Comments on: Sometimes You Can Go Home Again

By: David Graham

David Graham — Sat, 07 Jul 2012 05:33:56 +0000

It is always healthy to be reminded that even within larger groups, there is still great diversity; we speak of “the” Jews or “Muslims,” “Christians,” “Hindus,” “Mormons,” yet the reality is always more complex than that, isn’t it? Thanks for not only giving a good book review (and a nice brief explanation for the origin of the Mennonite and the Amish groups) but for also sharing some examples from the many different branches found within these faiths, each with their own distinctive practices and beliefs. An encyclopedia article can give the “essentials” of group religious faith and daily living, but an article like yours really brings everything to life. Nicely done, Philip, and thank you.

By: Mathew George

Mathew George — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 03:44:49 +0000

This splendid review by Philip Yancy(who is my most favorite author)was good reading.I am curious to know the Amish community in more detail.On my last visit to Pittsburgh,Pensylvania where my son lives,I couldnt visit this area and watch them closely.
Mathew George.

By: William Timmers

William Timmers — Sat, 12 May 2012 20:01:14 +0000

I am screaming and saying SOS… can I ask you direct questions and ask for advises? I can’t find direct contact. Please will you kindly response to me in email, thank you.

By the way, great article and your book “What’s So Amazing About Grace?” ROCKS! This is now on my most influenced book list.

By: Bill Fleming

Bill Fleming — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:13:48 +0000

Philip I sat nodding at this artcle and can highlight another dimension to the work of the mennonites-their world-wide peace work which I experienced initially here in Northern Ireland. In the 80’s at the height of the Northern Irish conflict and newly converted from a Protestant unionist community background I moved to live and work in a republican (Irish republican that is) area of inner city north Belfast. I moved into a house which I shared with a guy who was soon to become a great friend-a mennonite from Pennsylvania. Through Dave I learned of the mennonites involvement in many of the world’s conflict areas and their call to world wide peace work.

This contact between Dave and I culminated in my touring the mennonite church and community in all its rich variety from Pennsylvania right across to Seattle. It was the experience of a life-time and one which has provided many incredible memories.

Great article Philip.

Bill Fleming.

By: SophAn

SophAn — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:03:55 +0000

Hi Mr. Phillip,
I like reading Amish fiction so I’m glad you decided to review this book though it’s a memoir. I’m including it on my reading list. I found your blog after reading “What’s So Amazing About Grace?” It’s actually the first book I’ve read by you! It was very hard to digest because I had to ponder the things you were conveying, and I’m a little confused…”good confused” 🙂 Maybe I realize how much the Church needs to learn about grace, or even me! I’ve always been around Christians or the “Christian bubble” as they call it but God has allowed people that aren’t Christians in my life as I attend graduate school. In fact, I was surprised when my non-Christian friends helped me during a hard time at school, and my Church didn’t connect with me. That was a learning process! It also saddens me because I tried to stay away from my good friend when she started making wrong choices. I honestly didn’t know how to handle the situation but my actions were still wrong. When she called me out on it, I definitely felt convicted and now we’re good friends again. I still don’t agree with her choices but telling her every single time or keeping my distance from her is not how Jesus would handle it, I think. Also, I sin too but Jesus doesn’t stay away from me! Regarding your book, I’m having a hard time understanding some things and I’m still discussing them with others. It’s making us think which is good and I’m starting to see that the world is much bigger than Church, Bible Study, Christian friends, calling out sin, etc. I do have one question for you 🙂 I know we’re meant to show grace and love to others because Jesus did that, but would you say in every case? People talk about how Jesus was loving and He was, but He didn’t put up with the Pharisees, and He drove away the market people from the temple. Maybe I have this all wrong. I know you’re very busy so thank you very much for any response 🙂

I’m glad to hear that you’re working through these issues on your own. It’s easy to show grace toward people just like us, the “rubber hits the road” with people who are very different. You ask a great question. It seems to me that Jesus had a different approach toward the needy and down-and-out compared to the uptight and self-righteous. Grace undercuts the strata-based ranking system of the world (whether political, economic, social, or religious) and Jesus was especially hard on those who tried to block grace. The Pharisees, for example, had good theology but a kind of religious caste system that worked against the “unclean”; likewise, the money-changers in the temple were profiting off a system that segregated women, Gentiles, and other groups there, making impossible the prophet’s vision of “a house of prayer for all.” I guess you could say that Jesus showed grace toward all except those who blocked grace–or something like that! Philip

By: Mary Kay Hogan

Mary Kay Hogan — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 21:58:47 +0000

You are reading memoirs. Does this mean you are preparing to write one yourself? I enjoyed Soul Survivor very much and look forward to the future book. Thank you for sharing with the rest of us.

I do indeed plan a memoir, though it’s a long-term project. I’ve read a bunch, several hundred, trying to get to know the genre. Maybe it’s a way of avoiding writing? I’ve got to start soon before I forget everything!
Philip

By: CDG

CDG — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 02:58:43 +0000

This is completely off topic, because all I did was read the title, however, almost 15yrs ago I wrote you a letter (1998? 1999?) about Richard (I forget which book he is in?). I think you gave him the wrong reading material. I am currently reading The Christian in Complete Armour by William Gurnall, he is a 17th century (always get that wrong around 1650s writer), pg 242. It will be a little more precise in helping Richard understand the death he took on when he decided not to believe. I think the Victorian style (th’s reading) will help him more than the modern version. My husband gave me the Victorian style writing and it is taking me forever to read it through, but this part struck me so much as far as wanting that friendship with God, that I know it will help your friend. I have prayed for him for a long time along with a lot of others who do not believe in God’s Word. God’s Speed and may he again long for Christ’s redemptive, protective friendship again. Sincerely, A fan from a long time ago.

By: Stan

Stan — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:02:53 +0000

I am reminded of a pastor in Mennonite church that gave me some scripture references for a friend on mine that was having a lifestyle issue that turned his life into a quest for what was positive and socially redeeming. I share those scriptures below. There is something to be said for adding to social stability by adhereing to scriptural concepts even if that lifestyle is mocked by the general population at large.
There are positive effects from fearing the Lord and governmentsal authority.
1 Corinthians 6:9
New King James Version (NKJV)
9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites,… will inherit the kingdom of God.

Leviticus 18:22
New Living Translation (NLT)
22 “Do not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin.
Leviticus 20:13
New Living Translation (NLT)
13 “If a man practices homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman, both men have committed a detestable act. They must both be put to death, for they are guilty of a capital offense.
New King James Version (NKJV)
13 If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them.

By: Evan Roth

Evan Roth — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 22:12:59 +0000

Thanks Philip for the post and nice seeing you at jury duty! Although I don’t attend a Mennonite church currently, my heart and faith are always Anabaptist. It was nice to see your fair reflection on the Mennonites and Amish and I highly affirm the importance and value of Mennonite Central Committee, a wonderful outreach organization into the world.

By: Jeff Jordan

Jeff Jordan — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 20:48:27 +0000

Philip,
Thank you for your kind words. I meant to say in my earlier comments how much I appreciated your writing. I have read most of your books (a couple of them multiple times) and nearly always feel invigorated and inspired when I finish them. I especially appreciate your gracious thoughts and vulnerable perspective. I’ve always said that one day I intend to write my own “Soul Survivor” book (I was raised in non-instrumental Church of Christ) and explain how my faith survived to this point “in spite of the church.”

I suppose Janzen, you, me, and most everyone raised up in the church could add a chapter or two at least. Just glad His grace is so amazing to account for a sometimes faithless, often bitter, and always questioning sinner like me.

Kindly,
Jeff

P.S.-as for my blogging infrequency, well, I’ll blame the 5 kids for now.