Letters to the editor

STILL ON THE SEAS

While attending seminary in Lansdale, PA, I became a charter subscriber to CH magazine. I even have the coveted blue-covered Heritage of Freedom (CH #9, not available on line). As I was reading the latest issue, “Christianity on the seas,” I thought about how much I look forward to each issue, even when initially the topic doesn’t really interest me. It is to your team’s credit that when I begin to read such issues, I become fascinated by the articles because of their presentation and depth. And, although not all “Christian history” is “Christian,” we can still learn from, and appreciate, the contributions of others to Christendom. For over half of my life, and all but one year of my Christian life, CHI has intrigued and educated me. Thank you, CHI-ers, past and present!—Alan Allegra, Bethlehem, PA

The sea makes me queasy, but your great issue calmed my nerves!—D. Michael Blackie, Rossiter, PA 

Dawson Trotman prayed me into the kingdom. What a guy! I can’t put down Christian History magazine when it comes.—Robert Hill Durham, Abington, PA

Sating subscriber curiosity

Just a note to say how much I appreciated the issue on Oswald Chambers [CH #154] and the one on the 12 apostles and others [CH #156]. The latter because I wondered where they went. Most aren’t mentioned in Acts. Oswald Chambers because I knew only the book, My Utmost for His Highest. I received a copy from my mother-in-law early in my marriage, because it was special to her and she wanted me to have one, too. Thanks for all your diligent research and thorough, gracious, balanced presentations.—Kayleen Nichols, Englewood, CO

Anglicans appreciation

We enjoy Christian History, especially #160 about the Anglicans. We have benefited from the work of John Stott, J. I. Packer, Fleming Rutledge, N. T. Wright, and Alister McGrath. Christian History is skillfully and beautifully written.—Charles and Judy Hunt, Holland, MI

The unidentified cleric in the right picture on page 32 of [CH #160: Anglicans] is Bishop James A. Pike. He was an attorney before ordination and when the church tried to use canon law against him, he just tied them in knots. . . . I heard him speak once. He was a great influence on my development  although I am UCC.—Robert L. Anderson,  York, PA

SUBSTACK SHOUTOUTS

One year ago Christian History began sharing magazine articles and blog posts on Substack.com, a long-form content platform where online readers can share their thoughts on what they’ve read. Here’s what they have to say.

FASCINATING!!!! What a great article [“Anchored in Christ” by Jason Zuidema, CH #159]! I had no idea about any of this history! Having served in the US Marine Corps in the early 1990s, I can confidently assert that “crimping” is alive and well, or at least was at that time. Although thankfully, the practice of depositing a drunk sailor or marine on board an outgoing vessel is no longer a thing (at least in my own experience).—Matthew Parker

“Those who go down to the sea in ships, Who do business on great waters, They see the works of the Lord, And His wonders in the deep.” A close family member has spent a lot of time at sea. This makes me think of him and the awe in his voice when he talks about what he’s seen, especially the moon shining across the ocean.—Michelle Ule

I received my issue [CH #160: Anglicans] yesterday in the mail and it was the first time I had ever seen the magazine. My first response: Very nice indeed. I will surely read more but the first article I landed on, “No poet is an island” by Karen Swallow Prior, was excellent. Having read many of those authors, I knew very little about their religious backgrounds and learned a lot. Bravo! . . . 

[S]ince you so kindly asked for my thoughts, I went on to read “Religious whiplash,” followed by Calvin Lane on Henry VIII and company; then Jonathan Reimer on Thomas Cranmer. I found items of historical interest and insights and entertaining anecdotes in all. I knew a little about these people and events before, and now I know more than I did. Loved the art too. What more can you ask of short magazine pieces? Thank you for your good work.—Kevin Nelson

Want to join the conversation? Find us on Substack @christianhistoryinstitute.  CH