A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER
THE 2005 UMW READING PROGRAM LIST

          United Methodist Women should be seriously concerned about the books selected through the Women’s Division for the 2005 UMW Reading Program.  Red flags are in order with the featuring of Bishop Joseph Sprague’s book, Affirmations of a Dissenter.  The content of Bishop Sprague’s book has been questioned by numerous individuals, including Bishop Timothy Whitaker, Florida Annual Conference.  In this book Bishop Sprague denounces most of the historic doctrines of the Christian faith, including the divinity of Christ, the virgin birth, the miracles of Jesus, the atonement and the resurrection.  With all of the controversy swirling around this book, one would not have expected it to show up on the UMW reading list.

It is equally perplexing to see War, Racism and Economic Injustice: The Global Ravages of Capitalism by none other than Fidel Castro!  One would expect an assessment of capitalism from someone other than the communist dictator of Cuba under whose leadership the nation is experiencing a failing economy, widespread poverty, political repression and an impoverished population.

If there were only two books to concern UMW members, regardless of how outlandish they may be, we might say someone just made two very inappropriate selections.  But, the RENEW review team found that many other books are problematic.  A look at the publishers from which most of the Reading Program books are selected increased their suspicion that the books recommended to the women of the church are largely contrary to their Christian faith and Biblical worldview, and that they fail to provide a balanced and   accurate perspective on many political, social and theological issues.

You may send for the Analysis of the 2005 UMW Reading Program List by using the order form in this newsletter.

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