A Passing Tribute

While we as Lutherans have rightfully taken note of the anniversary of Lutheran hymnwriter Paul Gerhardt by a deserved series on him in this periodical, we can also give at least a passing tribute to another famous hymnwriter, Charles Wesley. This December marks the 300th anniversary of his birth. The younger brother of noted evangelist, John Wesley, Charles was the youngest of 18 children. He was raised a Methodist and became a coworker of his brother John. He had an enormous aptitude for hymn writing, as no less than 6,500 hymns credited to him will testify. Most of this vast repertoire was little used or known. But with so much milk there must be some cream, and the cream of his work has been of much benefit to Christendom down through the years. Lutherans also have benefited from the work of Charles Wesley, even as he and his brother had benefited from the work of Martin Luther. Thirteen of his hymns have found their way into our present synod hymnary. Among these is that which has stirred the hearts of Christians, when at Christmas they rejoice over the Savior's birth by singing “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing.” On this anniversary of his birth, we say “thanks” to Charles Wesley for his contribution to Christian hymnody.

Not So Surprising

England is becoming a nation of doubters, according to a religious survey by the London Times. Only 28 percent said they believe in a personal God. Forty-two percent believe religion has a harmful effect. Perhaps the most troubling information is that 74 percent said they never pray or seldom do so. No wonder, then, that the title of a book just published in England reads In God We Doubt. Though the nation is a country of churches, and though there is much religious pageantry often accompanying royal occasions, when considered with the whole picture, this appears to be more like window dressing than real substance. The real substance, true Gospel preaching, has been lacking from most of England's pulpits for some time. When a Church loses its real purpose, it should come as no surprise that the people become cynical and critical of religion.

When catastrophic events such as that of 9/11 take place, the skeptics and doubters are quick to blame the religious influences in the world, including Christianity. An example is the British school teacher who quit relying on God. He felt that religion had become “a negative influence in his life and the world.” He added: “I stopped praying because I lost my faith. Now I truly loathe any sight or sound of religion.” He is now an avowed atheist. This is symptomatic of what is happening throughout Europe and the U.S. The Washington Post reports, “New groups of nonbelievers are sprouting on college campuses, anti-religious blogs are expanding across the internet, and, in general, more people are publicly saying they have no religious faith.”

Part of the resentment toward religion in general is due to resentment against Islam. But many people do not distinguish, and they include Christianity in their resentment. It is safe to say that the Christian faith is widely misunderstood, or not understood at all. How much more needed today than ever before is a clear proclamation of the saving truth by adherents of the Christian faith, so that the world may come to know “the hope of the Gospel” (Colossians 1:23).

“Left Behind" Scrapped

Plans to send the “Left Behind” video game in care packages to the military were scrapped because of its controversial nature. The game titled “Left Behind: Eternal Forces” is based on a series of novels by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. The series promotes the imaginative false teaching of the "rapture." According to Newsweek: “The game revolves around New Yorkers who are left behind after the rapture. Players scour the streets for converts, training them into a work force to feed, shelter and join a paramilitary resistance against the growing forces of the Antichrist.” Promoters of the video claim it teaches Christian values. Yet it allows its players to kill and celebrates the death and eternal destruction of nonbelievers. As one critic has stated, “‘Left Behind’ is to Christianity what terrorism is to Islam.” We also support what he says next, “Believing in hell… does not require us to take pleasure or desire to participate in the destruction of others.” Said another, “We’re fighting a war with an enemy that views us already as imperialists and crusaders, and yet we were going to send over a violent video game to our troops that focuses on killing those of other faiths.” The plan to send such a video to the troops in Iraq deserved to be scrapped. It is not the blessed message of the Prince of Peace.

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