Im thankful for the grace that l learnt from it, and the lesson that Jesus brought that l almost missed: Between the cross and the empty tomb.theres hope for each of us I want to know simple answer, if you can, are you more of Progressive Christian? Is he neither able nor willing? As you may know, I visited Indonesia in 2015, and heard other stories of persecution of Christiansperhaps that is the background to what your father experienced. It is soul soothing and through reading it, I came to understand that there are just things in this life that I will never understand. On April 1, 2022, the Wheaton College Alumni Association honored Philip Yancey M.A. Re: When Mourning and Dancing touch each other. I was delighted to hear from you this morning. [jdb], Thank you for your books, your deep and honest writing and willingness to tackle the tough questions. Thank you for your existence..!!! Uh I now know that the word that describes me best at that moment is starstruck. We exchanged hellos and pleasantries, but I didnt quite know what else to say. I am in leadership at Church, people come to me for comfort, counsel or prayer but I am in a dry hot desert now. When you reach the dangerous edges of grace, I feel a bit of anger, but I know its true. Before one Meeting, I happened to notice a book on a packed bookshelf titled Ive read the book and sat on my thoughts for a few days. Its had a large imprint on my life. I was born and raised Catholic before joining the Protestant church after a spiritual awakening. You already show an open, wise spirit. Some examples. I complete the one-year, graduate level thirty hours in four months with no grade lower than an A.. I guess I tilt in their favor because that is my background, and also my callingto reach those wounded by the church. Good memory. First, the very people that were put into places of public trust and responsibility over me, people in the church, in government and the police, told me to keep quiet. Yancey, Philip D. 1949- (Philip David Yancey) When I first read your book Whats So Amazing About Grace in high school, it felt heretical to super-conservative evangelical me! What does one do when mercy seems to not exists? How do you deal with that? I am grieving for my life that is all gone now. One woman started talking with me, telling me of her abusive husband. I encouraged prisoners to write down their feelings and to send letters and sympathy cards to their loved ones, to help both themselves and their loved ones through the grieving process. Why would God allow it? Deeply explore and do not write what only a part of the source says. Im interested in finding an Amplified Bible, being moved to read more of it, but Im wary of authors that take liberties with interpretation. (https://www.netgrace.org/) who have convinced me that many of the accusations are 100% right. Our Homegroup have just studied your book on Prayer and now will start the next bookWhats so amazing about grace. But then, I find myself in a different kind of legalism- I think Im a better Christian, but no Im a wretched sinner. I was a Bible college student at the time, and Monty and I were working at the Toronto East Detention Centre (TEDC) and the Toronto Don Jail. A profound inspiration, I keep pressing on to write about the many facets of life. One issue, in particular, brought things to a head. Through the years I have read and number of your books, and I appreciate your perspective in many areas of life and theology. I have been a Christian for at least 35 years in a church that has historically placed a very strong emphasis on the doctrines of grace. Does forgiveness means God reconciliation with us by forgetting our sin? I am constantly baffled by opinions I hear Christians say and by the state of the church vis--vis a suffering world. As a teen I was beaten and abused by my mentally ill mother and sister and ignored by my father. They actually have morality police patrolling with clubs to punish the disobedient. I was also never given a full tour of the Institution and therefore had to try and find my way around as best I could. i understand your argument against that vote but what is the alternative? and that is what I know. Keep up the honest and transparent dialogue in the church. "When you grow up in a very tight, almost cultic environment, you have a corner on truth," Yancey explained to interviewers Gordon Preece and Paul Mitchell in Zadok Online. The contents had not changed. Nothing to cushion to the blow. (With the poor and oppressed, and those fighting on their behalf.) At college, I often encountered friends who found themselves in the shadows between belief and unbelief. (Jam. However, I wanted to let you know about my most recent read or start. He gave me a big hug and left in good spirits. I represent the online ministry http://www.befreeinChrist.com. Im sorry you waited so long to mail that letter! Years ago, early in my faith walk, I read the books you wrote with Dr. Thank you. If longer, write us a pyasst@aol.com. I looked across at Brian Harder of Bridges of Canada, and he was not at all happy. Thanks for your blogs in the meantime. With tears down his face the pastor said a prayer and suddenly one teenager said, I must change! He then discarded a knife while another pulled a piece of bicycle chain from his pocket and did the same. The boys would be able to read your books in their quiet times and in their class times. And that has been the common theme in your books. Presbyterian Record, September 1, 1989, review of Disappointment with God, p. 28; December 1, 1989, review of I Was Just Wondering, p. 31; July 1, 2000, review of The Bible Jesus Read, p. 45; January 1, 2001, Zander Dunn, review of Reaching for the Invisible God, p. 2; February 1, 2002, review of Soul Survivor, p. 45. God has never seemed more distant and this passivity doesnt seem to be doing it for me any more. I prefer the term Jesus followers, keeping the focus on the one we follow. I love all your books but have been most impacted by The Jesus I Never Knew (which I have used to teach a class of young people in my church) , Whats So Amazing About Grace? Do not touch my things! He said this over and over again. He told inappropiate gay put down jokes at church meetings . Here is the story. Learn more about Philip Yancey. I am a 38 year old video game developer. People who say they care about me dont understand the condition and what really bothers me is that they dont even try to. "Yancey considers honestly the predicaments of human existence," declared a Publishers Weekly reviewer. Eventually Barry had enough of Pauls abuse and resigned. Over time, I have seen how the Lord has used my own dark night of the soul to cut away at the fluff, shaping my joy to be found in Him alone. Im going to try to put the short version down of all thats in my heart . I was just wondering how are your days. many thanks, And I believe Bob was giving me a sneak-preview to the true nature of our Lord! [20] I have heard nothing further about this letter. To be honest I am, by personality and church background, a legalist, and for much of my life I have lived with a conception of God as a kind of stern parent or teacher who keeps a ledger of all my successes and failures. I have been wrestling with these issues for my entire writing career, hence previous book titles like Where Is God When It Hurts, Disappointment with God, and The Gift of Pain. Just an observation of Jesus message in his parables about the undeserving, contrasted with his strong words against the Pharisees for their legalism. Im so glad that you have made a promise not to take your life. I guess the kind of sympathy contained in your reply is something I dont hear much from people around me; too few ears, too many mouths, including my own, to be fair. First, some anger is appropriate. He lives in Evergreen, Colorado. Read your book Disappointed with GOD. Scott Malm. Paul is a large and imposing man. However, Yancey was fortunate and did not. Thank you so much for writing. It has been a number of years since I read your book The Jesus I Never Knew, but I recently picked it up again and used it to describe the incarnation (salt-water aquarium) for a Christian Worldview Course that my wife and I are doing for people. I am not an autograph hound, but it was fun to get your autograph on my 1987 Fearfully & Wonderfully Made paperback, and chat about your coming release of you and Dr. Brands rewrite of that book with. I really appreciate it. Thank you for the reminder. It is a good read to see the tremendous good that was generated during that time. Grace and peace. Enough of this. Philip. I was feeling particularly ashamed today and navigating it in prayer. Have you ever considered visiting New Zealand? Ive been there on speaking trips 3 times, and couldnt agree more. He lived for almost 15 years. What a handsome, happy-looking staff! I am really curious about forgiveness. Thank you for all you do. I described my own challenges in Reaching for the Invisible God.. Philip. You do not do anything that Jesus has taught. As a result, much of the food was thrown away, and because of lockdowns there was no feast. Before the visit, Chaplain Paul tried to scare me about it, urging me once again to resign. Welcome home. Thank you. Your books are thus offering great comfort to friends in need, family and as part of ministries we are involved in, in part outreach to prostitutes (offering prayer and an open ear, rather than guilt and condemnation). Recently I decided to try and step away from the constant critical analyzing to appreciate the undeniable beauty of faith in my life that I have found. You always ask the biggest questions and tackle them in challenging, thoughtful ways. Your comment shows a lot of maturity, even though to you it may feel confusing. When I failed to be accepted by a graduate school I had applied to, she said, God knew it would make you proud, so you didnt get in. Later, when I left the rural church I had served for a dozen years in west Texas to go to a suburban church in Ohio, she accused me of abandoning those good people for a big city church; again, because I was proud. They pass on ugly rumors and they gossip about things that are all stirred up at church, of all places! Wow. We went to the chapel and to my office, and Mrs. Cunningham introduced me to Paul Vanderham, the other chaplain. At least, I hope we are. What Makes a Church Toxic? Change is most certainly on the docket for the next few years. Thank you for the encouragement. Question for you, sir. My Small Group is presently studying The Jesus I Never Knew. When are you coming to England. I wish you the best. Im Korean living in Florida. I dont know if this is the right manner or place to send a plea to Philip Yancey. If this is supposed to be the most important relationship of my life, then its not netting out so well in progress Id always heard that as we age we tend to draw closer to God but Im finding it increasingly more difficult to embrace and sustain a passion for something that remains so abstract and unclear. As a respected scholar you almost certainly know better than I that discrimination against gay people is at its heart discrimination based on gender. How could I ever thank you enough? Just curiousdo you believe that John the Baptist ate locusts and wild honey? Your views if possible would be appreciated. I had lice in my hair and boils all over me and scars all over my body. Thats probably how people respond when I do the same thing. Therefore, that information is unavailable for most Encyclopedia.com content. Its a very confusing (and contentious) topic. Senior staff in Threshold Ministries warned me to watch my back, saying that the director was out to get me. I enjoy your books as Im sure most do that post on your site. West bow Press. It whole heartedly does make a difference! To those who struggle with my books, I reply, Then maybe you shouldnt be reading them. Yet some people do need the kinds of books I write. I have written two books that might be of interest to you: 1) Subversive Meals, an analysis of the Lords Supper under Roman domination, and 2) Heaven on Earth: Experiencing the Kingdom of God in the Here and Now, which picks up where Dallas Willard left off. My books Disappointment with God and Where Is God When It Hurts are the main places I explore the big question you raise. Hello Philip, Im Brazilian. Yes Im still broken hearted. I went onto a security assessment in Houston. I wanted to let you know that I did enjoy your book and found it useful toward reaching my goal. Shame on the Church for making him feel so unwanted. Pray for people of color first, along with undocumented workers and those particularly dependent on governmental services and assistance. He compassionately vetted refugees and bravely fought terrorists overseas, worked as Policy head for the Republicans in Congress, and has business experience. make booking inquiries, Philip, Tisztelt Philip! Can you please recommend a book about forgiveness? Hi Philip- In YWAM we had been taught to be open about things in our lives. When one of the young boys came forward, this priest, who had a son in the EPS, was directed to work somewhere else. The reaction you must also imagine. Im a pilgrim, recovering from a bad church upbringing, searching for a faith that makes its followers larger and not smaller. From that time until today, I was exposed to some many coincidences that I had to marvel and wonder at what was happening. When I arrived there I was not welcome ,she had not told them I simply had had some thoughts , she tared and feathered me . I went to the sessions twice and left. Earlier this evening I was listening to your talk on Suffering & Grace that you delivered at the University of Virginia in 2015. I am so disappointed. The second to go, that I have at least three of my friends that stopped attending any churchs! I didnt feel like a giant. And also work on the subject. I am truly learning how now to have conversations with Him on a daily basis now. My whole life has Philip. I saw him one day in 1998 in the Segregation Control Room (a room I was not allowed to go into), watching a mentally disabled female Aboriginal prisoner stretched out on the floor with her gown pulled way up around her upper body, her legs spread apart and her private parts exposed. I look forward to reading the rest of your books! Why was that genicide, that killing of men, women, and children, that enslavement of survivors. If so, where? Im afraid its not mine, David. Im thankful. Why did people flock to Jesus? My problem is this, Mr. Yancey. Your comments touch me deeply. In November 1994, the Head of Chaplaincy for Correctional Service Canada (CSC) invited all Provincial Head Chaplains to Ottawa for meetings. Sometimes I wish I did have simpler, more formulaic answers. God chooses not to intervene, but has a plan you can trust, He says that the only thing we can count on is faith in Immanuel, or you are with me. In light of tragedy, this is difficult to accept. He has overcome much anger over the years. . She called US Immigration right away and said I was in the USA illegally, which was not true and I was heading out , she hated anything slightly Gay. As much as I appreciate your dedication to the Lord, I have to say that your comments in CT recently are off base. God can and will transform our suffering. what bible college did philip yancey attend. I have had a desire to write for some time, and have been doing so for over a year, and would like to publish a book. Please let me know if there is anything specific that I can pray for you. Richard, The quote is from Shane Claiborne: How could I worship a homeless person on Sunday and ignore one on Monday? I saw it on a poster, so not sure of the original source. Thank you for your words. Paul tried to control and manipulate every aspect of my working life. As for Nigeria, thank you for the invitation! The good news is I finally got around to reading and finishing the book and I have become a huge fan. Where is God When It Hurts had such a profound influence upon my life because I had not realized until then that pain and trouble were not the enemy. Ive been wanting to write to you for a long time. Not knowing what to write I just listened to him and wrote. The first few pages were a balm to my soul, somehow expressing perfectly what I have been feeling and the questions I have been wrestling with. Read Romans 15: 4-13 Does It Matter? The saddest result of the Reformation was the splintering and disunity that resulted; Martin Marty estimates 45,000 Christian denominations and sects in the world. He was busy, so I went to see Acting Deputy Warden Albert. BlessingsI know your country is going through hard times. This is not helping the Evangelical cause. Clearly, the highest loyalty we should have is not to our own country or our own religion or our hometown or even to ourselves. "I get a lot of letters from people in whom that strikes a chord, even though their own experience may be very different. Good read his books! Keep reaching! The problem with cut-and-dried is that it tends to produce a self-satisfied morality: OK, Ive kept all these laws, so Im better than other people. Growing up in a strict, fundamentalist church in the southern USA, a young Philip Yancey tended to view God as a scowling Supercop, searching for anyone who might be having a good timein order to squash them. Yancey jokes today about being in recovery from a toxic church. Thank you Phillip for taking your time in answering. In fact, some estimate that the problem is as widespread in Protestant denominations as in the Catholic church, which has attracted far more scrutiny. In your place, I would simply be honest in the endnote, saying that you were unable to track down the original source. Thank you, again, Phillip, for being such a tremendous blessing to so many you have a heart of gold! Upon arrival in Grand Junction Colorado on the grey hound bus,I called Janice Green (YWAM UK -Lynn Greens mother)the Base leaders mother in law as instructed , she said I could sleep on the street for the night and go without food ,she had no intention of picking me up. Any other ideas? I want to thank you for your honest approach in your writings, and many of your books had helped me through thick and thin. Many majority opinions get proven wrong (slavery, women), but in a transition time I think appeals to grace and reason, as you do elsewhere in your comment, are more compelling than ad hominem arguments. Ive purchased several of your book Prayer and given them away to people that I think would find it helpful. Very few had come to my aid. Through a series of incredible circumstances, Bob asked if I would write a book with him. Mr. Yancy, Philip Yancey is the author of more than a dozen books and hundreds of columns and is an editor-at-large for Christianity Today. J, e voc e eu, podemos atravs de obedincia, nos juntarmos batalha para inverter este sofrimento. This incident confirmed what Paul, Pastor Oliver Johnson and a number of prisoners had told me about Graham Spilsbys violent nature. I did not I could not imagine anyone holding a grudge and hatred for 18 years, I had very high respect for the Bishops, and leaders of the Church ,too high it seems and it did not enter my head that some could be as ugly as non Christians or worse. I did a word search using some of the key words from your account, and nothing showed up. I went through very difficult times in 2016 and as I went through that I read the book Disappointment with God. It can be watched for free via an app from Google Play Store or Apples App Store: The Chosen-TV Series.. Philip. I prayer thanks for you and your gift and am glad that you hear His whisper. He does not know why evil exists Thank you so much for writing Disappointment with God. The first time I read it I was dealing with issues regarding my perspective of God. All the editions of the book itself, regardless of cover, are the same. friend is just should know how much Jesus loves him. My mind raced back to Japan, where I heard from parents who had lost their children to a tsunami in a middle school, and forward to that very morning when I heard from parents who had lost theirs to a shooter in an elementary school. Im sorry for all you are going through Philip. Philip. Thats not allowed. And all of us Americans are addicted to Comfort. For others, it is in a time of quiet reflection and prayer. Prayers, my friend! Thank you in advance for your feedback. I have been struggling mightily with the New Testament worldview of demons as opposed to our modern worldview. And on the evolution issue, you might check out the BioLogos website, which deals with these issues in depth. So sorry, and all the best with your book! I tried to reason with him concerning Bridges, but kept quiet about my faith. It was just thoughts like we all have attraction thoughts towards other people male or female from time to time. Your work on this front may well be complete, or at least the public sharing of it but I have to ask if your list is not exhaustive, and I know it is not who else would you include in your hall of honor? I cant begin to thank you enough for writing Where The Light Fell. ha ha . Im sorry I came across to you as bitter and cynical. And I need your precious advice to tell me which book should I read first I know they are all good books but I want to make the best benifet of them by some arrangement. Ive just read straight through at the library your book Disappointment With God, and bought copies for family members. The other thing I find troubling is that you almost mock, certainly belittle, the practice of prayer of other religions. Brandt Shelbourne. As I often say, If I were God, I wouldnt have turned over the mission to the likes of us. Ive just finished reading Scandal, am cherishing it, looking forward to reading his other books, while anticipating Martin Scorseses adaptation of Silence. Simpson in 1882, and Moody Bible Institute, founded by D . Can he elaborate/ clarify as I ended up with egg on my face. Clearly, as he quoted, we are in fact a momentary cosmic accident that would never arise again if the tree of life could be replanted. How you feel about established fact is not at issue. We peppered you with questions to help us gain some type of understanding as to why Jacob was born with such a devastating prognosis. I put up my thumb and shut one eye, and my thumb blotted out the planet Earth. Enough turning the blind eye to church officials, government employees and police officers that have made it a lifestyle to break of the laws of this country. The emphasis is almost completely on grace (which leads to homosexuality being accepted and its sinfulness being ignored). The Mennonite Central Committee is a part of the BDS (Boycott, Divest and Sanction) movement. Philip. In his new memoir, Where the Light Fell, Yancey recalls his lifelong journey from strict fundamentalism to a life dedicated to a search for grace and meaning, thus providing a type of prequel to all his other books. Your friend (from high school years and YFC, It would make such an awesome gift for children and friends whose interactions with the church have left a bad taste in their mouth. Do people not see the hypocrisy between vilifying people who decide to get an abortion and those taking pride in owning a gun to be able to protect themselves by blowing away any intruder who threatens their household? Theres a fair use understanding in copyright that lets you quote around 250 words without applying for permission, as long as you credit the source. So, I guess Im an Evangelical?? I grew up as an adoptee in a Mennonite Brethren Church. Ana Paula Nascimento (Juiz de Fora MG), Ana Paula, Im sure the Google translator did not do justice to your Portuguese, but your message came through loud and clear. Despite the turmoil created by my reporting of Gord Dominey, life at the Fort Saskatchewan Correctional Centre went on. She became disillusioned with some other Christians and the attitude of the church in general. For me, a prostitute is no longer a filthy thing, but a broken little girl forced to grow up the hard way. That illustration always stuck with me and I just wanted to say thank-you for being a faithful follower of Christ and for doing what He created you to do. Let me read you some promises from the Bible. I knew, though, that behind me on the same platform twenty-six candles were flickering in memory of victims, proof that we have no immunity from the effects of a broken planet. Help those who suffer (God bless you in tagalog-Philippines). However, after researching historical/alternative theories, it seems to me that atonement is far richer than I had ever imagined. Your sorrow has been used to comfort so many of us. Its true, of course, that a huge percentage of Christians worldwide practice that gift. Fast forward to a few years later when my world was turned upside down through multiple, sudden deaths that were very significant in my world. A book is a poor substitute, I know, but I would recommend Henri Nouwens The Inner Voice of Love (written when he was in a similar state) or most anything by Brennan Manning, who battled this issue all his life. I asked him what he thought I should do and he said: Resign. Let us pray for the anxious, depressed people who are thinking of giving up. Like it is a game to Him. Some others, both living and dead: Jurgen Moltmann, a contemporary German theologian; Millard Fuller, who founded Habitat for Humanity; John Perkins, who pioneers racial reconciliation; Ron Nikkel, who took Prison Fellowship to more than 100 countries; Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia. We met one time at Montreat as I am also familiar with some of Dr. Brands hand surgery and I asked you about him. As a Mother now, I am very cognizant of trying to avoid my children growing up with that image of Jesus and the gospel that I grew up with. YWAM L.A did not want me back the leadership there was very homophobic at the time according to John Dawson the present Chair of YWAM International . So much hate from those who should know better. A week before Christmas, and we got our double presents: My Dads remission and my daughters good progress. But we must also consider the damage that Korea has suffered in Japan. Of course, I said. There are a lot of losses. I have a question that has always burned in the forefront of my mind and was wondering if you could point me to any resources. Thank you for your challenging and engaging style of writing.N. But our resurrection bodies will be eternal. I was washed with comfort. Philip. I will share your response with the group. Dave ODonnell. That's probably one of the main reasons why I'm a writer today: because there are millions of people in a [closed] world like [the one in which I was raised]. Beyond that writers psychosis you were dead-on in describing, the truth is a huge part of me loves it. Good work.