Excellent ... but no scripture

At some level, the following article truly saddens me because it is so good, such an excellent example of faith-based journalism, yet doesn't qualify for the Amy Writing Awards.

On 4/14/06, Richard Wightman Fox tells the powerful story of how Abraham Lincoln was "The President Who Died for Us," (New York Times). He starts by telling us that Lincoln was shot on Good Friday, April 14, 1865, and his popularity caused instant comparison with Jesus.

Here is an excerpt:

...
Jesus had saved humanity, or at least some portion of it, from eternal damnation. Lincoln had saved the nation from the civic equivalent of damnation: the dissolution that had always bedeviled republics. "Jesus Christ died for the world," said the Rev. C. B. Crane in Hartford. "Abraham Lincoln died for his country."
...
Most American Christians turned to the Jesus analogy because they realized how much they loved Lincoln. They took his loss as personal, often comparing it to a death in the family. Many felt attached to Lincoln almost as they felt attached to Jesus. The striving rail-splitter from Illinois and the simple carpenter from Nazareth resembled them, the people. In contrast, while still heroic, Washington seemed more distant, even aloof.
... Read more>>

Most writers of faith-based articles have the opportunity to reinforce their story with truths found in scripture, but don't take it, or worse, have editors cut such citations out. There probably was one or two opportunities in this piece too, although I feel unqualified to offer any suggestions to Mr. Fox, who wrought such a superb piece.

Most excellent, Mr. Fox. Keep up the good work! I hope to see some of your writing make it into our annual contest.

Submitted by
Bruce Umpstead