The Preacher's Pen

We get a lot of mail concerning Abundant Life. Most of it is positive, but occasionally someone forcefully and pointedly asks to be removed from the mailing list. One person wrote, entirely anonymously, and said rather frankly that Abundant Life is from "the pit of hell" and that we had better stop "brainwashing" people because "we've done enough brainwashing!"

I always feel a sense of sadness when we receive these kind of letters. Understand, it does not bother me that folks disagree with what we write and teach. I can live with that -- particularly since I don't always agree with what I've written and taught in the past. We all have the right to change our mind, and sometimes we need to do so. Frequently, being challenged by another is the means by which we are forced to re-examine our beliefs and make corrective changes. What troubles me so much is these letters never disagree with any specific doctrine or teaching, they never supply book, chapter and verse that proves that what was written was wrong, and they never are interested in discussing the matter any further. The letter just says "you're wrong, and I'm not going to read your stuff any more, so there." How productive is that? Is that really what Christianity is all about -- blasting people (anonymously) and then going on in self-righteous indignation?

Interestingly, a fair amount of the negative mail we get accuses us of not being loving. It does not specify the how or why of that, but that charge does get leveled with some regularity. But wait a minute -- if you think we are wrong doesn't Christian love demand that you show us where and how? We don't want to be wrong or unloving because then we'll be lost. Do you love us enough to tell us how we've fouled up, and help us get it right?

Abundant Life has published controversial material before, and probably will again (undoubtedly!). We urge you to study and think carefully about what is written here. Compare all of it to the scriptures (Acts 17:11). If it is wrong, reject it and let us know why. If it is right then live by it -- not because we said it but because it is in accord with God's will for our lives. We do not intend to "brainwash" anyone, but freely admit to hoping that this paper will be a tool God can use to renew our minds in His service (Rom. 12:1-2).