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Looking Like the Devil?

The likeness of the devil on the cover of Charisma is not what Scripture depicts (“The Angel Who Fell From Heaven” by Mark A. Pearson, October). He doesn’t look like a monster. He’s a beautiful angel of light created by God, and he’s smart. How else could he have duped billions of sinners into rebellion? If I had a “spiritual” camera, I’d send you a picture of him.
Don Hebard
Lake Oswego, Oregon

More From Catholics

I was deeply shocked at the mean-spirited comments from individuals who claim to be Christians and yet have such hatred for Catholics. It is sad to see such venom toward my faith. I am as Christian as the people who wrote those anti-Catholic letters.

I believe in respecting other faiths and not casting the first stone. I love my faith and the blessings I have gained.
Cinda Lippman
Sparks, Nevada

What an awesome man of God Pope John Paul II was! Thank you for putting him on the cover of your June issue.

Having grown up in the 1960s and 1970s, we Catholics who were filled with the Holy Spirit at that time had experiences that were sometimes hard to put into words. But the pope knew what we couldn’t explain.

I suspected all along that Pope Benedict XVI, whom I prayed would become John Paul’s successor, is a man of the Spirit as well. Now the revival that John Paul spent so many hours praying for must surely be here!
name withheld

I’m a Catholic charismatic and very much a Christian. A lot of Catholics read your magazine, and we respect everyone in other faiths. Please let your other readers who have hate in their hearts know that we forgive them. Love is the true message of the gospel. We love the Lord too.
Vangie Santos
Oakdale, California

Midwives With a Mission

I was delighted to read about Hilary Overton’s unique ministry in the Philippines, Glory Reborn (News, September). It is evidence of what God can do with a life fully yielded to him, regardless of age, experience or circumstances.

I praise God for Overton and her husband, David, and the midwives who serve and honor the poorest of the poor with Christ’s love. Thank God, also, for all those who support them financially and in prayer. Thank you for letting the world know about this little clinic in Cebu that has delivered more than 400 babies into the world!
Jane Maxey
El Paso, Texas

Joel Osteen

Stephen Strang’s Final Word about Joel Osteen (“The Osteen Legacy,” September) was greatly appreciated. Osteen, as Strang commented, “represents the best of what has come out of the charismatic community.” And Joel has promised to walk in integrity and live a godly life. That alone would make him unique in charismatic circles.
Keith W. Mitchell
via e-mail

I’m missing how Joel Osteen’s ministry is carrying on his father’s legacy when there are few similarities in their ministries. Yes, Pastor Joel reaches millions. But I don’t believe he provides strong spiritual leadership. He preaches a feel-good, motivational gospel rather than leading the way to repentance.

In recent interviews he said he believed same-sex marriage was not what God intended, neither was abortion the best, but he doesn’t call anyone a sinner. He also said he doesn’t use the word “sinner.”

Thank God that “while we were sinners, Christ died for us.” If we weren’t sinners, Jesus died for nothing.
Teri Hamrick
Marietta, Georgia

Joel Osteen said on Larry King Live that he doesn’t use the word “sin.” That troubles me. If we don’t talk about sin, then we don’t need to talk about repentance and the need for Christ’s atonement.

Isn’t sin the reason man is separated from God? If the pastor of the largest, fastest-growing church in America doesn’t talk about sin, I fear for the church.
Rev. Lincoln Murdoch
All Nations Church
Peoria, Arizona

In Defense of T.D Jakes

Your article on T.D. Jakes’ MegaFest event in Atlanta reported that a protester stood outside the auditorium and criticized Jakes for having performers like Gladys Knight (News, October). I believe God can use MegaFest to reach families and the unchurched. You have to use your resources to reach those you can.
name withheld

The Devil and Hollywood

In J. Lee Grady’s online review of the movie The Exorcism of Emily Rose, he castigated the priest as a failed exorcist. Grady should know that there are levels of demonic activity to which he may never have been exposed. Deliverance differs from exorcism, and not all is solved with a wave of the hand.
Michael H. Brown
via e-mail

I cannot fathom how a Christian can write a review of The Exorcism of Emily Rose and say that it has redeeming qualities. Have we become so desensitized to the garbage coming out of Hollywood (even films directed by so-called Christian movie makers) that we ignore God’s Word?
Anne Sasso
Lake Wales, Florida

Editor’s note:

Our review of the film The Exorcism of Emily Rose appeared in J. Lee Grady’s biweekly online column, “Fire in My Bones.” You can access this by going to www.charismanow.com.

My Turn

I read the letters from Catholics (Feedback, September), and I agree with some of them. We Catholics do need more of God. As for others who criticized the Catholic Church, they need to be careful whom they judge. I am a Spirit-filled Catholic, and more and more Catholics are experiencing the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

If you watch evangelist Benny Hinn on television, you will notice that many Catholics receive healings easily because we have a hunger for God. The return of Christ is near. Instead of debating who’s a Christian, we should be reaping the harvest.
Sylvester F. Birchem
Sioux Falls, South Dakota