Comments on: Living in Plague Times

By: Philip Yancey

Philip Yancey — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 22:19:58 +0000

In reply to Gus Lee. It's most likely from The Gift of Pain, although without exact phrasing I can't do a word search. He said similar things in speeches many times, so you're fine to use this quote. And congratulations on your writing accomplishments!

By: Gus Lee

Gus Lee — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 19:53:03 +0000

Dear Philip, Thank you for your ministry and service. I’m a born-again believer of a broken Chinese immigrant family; author of China Boy, Honor and Duty, Courage: The Backbone of Leadership (secular books based on my thin grasp of Scripture). I found a wonderful quote by Paul Brand, paraphrased as: “Americans, who live with greater physical comforts than most in the world, are unequipped to cope with mere discomfort and are especially vulnerable to a sharp disappointments. ” I’m citing him in The Courage Playbook (Wiley & Sons, April 2022) and I can’t find the citation. If you happen to know it, might you please share it with me? Many thanks and blessings.

By: Philip Yancey

Philip Yancey — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 21:45:09 +0000

In reply to Nara. We're perfectly fine. Colorado has plenty of sick people, but it also has pure air and open spaces, so social distancing isn't difficult. I appreciate your concern and good wishes. --Philip

By: Nara

Nara — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 21:17:43 +0000

THANK GOD you seem to be in good health & still writing, Mr. Yancey!

I’ve been watching the BBC & those American political-commentary channels (wouldn’t call it news with much portion being opinion), and have been worried/wondering whether you were okay or not.

I really wish you & loved ones well, and all Americans too for that matter.

Much love from Jakarta.

By: Susan

Susan — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 14:27:34 +0000

When I first read this last week, I felt as though I had so much to respond to. Now, I will just say thank you for your always thoughtful, helpful, words. I am currently reading through The Jesus I Never Knew and the same night that I read your post here, I also read the “aside” on page 246 – thoughts that I have had as well. What will we Christians do in the face of coronavirus, and will it be one of our shining moments or not.

By: Rick Jebb

Rick Jebb — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 03:33:32 +0000

Thank you Philip. Your thoughtful and wise words are a precious gift!

By: Kathryn

Kathryn — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 16:27:15 +0000

Great article as usual! And thanks so much for letting us know about that wonderful interview with Francis Collins.

By: Philip Yancey

Philip Yancey — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 14:34:31 +0000

In reply to senait afework.

These are great questions. I can’t deal with them all, but I have a comment about Luke 13:2. As I read the Gospels, I see Jesus speaking with two very different words to a dual audience. For example, to the poor and the marginalized he speaks words of comfort and hope, such as in the Beatitudes (“Blessed are you…”). At the same time, to the rich and the unjust oppressors (including the religious authorities), he speaks with all the fire of an Old Testament prophet. I see a similar pattern in his dealing with the suffering. To the suffering person him/herself, he extends comfort and healing. At the same time, to the bystander he summons up lessons that we can learn from suffering: Are you ready for death? Is your life ordered in the right direction–loving God and loving your neighbor? I believe the church should echo that same dual message. To those who are fearful, lonely, feeling helpless, we can offer practical help: enabling and supporting health workers, contacting shut-ins, giving to food banks, etc. At the same time, a crisis such as we’re facing exposes some things about our economy-driven, entertainment/celebrity culture. Hey, it’s actually possible to get through a day/week/month without professional sports! So, how are we using the time we’re given here on earth? And, what rarely comes up in our death-denying culture, what if you’re the next to die of coronavirus (Jesus’ point in Luke 13)–are you ready? How have you spent your life? Every day the news media give us profiles of marginalized people who live on the edge. How should we respond to them? These are the kind of thoughtful questions that can be prompted by a crisis and for which the church can and should supply answers.

I love your thoughtful questions. –Philip

By: senait afework

senait afework — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 09:11:53 +0000

Thank you very much for the article and the insights you shared. I wanted to ask few questions in case you can share some of your valuable insights….What should be our voice (as a church) (trying to share what God says) to the world in times of suffering while we make an effort to show love and compassion?…Jesus in Luke 13:2 did indicate there is a need for repentance for all ….right? even though it does not mean the one suffering are sinners more than the one’s who are not at the current…. I have also a question how we should pray in such a time as this….? ….I think God is much much much more displeased than we are…including with His church……my courage and confidence for prayer and repentance and mercy comes when I think of Jesus – who has paid the price on behalf of all….Thank you again for the very valuable insights, first time to comment on your blog…with much respect. Thanks!

By: Kim Ebersole

Kim Ebersole — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 19:21:32 +0000

Well written and thought out article. Ironically I started reading your book that just came out as an updated version, “Fearfully and Wonderfully”. I am loving this book and have been promoting it on social media. Especially to High School and College students who have more time on their hands right now and enjoy Science. Thank you for your words. I have read most of your books as they have made a huge impact on my faith as a believer. I too came from a very legalistic background and have studied to find what the Bible has to say about truth and God’s love.

Kim