Laura Sheahen: September 2007 Archives

By Bill Hybels

I post my final response for this exchange with a tinge of sadness. I have never met Paul, but I find him to be a kindred spirit—albeit a much smarter and more well-read one.

His recent point about sanctifying society while we attempt to sanctify ourselves reminds me of a personal, sobering realization I made seven years ago. At the time, I was reading a book on racial reconciliation and found myself feeling pretty self-satisfied: I harbored no ill will toward anyone of color; I had scores of friendships spanning all sorts of racial and ethnic divides; and I encouraged everyone in my sphere of influence to be the very first person in every social setting to reach out a hand of fellowship and friendship to those of a different race or ethnicity.