For this issue exploring the goodness of humanity, we’ve decided to republish this classic article by Donald Matzat from Modern Reformation’s very first year of publication (the November/December 1992 issue). Here, Matzat addresses the twofold way we must think of our self-worth, whether before God or before others. If we want to affirm both, Matzat […]
Wednesday, 01 March, 2023 by Donald G. Matzat
We are living in a society permeated with the concept of self-esteem. The gurus of humanistic psychology have convinced us that feeling good about ourselves is one of our basic felt needs. A positive self-image has become the sine qua non of human growth and success. Many evangelical churches, including many who find their roots […]
Friday, 03 August, 2007 by Donald G. Matzat
Almost thirty years ago, I got involved in the charismatic movement. And that involvement has continued to influence my thinking over the last decade. In 1971, I visited the prayer and praise gathering of a charismatic community in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I was impressed, to say the least. Why, I asked, would a mixture of […]
Thursday, 07 June, 2007 by Donald G. Matzat
If you were to ask evangelicals, "Why should God forgive your sins?," you would probably receive several answers. Most would probably say, "God forgives me because he loves me." But others might reply, "God forgives me because I repented of all known sins." And still others might answer, "God forgives me because I prayed the […]
Tuesday, 15 May, 2007 by Donald G. Matzat
Could Christianity survive without the gospel? In some quarters, including some fairly close to home, the answer seems to be in the affirmative. We still hear the laity using the lingo from the past, but the theological language of scripture is being increasingly replaced with psychological terminology. Of course, language is not as important as […]
Sunday, 01 November, 1992 by Donald G. Matzat