Readers will know that I wrote to Evangelical Times asking them for the opportunity to respond on behalf of reformed charismatics to an article they published in November called “Why I escaped the so called calvinistic charismatics”. I thought it would be helpful to share my correspondence with them here to give an update. I don’t think additional comment is needed.
Good afternoon,
I was disappointed and saddened to see this article publicised by ET. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately given what I saw in terms of content and tone, it was behind a pay wall, so I could not read the full article.
I was wondering whether you would be willing to publish a response article if I were to write it. If so, would it be possible to see a copy of the full article so I can address it in full?
Kind regards
Dave Williams
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Good morning,
I am just following up on my email from last week where I asked if I could respond to your article on New Frontiers and Calvinistic Charismatics. It would be helpful too if I could have sight if the full article.
My concern is that first the headline talked in terms of escape from part of Christ’s church. This is unhealthy language to use about brothers and sisters, part of the family.
Secondly, the parts of the article visible outside of the pay wall talk about issues such as The Law which are secondary issues and not issues that divide Charismatics from non charismatics but ones where there would be differences of opinion across the Reformed family
I look forward to hearing from you so that we can arrange to set the record straight.
Kind Regards
Dave Williams
Dear Mr Williams,
Thank you for your interest in ET. You are welcome to sign-up to view the article. Signed-in members may comment (subject to moderation) in the article footer. Letters are also welcome and may be included (subject to editorial review) in the newspaper.
Kind regards,
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Thank you for your response which is deeply disappointing. Would it be possible for my request to be passed directly to the editor?
With thanks
Dave
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Hi Dave,
this was as advised by the editor. I have forwarded this message to the editor.
Kind regards,
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– ET Support Team
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Thank you,
The reasons that I’m disappointed with the response are.
1. I wrote personally. I am an elder in a New Frontiers church. Yet I’ve had an impersonal response. I would hope that the editor would respond personally.
2. My request was not just to access an article for personal consumption but for the opportunity to set the record straight on a matter where I believe there to be serious misrepresentation on the part of ET. As this is a matter concerning the body of Christ, I would hope that ET would be concerned to resolve things in a God honouring way that builds up the church.
3. I find it concerning that in effect, the response to my desire to see things corrected and as to seek a subscription from me. I’m sure you will appreciate that I feel no motivation to pay for a subscription based on what I have experienced so far.
Kind regards
Dave
I think my final response offers the necessary commentary. ET’s engagement has been disappointing. I will attempt to engage with the subject of Reformed Charismatics in the New Year here on Faithroots. I have found a link to a video interview with the original ariticle author which I presume covers the substance of their article.
Faithroots 