April 8 1996

ARTICLE TOOLS

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- I was impressed by the prophetic and sacrificial ministry of Eugene Rivers and feel he deserves the utmost respect and support from the evangelical community ["Separate and Equal," Feb. 5]. His incarnational ministry and Christian world-view scholarship set an excellent example for anyone.

I was disappointed CT put a controversial "spin" on this article. Rivers is outspoken, does not follow exactly in the tradition of King, and dares to be critical of integration as a means of progress for the black community. A reading of the article reveals, of course, that his emphasis is on biblical faith and spiritual transformation rather than on politics, he is not opposed to integration per se, and he is both a clear thinker and committed disciple of Jesus Christ.

Eugene Rivers's "dream" has helped crystallize the vision for my life's work recently impressed upon my heart. I now know more clearly than ever that I've been called to participate in the process of producing and practicing "state-of-the-art policy," which embodies the authentic, sacrificial call to follow Jesus. Rivers's poignant insights, practical wisdom, and courageous example provide more than enough conviction for us all to stop playing the church and start being the church.

James Cone writes in "Martin & Malcolm & America: A Dream or a Nightmare:" "No black thinker has been a pure integrationist or a pure nationalist, but rather all black intellectuals have represented aspects of each." Martin Luther King, Jr., and Eugene Rivers are no exceptions. Therefore, to present their views on your cover and in the article as polar opposites is misleading at best, and sensationalistic journalism at worst.

I spent one afternoon talking with two young men who had been rescued ...