Eastern Orthodoxy

Dear Editor,

I am writing regarding the recent en article, “Ex-FIEC church explains switch [from evangelicalism] to Eastern Orthodoxy”.

This article is concerning the sad departure of this church in Halifax from the gospel, departing from Biblical evangelical faith. My concern is that this article has been written uncritically, giving opportunity for the leader to put forward his position.

Firstly, this is giving voice to an erroneous teaching. Second, this is dangerous for those who may be struggling with doubts. Third, it is contrary to en’s stated aims, which is to: Encourage that en exists believers and be sound and firm on the essentials of the Christian faith; Provide a forum where Christians can air differing points of view within a Biblical framework; Advance and promote the evangelical Christian faith.

How can an article providing uncritical perpetuation of a departure from evangelical faith be meeting these aims? In fact, en is doing the opposite in this case.

I am aware that Editorial comment has been given further to this article and that it is the view of en that it is good for Evangelicals to be challenged about how Biblical we are. However, this article is not encouraging us to be more Biblical in our evangelical faith because it was uncritical. Rather, in giving the leader opportunity to uncritically put across his thinking, it is perpetuating a non-evangelical faith!

Yours sincerely, Hugh Davis By email

Thank you for this thoughtful letter and for speaking in defence of Biblical orthodoxy. In recent years, en has sought to separate news pieces from comment pieces. So this does mean we will sometimes report events and statements in news items that we ourselves as evangelicals all disagree with. Reporting something does not equal supporting it. Comment is provided separately in items specifically written for that purpose, including the en opinion column, commentary pieces, and indeed in the views expressed on this letters page, including your own very welcome contribution! See also Kenneth Brownell’s helpful article here.

Warmly – Ed.