Letters to the editor: Christianity and theater

CONSIDER THIS

I have an idea for Christian History magazine to consider. Why not dedicate an issue about the structure of church buildings? Cathedrals should be included, as well as the Cane Ridge Meeting House structure, domes of the Russian Church and other structures. Just a thought.—Sharon B. Fields, Paris, KY

It’s long been on our list to devote an issue to the history of Christian architecture. Thanks for your suggestion—reader interest is an important factor we consider when deciding upon future issues.

I enjoyed your issue #150. The history of your periodical was so interesting. You mentioned camp meetings. . . . Could you have an issue with camp meetings? Also, I enjoyed Dan Graves’s article in the back of #150 on early church leaders. May we aspire to be like them—glorify our Lord.—Philip Boutwell, Winston Salem, NC

Thanks Philip! If you’re interested in the history of camp meetings, you can read more about them in issue #45: Camp Meetings and Circuit Riders. You can download the text of this issue for free on our website.

MISTAKES SPOTTED

Love your magazine! Question: page 15, issue #151, George Frideric Handel was an orphan? I do not think so. Thank you.—Gary Court, Franklin, TN

You are right: Handel was taught among those at Halle, but was not an orphan himself. The wording of the phrase printed in our magazine was a little unclear, so we made corrections to the digital versions of this issue.

Issue #151 is excellent. On page 23, the painting of William Tennent is actually of his son, William Tennent Jr. I wish we had a photo of William Tennent Sr. There are a number of paintings of his son but not of William Tennent. You can tell by his clothing that this can’t be the elder.—Wendy Wirsche, president of the William Penn House Association and church historian of the Neshaminy-Warwick Presbyterian Church

Thank you for this correction! We updated the online version of the issue to reflect the right Tennent.

BEING A BLESSING

I received my first issue of Christian History magazine. Thank you so much. I’ve been a child of God for years and during these years, I’ve never learned (or been taught) history like this. I am forever grateful to say that this one magazine has opened my eyes and spiritual mind. I look forward to receiving the next one. Thank you.—James Smith, Trenton, NJ

I was thrilled when I read your letter [a response to a prayer request]. Your magazine is such a blessing to me—never failing to both inform me and challenge me to a deeper walk with our Lord. That said, your letter was so moving and encouraging. What a delight to hear that you have a heart to minister to believers like me here in this place. Thank you so very much.—Gregory Nunn, Arcadia, FL

CH continues to serve many incarcerated individuals, thanks to the generous donations of our subscribers. To learn more about faith and incarceration, read CH #123 Captive Faith or visit captivefaith.org.

I have been receiving Christian History magazine for years. I just got the latest one on Awakenings and I just had to tell you all: you did such a fabulous job on this magazine. You do a fabulous job on all of them. It really enriches our faith and teaches so much in a synopsis form. We love your magazine, you all work so hard. If I had a million dollars I’d give it to you. You have the best free magazine.

I have one request: have you thought about taking all of the magazines and binding them into a book including all of the issues? It would be wonderful. Thank you to Bill Curtis and to Christian History Institute, and thank you for all the wonderful things that you do to share the history of our faith and the price that has been paid. Keep up the great work. I hope you all never quit! God bless you.—Mark Fleming, Duncan OK

Thank you for the glowing praise, Mark, and thanks for the suggestion. We have not considered binding all the issues into a big book. It would have a 15-inch spine and weigh about 25 pounds! However, you can purchase slipcase covers on our website to house your favorite issues. Each case holds about 20 copies. We also sell a digital compilation of all previous issues in CD-ROM form. We hope these two options help our readers keep all their issues in one place! CH