Comments on: I Don’t Trust Christianity Today

By: Lonnie

Lonnie — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:35:25 +0000

Christianity Today has little to do with Christianity, today.

By: Stephen Feltmate

Stephen Feltmate — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 01:56:14 +0000

Yes, Andrew, you are just being used as a pawn. They have an agenda to “keep the church pure” and they are using you as a means to lend credibility to the straw man they feel is necessary to commit their pious sins.

A conversation can only be elevated when both sides agree to respect the diversity that all parties bring to the table. We can exist in creative tension; there can be no relationship when one party seeks to snuff out the other (which is what is happening here).

But take heart, my brother. Getting attacked by the big guns only raises your visibility and makes you more credible to the people God has called you to reach out to.

By: SarahM

SarahM — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:11:07 +0000

The irony is that this is something you talk about a lot in your book, looking at the broad themes of scripture instead of picking and choosing a few verses out of context. Well, it does say a lot about who you were dealing with.

By: Andrew Marin

Andrew Marin — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 15:24:07 +0000

Wow – preach that pm. You just so succinctly summed it all up. And just for the record, still no return call or email after the public promises to do so. I even followed-up again since my last comment.

By: pm

pm — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 14:02:53 +0000

Who offended whom? CT offended two authors with
written promises to have a conversation. CT offended
again by turning a cold-shoulder when they brush
off in silence follow-up attempts to communicate. What
started off as Public became Personal. It is not a trend,
but a travesty. It’s not peer-review, but a complete sell
out from CT to value public image over character that
reveals the fruitfulness of personal as well as professional
ethics. It’s not an accusation, but an assessment of the
inner-hearts of CT decision-makers based on their real
responses. CT justifies themselves as Corporate without
moral responsibility. They offend repeatedly, betraying
any Public trust and reject all attempts for reconciliation.

Matthew 24:10
“And then shall many be offended, and shall betray
one another, and shall hate one another.”

While it might seem to be related to just an article, it is
a much larger denial of service to the Body of Christ.

By: Danny Bixby

Danny Bixby — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:47:00 +0000

Andrew – That sucks.

But I’m not surprised.

Hope you get some resolution.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:03:45 +0000

Andrew – I don’t read Christianity Today (and indeed don’t trust it) but want to recommend their publication, Books and Culture, ed John Wilson. Very scholarly and on the side of peace wherever possible. They are also in some financial trouble, sorry to say.

The current issue has an article you would much enjoy. The supposed topic is “Handel as another Gay Anglican” but it really goes wider than that. Hope you get a chance to check this out.

Jeff

By: Jon Trouten

Jon Trouten — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:09:24 +0000

I don't trust Christianity today either…

By: Darren

Darren — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:36:04 +0000

And you ARE most likely correct. This sort of thing is precisely why young people are leaving the Church in droves. Pettiness and nit-picking while completely missing the point. Unfortunately, Andy, I'm not sure you're ever going to get them to be more balanced. CT has for years been a a resource that spins information in a certain way (as do most media sources). It just so happens that you find yourself on the wrong side of their spin this time (and perhaps it will happen again in the future). Count yourself lucky to be one of those pesky "heretics" in the image of Martin Luther, John Wesley, and the like

By: Andrew Marin

Andrew Marin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:59:04 +0000

I just want to go on the record:

Since the public post from Mr. Olsen above, Managing Editor of News and Online Media for the publication, I have directly called him twice and directly sent him one email. I have not recieved a return call from my voicemail. However, in response to the email I was told that Mr. Olsen would call me the following day to talk about everything and clear the air.

It has been four days and still no call.

I think the points that Soong-Chan and I raise have once again been proven correct. That's all I have to say.

By: Jon Trouten

Jon Trouten — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:25:36 +0000

"For example, does Romans 1 teach a gay lifestyle is not the way God intended things to be?"

It doesn't say that at all.

By: James Leonard

James Leonard — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:53:01 +0000

Andrew,

I guess I am surprised at your response. I have read your book, listened to all of the interviews on your website, and have read your blog for over a month. I loved the heart of your book.

That is why I am surprised at your post. It is one thing to point out what you feel was unfair. But in your frustration you have not elevated the conversation about this like you call for us to do with the Gay community. I don't say that to scold or rebuke, but to simply point out how hard that is when feelings and the way one is perceived is at stake.

I read the review and here is my take. In your fervent desire to build a bridge and therefore to dodge answering yes and no type questions, you leave yourself open to misunderstanding. For example, does Romans 1 teach a gay lifestyle is not the way God intended things to be? And does saying that it does teach that, saying it with humility and love but clearly, somehow prevent me from building a bridge to a gay man who is my neighbor? You are completely right in saying someone pursuing God is the most important thing to focus on. I totally agree that we have made individual sins (whatever they might be) the wrong focus. But blurring the fact that they are still sin (which is what your approach at least tends to do) does cause some questions.

Bottom line, I think your call for a respectful dialogue from our side of things (those of us who are followers of Christ) is way overdue. We will have to give an account to God for how ungracious we have been in spite of the grace we have been shown. But attacking Christianity Today like you did seems beneath you. But I have done the same in the past when I have been offended or upset, so will just pray for wisdom for you in the future.

James