The American Spectator

Reader Mail

Showdowns Up and Down the Map

11.21.03 @ 12:01AM

MEANS MORE COLLINS
Re: Reid Collins's L.S.M.F.T:

I especially like your articles by Reid Collins. Not only does he make his points but his sense of humor is priceless. Keep them coming!
-- Maryann Davidson
Morristown, New Jersey

ACHES AND SOROS
Re: R. Emmett Tyrrell, Jr.'s Richard Mellon Soros:

R. Emmett Tyrrell, Jr. concludes: "Is this the desperation of an old political order facing oblivion?"

It's still a long way to oblivion, it does seem, though, to be a case of Mr. Soros being drawn by the irresistible temptation to take advantage of a prime opportunity to wield unprecedented influence on the party. An opportunity presented by that dearth of ideas that has created a self-induced vacuum. His dramatic "life or death" rhetoric is merely carefully crafted dressing meant to assuage the party faithful of his solidarity with their cause.
-- Mark Hessey
Belmar, New Jersey

FIGHTING WORDS
Re: Lawrence Henry's Taking Back a Church:

A good friend, retired rector of an Episcopal Church in New England to which I once belonged now attends a local Baptist church. He was the heart and soul of that Church, so I am sure it will wither and die. The "Jesus is Lord" sign has been removed from the front lawn, which says much to me.

I say do what I did: join the closest Bible believing church in your neighborhood, ignore the politics and enjoy the fellowship. We are now in a non-denominational age in which those that have an open and honest relationship with the triune Great I Am live and worship, saved sinners all, on a "Sola Scriptura" basis.
-- unsigned

Lots of congregations, regardless of denomination, allow their interpretations of God's Word to serve their personal needs, wants and desires. So when Mr. Henry calls for Episcopalians to "fight," whose interpretation of God's Word is his church going to use as its basis for the conflict? Didn't he acknowledge that his own denomination picks and chooses which of God's laws and Jesus' teachings it can opt out of?

I agree. Faith in a jealous God who is omni-potent, -present and -cient is worth fighting for, but do we really understand the mystery of God's love and how to fight in the context of a loving Savior?

Withhold funds, seek to defrock church-sactioned/tolerated sinners, but the battle is the Lord's (Tony Evans).
-- Stu Margrey
Denton, Maryland

Mr. Henry can find some solace, possibly, in considering a path to Rome. We RC's have our insufferable liberals, but their influence wanes daily. He could too remain amongst his fellow Episcopalians because in his Church too, the liberal experiment is being shown for the fraudulent failure it is.
-- Andrew G. Mac Donald

Mr. Henry, your article shows the anguish which has pervaded your church since the "consecration" of a homosexual; however, there is more than property involved in this fight. It is the soul, which you failed to mention during the entire article. Buildings etc. are worldly trappings which have no meaning in the afterlife. Also your traditions, liturgy, and so on are man's work and not the Lord's. If Anglicans are truly concerned over the loss of the Spirit in their "church," they should forsake it and find a church where the Lord is in charge and the Bible is preached as the Word of God. Only then will these churches of man crumble into the rubbish heap they have become. Worldly possessions are meaningless when you lose your soul. Myself, I left the Catholic Church many years ago when it started drifting to the left, so I have an idea what you are going through in that respect. I will say, in closing, I enjoy your articles very much.
-- Pete Chagnon
Burlington, Vermont

Lawrence Henry replies:
Thanks to all for the kind replies. Believe me, we are considering all options. My wife and I are devoted listeners to Chuck Swindoll, so we're also devoted to Scripture. We contribute to Focus on the Family. We support the Massachusetts Family Institute. And to all, I remind you of this verse:

Though with a certain wonder, men see Her sore oppressed,
By schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed,
Yet saints their watch our keeping, their cry goes up, "How long?"
And soon the night of weeping will be the morn of song.

Yours in Christ,
-- Lawrence Henry

Letter to the Editor

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