Good Reason For Wailing In Wales

“Extreme evangelical beliefs” was the stated reason why a civic reception in Cardiff, Wales for evangelist Luis Palau was cancelled, according to Christianity Today. A member of the Wales government accused Palau of holding “extreme views on sensitive social issues” and that he was “a right-wing reactionary individual.” One might expect such criticism from defenders of the homosexual life-style. Palau has spoken out against homosexuality, but also has tried to deal evangelically with those who are trapped in it. He expressed his disappointment with the decision to cancel the civic reception he would have been given and described it as “anti-Christian.” He also criticized what he saw as a growing anti-Christian attitude in Europe in general.

As for Christianity in Wales, the statistics tell a sad story. Since the early 1900s Wales has experienced the highest rate of church closings and of decline in church attendance in the British Isles. This does not surprise those in the ELS who remember our synod’s efforts to establish a mission in Wales some fifty years ago. These mission efforts were met largely with a cold reception by a people who were suspicious of such efforts. There was at least one positive result from this endeavor, however, when a young Welshman, Desmon Jose, was persuaded to attend our ELS seminary and eventually become a Lutheran pastor in the United States.

The Welsh are noted for their singing. In those few Welsh churches where Christian hymns are sung the people often choose to sing in four-part harmony. It would appear, however, from its decline in spirituality that there is reason to wail in Wales. What a joy it would be if the Christian message were warmly welcomed there today. That result would give the Welsh sufficient reason to break out into four-part harmony.

Opening The Gates Of The Temple?

In an unusual move by Mormon authorities, Ravi Zacharias, a speaker for evangelical Christianity, was invited to speak at the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City. Zacharias had been persuaded by some evangelicals to accept the invitation. He used the occasion to testify to Christian truths which are not a part of the Mormon faith. There in the Temple before a packed house of Mormons and evangelicals he affirmed the doctrine of the Trinity, stated that “Jesus atonement provides full redemption through grace” and that “His resurrection is mankind’s only hope.”

Richard Mouw, president of Fuller Seminary, apologized to the Mormons, saying that evangelicals like Zacharias had misrepresented them. Other evangelicals said that Mouw’s apology was overstated and “hurts frontline evangelical witness to Mormons.” One expressed himself as being “delighted” by the gospel message Zacharias had given in the Tabernacle but “concerned about the use that the LDS church [Latter Day Saints] might make of the event.”

On the 200th anniversary this year of Joseph Smith’s birth the Mormon Church leadership is sponsoring several events such as this in a public relations strategy at which they are quite adept. One of the Mormon authorities who had been a promoter of this event said: “The LDS church is not changing its basic doctrine, though there is a greater emphasis now on the doctrine of grace.” No, the Mormon Temple gates have not been flung wide open to true Christian teaching, but could it be that by God’s grace Ravi Zacharias may have created just the tiniest crack for some light to shine in.

Thinking It Over In Dover

Evolution or intelligent design? That is the question before the people of Dover, Pennsylvania. Biology teachers in the Dover School District have been given the green light to introduce their course by reading a statement which offers an alternative to the theory of evolution. The school board voted to include the concept of “intelligent design” (the complex universe must have been created by a supernatural intelligence) into the ninth grade science curriculum. The ACLU has opposed the policy, claiming that it infringes on the constitutional provision for separation of church and state.

We are pleased to report that in our ELS Christian Schools students are taught who the real intelligent designer is—God Himself. The Church’s message to our country, our land, and our globe is that the Triune God is the “supernatural intelligence” who created all things by His Word. Pennsylvania, you should be thankful that God did create the world. Without His creation you residents of the state wouldn't be there to think it over in Dover.

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