The following are selections and excerpts from responses to the column on Mystery Seekers.

From: KEVIN GOWEN
I think you have just pointed the main reason out why many evangelicals are embracing Roman Catholicism or Eastern Orthodoxy. If it's mystery and transcendence you want, these groups have double handfuls of both. Compared to them, American evangelicalism is about as deep and mysterious as a comic book. Don't get me wrong; I am not endorsing either RC or EO, but am merely pointing out one of their aspects that evangelicals are deficient in. And it is a very serious deficiency. American evangelical worship is shallow because American evangelical theology is shallow. If the shallow theology is not addressed, then the worship will remain unchanged.

From: [email protected] (Kimbrough, Kevin)
I agree with all of your points. The second (practical application) is something God has been dealing with me on and my teachings. Too many times we tell the class "how to" correct a problem or "how to" live a Christian life that we lose focus on what a Christian is.... -- Kevin Kimbrough

From: "R. Mark Thornton"
... I couldn't help but think that it depends on where your congregation is in relation to the changes in worship styles. If a congregation has been keeping up to the times, I would agree wholeheartedly; however, for a congregation that is still in the early stages of transition, the decline in the level of "mystery" is probably still a welcome change... -Mark Thornton, Pastor, Cedar Heights Brethren In Christ Church; Mill Hall, PA

From: mwilson
Liturgy does not necessarily bring a sense of "mystery". However, in many cases, it brings a sense of boredom. I hope [the evangelical] church does not become "wanna-be Episcopalians." -- Mark O. Wilson

From: Khoo Tse Horng
Keith, what you said is true even in Singapore. I have one Sunday school student who went over to Roman Catholicism because of the element of 'mystery' in their worship. The priest does not take the central stage. -- Tse Horng

From: "Dr. Fisher"
This is simply an expression of appreciation for your comments concerning Mystery-Seekers. This was forwarded to me by David Troyer. You have clearly identified a weakness that has been increasing in today's Evangelical society. The warning is needed. I have often given a similar warning, especially concerning what you named as "God-as-buddy" theology. May the Lord help us hold a proper balance in our thinking and preaching. Most serious theological errors come from taking a truth too far and not keeping it in line with other truths. -- Wilfred Fisher

From:[email protected]
...I come out of a Presbyterian high church background, much like Episcopalians. The Hallelujah chorus, Nicene creed, chant for communion, no amen, and definitely no clapping worship service... My little word of wisdom to clergy would be, let us not use the information that "Americans are now in search of a God of mystery" as the politicians use the polls and seek to fulfill people's need. If we attempt that, we will simply manufacture "gods of mystery" which will not be the real thing. If we can "let God be God," God will take care of being omnipotent and imminent, at the same time. This will free the church from the impossible task of balancing God. -- Richard L. Stryker Rising Star United Methodist Church Hobson City, AL

From: [email protected]
...It seems that you are saying people are longing for the "holiness" of God. If that be true I praise God. But since I have not gone into the "fad" directions of the Church in our worship I wouldn't know if that is true or not...

[email protected]
Another topic that "hit" me. I started my life in the Pilgrim Holiness Church then moved to Nazarene, Evangelical Free, Missionary Alliance. I am presently attending a Lutheran Seminary. The first week I was nearly petrified of the communion! Who ever heard of the "presence" of Jesus in the bread and wine? I have now been there over a year and I find it very meaningful. Communion at the other churches I attended was a necessary task. Now, I find it very meaningful and an important part of my worship. The Lutherans can't explain it, they accept that it is a mystery!

From: [email protected]
In the book, The Purpose Driven Church (which seems to have replaced the Bible in