Providential Timing!

Last Friday, our local newspaper printed a full page article, written by their "religion" editor, concerning the commemoration of John's Calvin's 500th birthday. The writer presented Calvin's life and beliefs in a fair way (although certainly not comprehensive). This is a link to the main article, and side articles can be found through this one.

http://www.theledger.com/article/20090723/NEWS/907235045

Since our family is pretty vocal in expressing opinions to the editor when we are reacting to something negative in society, I thought it would be constructive to write commending the fairly-written article. Here is my letter to the editor. (Just hoping to see it in print!)

"Dear Editor,

I want to commend Mr. McMullen (with whom I frequently disagree on things theological) for his well-researched and even-handed articles on the 500th anniversary of John Calvin’s birth, July 24, 2009. Members of my family and I traveled to Boston this month for that very occasion, joining over 1,000 people of all ages to commemorate a great man’s life.

Calvin did indeed influence the founding of America in a positive and foundational way. He was a man of amazing depth and breadth. His ideas have shaped much of what we consider the greatness of the American culture. It is very sad that most Americans are ignorant of, or have significant misconceptions about, his life, his writings, his theology. Especially disturbing, in the light of historical truth, is the fallacy of Calvin’s having ordered the burning at the stake of an adversary (check out original sources).

Again, thank you, Mr. McMullen. It is my hope that many readers will avail themselves of the resources mentioned in your article and widely available on the Internet to learn more about a remarkable and unique man who contributed, not only to America’s rich spiritual heritage, but to the very foundations of our government and culture.

We would do well as a nation to heed the words of Harvard historian George Bancroft: “He who will not honor the memory and respect the influence of Calvin knows but little of the origin of American liberty.”

Cordially,

Frances Frodge "
(that's my "formal" name!)

Thank you, Lord, for your servant, John Calvin, who, after 500 years, is still being maligned and misrepresented. He, in spite of all his critics, has heard you say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant . . . enter thou into the joy of thy lord!"

Hoping to finish up posting on the Boston trip before long!