I read a review in WORLD magazine about Frank Schaeffer and “Crazy for God”.  It is interesting to me that in our Christian culture, there is a strong tendency to believe or read only the Chrisitan celebrities or “best-sellers”.  As a result, due to our own sinful nature, the ideas and concepts presented can run the danger of being tainted.

 For instance, Frank Schaefer candidly admits that he wrote things for the purpose of promotion, to sell his books, or to be on Dobsons’ Focus on the Family radio show.  Hey, I admit, I certainly have pondered the idea of being a best-selling author and the perks associated with it.  However, I can see how it would taint my ideas.  My words would begin to lose its saltiness.  My motivation is tainted.

 We are living in a generation where the church has lost its saltiness.  Our society is suffering as a result.  And, the “Christian” market of book publishing, music, etc.. is not really helping.  The message of Jesus Christ is being tainted or diluted under the guise of being attractive to pre-believers, but it is having an opposite effect.  Or, the message of the words in print or in song, are having stronger, underlying motivation to be sold in volume instead of being bought to win or strengthen a soul.  Either people coming to faith are not maturing in the faith, or people are just looking at the loving God and ignoring the purpose of a nailed Jesus.

 My purpose of this post is to say it was rather refreshing to read candid comments from Frank Schaeffer.  His parents were not perfect, but neither am I.  His parents are idolized in are current culture and we may be shocked at what we read.  But they are also human, in need of forgiveness.  Once again, it is the message, not the messengers, that bring people to faith.  Our focus is on the Word of God, no matter how difficult it may be, to share the message of salvation to the world.  Let us be bold in doing so and examine are motivations.

 What are your thoughts?  Have you read Schaeffer’s book?  What did you think?