Bearing Your Father's Name
Has anyone kept up with the latest on Franky Schaeffer? Last week's World Magazine highlighted his new book, Crazy for God, in this article which is part review, part interview.It is a sad state when the son of such influential parents feels the freedom to publish disdain while his mother is still living. The command to honor your parents is relevant no matter your age.
It is also a sad state when sin corrupts both a good work and a man hungry for something other than the pure gospel. Every story is two-sided and while it appears that Crazy for God gives only Franky's side, there has to be some truth to it. It is a humbling reminder that even in ministry, people stumble.
I read another article by nihilistic novelist Jane Smiley. She reviews Schaeffer's book with cynical enthusiasm -- cynical because of her distrust of conservative Christianity and enthusiasm for Franky's boldness.
I am saddened because I have great respect for Dr. and Mrs. Schaeffer. Both of their writings have had an impact on my life and my thinking. While I wouldn't change my opinion of them, it does illustrate both the importance of family over ministry and the temptation for it be otherwise.
2 Comments:
I felt the same way about that article. One of the sidebars indicated that his sister agrees the book is true, but just because something is true doesn't mean it needs to be aired out for all to see. I don't think we need to pretend to be perfect, but I didn't get the impression from the article that Franky's motive in writing the book was to honor his parents or point out their failings in a redemptive way.
Interesting. I think it's important to put forth truth vs. propaganda, as the article says, but that doesn't mean it's important to always say everything. In this case, it hurts the ministry and the memories of the good things.
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