Quote(s) of the Week (June 01, 1997)

With Gentleness and Compassion...

"I regularly get fundraising letters from Christian organizations that paint society in conspiratorial ‘us’ versus ‘them’ colors. Although I usually agree with their moral positions, I rarely sense from them a caveat – let alone a consistent tone – acknowledging that love must be the ultimate aim even in disagreement."

--The Rev. John Ortberg, teaching pastor of Willow Creek Community Church near Chicago, writing in the May 19 issue of Christianity Today. Washington Times for May 28, 1997. Page A2.

On the Unchanging Word...

"It’s a victory for the word of God. You don’t compromise Scripture just to make women feel included."

--Andreas Kostenberger, a professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C., concerning the decision by the International Bible Society to kill a gender-neutral translation of the NIV. Washington Times for May 29, 1997. Front page.

On a Point to Remember...

"But it is interesting that the people who held the ‘right’ values were the ones least responsive to Jesus’ message and most likely to receive his reprimands. His message was received with the greatest eagerness by those who came down on all the wrong sides of the values issues – the prostitutes, the tax collectors, the religious half-breeds."

--The Rev. John Ortberg, teaching pastor of Willow Creek Community Church near Chicago, writing in the May 19 issue of Christianity Today. Washington Times for May 27, 1997. Page A2.