The Scandal of Forgiveness

Want to shock your neighbors? Try forgiving them.

CT's Top 10 Stories of 2006

The events, people, and debates of the past year that Christianity Today's editors and writers believe have shaped, or will significantly shape, evangelical life, thought, or mission. Click here.

StanGuthrie.com 2006 Highlights

It’s been another interesting year for this website. Robert Liparulo, Anthony McRoy, and David Dix have provided insightful interviews. My commentaries have covered everything from gay marriage to Iraq to workaholism (and, following my own advice, I took a refreshing break from the rigors of this site). My wife, Christine, wrote a great review of The Da Vinci Code. Readership has been steady for most of the year, with a strong surge in December.

Thank you for spending some of your invaluable time reading StanGuthrie.com. I don’t take this for granted. Next year I plan to provide some new features to this site as time and my limited technical expertise allow.

Below are some of the highlights from content that appeared on StanGuthrie.com in 2006. May you and yours have a wonderful New Year!

SG


Most Overlooked Minority
“Making suicide easy and socially approved for people who . . . feel like burdens on their families, is discrimination against a socially devalued group. Assisted suicide is not a benefit; it’s a threat.”
Diane Coleman, Not Dead Yet, “Living Sacrifices,” January 23

Best Historical Assessment
“The success of the West, including the rise of science, rested entirely on religious foundations, and the people who brought it about were devout Christians.”
Rodney Stark, “Christianity, Theocracy, and Reason,” January 18

Most Paranoid Statement
“Today we face a better financed, more sophisticated, coordinated, unified, energized and organized coalition of groups in opposition to our policy positions on church-state separation than ever before. Their goal is to implement their Christian worldview. To save us!”
Abraham Foxman, “Foxman’s Fear,” January 4

Most Pertinent Question
“Actually, as Muslim mobs in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa riot, commit arson, and kill to protest political cartoons that have the temerity to suggest that Islam is, well, violent, what are the rest of us to do?”
“The Cartoon Controversy,” February 27

Most Controversial Ranking
Guacamole. People rave over this Mexican condiment. Why? It has a nice color but is basically flavorless.
“Overrated Things,” February 20

Best Definition of Marriage
“Judeo-Christian religion, of course, has been unambiguous about this matter for thousands of years. Marriage is the exclusive, ‘one-flesh’ relationship between a man and a woman, a prime purpose of which is producing godly children—something no homosexual couple can do. Christians further believe that the man-woman relationship of marriage is designed to provide a beautiful picture of Christ and the church. Such a picture is indelibly marred when two men or two women attempt to ‘marry.’”
“For the Children—Not,” March 27

Best Contrast
“We have not seen a single Jew blow himself up in a German restaurant. We have not seen a single Jew destroy a church. We have not seen a single Jew protest by killing people.

“Only the Muslims defend their beliefs by burning down churches, killing people and destroying embassies. This path will not yield any results. The Muslims must ask themselves what they can do for humankind, before they demand that humankind respect them.”
Wafa Sultan, “The New Rushdie,” March 20

Clearest Assessment of Work-Life Balance
“I have nothing against good, honest work. When God made Adam and Eve, he gave them a job to do. And in our now-fallen world, God has promised us hard work ‘all the days of our lives.’ But he has also provided us a day of rest, creating a pattern of toil and repose that enables us to focus on both our spiritual and earthly needs.”
“The Definition of Success,” March 13

Biggest Overlooked Health Benefits of Spam
“I expect that life expectancies and general buffness will go up remarkably because of the many benefits of spam. ‘Slim Seduction’ told me, ‘New Diet Pill Zaps Fat & Cellulite Cells Forever.’ (I don’t know why my doctor never mentioned it—probably some sort of conspiracy.) ‘Cheat and Eat,’ in a similar vein, informed me about a ‘Break Through weight loss product just released to the public.’ Meanwhile, ‘Actiprill’ suggests, ‘Increase your energy naturally.’ (I wonder if they mean get more sleep?) ‘Lip Tech’ asked, ‘Want sexy lips in 90 seconds?’ (And who doesn’t?) ‘Lean Body Cleanse’ helpfully said, ‘Try Colon Cleansing at Home!’ (I didn’t know you could try it anywhere.) Then, ‘Jerome Herman’ informed me, ‘Former President Bill Klinton uses Voagra!’ (I guess if it’s good enough for Mr. Klinton . . . .) And ‘Attention Men,’ perhaps following the trend of telling people they have to ‘perform’ sexually, advised me, ‘Be a Champion in the Bedroom.’ (I wonder if sex will ever be an Olympic sport?)”
“In Praise of Spam,” April 10

Funniest Paragraph
“Tom Hanks is taking almost as much of a beating over this movie [The Da Vinci Code] as the Catholic Church. Hanks looked as if he was wincing through much of it. Of course, maybe that was because he had second thoughts, or perhaps he just got a glimpse of his hair in a mirror. I’m afraid that after reading his reviews Hanks may be driven to self-flagellation.”
Christine Guthrie, “The Duh Vinci Code,” May 23

Most Sobering Prediction
I would not be surprised that America’s next 9/11—and I am sure there will be another—could be effected by British Muslims, possibly white or black converts with U.K. passports.
Anthony McRoy, May 1

Dumbest Quote Under the Influence
“The Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world.”
Mel Gibson, “The Racial Double Standard,” November 27

Dumbest Joke
“Just when Republican election prospects couldn't look any bleaker, the other day John Kerry managed to remind Americans why they voted Republican two years ago. At a political gathering the blueblood senator from Massachusetts again insulted our military men and women, remarking, ‘Education, if you make the most of it, you study hard, you do your homework and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well. And if you don't, you get stuck in Iraq.’

”Told that he had insulted the (all-volunteer) troops, Kerry refused to apologize. Republican strategists reportedly are furiously trying to get Kerry back out on the campaign trail–for their candidates.”
John Kerry, Thought of the Day, November 1

Most Shameless Exploiters of Disability
“Tammy Duckworth and Michael J. Fox are just the latest Democrats who attempt to sway voters through the shameless exploitation of their physical disabilities. The neophyte Duckworth, who opposes experienced Republican legislator Peter Roskam in Illinois' 6th congressional district, lost both of her legs in Iraq. Now during campaign appearances Duckworth shows off her prostheses in a transparent bid to get the sympathy vote–and to cover up her clear ignorance on the issues.

”Fox, meanwhile, is making commercials and personal appearances highlighting his Parkinson's for Democratic candidates who support morally and scientifically suspect embryonic stem cell research. Fox, like all advocates of ESC research, refuses to acknowledge that no one opposes stem cell research, just the kind that destroys nascent human life.

”These folks have every right to run for office and say what they want. It's a free country. But being persons with disabilities does not grant them superior moral status or insight–and should not get them even one extra vote. Period.”
Thought of the Day, October 28

Second Best Contrast
“Contrast the violent reaction of many radical Muslims worldwide to cartoons and the pope's remarks with the forgiving response of Amish people in Pennsylvania to the murder of five young women and the wounding of five more by a shooter. Muslims rampaged over perceived slights, while the Amish openly forgave the family of the murderer, even to the point of providing donated money to the bereft widow.

”Forgiveness, though difficult and not always carried out by Christians, is nonetheless intrinsic to Christianity, whose Founder said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Such a response is incomprehensible and even scandalous to many people–and also powerfully attractive to those who are sick of endless cycles of violence.”
Thought of the Day, October 18

Best New Word
“Rex Grossman, my favorite football player, performed so badly last night (four picks, two lost fumbles, no touchdowns) that I've coined a new word to best capture it: horrendific, which combines horrendous and horrific. Rex was horrendific, but the defense scored two late touchdowns, followed by an 83-yard punt retuen for a touchdown for Chicago, followed by a missed field goal for the Cardinals. It all adds up to a horrendific win for the still undefeated Bears, and a crushing loss for the hard-luck Cardinals and their fans. I was surprised that the police didn't show up at the stadium last night to arrest the Bears for stealing.”
Thought of the Day, October 17

Christmas King

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:5-11, ESV

Image courtesy of Winfield Flower Shoppe

Christmas Wise Men

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

"'And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who will shepherd my people Israel.'"

Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him." After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Matthew 2:1-12, ESV

Image courtesy of Winfield Flower Shoppe

Christmas Shepherds

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Luke 2:15-20, ESV

Image courtesy of Winfield Flower Shoppe

The Top Ten News Stories of 2006

1. Iraq
Freedom loses ground as sectarian violence continues, civil war looms, and Iraqis fail to consolidate their democracy. Public sentiment in the U.S. shifts from victory to bringing the troops home as soon as possible.

2. Democratic Victory
In an atmosphere of constant media and Democratic Party attacks and public frustration with the administration’s perceived incompetence in Iraq, voters hand Congress to the Democrats, for the first time in 12 years.

3. Muslims Riot
Responding to a cartoon published in Europe and remarks by the pope, angry Muslims answer perceived slights by torching churches and killing Christians.

4. Immigration Debate
Politicians and the public, confronted with America’s broken immigration system, demand that the country’s borders be respected. President Bush promises tighter border security, but the issue again is a loser at the polls.

5. North Korea and Iran
Two members of the “Axis of Evil” flaunt their nuclear ambitions while the West fumbles a response.

6. Marriage
A series of state court decisions supporting voter efforts to define marriage as only between a man and a woman soothes fears that homosexual marriage is inevitable across the United States.

7. Ted Haggard
The high-profile leader of the National Association of Evangelicals (and pastor of one of Colorado’s most influential churches) resigns amid revelations of his relationship with a homosexual prostitute.

8. Israel Fails in Lebanon
Responding to repeated provocations, Israel invades Lebanon to defeat Hezbollah, a terror group that controls much of the country. Amid much international criticism, however, the Israelis pull out without achieving any of their goals. Lebanon is left worse off than before.

9. Tirades of Mel Gibson, Michael Richards
A drunken Mel Gibson, who directed The Passion of the Christ, explodes in an anti-Semitic tirade. Months later, comedian Michael Richards uses the “n-word” and recalls the days of black lynchings during a comedy club appearance.

10. The Da Vinci Code
Tom Hanks stars in possibly the worst film of his career. Still, millions flock to see the anti-Christian fantasy.

Check back here later this week to see CT's take on the top 10 religion stories of 2006.

Christmas Angels

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"

Luke 2:8-14, ESV

Image courtesy of Winfield Flower Shoppe

Entertaining Truth

Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond) on being in Hollywood but not of it.

Wisdom for Short-Term Missionaries

Serving With Eyes Wide Open prepares short-term missionaries to be culturally sensitive.

God's Word in an Old Light

Philip Jenkins on how global South Christians read the Bible.