Lin, I don't quite understand why this information about Chuck Swindoll should "break your heart." As I read this long, long post, I kept looking for links to rape (like Jim Bakker,) financial shenanigans (practically all the televangelists but Billy Graham) or hysteria mongering (Bob Larson, Peter Popov, Jerry Falwell). What I saw was a reasonable, literate, compassionate man who is almost ready for the 21st century. If you take away modern knowledge, succumb to the "One True Religion" virus, make art and creativity suspect, and hamstring the individual believer's expressions of faith, what have you got?
A Kingdom Hall, that's what!
If Jesus and I were still speaking, I might find a good deal of refreshment in Swindall's work. I remember really enjoying Improving Your Serve while I was a jaydub; my Catholic brother-in-law recommended it to me. And C.S. Lewis was a favorite author of mine all the time I was a jaydub; any Christian who enjoys him is less threatening in my book.
I agree, the Promise Keepers connection is rather ooky -- but from a liberal standpoint. Their "slipperiness" about homosexuality is a saving grace as I see it. I think they're a bunch of men raised in quasi-cultic religions whose hearts are calling them to the true liberalism -- the generosity of Jesus, who ate with sinners. But, being Fundamentalist Christians, they can't admit that even to themselves, yet.
Well, all I can tell you is to "leave the chaff and take the wheat," as Emerson said. And I challenge you to start with the supposedly "unchristian" authors mentioned in that page you cut and pasted here.
gently feral
Edited by - GentlyFeral on 1 September 2002 23:15:22