law and is the loved. Love the sin; hate the sinner. If they records his church planting journey at reslifenc.org/blog. Catch Edward B. Lindaman Chair at Whitworth up with their journey and join them for the ride ahead! insist in living in a state of unrepentant sin University, affiliated with the Presbyterian we must exclude them from our institutions. Church USA. She lives in Spokane, Wash. My Window Seat The Public Square Mendelt Hoekstra Harry Antonides

From the 11th Christ @ Culture Province Lloyd Rang Marian Van Til

Toddlers to Teens From the Lab Denise Dykstra Rudy Eikelboom

SU MO TU WE TH Principalities FR SA PAGE& Power 14 s Everyday Christian CHRISTIAN COURIER David Koyzis Cathy Smith Columns

Technically Speaking FacingGetting changeUnstuck Embracing Derek Schuurman Arlene Van Hove Julia Van Huizen forty R e g u l a r r e a d e r s o f ating several possible opportunities. A trusted The year I turned 38, the Pooh, I’ve admittedly had a bit of a Christian Courier will acquaintance gave helpful advice. He sug- I found something that “glass-half-empty” focus. Intangible Thingslikely be aware that my gestedFlowers that I consider and Thistles four categories: gifts, kind of rocked my I look in the mirror of my life and I employment situation has temperament, passions and community. I need world as I knew it. I see mostly regret. Life not lived. Time Heidi Vander Slikkechanged. My family and I to startCurt by evaluatingGesch my God-given gifts and found . . . wasted. I see the areas that I haven’t are facing a period of un- seek areas of service where they can employed A grey hair. grown. The places of rebellion I still certainty. It has hit home to fruitfully. Second, I need to understand my This just couldn’t be. clutch onto. me that certainty itself is an illusion; by defin- temperament,Words fr aom type of self-knowledge that I got super close to the mirror and The pain that I numb. ition,Country life will neverLiving stay the same. Although we one learnsWild overHorses time. What is my predispos- examined that hair. I stepped back and And I see anger and disappointment are still in the middle of this change, I thought I ition and in what environments do I flourish looked at it from a different angle. Then in God. That he hasn’t intervened, healed Meindert Vander Galien Warkentins would share some aspects of our journey. the most? Third, what am I passionate about? I got right up on the bathroom countertop and rescued me when I’ve wanted him to, The first lesson I had to learn is that un- In the words of Frederick Buechner, “The and peered at that hair with such inten- in the ways I’ve wanted him to. wanted change involves not just one’s head, place God calls you to is the place where your sity, I swear it shriveled back into its hole. but also one’s emotions. During this time my deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger And then I went to show my husband. Walking through the wilderness wifePatchwork spontaneously Wo rdpainteds a picture entitled meet.”Our Finally, World communal Today considerations: “Look. A grey hair.” On the eve of my 40th birthday, my “Change,”Melissa K whichuipers illustrates a brew of feel- what Bertis the Hielema impact of a potential move on my “What? Where?” sister called me up. After hearing my ings – including turmoil and acceptance. As an wife, my children, my neighbourhood and “It’s right there. Don’t you see it right Eeyore voice, she tried to cheer me up. engineer I have been trained to problem-solve my church? I am not just an individual; I live next to that other hair?” “Embrace forty!” she encouraged me. using rational methods (a technical approach and work within a community of which I am “I don’t see it. Oh wait. That one?… But that’s the problem. Embracing not always appreciated by my wife). However, only a part. I think that’s blond.” 40 means I have to embrace it all: my feelings of grief, disappointment and uncer- All of these considerations need to be Ye-aaaah. That’s right. It’s blond. sagging skin and my sagging heart. The tainty are certainly part of the process too. As nested in prayer. As I write this column, my And then I yanked that “blond” hair greys on my head and the grey in my someone familiar with wife and I are planning right out of its socket. soul. holistic Reformational a retreat. We will go Not just the good. But the bad and thinking, this shouldn’t away for a few days Thirty-nine ugly, too – old feelings that have been have surprised me. to talk, read Scripture After the shocker of 38, I didn’t think pushed away for a looong time. Decades. I have also discov- and pray about our fu- 39 was going to faze me. And I don’t want to embrace them. I ered that unwanted ture plans. In another I was wrong. often wish those emotions away, deny change enhances one’s moment of encour- I had a mini midlife crisis. I say “mini” they’re actually there, or worse: try to ability to experience aging providence, I because it’s not like I went out and got pluck them right out. empathy. Never again recently found an an- Botox or something, but I did obsessive- Like the Israelites who wandered will I respond to the onymous note in my ly research miracle through the wil- news that someone mailbox. It contained anti-wrinkle creams derness for 40 has lost his or her job some cash along with for a few months. I years, it’s taken with a shrug of the an unsigned note indi- was seriously strug- me 40 years of shoulders. Although I cating that the money gling with the real- wandering in my can still only imagine was for my wife and ity that I was in wild emotions, what it must be like to me to get away for a the last year of my whining, com- deal with failing health time of discernment. thirties. plaining, hating and other more catas- Although I am uncom- How could I be their existence. trophic changes, I now fortable receiving gifts 39 and where I was in life? And it’s like God’s finally saying, have a bit of an ink- like this, the timing I thought I’d be further ahead. More “Enough. You think I don’t know what ling about the nature was impeccable and grown-up. More secure. exists inside of you? I know the very of grief. the money a token of More. number of hairs on your head for cryin’ But change also grace. A former col- I know it sounds ludicrous, but I think out loud (even the “blond” ones)! It’s brings a fresh oppor- “Change” by Carina Schuurman. league whom I deeply I was shocked that time just keeps tick- time we walk through your true feelings. tunity to take stock respect talked about ing. That time does not hand out hand- Not around them. No dying them a dif- of one’s life and reexamine direction and how he and his wife went away together for a outs. Not even to me. ferent colour or pretending they’re not goals. Although we are sad, we are also ex- time of prayer as they faced a big decision. He You know, me, Time’s “favourite” gal. there. Through them.” cited about the possibility of change. I have said that when they woke up the next morning, Time might make everyone else age, but And like a tantruming toddler, I hear found the wise advice of respected friends, they both had a sense of peace about their next not little ol’ me. Time might not allow myself scream, “I hate this. I don’t want colleagues and peers invaluable as I sort steps. My hope is that we will experience the others to achieve what they want, but it to!” through various options and opportunities. I same sense of peace in this process. would help out me, right? ‘Cause age and “I know you don’t,” I sense him say- have also been delighted by the expressions Finally, my personal situation has brought pain and all that garbage happen to other ing. “But I can handle even those emo- of care and concern. Never before have I had some remarkable “teachable moments.” I shared people, right? tions. Just feel them, and I will walk you so many free cups of good coffee over a long with my class the familiar words of Proverbs Right? through their wilderness.” chat. Recently I met with a former colleague 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and “When you go through deep waters, I at Starbuck’s and when we approached the lean not on your own understanding; in all your Forty will be with you. When you go through riv- cash register to pay we were informed that our ways submit to him, and he will make your paths This past week I turned 40. And I ers of difficulty, you will not drown. When order had already been paid for by the woman straight.” We can’t lean on our own understand- won’t lie: it’s been rough. You know that you walk through the fire of oppression, in front of us. Although I did not recognize ing (or our jobs, income or credentials), but we song, “It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want you will not be burned up; the flames will her, I rushed to thank the woman as she was all must submit to the Lord and trust him to to?” Well, that’s been me. All week. Sure, not consume you” (Isaiah 43:2 NLT). leaving. She responded that she was a former make our paths straight, even when we aren’t I’ve been tired and hormonal and I’m 40 Julia Van Huizen is a “mostly” stay- Redeemer student who wanted to show her sure where they might lead. with young children, but really? You’d at-home mom who blogs occasionally at appreciation. think I’d turned four, not 40. “The Muse” (juliavanhuizen.blogspot. Derek Schuurman has worked as an But I’ve been a wreck. Like a funeral com) to combine a few things she loves Discernment and prayer engineer and as a Christian college pro- or new year, turning 40 has caused me best: pondering, writing and connecting How does one discern God’s will as one fessor. He and his wife are in the process to pause and ponder about my life. And meaningfully with others. She is a guest moves forward? By God’s grace, I am evalu- of discerning their next steps. being more like Eeyore from Winnie columnist in this space until June. My Window Seat The Public Square Mendelt Hoekstra Harry Antonides

From the 11th Christ @ Culture Province Lloyd Rang Marian Van Til

MARCHToddlers 9, 2015 to Teens From the Lab PAGE 15 Denise Dykstra Rudy Eikelboom Columns

SU MO TU WE TH Principalities FR SA & Powers AssistedEveryday Christian suicide and the David Koyzis questCathy Smith for autonomy Is the quest for personal au- except in accordance with the principles of courts, being unelected, are under no obliga- tonomy endangering the lives fundamental justice.” Although a surface tion to defend themselves before the people. Technicallyand Speaking liberties of Canadians? readingGetting of section Unstuc 7 would seemk to favour This would seem to add up to something Consider the evidence. the protection of life, the justices decided approaching irresponsible government in Derek SchuurmanIn January 1988 the that forcingArlene a criticallyVan Hove ill person to take her that a highly disputable conception of human Supreme Court of Canada own life while she is still able to do so but autonomy is being read into the Charter by struck down Section 251 of the before she would prefer is a violation of the an institution that needn’t answer to voters Will the Harper government enact a law Criminal Code regulating abortion. Unlike the autonomy of the person as guaranteed by the or to their representatives. regulating assisted suicide? USIntangible Supreme Court’s Things earlier Roe v Wade rul- Charter.Flowers The Court and nevertheless Thistles suspended Nearly three years ago Conservative MP from securing assistance in ending their own ing, its decision in R vs. Morgentaler did not its ruling for one year to allow Parliament to Stephen Woodworth tabled a private mem- lives, they may attempt suicide before they Heidi Vander Slikke Curt Gesch claim to enshrine a woman’s right to an abor- craft a law that would address its concerns. ber’s motion requesting that Parliament would otherwise wish to. In short, protecting tion. It left considerable leeway to Parliament At the centre of our constitutional democ- reopen the issue of when human life begins. a person’s presumed autonomy appears to to enact a new law provided that it took into racy is the principle of responsible govern- Although the Conservative Party is more tol- trump a concern for life itself, despite the accountCountry the Court’s Living objections to the old law. ment, Wowhichrds holds from that the government of erant of pro-life MPs in its own caucus than wording of section 7 of the Charter. The government of Prime Minister Brian the dayWild is responsible Horses to Parliament and must are the other parties in the Commons, Prime Will the Harper government or its succes- MulroneyMeindert then Vander set about Galien to rectify the Court’s maintainWarkentins its confidence to continue to gov- Minister Stephen Harper openly opposed the sor have the courage to take up the Court’s concern by proposing a new abortion law, ern. However, since 1982, our governments measure. Furthermore, Conservative Party challenge and enact a law regulating assisted C-43, which passed the House of Commons have been succumbing to the temptation to whip Gordon O’Connor expressed incredu- suicide? If the fate of the abortion issue is but was defeated on a free vote in the Senate abdicate their responsibility on controversial lity at the motion: “I do not want women to any indication, we could end up with a legal inPatchwork 1991. Since thenWo rdnos government has had issues Ourto the W courts.orld Today go back to the previous era where some were vacuum through political inaction. Unless, the courage to tackle the abortion issue, with forced to obtain abortions from illegal and that is, enough Canadians wake up to the theMeliss resulta Kthatuipers Canada is one of a very few AvoidingBert blameHielema medically dangerous sources.” recognition that the quest for autonomy is a jurisdictions with no abortion law at all. Why? Abortion and euthanasia are div- Parallels between the two issues are not fruitless one based on a faulty understand- Last month the Supreme Court ruled that isive issues that governments are increas- difficult to find. In both cases, legality is -be ing of human nature. Only then will our the Criminal Code’s blanket prohibition of ingly unwilling to touch for fear of alienating ing constructed around fears of what might lives and liberties be adequately protected assisted suicide is unconstitutional in that it a substantial portion of the electorate. It is happen in the absence of freedom of choice. against the potentially limitless claims of an violates section 7 of the Charter of Rights easier for them to go before voters and tell If women are legally limited in their ability unattainable autonomy. and Freedoms which guarantees everyone them that the courts have tied their hands. to secure an abortion, they may find other David T. Koyzis is the author of Political Vi- “the right to life, liberty and security of the This way they can avoid having to assume more dangerous ways to end their pregnancy. sions and Illusions and We Answer to Another: person and the right not to be deprived thereof blame for an unpopular policy, while the Similarly if the terminally ill are prohibited Authority, Office, and the Image of God.

Borderless Working the amongst wealthy and educated Muslims, and grace and sinful misdirection to embrace true scholarship – i.e. the kind that demands a dynamic relationship to our scriptures. We Brent van Staalduinen foundations rigorous debate – is virtually nonexistent. are still learning, of course, lest we hoist our- selves too high; however, this dynamism has In the latest presentation a result, when it comes to the most pressing Fractured pillars strengthened our understanding, reinforcing for our church’s “Hearts issues facing Islam, despite great fervour, Here, I think, we have a starting point that the keys to our faith are grace and love, & Minds” series, where there is a worrisome lack of scriptural lit- for dialogue, in that Christianity has come given through the life, death and resurrection Christians talk about how eracy among Mohammed’s faithful. through this very reality. These days, when of Christ. faith affects their daily This, I think, is a key reality when we try it comes to the Bible most Christians believe Islam provides five “pillars of faith” for lives and work, we heard to understand our Muslim neighbours. Most that it is inspired by God but written by sinful Muslims to observe in the hopes of attaining from Scott, a pastor whose are unaware, for example, that the compul- humans responding to their own contexts. We paradise, but it cannot provide a saviour. Nor daughter converted to Islam. His journey has sion for women to wear the hijab has conten- don’t, by and large, fear intense examination can Islam provide the assurance of salva- been towards understanding, where rather tious and dubious origins. Or that the timing of the verses and chapters we consume. For tion even if its strictest tenets are observed. than trying to “win her back” to Christ, he and content of Allah’s “revelations” reveal a Muslim, who has a lifetime of lessons that Further, because Islam does not encourage seeks to know as much as he can about the startling parallels with Mohammed’s polit- the Quran is the perfect inspiration of Allah, its adherents to test or interrogate its most religion she has chosen to follow. ical and social context, thus calling their ac- that Mohammed was merely the mouth- sacred precepts, it cannot prevent the per- He’s had some pushback against this ap- curacy and purity piece who had petuation of ignorance and the spreading of proach from Christians who think he’s letting into question. Or no role in shap- oppression. And, when vigorously scrutin- her and Christianity down. His view – which that the Quran ing its words, ized, Islam cannot honestly separate itself I agree with – is that it’s not our job to con- has enough refer- that it can only from its most difficult, built-in realities: vert anyone, but that we’re to love our neigh- ences to violence be read in clas- violent jihadism, eclipsed gender rights, bour and God will claim who he claims. In to put “Islam is sical Arabic and suppressed freedom of expression and so on. response to questions about witnessing, both a religion of cannot even be Finding a starting point for dialogue – to and from Muslims, Scott quoted from the peace,” an oft- called the Quran one that doesn’t completely whitewash the Quran: “There is no compulsion in religion.” heard refrain, when translated, challenges, at any rate – can be extremely My immediate thought: But how many under serious this reads as difficult. But if our goal is to understand and Muslims actually know those words from scrutiny. apostasy. witness to our Muslim neighbours so that their own holy text? To be sure, Which God can change their hearts, perhaps the m a n y o f t h e Even among educated Muslims, true scholarship should sound best approach is simply to journey with them What probably isn’t known world’s poorest is virtually non-existent. familiar. For back into their sacred texts and their history. In reality, not many do. Estimates place are Muslim, so educational opportunities centuries, illiterate believers were told that Love them enough to learn, as it were, and Muslim literacy at about 40 percent world- are as rare for them as they are for any of the only priests could interpret the Bible and that let God work on their foundations. wide, so the majority of practicing Muslims world’s neediest. However, it’s not just eco- questioning it was damnable heresy. Even Brent lives and finds his voice in Hamilton, rely not on the Quran’s words, but on the nomic or social realities keeping Muslims our beloved Reformation did not result in the Ont. To learn more about Brent, his writing teachings of imams who are themselves from learning about themselves, but a masses being able to read, dissect and digest and his publications, visit brentvans.com and often undereducated and misinformed. As systemic lack of intellectual vigour. Even the Bible overnight. It took centuries of love follow him on Twitter @brentvans. My Window Seat The Public Square Mendelt Hoekstra Harry Antonides

From the 11th Christ @ Culture Province Lloyd Rang Marian Van Til

Toddlers to Teens From the Lab Denise Dykstra Rudy Eikelboom

SU MO TU WE TH Principalities FR SA & Powers Everyday Christian David Koyzis Cathy Smith

Technically Speaking Getting Unstuck Derek Schuurman Arlene Van Hove

PAGE 16 CHRISTIAN COURIER My Window Seat The Public Square Intangible Things Flowers and Thistles Columns Mendelt Hoekstra Harry Antonides Heidi Vander Slikke Curt Gesch Going, going, Christ @ Culture From the 11th Country Living NoWor suchds fr thingom as hormone- goneProvince Wild Horses Lloyd Rang Marian Van Til Meindert Vander Galien freeW arkentinsbeef One of the best definitions of the generation gap Hormones occur naturally in all animals, plants and people, which is why there’s comes from the cartoon The Simpsons. Grandpa, listen- no such thing as “hormone-free beef.” Occasionally I see a sign making that claim Toddlers to ingTeens to his son’s music, says: “I usedFrom to bethe with Lab it, but Patchwork Wordsat a farmers’ market and I will tell theOur vendor World that T odayit’s giving a wrong message to then they changed what it was. Now what I’m with isn’t consumers. Promoting the beef as “no hormone implants used” or “no growth pro- Denise Dykstra it, and what’s it seems weird andRudy scary Eikelboom to me. And it’ll Melissa Kuipersmotants used” or, simply, “organic beef”Bert would Hielema be more accurate. happen to you.” There are, however, both natural and synthetic versions of natural hormones ap- We all accept that as we grow older, times will change. proved by Health Canada for safe use in beef, and some beef farmers choose to use

SU MO TU Technology will get out of date. Music styles will come and go. But with the them.WE THIt’s not a new practice, having been around since the mid-1950s. FR SA pacePrincipalities of change accelerating, these days we don’t haveEveryday to wait a Christiangeneration Using hormone implants in cattle (steers) help cattle convert the food they eat into muscle more for& a Power generations gap. Some sociologists say that the differences between quickly and easily. This means they will develop more GradeDavid 9 studentsKoyzis and Grade 12 students in the same highCathy school Smith is just as big lean meat. In Canada and the U.S., an animal can be given as the gap between Grade 12 students and their parents. For anybody trying a hormone implant (also called growth promotant) early to keep up with the times, that’s a scary thought. on. It works via a tiny implant placed under the outer skin To help Christian Courier readers stay “down and funky with the youth of the ear. These are slow-release products that last about ofTechnically today,” I thought Speaking I’d put together a list of things thatGetting are going Unstuc the way ofk 180 days, but are used long before (at least 200 days) an 8-Track tapes and skinny leather ties. Once I got started, though, I realized animal heads to market. You could say it’s good for the it wasDerek going Schuurman to be a long and depressing list. Don’t sayArlene I didn’t Van warn Hove you. environment as fewer crops are needed to feed the animal, less manure is produced and also fewer gasses. CDs Eighteen months ago, A&W made the decision to In February, Starbucks announced source their beef products from producers who are not Intangible Things that they are goingFlowers to stop andselling Thistles CDs using hormones or steroids. “Beef raised without the use Heidi Vander Slikke in their stores. Curt This Gesc shouldn’th come of hormones and steroids” is their advertising slogan and as a shock to anyone. Classic retail- it has driven up sales at A&W – up 10 percent in a sin- ers like Sam the Record Man are long gle year. The fast-food chain has been able to open 30 gone and even newerWords chains from like HMV new stores across Canada. One opened in Renfrew last Country Living are on life support. If you went out December. shopping for TaylorWild Swift’sHorses latest CD I checked out the one in Renfrew and was surprised Meindert Vander Galien right now, she couldWarkentins date and break up by all the propaganda on the wall as you enter. The or- with four boyfriends before you find a der counter is confusing – so much stuff there about hor- copy. mones and steroids. But guess what? They don’t promote A&W's advertising campaign is con- their beef as “hormone-free.” I would certainly stir up a necting with concerned consumers: sales Patchwork Words Personal MP3Our players World Today fuss if they did. They also don’t advertise their beef as have gone up 10 percent in the last year. You’d think that with CDs dis- “Canadian beef” because most of it comes from Montana Melissa Kuipers Bert Hielema appearing faster than the Leaf’s play- and Australia. off hopes that sales of iPods and other A&W certainly overuses the words “hormones” and “steroids.” Those two words conjure up a Mp3 players would be going up. Nope. lot of concern for people. Are they really concerned about healthier eating, or by their bottom line – "No Grandma, listen. Double-click Sales of iPods went down 52 percent profits? What’s going on? the Google Chrome icon." in 2014. That’s because people are using their phones as music players, No health risk making iPods pretty much obsolete – just when you were finally ready to go Canada’s Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) has collected some interesting stats on the es- out and buy one. trogen level in beef. A 75-gram serving of beef from cattle treated with hormone implants contains two nanograms (ng ~ one billionth of a gram) of estrogen. Land lines “A person would need to eat 3,000,000 hamburgers made with beef from implanted cattle to get Remember in old horror movies when some guy in a hockey mask would as much estrogen as the average adult woman produces every day, or 50,000 hamburgers to get as cut the phone lines to the cabin in the woods? These days, kids would be much estrogen as the average adult man produces every day,” says BCRC’s science director, Dr. wondering what both a “phone line” and a “hockey mask” are. More than 60 Reynold Bergen. percent of Canadian households where the adults are under the age of 35 use “Beef is a really excellent source of protein, zinc, iron and a lot of other essential nutrients. It’s a cell phone only. Sorry, Jason. a really poor source of hormones.” Considering there are about 45,000 ng of estrogen in 75 grams of white bread, the bun probably Email has more estrogen than the beef! In 2014, 90 percent of Americans owned a cell phone. Of the people who If you need an explanation to go with the stats, the short of it is that cattle, alongside people and owned a cell phone, 52 percent use them to send email. But a whopping 81 all other animals and plants, naturally produce hormones that are vital to growth, development and percent use them to send text messages. These days, email is seen as slow, health. That’s why meat and plants can never be hormone-free. old-fashioned and kind of quaint by most young people. Some of those natural hormones are steroid hormones, which are nothing more than a class of hormones that have the distinct four-ring nuclei known as a steroid nucleus. The word “steroid” Facebook comes from cholesterol because the hormones are derived from cholesterol and transported in the Speaking of quaint: young people are fleeing Facebook in droves these bloodstream to do their work in other parts of the body. days. It turns out that if your mom can see everything you do online, and Promoting beef as raised without the added use of hormones and steroids seems rather redun- when your crazy uncle can send you rants about how Obama is going to use dant as far as beef production goes, Bergen says. his weather control device to raise taxes, that kids will start to feel Facebook The Canadian Animal Health Institute reports that steroid hormones have a long safety record is less of a cool social network and more like a really uncomfortable family without incident for cattle and consumers dating back to their introduction in Canada in the 1960s dinner. and 1950s in the U.S. They are also approved for use in Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan, Chile and another 24 countries. The World Health Organization, United Nations Cable TV Food and Agriculture Organization, the European Community Scientific Committee and the Joint At the same time that people are deactivating their land lines, families Expert Committee on Food Additives agree that hormones used in beef cattle production don’t are also cancelling their cable TV subscriptions. And why not? Would you pose a health risk to humans. rather watch 30 commercial-filled minutes of Honey Boo Boo on Network Meindert van der Galien has been to beef feedlots that have over 100,000 head on feed at one Continued on page 19 time. It’s really something to witness. MARCH 9, 2015 PAGE 17

Classifieds

Birthday Obituaries Jelle Groen June 24, 1923, Sneek, The Netherlands, January 30, 2015, Barrie, Ont. Jelle Groen passed away peacefully on Friday January 30th 2015 in Barrie in his 91st year. Loving husband of Aafke. Dear father of Janice and her husband Jim, Ale and his wife Caroline, Rose and her late hus- band Ed, and John and his wife Janet. Loving Opa to Joel and his wife Kate, Allen and his wife Chalena, Jeremiah, Karla, Amber, Chris- topher, Michael, Joshua and his wife Esther, Rachel and Elena, and two great- grandchildren Anna Wilhelmina Van Dijk (nee Kamphuis) Dillon and Elizabeth. Passed away tragically on Tuesday, February 10, In Memory of He is loved and will be missed by his wife, family, 2015 at the age of 70. and friends. Anna Van Dijk, devoted wife and companion of Dr. Alice Vander Meulen With joy and thanks to God, we con- A funeral service was held at the First Christian Conrad Van Dijk. April 2, 1934 - February 14, 2015 gratulate our dear father, father-in-law, Reformed Church in Barrie on Tuesday, Febru- ary 3rd 2015. As an expression of sympathy, grandfather and great-grandfather Loving mother of Tracy, Tim (Betty), Supriya Para- Alice Vander Meulen of Abbotsford B.C. went to be memorial donations may be made to Timothy dis (Jeremi), Sash, and Shanti Gibson (Niall). with her Lord and Savior. She passed away after a Rev. Martin D. Geleynse Christian School, Barrie. Cherished Oma of Lilia, Kloe, Helena, Noah, Ker- brief illness on February 14, 2014, at the age of 80. on the occasion of his Psalm 139:24 “Guide me in the way everlasting." 90th birthday rie and Tim. Alice was born in 1934 to Peter and Joukje Vander- March 31, 2015. Predeceased by parents Gerke and Geertruida Schaaf in Wouterswoude Friesland, The Netherlands. With much love from your children, 37 Kamphuis, sister Jane, and brother John. In 1952, she and her large family immigrated to House for Sale grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Canada and settled in Brampton, Ontario. In 1975 Anna made a positive impact on many lives with she and her former husband Stanley and five children An Open House will be held on Saturday, her strong faith and bright outgoing personality. Judith (Harold Atsma) Anne O’Leary, Jacob, Ronald March 28, 2015 from 2 – 4 p.m. at the West Mountain, Hamilton Born in Holland, she immigrated to the Haml- (Gini) and David migrated to the Fraser Valley B.C. Stratford Christian Reformed Church, ton / Niagara area with her family in 1950. With 55 Horizon Court 190 Athlone Crescent, Stratford, Ontario. husband Conrad, she enjoyed being an active She is grieved by ten grandchildren and fifteen great- Four-level back split. Like new – 30 year old member of the communities where they lived grand-children. “The steadfast love of the Lord renovated home. Located on West Mountain which included Sierra Leone, Guelph, Nova Sco- never ceases, She will be missed by her siblings, Florence (Albert near Redeemer College. Quiet street with no tia, Bangladesh, Tavistock/Shakespeare (Ontario), his mercies never come to an end; Buisman) Joe (Ann), Anna (Karl deRooy), John through traffic. Near 403 and Lincoln Alexander. they are new every morning; Newfoundland, and most recently, Ancaster- (Gerda), Jim (Linda), George (Mary) Theresa (Andy great is thy faithfulness.” Hamilton. Vander Meulen) Pat predeceased (Bob Marsh), Nancy Beautifully landscaped. Recently replaced fur- nace, windows, roof, doors. Lamentations 3:22 – 23 (RSV) A Service of Remembrance to celebrate Anna’s (Tom Forman) Margaret (Brian Maan). Correspondence address: life took place at Meadowlands Fellowship Chris- Alice was a wonderful homemaker and expert in the Photos at: http://www.reformed-church. Martin D. Geleynse tian Reformed Church on Saturday, February 21, seamstress and weaver trades. She was renowned for com/55Horizon.htm 219 – 639 West Gore St. 2015. her fine textile craftwork, especially her beautiful quilts. List price $375,000 Stratford ON N5A 7N2 If desired, donations made to Helping Hands She remained highly active in her community at Gate- Contact: John Kapteyn [email protected] (Hope for Sierra Leone) would be greatly appreci- way Christian Reformed church and several volunteer (Executive Secretary - Regional Synod of ated by the family. organizations where she was deeply beloved and will Canada, RCA) be sorely missed. She loved to read the latest books [email protected] 289-237-4774 which she would recommend to anyone. Vacations Job Opportunity We will miss her.

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Christian divorce rate continued from page 20 Rang continued from page 16

your question is necessarily TV or three glorious uninterrupted hours of Dr. campground? No more. Cell phones have maps about efficacy or statistical Who on Netflix? On second thought, don’t even an- built into them. Cars have GPS. So the trees can validity as much as it is about swer that question. sleep a little easier knowing there’s a lot less need hypocrisy. And in that case, you for paper these days. are correct. Christians are all DVD/Blu Rays hypocrites. As a Christian I be- Like CDs, the “hard format” versions of mov- Alarm clocks lieve in ideals that I know I fall ies are disappearing faster than John Travolta’s hair. Remember how satisfying it was to reach out and terribly short of. After all, part On the plus side, they’re almost as cheap to buy as pound your fist down on your annoying clock radio? of calling oneself a Christian they are to rent – meaning you can put together a Don’t do that with your phone, which is more likely is to strive to be like Christ, pretty impressive video library for next to nothing. what you use for an alarm clock in 2015. and who on earth can meet Finding a machine to play them on in the next dec- that kind of perfection? Yet at ade, on the other hand, might be a challenge. Wrist watches the same time, I think that the statistics also highlight Christians Do you still look at your wrist expecting out there who take their commitment to God seriously. There are Hard drives to see the time there? Or do you pull out your believers who do try their best to live with integrity, even though With everyone storing their in- phone? If you’re the former, you’re either they know they are striving for a goal they will never fully attain formation on the “cloud,” (that’s a old – or one of those college-aged hipster on this side of the grave, and some of those believers might even computing term, by the way, not types who thinks wearing old-fashioned be divorced. This is why I earnestly think that if you are truly in- a reference to those things an- brands like Timex makes them “cute” and terested in seeing how the Christian faith can change a life, you gels sit on during harp practice) “quirky.” need to go past the statistics. You need to try and find believers who hard drives are slowly becoming are trying hard to authentically follow Christ. A local church is a a thing of the past, too. Phone books good place to start. However, be careful what you search for. I had Sensing a theme yet? Why thumb through the similar critiques of Christianity, found a com- Pay phones yellow pages when it’s so much easier to say “Siri: munity of believers who were serving the poor With 90 percent of Americans owning a cell find me the phone number of the nearest pizza in the inner city and now I’m a chaplain. phone, there really isn’t much reason to cram into a place?” Then, you can place your order online and smelly phone booth. Unless you’re Superman. not have to speak to a single human until the pizza Albert Wu is Associate Pastor at The Tap- guy shows up at the door. estry, a church plant in Vancouver. He came to Maps Truly, we live in a remarkable time. Keeping up the rainy city in 2004 for an M.Div at Regent Remember when your mom would unfold those with the times, though, is a full-time job. College; he fell in love with The Tapestry and he big paper road maps during family trips after your never left. dad got everyone completely lost looking for the Lloyd Rang lives in Bowmanville, Ont.

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This is the final installment in our series called Redemptive Windows, where CRC Campus Ministers answer apologetics-style questions fromCC readers. Thank you to each person who wrote in and especially to the Campus Ministers for thoughtful answers to thorny issues. The series’ seven articles can be found together at christiancourier.ca.

Q: 'Christians get divorced at the same rate as everyone else. Why would I want to be a Christian then?'

Albert Wu responds: about identical. However, the study did not differentiate I find this such a fascinating question because I think between “nominal” Christians and Christians who were it might be trying to get at more than one thing. My first consistently attending a local church. In other words, instinct is to say this: if you are looking to strengthen your the survey was only looking at Christian affiliation and marriage, and you see Christianity as one of many com- not signs of Christian commitment. This is a fact that we peting products that might help, then you probably should should at least be aware of, given that Christian affiliation look somewhere else. You’ll only end up disappointed, is culturally embedded in American culture in ways it is but not for the reasons you might think. I say this because not in countries like Canada. when the question is posed in this way, it makes God When sociologist and professor Bradley RE Wright out to be a kind of universal butler. A kind of universal looked at church attendance as it relates to divorce, he insurance provider that we follow as long as we get the found that the rate consistently went down as church at- lives or the marriages we want. The problem is that, in tendance went up. In fact, as he combed through data the Christian worldview, God is not supposed to serve our from the General Social Survey from 2000 to 2008 (an marriages. Instead, our marriages are meant to serve God. American survey which is larger and more comprehen- Therefore using God to safeguard your marriage is, in a sive than Barna’s), he found that weekly church attenders sense, putting the cart before the horse. Contemporary artist Bansky plays with the images from his have a divorce rate well below the national average. This Within the Christian context, marriages are meant to famous "Girl with a balloon" painting with this one, called observation was corroborated by sociologist Brad Wilcox "In the event of a divorce, cut here" (2010). point to and glorify God. A Christian couple who stays who looked at a different survey called the National together through thick and thin is meant to point to a Survey of Families and Households. Wilcox found that great, loving God who is totally committed to his people. Behind the stats Christians who regularly attend church are much less A Christian couple who is gracious and hospitable to both If the statistic you cite is correct, then the answer is likely to divorce than those with no religious affiliation. neighbour and stranger is meant to glorify a God who is “not very well.” However, I have often been curious about gracious and hospitable with us. this particular statistic. It’s used a lot. Most of our cited Authentic living Then the question begging to be asked is this: how well statistics about Christianity and divorce seem to be taken So do Christians get divorced at the same rate as every- are Christians serving and glorifying God through their from the United States where yes, in 2008 there was a one else? I guess it depends on how you define the term. marriages? rather popular study released by Barna showing the di- At the end of the day, however, I don’t think the heart of vorce rate between Christians and non-Christians to be Continued on page 19

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