Talkback

Group, Mar/Apr 1999

Please continue the good work... I appreciate Group's heart for youth ministry.

ccm response

I felt compelled to write after reading a letter ("Talkback," January/February 1999) from a subscriber who canceled his subscription after objecting to "the music artists you've displayed as role models for our teenagers.... Yes, the only difference between Christian artists' music and secular artists' music is the words in many instances. To say, though, that one musical rhythm, style, or genre is holier than another. . . well, that's just silly. God is the author of the emotions in our hearts that make us want to sing out! He is The Lord of the Dance. As Geoff Moore and The Distance sang, "Why should the devil have all the good music?" Jeffrey Greer

Charleston, South Carolina how to connect with group

As youth leaders we've found many of today's "seedy" looking Christian artists to be an invaluable resource of good Christian influence in our teenagers' lives. Behind the "look" we've found insightful, strong Christians with a burning desire to share the gospel of Jesus with others. Holiness is found within the heart and only God can truly see it. I'm not condemning "no thanks," only urging all of us to walk arm in arm as Christians.

Mark and Christine Sturgis Ft Lauderdale, Florida

questionable methods

I'm not interested in proffering a particular opinion surrounding the homosexuality debate as such, but would like to comment on the character of the Bible study "Group Claims Gays Can Change" ("In the News," November/December 1998)....I think it's at least questionable to marshal biblical texts and commentary that so obviously lead the reader(s) to a particular conclusion about the "biblical stance" on homosexuality.... Such textual manipulation toward a preconceived conclusion leaves little room for a creative encounter with the Bible, let alone a creative discussion between a youth minister and young people.

John Daniels

Jacksonville Beach, Florida

facts vs. application

In an article exalting the usefulness of applicationbased teaching ("Amazing Growth," November/December 1998), the comment was made that "Jesus always taught with a clear goal in mind. What was his teaching goal? Obviously it was not the mere transfer of facts." Jesus didn't need to transfer "facts" of a religious nature. The Jews were well-versed in Scripture and biblical fact .... Our young people are in desperate need of the facts! Without the facts the applications are little more than clever stories that bring tears to their eyes for the moment, but when "real life" is resumed on Monday, all is forgotten because there are no "facts" to hang the application on. I propose that we abolish the line between fact-based and applicationbased teaching. One cannot succeed without the other.

Christopher George

Houston, Texas

Keith Sisney, Eureka, Missouri