Kenya’s “Can Do”

Because of a change in government which took place two years ago the people of Kenya can now do things which previously they were politically prevented from doing. According to Christianity Today magazine Kenya is seeing a sudden growth in Christian publishing. A freer political atmosphere has benefited the press in general, and the Christian press in particular. Of note is a newspaper published by a Christian group called “Faith Daily.” It began as a weekly but now has become a daily newspaper, indicating an interest in a Christian view of world events strong enough to support a daily paper. A spokesman explained that the paper “was formed to give Christians a voice” and to report events “from a purely Christian perspective.”

Dubbed Africa's “crown jewel of Christianity,” Kenya has 32 million people, of which it is estimated that 78 percent are Christians. This estimate of course includes a wide variety of denominations. Yet, we can be grateful for any glimmer of light, such as freedom to publish Christian literature in a region that once shared the name “The Dark Continent."

Islamic Apparel A "No No” On Court

We’ll have to reach into last September’s Sports Illustrated for this item. A member of the women’s basketball team at the University of South Florida was converted to Islam. Her newfound “faith” and her chosen sport came to an impasse. The traditional uniform for women basketball players did not meet with the Islamic dress code. When she told her coach that she wanted to play in a Muslim head scarf, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, he told her that she’d have to quit the team. She then appealed to the American-Islamic Relations committee for help. The university in turn appealed to the NCAA for a uniform exception in her case. By this time she had received much adverse criticism; not wanting to divide the team or the community, she just quit the team.

Some might admire her for putting her “faith” before her desire to play basketball. There is, however, reason to feel sorry for that young woman—not because she was denied a place on the team, but because of her being deluded by a false faith. That particular “faith” in its works-righteous and legalistic view of things demanded that she wear a certain kind of apparel, even though it was impractical for playing basketball with a team. Beyond that is the still more serious concern, namely, that her false faith denies the very Savior she needs so much.

They Still Don’t Get It

At a recent conference of ELCA bishops a highlight of the meeting was an address by a Roman Catholic cardinal. The ELCA periodical The Lutheran reported that he presented a fourteen-page paper on the “Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification.” This document was accepted by the Lutheran World Federation as a settlement by the Lutheran and Catholic Churches on the teaching of Justification. However, it is no settlement but a mirage, which does not represent the Scriptural teaching of Justification as taught by Luther and the Reformation fathers. This can also be seen from the Cardinal’s use of that doctrine. According to him the doctrine declares: “By grace alone, in faith in Christ’s saving work and not because of any merit on our part, we are accepted by God and receive the Holy Spirit, who renews our hearts while equipping us for good works.” The Lutheran then adds this comment: “Through this common affirmation on justification, the core doctrine that has divided Lutherans and Catholics since the 16th century, leaders agreed the doctrine was no longer a church-dividing issue.”

They still don’t get it. The statement they think so satisfactory for defining the core doctrine of the Christian faith may be something the Pope can agree to but which in reality is neither Scriptural nor Lutheran. It mixes sanctification into the teaching of justification. We are to make sure that it is the Scriptural concept of grace, not an infused grace, which allows the works of the believer to have a place in one’s justification. It is Roman Catholic doctrine that adds the sanctification clause which speaks of “equipping us for good works.” “Equipping, etc.” is a good endeavor, but it has no place in the teaching of justification. It only muddies the waters and undermines the Scriptural doctrine of salvation by grace alone.

Paul Madson is a retired pastor living in North Mankato, Minnesota.