By Patrick R. Anderson, editor
Philippians 4:8, KJV: "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Friends of Foy Valentine, the founding editor of Christian Ethics Today, remember his enduring good humor and optimism, among other stellar qualities. For each of the issues of the journal which he edited (which can be found on our website), he wrote an essay that called readers to remember Philippians 4:8. He collected 35 of those essays in a volume published in 2004, titled, Whatsoever Things Are Lovely. I will be happy to send you a copy if you ask.
Foy did not live in a bubble, or inhabit an ivory tower or wear rose-tinted glasses. He saw things as they were. As a Christian ethicist, he tackled the ugly pressing and difficult issues of his day: racism, poverty, war, inequity, human suffering, denominational strife—to name a few. Yet he continually found peace and pleasure in life’s lovely things. He must have felt a kindred spirit with the Apostle Paul’s admonition in this much-loved passage.
Sometimes, I wonder how Paul and Foy did it: how they managed to exhibit good humor and optimism when so much pain and pessimism surrounded them, as it does us. Paul wrote his words from prison, for crying out loud!
So, I have resolved to not let the bad stuff get me down. Whatsoever…think on lovely things.
In that regard, this issue of the journal has some very inspiring and encouraging essays from some terrific writers.
Beloved professor and church historian, Walter (Buddy) Shurden, has written the fourth of a six-part series on books written by the late John Claypool. He brings new understanding and meaning to that highly acclaimed preacher’s body of work.
Texas pastor, George Mason, was honored to be invited recently to address the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, a signal honor indeed. George is a great, courageous pastor and friend. He is known for his advocacy for disadvantaged people. His address is printed in its entirety here and sets forth insightful words from a white man to black legislators.
Darvin Adams’ essay on the methodology of James Cone in speaking truth to power, highlights the work of a great African-American liberation theologian, as understood by an impressive young African-American scholar and pastor.
Raphael Warnock, the pastor of Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church and first-term U.S. senator from Georgia, in his first speech on the floor of the senate chamber, demonstrated his skills as a preacher and his deep understanding of the importance of the vote. “Voting, like praying,” he says, “calls us to a higher purpose.” The full text of that speech is included in this issue of the journal.
Wendell Griffen, an Arkansas judge and pastor, shares his reflections of the killing of George Floyd and the conviction a year later of former police officer, Derek Chauvin. He expresses what went wrong and what can be done to overcome those actions. He brings prophetic insights and legal knowledge to bear on systemic injustice.
Then, there are two essays on hunger. The first is written by two people, Anastasia Snelling of American University and Rebecca Hagedorn of Meredith College, concerning food insecurity experienced by a surprising number of college students. They describe the problem of hunger and how the federal program, SNAP, could help.
The second, written by Yale Divinity School professor, Joel Baden, analyzes the stories of famine in the Bible, explaining how famine was interpreted and understood in antiquity and the implications for us today.
The last article is by British historian and Ohio State University professor, Sara Butler. She offers interesting analysis and interpretations of botched executions in Medieval history and today’s death penalty practices.
Finally, two timely books are introduced and reviewed. First, Christian ethicist and scholar, Ray Higgins, describes Jamar Tisby’s terrific book, How to Fight Racism: Courageous Christianity and the Journey toward Racial Justice.
Then, Presbyterian pastor, Deckert Guess, reviews a Lenten study book of 40 devotions written by Cheri Mills, entitled Lent of Liberation: Confronting the Legacy of American Slavery. I was blessed to participate in the study group that Guess facilitated on Zoom.
Whatsoever….I hope you will read and benefit from these writings.
