ABC News, “Some Scholars Skeptical of Mormons’ Bad Name,” by Katti Gray,11/23/11
Dr. Mouw’s commitment to dialogue was mentioned in this article about Mormons. “There is a nice, behind-the-scenes dialogue going on right now between Mormon leaders and [President] Richard Mouw at Fuller Theological Seminary. And no one would question his [evangelical] Christian orthodoxy,” Patrick Mason of Claremont Graduate University is quoted as saying.
Salt Lake Tribune, “SuperCommittee Finds its Kryptonite,” by Nicole Santa Cruz,11/21/11
Dr. Mouw’s Los Angeles Times op-ed article about Mormonism (see below) was mentioned in this newspaper.
Los Angeles Times, “Mormonism: Not a Cult, Not a Problem,” by Richard J. Mouw 11/20/11
In this op-ed article, Dr. Mouw discusses why he does not believe Mormonism is a cult, referencing the many theological dialogues he and other evangelical leaders have had with Mormons over the years. Mouw emphasizes, however, his belief that Mormon theology should not be “classified as Christian in the historic sense of that word.” This op-ed ran in more than a dozen other news outlets. Numerous other blogs and articles in November made reference to Dr. Mouw’s comments about Mormonism.
Christian Post, “Biden Speaks Up for Romney’s Mormon Faith,” by Anugrah Kumar, 11/05/11
Dr. Mouw was mentioned in this article concerning his comments that Mormonism is not a cult.
Orlando Sentinel, “First Presbyterian of Orlando Leads Churches Breaking Away from Denomination,” by Jeff Kunerth, 10/28/11
Dr. Mouw is mentioned in this article about current dynamics within the Presbyterian denomination. Referring to an upcoming denominational convention, he states: “A lot of the people who plan to be in Florida in January do not want to be a formal part of a new denomination, but would be happy to be part of a body that includes both people who stay in and those who leave,” he said. “A fellowship would allow us to be one foot in and one foot out.” This article was picked up by Associated Press and ran in numerous other media outlets across the U.S.
Bloomberg Businessweek, “Mitt Romney Isn’t Christian, and That’s All Right,” by Jeffrey Goldberg, 10/25/11
Dr. Mouw was referenced in this article discussing whether Mormonism can be considered a Christian religion. “Mouw, who is a leader in the deepening dialogue between evangelical Christian and Mormon theologians, said he believes that many Mormons are moving toward more Christ-centered modes of worship,” Goldberg writes. However, regarding the Mormon core assertion that God and man are of the same species, Mouw said, “This is a canonical belief of Mormons, and it stands in radical opposition to the beliefs of the monotheistic religions.” This article also ran in several other media outlets.
Jewish Journal, “Maureen Dowd Attacks Mitt: Does a Candidate’s Underwear Matter?” by Mark Paredes, 10/23/11
This blogger, discussing what he called unfounded critiques of Mormonism, referenced Dr. Mouw in stating: “I’m prepared to listen to critiques of my faith from people like Richard Mouw who take their faith seriously, but I find it hard to listen to people who hate religion or who are unfaithful to their own faith tradition.
Scippsnews, “Politics Obscure Mormon Doctrine, Church Differences,” by Ann Rodgers, 10/18/11
Dr. Mouw is quoted in this article, stating, “I’m not prepared to say that the theology of Mormonism falls within the scope of acceptably orthodox Christianity.” The article is one of many addressing the question of whether or not the Mormon faith can be considered a cult.
CNN, “My Take: This Evangelical Says Mormonism Isn’t a Cult,” by Richard J. Mouw, 10/9/11
In response to questions of whether or not Mormonism is a cult, CNN ran a blog posting written by Dr. Mouw. In it, he puts forth the argument that true cults are characterized by a reluctance to engage in dialogue and to “promote the kind of scholarship that works alongside others.”
Associated Press, “Mormons’ Beliefs Once Again Under Attack,” by Rachel Zoll, 10/11/11
In addition to the broad exposure of the CNN piece, Dr. Mouw was also quoted in this Associated Press story that has run in over 200 media outlets internationally. The article ran in outlets such as the Seattle Times, New York Times, and Forbes.com to television network news programs, in countries from Nepal to Costa Rica.
Christian Century, “Mouw Hopes for Compromise, Connections in PCUSA Future,” 09/22/2011
This article features an interview with Dr. Mouw concerning the Presbyterian Church. Dr. Mouw spoke in August to a gathering of the Fellowship of Presbyterians, a group in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) who believe that the denomination has abandoned scriptural standards by, among other actions, deciding to ordain gay and lesbian ministers. Christian Century spoke to Mouw about the Fellowship and its future.
KPXQ Christian Radio, “Who’s Afraid of a Woman President?” by Russell Moore,8/31/11
Russell Moore, dean of theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, discusses views about women serving in politics versus serving in the church—and refers to “sphere sovereignty,” the concept that each sector of life has its own distinct norms. “The best articulation of sphere sovereignty I’ve ever seen,” he says, “is in Richard Mouw’s new book on Abraham Kuyper.”
New American, “Conservative Presbyterians Weigh Split from PCUSA,” by Dave Boho, 8/29/11
This article, which discusses the August 25-26 gathering of the Fellowship of Presbyterians in Minneapolis, Minnesota, describes Dr. Mouw’s address there—in which he suggested the possibility of dissatisfied members continuing with the denomination in their own subset, working to bring the PCUSA back to its Reformed theological roots.
Presbyterian Church (USA) News, “A New Presbyterian Order?” by Jerry L. Van Marter, 8/26/11
This article focuses on Dr. Mouw’s address at the August gathering of the Fellowship of Presbyterians in Minneapolis. Presbyterians committed to theological orthodoxy should consider a special vow, akin to special vows taken by members of various Catholic orders, Dr. Mouw said.
“On Being” with Krista Tippett, “Restoring Political Civility,” 8/21/11
This American Public Media program, aired on public radio stations across the U.S., featured Dr. Mouw in an hour-long interview with host Krista Tippett, discussing civility in public life. This was a re-broadcast of a program originally aired in October 2010.
Los Angeles Times, “The Rev. John Stott Dies at 90,” by Elaine Woo, 7/31/11
Dr. Mouw comments in this article on the passing of Evangelical leader John Stott. “He was a very broad-minded evangelical . . . who wanted to bring different factions together and emphasize what we hold in common,” Dr. Mouw says. “He was able to take difficult topics and make them plain for people who are not all that tuned in to high-level intellectual discussion, yet he had the respect of scholars. He was one of those bridge figures.” Also ran in Chicago Tribune, Miami Herald, Sacramento Bee, and several other outlets nationally.
Comment Magazine, “Kuyper for Christians,” by Richard J. Mouw, 6/27/11
This reflection by Dr. Mouw is the first in a series of articles on theologian Abraham Kuyper and the relevance of his theology for today’s culture. Coinciding with the release of Dr. Mouw’s new book Abraham Kuyper: A Short and Personal Introduction, the series is curated by Fuller PhD student Matt Kaemingk and features articles by several of Dr. Mouw’s doctoral students.
Financial Times, “Faith Obscures Romney’s Businesslike Appeal,” by Richard McGregor, 6/11/11
Dr. Mouw is quoted in this article exploring the objections of many Evangelicals to the presidential candidacy of Mitt Romney because of his Mormon faith. Dr. Mouw, according to the article, said Evangelicals’ angst is partly motivated by the strong expansion of the Mormon Church. “Competition is a huge factor,” he said. “They are competitors in the business of evangelism.”
Christian Post, “Political Jam Over U.S. Debt Ceiling Begins,” by Anugrah Kumar, 6/1/11
Dr. Mouw is mentioned in this article as one in a group of Christian leaders who feel that the national debt is a moral threat to the U.S. and that fixing it is a moral priority.
Christianity Today Australia, “Fuller Theological Seminary President: Osama Bin Laden Is in Hell,” by Katherine Phan, 5/14/11
Dr. Mouw is the subject for this article regarding the death of Osama Bin Laden. “So far as Osama Bin Laden is one of the wicked and one of the unrepentant wicked,” says Mouw, “I believe he is condemned to an eternity apart from God.” Also ran in the Christian Post.
Vail Daily, “Christianity Without a Hell?” by Jack R. Van Ens, 5/8/11
Dr. Mouw is quoted in this article reviewing Rob Bell’s controversial book, Love Wins. Mouw comments on the nature of today’s generation of believers saying “My generation wanted truth (correct doctrine)…These (Bell’s audience) are folks who want authenticity.”
Christianity Today Australia, “Fuller Theological Seminary President: Osama Bin Laden is in Hell,” by Katherine Phan, 5/14/11
Dr. Mouw is the subject for this article regarding the death of Osama Bin Laden. “So far as Osama Bin Laden is one of the wicked and one of the unrepentant wicked,” says Mouw, “I believe he is condemned to an eternity apart from God.” This article is also reprinted in the Christian Post.
Time Magazine, “Pastor Rob Bell: What if Hell Doesn’t Exist?” by Jon Meacham,4/14/11
Fuller alumnus Rob Bell is the subject of this cover-page Time Magazine article featuring the controversial topics in his most recent book, Love Wins. Dr. Mouw is quoted, commenting on the diversity of theological perspectives present at Fuller Seminary. This article is reprinted in Virtue Online.
Christian Post, “Leaders Offer a Christian Proposal on U.S. Debt Crisis,” by Stephanie Samuel, 3/3/11
Dr. Mouw is mentioned as one of the leaders who are presenting lawmakers with a Christian proposal on how to cut federal debt while continuing to protect the poor at home and abroad. A similar article was posted on Dallasnews.com.
Christian Century, “Evangelicals Push Back on Proposed Budget Cuts,” by Nicole Neroulias, 3/3/11
Dr. Mouw is mentioned as one of the Evangelical leaders advocating for humanitarian programs to be protected in the upcoming federal budget cuts.
Los Angeles Times, “After Decades in Disrepair, Shanghai’s Red Church Nears End of a Major Renovation,” by Martha Groves, 3/5/11
Dr. Mouw comments in this article about the renovation of the historic Red Church in Shanghai, China. “This cathedral has special significance,” says Mouw. “The very fact that it is reopening…is yet another manifestation of the marvelous resurgence of faith in China.” This article was reprinted in the Olympian, Tri-City Herald, Idaho Statesman, Kansas City Star, and other sources.
Christianity Today, “The Hymns that Keep on Going,” by Robert T. Coote,3/7/11
Dr. Mouw is quoted in this article about hymns that have been reprinted in multiple hymnals throughout history and those that have been forgotten. He contends that hymn singing will be back in strength “sooner rather than later.”
Christian Post, “Evangelicals, Mormons Search for Common Ground in Utah,” by Michelle A. Vu, 3/10/11
Dr. Mouw is quoted in this article about the gathering of prominent Evangelicals and Mormon leaders to enter into dialogue for the purpose of understanding each other’s faith. “I remain convinced that there are serious issues of difference that are of eternal consequence, but now we can discuss them as friends,” said Mouw. This article was reprinted in Christianity Today Australia.
Christian Post, “Evangelical Delegation Extends Friendship to Mormons in Utah,” by Michelle A. Vu, 3/11/11
This article mentions Dr. Mouw’s involvement with the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) and the high-profile delegation of Evangelical leaders that participated in a Mormon-Christian dialogue in Salt Lake City, Utah.
USA Today, “‘Love Wins’: Pastor’s Book Kindles Firestorm Over Hell,” by Cathy Lynn Grossman,3/14/11
Fuller alumnus Rob Bell and Dr. Mouw are mentioned in this article about the controversy over Bell’s new book, Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person who Ever Lived. “Rob Bell allows for a lot of mystery in how Jesus reaches people,” says Mouw. This article was reprinted in Huffington Post, beliefnet.com, Breaking News, Tennessean, and Daily News Journal, and many other outlets. Other articles that document the same controversy and Dr. Mouw’s comments are included in Baptist Press, Baptist Press News, Jewish Journal, Dallas Baptist Standard, Crosswalk.com, Grand Rapids Press and numerous other local newspapers and blogs.
Grand Rapids Press, “Rob Bell Talks ‘Love Wins,’ Stinging Blogs and Media Whirlwind,” by Charley Honey, 3/19/11
Fuller alumnus Rob Bell and Dr. Mouw are both mentioned in this follow-up article about the continuing controversy over Bell’s new book, Love Wins. Similar articles appear inChristianity Today Australia, World Magazine, and other outlets.
Christian Post, “The Gospel of Inclusion and Confusion,” by Dan Delzell,3/21/11
Dr. Mouw is cited extensively in this article as it seeks to explain the underlying theological concepts of Rob Bell’s book Love Wins.
Newsweek, “What the Bible Really Says About Sex,” by Lisa Miller, 2/6/11
Dr. Mouw is quoted in this article about sex, adultery, divorce, and same-sex love. “Sexual intimacy outside of a public, lifelong commitment between a man and a woman is not in accordance with God’s creating or redeeming purposes,” says Mouw.
On Faith Blog (Washington Post), “Long History of Hostility Between Mormons and Evangelicals,” by Richard Mouw, 2/11/11
Dr. Mouw authors this posting on the history of Mormon-Christian relations and the need for genuine dialogue between people of the two faiths.
On Faith Blog (Washington Post), “Why Condemn Faith Outreach?” by Richard Mouw, 2/22/11
Dr. Mouw authors this article on how Islam may shape campaign politics and the need for Christians to offer hospitality toward Muslim worshippers. “[This] can be a gesture of building trust and relationship forming in a way that might even open up dialogue about convictions that are precious to many of us,” says Mouw.
Huffington Post, “The Sacred Art of Listening,” by Krista Tippett, 2/25/11
Dr. Mouw is briefly quoted in this article about the importance of asking questions and listening to the response rather than talking and competing with answers.
Christian Post, “Hagee Says Dividing Israel is Not God’s Will; Evangelicals Disagree,” by Michelle A. Vu, 1/7/11
Dr. Mouw is quoted extensively in this article about whether or not dividing Israel is God’s will.
NarniaFaith.Com, Opening Video, October 2010
Dr. Mouw was the featured speaker in NarniaFaith.com’s welcome video. This video describes the resources available on their website for pastors, church leaders, and lay Christians that revolve around the third “Chronicles of Narnia” movie, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.
The Huffington Post, “Then One Foggy Christmas Eve: A Christmas Meditation,” by Richard J. Mouw, 12/10/10
Dr. Mouw authors this article about how the story of Rudolph the Reindeer can prompt people to reflect upon the birth of Jesus Christ.
Newsweek, “Humble Pie Eating Contest,” by Lisa Miller, 11/5/10
Dr. Mouw is quoted in this article about President Obama’s public portrayal of humility after the Democratic Party suffered a loss in the House of Representatives. Humility is “a spirit of self-examination…a hermeneutic of suspicion toward yourself and charity toward people you disagree with,” said Mouw.
The Christian Century, “Poll: Americans of all Faiths See a Civility Problem in U.S. Politics,” by Nicole Neroulias, 11/11/10
Dr. Mouw’s book Uncommon Decency: Christian Civility in an Uncivil Worldis referenced in this article about the lack of respectful discourse in the 2010 election and American politics in general.
The Criterion Online Edition, “Bishops Consider Historic Agreement with Reformed Churches on Baptism,” by Nancy Frazier O’Brien, 11/8/10
Dr. Mouw cites this agreement between Catholic Bishops and Reformed Churches as one of the few instances where members of the churches of the Reformed tradition in the U.S. have the opportunity to speak to one another.
Acton Institute, “The Legalism of Political Christianity,” by Jordan Ballor, 11/17/10
Dr. Mouw is quoted in this article about Christianity, its place in politics, and the issues surrounding this topic. Mouw also references his conversations about civility that took place in 1967 with Fuller founding faculty dean Carl Henry.
USCCB.org, “Catholic-Reformed Dialogue Completes Documents on Baptism, Eucharist/Lord’s Supper,” by Staff, 10/27/10
Dr. Mouw is quoted in this press release, saying, “Our dialogue with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is extremely important for us Reformed Christians…it is one of the few instances where [we] have the opportunity to speak with one another.
Krista Tippett on Being, National Public Radio, 10/14/10
Dr. Mouw was featured on National Public Radio’s Beingprogram, with host Krista Tippett, talking about restoring political civility.
Time Magazine, “What Evangelicals Really Think of Glenn Beck,” by Alex Altman, 9/2/10
Dr. Mouw is noted in this article regarding his conversations with Mormon leaders and his larger work to encourage dialogue between Evangelicals and Mormons.
Christian Science Monitor, “In U.S., Atheists Know Religion Better than Believers. Is that Bad?” by G. Jeffrey MacDonald, 9/28/10
Dr. Mouw says that meaningful dialogue between Christians and people of other faiths will prove elusive—despite good intentions—unless Christians are able to master the basics of their own faith traditions, and become familiar with the basics of other faith traditions.
Christianity Today, “Culturally Focusing on the Family,” by Matthew Lee Anderson, 9/14/10
Dr. Mouw is noted in this piece about evangelicals, culture, and consumerism. His lectures on common grace (found in a previous article for CT) were paraphrased in this article.
Christianity Today, “Finding Christ Throughout—and Beyond—Scripture,” by Richard J. Mouw, 9/16/10
Dr. Mouw authored this article about finding Christ in the Bible as well as beyond the sacred Scripture, allowing the texts to point us toward worship and service of the Living Word.
Pasadena Star News, “Chinese Government Officials Visit Pasadena,” by Brian Charles, 9/16/10
Dr. Mouw is quoted in this article, commenting on the positivity of growing religious freedom in China. “We have witnessed that the Christian church in China is on a path of exciting growth with filled-to-capacity churches,” stated Mouw.
New York Times, “An Enduring Religious Web Site Is Poised for a Next Phase,” by Mark Oppenheimer, 7/2/10
Fuller President Richard Mouw is mentioned as one of the early regular columnists of Beliefnet, a website devoted to covering a diversity of religious opinions.
Los Angeles Times, “Schuller Is Not Retiring as Pastor, his Daughter Confirms,” by Jason Felch and Corina Knoll, 7/12/10
Dr. Mouw is quoted in this article about the false rumors of Robert H. Schuller’s retirement from Crystal Cathedral. This article was also reprinted in TheRepublic.com, Boston Herald, Modesto Bee, Columbus Republic, and other newspapers.
The Banner, “How to Be Catholic,” by Richard J. Mouw, July 2010
Dr. Mouw authors this article about the value and avenues for partnering with Christians of other denominations.
Kukmin Daily, “Korean Newspaper Features President Richard J. Mouw,” by Justin Taehyung Lee, 4/22/10
This article was originally printed in Korean in the Kukmin Daily Newspaper. Its translated version can be found here.
This article featured an interview with Dr. Mouw during his recent visit to South Korea, mainland China, and Hong Kong. Mouw talks about a life of faith, success, and the importance of doing God-given ministries in the places God has called each individual.
Christianity Today, “It’s the End of the World, and We Love It,” by Mark Moring, 3/5/10
Dr. Mouw is quoted in this article about the rise in movie attendance despite the economic downturn—particularly movies that highlight the “end of the world” or what happens after one dies. “In difficult times, our restlessness for more comes to the surface,” Mouw says.
The Christian Chronicle, “Review: World Wisdom for a Divine Calling,” by Matthew Dowling, 2/16/10
This article highlights the book by Max De Pree entitled The Three Tasks of Leadership: Worldly Wisdom for Pastoral Leaders. It is an edited compilation of 16 essays offered by scholars and ministers associated with Fuller. Fuller faculty members David Augsburger, Richard Mouw, and James Bradley, along with Robert Banks, are included as essayists.
Christianity Today, “Carl Henry Was Right,” by Richard J. Mouw, 1/27/10
In this article that he authored, Dr. Mouw describes an exchange he had many years ago with Carl Henry, founding dean of Fuller Seminary and the first editor of Christianity Today. “[He] grasped what I as a young theologian failed to understand about church involvement in social justice,” writes Mouw, and explains his own appreciation today for Henry’s “pioneering—and courageous—efforts to encourage a more mature evangelical discipleship in the broad reaches of culture.”
St. Louis Post Dispatch, “Evangelicals and Mormons in Dialogue,” by Rosalynde Welch, 11/06/09
Christianity Today, “Most Improbable Dialogue,” by Richard Ostling, 10/30/09
Both these articles touch on Dr. Mouw’s leadership in the ongoing process of dialogue between Mormons and Evangelicals.
Associated Press, “Lutheran Gay Clergy Vote Tests Mainline Churches,” by Erick Gorski, 8/23/09
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America voted recently to allow gays and lesbians in committed relationships to serve as clergy. The ELCA’s move is especially jarring and significant because “it is viewed by all of us as one of the more Reformation-rooted, broadly orthodox denominations” and takes its theology seriously, Dr. Mouw is quoted as saying. “It’s a huge, huge, departure for a church like that,” said Mouw, who has urged fellow conservatives in the Presbyterian Church (USA) to stay in the fold despite concerns about a leftward shift of sexuality.
Los Angeles Times, “Lutherans Lift Barriers for Gay Clergy,” by Duke Helfand, 8/22/09
This article also referred to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s decision to allow gays and lesbians to serve as clergy. “Those of who have been actively campaigning for a change of this sort in the other mainline denominations will see this as a sign that they should intensify their efforts,” said Richard J. Mouw in the article. “For those of us who have opposed this on biblical grounds, it is bound to reinforce the sense that we are no longer welcome in the mainline.”
Christianity Today, “The Heresy of Individualism,” by Richard J. Mouw, 7/15/09
This article by Richard J. Mouw addresses recent comments by Katherine Jefferts Schori, bishop of the Episcopal Church, denouncing the “individualistic focus” of evangelical teachings as a “great Western heresy.”
The individualism evangelicals profess, said Mouw, not only is not a heresy, it is at the heart of the gospel. “Many of us is the evangelical world have devoted much effort toward remedying what we see as an unhealthy individualist focus in our ranks,” Mouw concedes; however, “we evangelicals never downplay the importance of individuals–as individuals–coming to a saving faith in Jesus Christ.”
Newsweek, “A Christian by Any Other Name,” by Lisa Miller, 3/7/09
This article quotes Richard J. Mouw about the increasing number of people who are referring to themselves as followers of Jesus instead of the term Christian since they believe this does not carry as much baggage.
While many Christians applaud this effort to transcend labels and history, some also worry that “follower of Jesus” diverts people from the fundamentals. “Two questions constantly come up” said Mouw, “The first is Christology. What about the full divinity of Christ? How much can you keep that in the background? Second, what’s the role of the church in all this?”
Louisville Courier Journal, “Book on Angels Looks at Jesus,” By Peter Smith, 4/12/09
This article quotes Richard J. Mouw about the book, No Ordinary Angel: Celestial Spirits and Christian Claims about Jesus. The book “does an amazing job of integrating serious theological studies of angels with both biblical teaching and popular culture,” said Mouw.
Associated Press, “California Ruling Revives Gay Marriage Debate,” by Rachel Zoll, 5/30/08
This article discusses the implications of California’s decision to put a gay marriage initiative on the ballot. Fuller President Richard J. Mouw said he worries both about evangelicals’ angry rhetoric and gay rights supporters who portray gay marriage foes as homophobic and the equivalent of racists, ignoring the moral and religious dimensions.
Associated Press, “Romney Bid Was a Crucible for Mormons,” by Rachel Zoll, 2/9/08
In this article, Richard J. Mouw discussed Mitt Romney’s failed presidential bid, and the often tense relationship between Mormons and Evangelical Christians. Mouw said some Christian conservatives consider Mormonism not just a questionable faith, but also a rival political force. Mouw discussed living in Michigan in the 1960’s, when Romney’s father, George, was governor. At that time, evangelicals weren’t deeply involved in politics, and many supported George Romney.
Los Angeles Times, “More in U.S. Jump to New Faiths, Poll Finds,” by Connie Kang, 2/26/08
Americans are switching religious affiliation in ever-greater numbers or abandoning ties to organized denominations altogether, according to a recent survey.
“The presumption of a Protestant framework for understanding the American character is now a thing of the past,” said Richard J. Mouw. “We are an increasingly pluralistic society, and we Protestants now have to think about how much we can contribute to the common good as simply just one more voice in the American choir.”
Associated Press, “Angry Atheist Books Sell,” by Rachel Zoll, 5/23/07
Christopher Hitchens’ book God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything has sold briskly ever since it was published last month, writes Rachel Zoll, and his debates with clergy are drawing crowds at every stop. Sam Harris’ The End of Faith and Letter to a Christian Nation, Richard Dawkins’ The God Delusion, and Daniel Dennett’s Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon strike similar themes and have also been immensely popular.
Richard J. Mouw, president of Fuller, said the books’ success reflect a new vehemence in the atheist critique. “I don’t believe in conspiracy theories,” he said, “but it’s almost like they all had a meeting and said, ‘Let’s counterattack.’”
Mouw also said that conservative Christians are partly to blame for the backlash—that the rhetoric of some evangelical leaders has been so strident, they have invited the rebuke. “We have done a terrible job of presenting our perspective as a plausible world view that has implications for public life and for education, presenting that in a way that is sensitive to the concerns of people who may disagree,” he said. “Whatever may be wrong with Christopher Hitchens’ attacks on religious leaders, we have certainly already matched it in our attacks.”
CNN, “The Legacy of Jerry Falwell,” 5/15/07
“Jerry Falwell had evangelicals describing themselves as the moral majority,” Fuller Seminary President Richard J. Mouw commented on CNN’s “Anderson Cooper 360 Degrees” program. “…that’s an amazing shift of self-definition. And he used all of the means of communication available to him.”
Mouw said that Falwell understood the power of creating a brand matched by a strong ideology, an ideology he would bring to future generations at his Liberty University. “He realized that a certain kind of public figure needed to have, among other things, an academic community as a base, as a political power base. And so he established this university and was quite successful at it.”
Christian Century, “Communion with the Saints,” 5/15/07
In this reflection, President Richard J. Mouw discusses the issue of praying to the saints, exploring the differing perspectives of Catholics and Protestants. Mouw describes a public dialogue he had with a Roman Catholic priest on the subject, saying that he came away from that experience “a little less convinced that the theological case was as tightly shut as I had thought.” Although he holds to his Protestant convictions concerning prayer to the saints, Mouw points out that open dialogue on these kinds of theological differences can serve to enrich our faith.
The Los Angeles Times, “Theologian Aims to Clarify a Loaded Word’s Meaning,” by K. Connie Kang, 12/2/06
In this feature interview, Fuller president Richard J. Mouw reflects on the history, significance, and perceptions of the word “evangelical.” “To be an evangelical is to take seriously the cross of Jesus Christ as the only solution to the fundamental issues of the human life,” Mouw explains. Although this word has often become “tied up with culture wars,…we have a special obligation to explain what the word means and why some of us think it’s such an important label.” To read the complete article, go tohttp://www.fuller.edu/news/html/mouw_latimes1206.asp
ChristianityToday.com, “Shoot-First Apologetics,” 11/10/06
In defense of his dialogues with Mormon scholars, Fuller president Richard J. Mouw recounts an exchange between Walter Martin (of Kingdom and Cultsfame) and theologian Donald Grey Barnhouse in which Barnhouse shot a bluebird he had mistaken for a grackle. This accident became an analogy for the dangers of hastily formed conclusions about other faith groups. “It is not wrong to contend for the gospel,” Mouw recalls Barnhouse explaining, “but it is wrong to shoot first and ask questions later. What you think might be a grackle, an apostate, or an Antichrist might well be a bluebird you looked at in a hurry.” To read the complete article, go tohttp://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/november/27.98.html
USA Today, “Some Churches Rejecting Occult for Holy Halloween,” by Judy Keen, 10/31/06
Pastors who believe Halloween is a pagan tradition are urging children to trade pumpkin-carving and scary costumes for hayrides, contests for best saint costumes and prayers, writes Judy Keen of USA Today.
“More churches are spurning Halloween as interest in witchcraft, seances, and ‘channeling’ grows,” said Richard Mouw, president of Fuller. “At the very least, this means that Christians cannot view Halloween as just another innocent childhood ritual.”
The New York Times, “Christian Foes of Da Vinci Code Mull Tactics,” by Laurie Goodstein, 5/11/06
Laurie Goodstein writes that not all evangelicals are in agreement on how to respond to the Da Vinci Code film. Some will boycott it, while others will use it as a teaching moment.
“I think we really have to see it, at least some of us,” said Fuller president Richard J. Mouw. “It’s very important for some Christians at least to be able to engage in an intelligent discussion.”
The New York Times, “A Pulpit Online for Critics of the Da Vinci Code Film,” by Laurie Goodstein, 2/9/06
In advance of the Da Vinci Code film, Sony pictures posted a website featuring commentary from evangelical leaders. Among the writers are Richard J. Mouw, the president of Fuller. Mouw, who contributed an essay on “Why Christians Ought to See the Movie,” said: “It’s going to be water cooler conversation, so Christians need to take a deep breath, buy the book and shell out the money for the movie. Then we need to educate Christians about what all this means. We need to help them answer someone who says, ‘So how do you know Jesus didn’t get married?’ ”
The Washington Post, “Among Evangelicals, A Kinship with Jews,” by Allan Cooperman, 1/8/06
Alan Cooperman discusses the growing number of evangelical groups that are participating in dialogue with Jewish groups. He mentions the kosher breakfast that Fuller recently had for local rabbis.
“More and more, we’re inviting Jews as guest lecturers,” said Richard J. Mouw, president of Fuller. “We’re looking at rabbinic literature and how we can better understand the Bible through rabbinic eyes. That’s a real push for us.”
