Last week Max Lucado was on an EWTN program and I was very interested. Then for my birthday my girlfried gave me one of his books. I really enjoy it.....well, I searched on EWTN questions and answers and it was not favorable for Max Lucado. What do you here think of him and his books? Do you think he is "dangerous" to read? He brought me to tears when he wrote "God would rather die than live without you." What do you of Max Lucado? Would it be a sin to read his stuff? thanks, maryann

-- maryann (maryann.parker@citigroup.com), November 18, 2004

Answers

I enjoy Max Lucado. He is from a protestant tradition and has that slant on theology. But he is pretty ecumenical. His theology is pretty basic. Love God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind and your neighbor as yourself.

My favorite story by Lucado is:

Max Lucado, tells the following story with wit and style,

Some time ago I came upon a fellow on a trip who was carrying a Bible. "Are you a believer?" I asked him. "Yes," he said excitedly. I've learned you can't be too careful. "Virgin birth?" I asked. "I accept it." "Deity of Jesus?" "No doubt." "Death of Christ on the cross?" "He died for all people." Could it be that I was face to face with a Christian? Perhaps. Nonetheless, I continued my checklist. "Status of man." "Sinner in need of grace." "Definition of grace." "God doing for man what man can't do." "Return of Christ?" "Imminent." "Bible?" "Inspired." "The Church?" "The Body of Christ." I started getting excited. "Conservative or liberal?" He was getting interested too. "Conservative." My heart began to beat faster. "Heritage?" "Southern Congregationalist Holy Son of God Dispensationalist Triune Convention." That was mine! "Branch?" "Pre-millennial, post-trib, non-charismatic, King James, one-cup communion." My eyes misted. I had only one other question. "Is your pulpit wooden or fiberglass?" "Fiberglass," he responded. I withdrew my hand and stiffened my neck. "Heretic!" I said and walked away.

Max Lucado, A GENTLE THUNDER, p. 139, 140

If he brings people to Christ -- wonderful!!

If we by our catholic theology and example take them to the next step -- all the more wonderful.

If we harmonize our theologies and truly become the Body of Christ -- How Glorious!!!!

God bless,

-- john placette (jplacette@catholic.org), November 18, 2004.

John,

What does this mean: "If we harmonize our theologies ..."?

-- Nick (nixplace39@hotmail.com), November 18, 2004.

Max Lucado is a superb storyteller and a fabulous speaker. He lead the prayer and sermon at the White House prayer service (during Clinton), and it was fabulous. He has a tender but rivoting style that touches the heart.

What EWTN program was he on?

Gail

-- Gail (rothfarms@socket.net), November 18, 2004.

Gail, It was either EWTN Live or Life on the Rock.....if Mother Angelica has him on her programs, he must be okay.....

-- maryann (maryann.parker@citigroup.com), November 19, 2004.

Maryann, I believe that you must be mistaken, in one way or another.

You may have seen someone on EWTN that has a name similar to "Max Lucado" (for example, Matt Pinto). Or you may have seen Max Lucado on a different religious TV network (e.g., one that has both Catholic and Protestant programming).

I believe that the chances of Lucado being interviewed on a major (live) EWTN program are nil, because he has heretical beliefs, and the network does not allow people to espouse those kinds of things for an hour.

I have seen all the "EWTN Live" programs that have ever been broadcast. Lucado has not appeared on any of them. I have seen at least a portion of all the "Life on the Rock" programs that have ever been broadcast. Lucado has not appeared on any of them. I have verifed my recollection on this by checking at EWTN's Internet audio library, where we can listen to any of thousands of programs. (See http://www.ewtn.com/vondemand/audio/selectseries.asp.) Lucado did not appear on "EWTN Live" nor on "Life on the Rock." Nor did he appear on "EWTN Bookmark." The reason I decided to check "Bookmark" is the fact that Lucado is an author and videotape maker, and EWTN does sell one of his (apparently harmless) works for kids. (See https://www.ewtn.com/vcatalogue/pages/itemdetail.asp? itemcode=VJG&source=newitemthn.htm.) EWTN does occasionally telecast error-free programs produced by non-Catholic Christians (for example, a program about the Jerusalem Temple).

There is no indication, anywhere on the Internet, that Lucado (despite his Hispanic surname) was ever a Catholic or ever appeared on EWTN. He appears to be a very unusually mild (non-anti- Catholic) "Church of Christ" clergyman. Because people in that denomination believe in baptismal regeneration, and because Lucado has good things to say about Christians of multiple denominations, it appears that Fundamentalists Baptists cannot stomach him. See these for more information ~~~>> http://www.wayoflife.org/fbns/maxlucado.htm AND http://www.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/exposes/lucado/lucado.htm

It is not for us to "harmonize our theology" with that of Max Lucado. Rather it is for us to pray that he will accept the grace that God offers him to accept the fullness of Christian truth, which is found only in the Catholic Church.

-- Pellegrino (vaga@bond.com), November 19, 2004.

Hi, I was so sure I saw him on EWTN.....if the was not there, I apologize...it could have been the Prayer Channel - I know it was him because a couple of days later my friend gave me one of his books for my Bday and I knew right away......the book seemed okay to me and I was involved in it....should I trash it? Is it sinful to read??? maryann

-- maryann (maryann.parker@citigroup.com), November 19, 2004.

Regarding harmonizing... For there to ever be Christian unity, there must be a harmonization.

Our Church and all ecclesiastical communities are bogged down by semantics.

We can all find common ground.

But you obviously missed my sentence: If we by our catholic theology and example take them to the next step -- all the more wonderful.

Show me a Catholic evangelist in the U.S. that has the selling power of Lucado. We need one.

God bless,

-- john placette (jplacette@catholic.org), November 19, 2004.

Maryann, I don't know if this well help you decide or not, but Max Lucado (as far as I know) seems to stay clear of "dogma" and focuses more on simply the love of God through Christ. I belong to a small parish in the midwest. My pastor is VERY by-the-book, and yet he reads Lucado. Truly, I was a Protestant for 20 years before I converted and I know ALOT about Protestant "TV" guys . . . Lucado is one of the very few good ones.

(There are several Church of Christ branches, and Lucado does NOT belong to the wacky one that believes its the only church going to heaven.)

God Bless,

Gail

-- Gail (rothfarms@socket.net), November 19, 2004.

To john placette: I'm sorry if I misunderstood you or didn't read carefully enough.

Since "harmonization" means singing in two or more different voices simultaneously (e.g., soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, bass), it was possible for a reader to think that you might have been advocating "relativism." In other words, your word, "harmonization," might be misunderstood to mean that multiple, mutually contradictory "truths" could co-exist, producing a beautiful-sounding chord ("harmony").

Alternatively, your word, "harmonization," might be misunderstood to mean that the Church ought to "compromise" here and there, silencing certain "tones" of true Catholic doctrine that cause "dissonance" when sung simultaneously with non-Catholic error.

But apparently, by "harmonization," you are referring to the blending of complimentary, orthodox elements that one might find in the spirituality and/or theological writings of Catholics and non- Catholics alike. If that is what you meant, then I'd agree.

To maryann: Please do not let scrupulosity step in here. You need not discard your book automatically. The Church has not commanded us to avoid reading religious works by non-Catholics. I believe that we are only required to exercise the virtue of prudence, ceasing to read something that becomes an "occasion of sin" for us.

For example, if Lucado's words begin to tempt you to believe something that contradicts a Catholic doctrine or to doubt the truth of a Catholic doctrine, then you will have to be the judge of your ability to withstand that temptation. That may or may not result in your discarding the book later.

My recommendation is that Catholics, if they wish to read religious works by non-Catholics, do so only if (1) they have a strong grasp of all basic Catholic doctrines, (2) their faith is unshakeable, and (3) the written works are gifts or items borrowed from libraries.

To me, it makes no sense for an ordinary Catholic to purchase a religious work by a non-Catholic, since part of the money thus spent goes toward the advancement of a religion that is partly (perhaps even mostly) in error. My opinion is that such an action would be at least venially sinful (a form of cooperation in evil). I feel sure that many Catholics have never given any thought to this, and they may be in the habit of buying non-Catholic (even non-Christian) religious books or magazines or newspapers or music, so there may be some strong initial reactions against what I have just written. No problem, but I will stand by what I have written, regardless of the reaction.

-- Pellegrino (vaga@bond.com), November 20, 2004.

Actually John,

The only "common ground" the Catholic Church has with other Christian churches is those elements of Catholicism which the other churches have not rejected. It is the many elements of original Christianity they HAVE rejected that is the source of disharmony.

-- Paul M. (PaulCyp@cox.net), November 20, 2004.

Sorry to say but Hilaire Belloc said that Protestantism is one of the great heresies. "The denial of a scheme wholesale is not heresy, and has not the creative power of heresy. It is of the essence of heresy that it leaves standing a great part of the structure it attacks. On this account it can appeal to believers and continues to affect their lives through deflecting them from their original characters. Wherefore, it is said of heresies that they survive by the truths they retain." Max Lucado knew which ones to retain. He certainly rejected the Holy Eucharist (Jesus Himself) to begin with.

-- Joseph (jtg878@hotmail.com), November 20, 2004.

We cannot say what is in Max Lucado's heart anymore than we can say what is in any heart.

Could someone reject a teaching out of misplaced loyality to one's tradition? Is this a rejection or could it be ignorance?

I am constantly surprised by how little theology I know and believe me, I have been working on it the last few years.

What if a person had the right motives, but through their own tradition received the wrong instruction and accepted that instuction our of ignorance.

Maybe we should examine motivations.

What are the motivations of most active Christians?

Check out Chapter Nine of Mark's gospel.

God bless,

-- john placette (jplacette@catholic.org), November 20, 2004.

Dear Paul , its not often I find myself disagreeing with you but on the issue of promoting Christian unity I find your consistently negative "closed door", "take no prisoners" approach self defeating and contrary to the desires and commands of Christ and his Church. I know you will reject such a charge but it needs to be bought, if at least to hear you say something , anything, remotely positive or constructive about our seperated brethern and the need for unity.

Tell me if Im out of line,I know how much you value the truth, but for the love of God, the divisions have been rooted for centuries and it did not come about without fault on BOTH sides. You never seem to acknowledge this. I will dig up PAul VI and Pope John Paul IIs encylicals if I get a chance to really drive home the issue and reinforce what I percieve to be a rare flaw in your expression of our faith. Discusssion undertaken with charity, humilty, honesty, MUTUAL RESPECT= reducing division down to the point of absoulte zero = unity.

Hi John G

The Catholic Church has taught,at the highest level, that non catholic religious works can help deepen and understand your faith in new ways.Reading such works is certianly not "venially sinful". Many (all?) cathechisms (Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur approved) reference non Catholic authors. I will find the enyclical from Pope John Paul II with the relevant passage on this to help you come to terms with such works as his exact words escape me.

Peace!

-- Kiwi (csisherwood@hotmail.com), November 21, 2004.

EWTN answered my question re: Max Lucado and they found some of his stuff in their Religious Catalogue; they must recommend him if they are selling these books. regards,

From EWTN:

In checking our Contacts file, I do not find any dates where he had been on a program. However, in checking EWTN Religious Catalogue, I found reference to him.

HERMIE & FRIENDS: FLO THE LYIN' FLY DVD In this prequel to Max Lucado's Hermie: A Common Caterpillar (item #1181), Hermie returns with some tales of his pre-butterfly days and introduces us to Flo, a sweet young fly who learns an important lesson about telling the truth and nothing but the truth, with God's help. 1 DVD. 30 min. Item : 2803 Price: $15.00

HERMIE & FRIENDS: FLO THE LYIN' FLY VIDEO In this prequel to Max Lucado's Hermie: A Common Caterpillar (item #1181), Hermie returns with some tales of his pre-butterfly days and introduces us to Flo, a sweet young fly who learns an important lesson about telling the truth and nothing but the truth, with God's help. 30 minute video. Item : 279X Price: $13.00

JACOB'S GIFT-VIDEO Jacob and the other woodworking students are competing for the great honor to apprentice with the builders of a new synagogue. After facing many obstacles to finish his project, Jacob discovers some important lessons in life and sacrifices his best work for a far greater prize. A touching Christmas story from the best-selling book by Max Lucado. 1 tape. 30 min. Item : VJG Price: $15.00

Original Message----- From: Parker, Maryann [CPB] [mailto:maryann.parker@citigroup.com] Sent: Friday, November 19, 2004 3:39 PM To: viewer@ewtn.com Subject: Max Lucado

Was he ever on EWTN? I could swear I saw him on your station. thanks

MaryAnn Parker Citigroup Private Bank 212-559-4782

-- maryann (maryann.parker@citigroup.com), November 22, 2004.

Hi Everyone,

But you see there is a HUGE difference between someone like Lucado, and, say, someone like Tim LaHaye. Tim LaHaye ACTIVELY teaches a doctrine that is explictly rejected by the Church. Lucado may have a church background that rejects some of the Church's teachings but his books do not expound DOCTRINE. He expounds simple stories of the gospel, or expounds on the love of God, etc -- benign subjects that are NOT controversial to any Christian.

Taking this a step further, let me use T.D. Jakes, a well-known, hugely popular T.V. evangelist who has an enormous ministry and is all over Christian networks daily, as an example. Most people have no idea that he is a oneness pentecostal -- a nontrinitarian! So if a person were to read his works, or listen to his sermons, one would have to keep that is mind. There is also a popular Christian rock band, Phillips, Craig and Dean, who are also oneness pentecostals. Their music is very uplifting, BUT it is ever-so-slightly laced with their oneness beliefs.

I have to say, coming from a Protestant background, that there is A WHOLE LOT OF SLOP out there when it comes to Christian books and teachings. I would be very leary of ALMOST every one of them, except for a very very select few; Max Lucado is one who I "believe" to be safe.

It is a slippery slope to be sure! Great topic!!

Gail

-- Gail (rothfarms@socket.net), November 22, 2004.

"Taking this a step further, let me use T.D. Jakes, a well-known, hugely popular T.V. evangelist who has an enormous ministry and is all over Christian networks daily, as an example. Most people have no idea that he is a oneness pentecostal -- a nontrinitarian!"

Since T.D. Jakes is 1.Protestant and 2.Nontrinitarian, is he now one of our Separated Separated Brethren?

-- Joseph (jtg878@hotmail.com), November 22, 2004.

He is not even a "Christian" by most Protestant standards because he does not hold the doctrine of trinity, so I don't know that he could even be consider a "separated brother."

Every mainline Protestant demonination holds to the doctrine of the trinity as an ESSENTIAL doctrine.

-- Gail (rothfarms@socket.net), November 23, 2004.

Gail, I thought he did fall off the ridge after dissing the Trinity. But see, all his yelling and jumping are still attracting better yellers and jumpers.

-- Joseph (jtg878@hotmail.com), November 23, 2004.

Hi, I went to T.D.Jakes web site. His ministry is called "The Potters House" The following is copied and pasted from his "Our Beliefs"

....The Bible, the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, are the inspired Word of God without error in the original writings, and complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men, and the divine and final authority for all Christian faith and life.

God--There is one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in three Manifestations: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ--Jesus Christ is true God and true man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He died on the cross, the complete and final sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures. Further, He arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, where, at the right hand of the Majesty on High, He is now our High Priest and Advocate. The Holy Spirit--The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ and during this age, to convict men of sin, regenerate the believing sinner, indwell, guide, instruct, and empower the believer for godly living and service. Man--Man was created in the image of God but fell into sin and is therefore lost, and only through regeneration by the Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual life be obtained. Salvation--The shed blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only ground for justification and salvation for all who believe, and only such as receive Jesus Christ by faith are born of the Holy Spirit and thus become children of God.

The Return of Jesus Christ--The personal, premillenial, and imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ is our hope and has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer. Future Events--There will be a bodily resurrection of all the dead; of the believer to everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord, and of the unbeliever to judgment and everlasting conscious punishment. Salvation--The shed blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only ground for justification and salvation for all who believe, and only such as receive Jesus Christ by faith are born of the Holy Spirit and thus become children of God. The Return of Jesus Christ--The personal, premillenial, and imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ is our hope and has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer. Future Events--There will be a bodily resurrection of all the dead; of the believer to everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord, and of the unbeliever to judgment and everlasting conscious punishment. .......

So somebody owes TD Jakes an apology.

The Church--The true Church is composed of all such persons, who through saving faith in Jesus Christ, have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and are united together in the body of Christ of which He is the head. Baptism and Communion--Water baptism by immersion soon after accepting Christ as personal Savior, is a testimony of death to sin and resurrection to a new life and the Lord's Supper is a memorial service setting forth in sacred and symbolic manner the death of the Lord Jesus Christ; all true believers and only believers should share in it.

-- Meredith Montgomery (montymere@yahoo.com), November 29, 2004.

{{{So somebody owes TD Jakes an apology}}}

Why? Those words of his do not make him a Trinitarian (that is, a Christian). The words, "three manifestations" is very different from "three Persons." What Jakes believes is a huge error that was condemned by the Church long before the year 1000.

-- (a@ok.com), December 01, 2004.

Hi Maryann,

I have read several books by Max Lucado. He is a wonderful writer. From what I can tell , he sticks to the truth of the Bible. Have you read "A Love Worth Giving" ? It is one that a person could read over and over. Also I just bought "An Angel's Story", by Max Lucado. It's awesome. In my search of religions, I have learned that if I read the Bible often, and let it soak in, then I have the discernment to judge if someone is teaching the wrong thing. What I'm searching for is people who have given Jesus Christ lordship over their lives. Max Lucado most certainly has done this. He is sold out in love with Jesus. What is EWTN?

-- Meredith Montgomery (montymere@yahoo.com), December 01, 2004.