Email to the Apostle Paul

From: MissionCommittee@ReformedChurches.com

To: ApostlePaul@Greece.com

We recently received a copy of your letter to the Galatians. The committee has directed me to inform you of a number of things which deeply concern us.

First, we find your language to be intemperate. In your letter, after a brief greeting to the Galatians, you immediately attack your opponents by claiming they want to “pervert the gospel of Christ”. You then say that such men should be regarded as “accursed” and call them “false brethren”. Would it not be more charitable to give them the benefit of the doubt - at least until the General Synod has adjudicated the matter? To make the situation worse, you later say, “I would that they even were cut off which trouble you”. Is such a statement really fitting for a Christian minister? Paul we really feel the need to caution you about the tone of your epistles. You come across in an abrasive manner. In some of your letters you have even mentioned names. This practice has, no doubt, upset the friends of Hymenaeus, Alexander and others. After all, many persons were first introduced to the Christian faith under the ministries of these men. Although some of our missionaries have manifested regrettable shortcomings, it can only stir up bad feeling when you speak of these men in a derogatory manner. Paul, I believe you should strive for a more moderate posture. Should you not try to win those in error by displaying a sweeter spirit? By your outspokenness, you have diminished your opportunities for future influence. If you had worked more quietly, you might have been asked to serve on a committee appointed to study the issue. You could then have contributed your insights by helping to draft a good committee paper on the theological position of the Judaizers, without having to drag personalities into the dispute. Besides, Paul, we need to maintain unity among those who profess belief in Christ. The Judaizers at least stand with us as we confront the surrounding paganism and humanism which prevail in our culture. The Judaizers are our allies in our struggles against abortion, homosexuality, government tyranny, etc. We cannot afford to allow differences over doctrinal minutia to obscure this fact. Questions have been raised about the comments of your letter, as well as your style.

The committee questions the propriety of the doctrinaire structure of your letter. Is it wise to plague young Christians, like the Galatians, with heavy theological issues? In a couple of places, you allude to the doctrine of election. You also enter into a lengthy discussion of the law. Perhaps you could have proved your case in some other ways. Your letter is so doctrinaire, it will probably serve only to polarize the differing factions within the churches. We need to stress unity, instead of broaching issues which accent divisions. In one place you wrote, “Behold, I say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.” Paul, you have a tendency to describe things strictly in black and white, as if there were no gray areas. You need to temper your expressions, lest you become too exclusive. Otherwise, your outlook will drive people away. Church growth is not promoted by taking a hard line and remaining inflexible. Remember, Paul, there is no such thing as a perfect church. We have to tolerate many imperfections. By reflecting on your own past, you might acquire a more sympathetic attitude. Be patient, and give them some time to come around to a better understanding. In the meantime, rejoice that we all share a common profession of faith in Christ, since we have all been baptized in His name.

This fictious letter was adapted from an article by Kevin Reed which originally appeared in the Trinity Review.