Letters To Keith (Introduction)

Rev. J.W. Deenick. April, 1992

Preamble: Even after retirement Bill Deenick was not one to let the grass grow under his feet. Over a twelve month period he wrote a series of “letters” on Renewal and Worship to a fictional person whom he called Keith. Although it had been suggested that he publish the letters in Trowel & Sword he gives his reasons for not doing so in his introduction below. It would appear that he did have a mailing list who received each letter through the post as it was completed. Likewise, we will not print the entire work in TSR as it runs for some seventy pages, however if after reading the introduction you would like to read more, send a request through the “Contact us” box below and we will send a copy of the complete work, as shown above, through the mail.

Letters To Keith

Dear friends.

A few words of introduction.

1. In my letters on Renewal and Worship I will address myself to ‘Keith’. I have many friends of that name within the Reformed Church ministry and outside of it, but none of these will I have in mind specifically. The Keith of these letters exists in these letters alone. Even in my own imagination he has not fully come to life yet, except that he is not a member of a Reformed Church, although he wants to be Reformed in his faith and in his theology. I suspect that he is a bit of a pragmatist and that he wants things to work well and be spiritually effective, both for himself and for others. He may even have an orientation towards success on the religious marketplace. But we will see. As this correspondence develops he may well change his mind and become interested in liturgical renewal. There is always hope.

I could be accused of sexism of course. Why Keith? Why not his female counterpart? I have considered that, but in the end decided against it. Later on, the exchange of insights in this correspondence may become a little heated and even somewhat gladiatorial. In that case I would feel more at ease confronting Keith.

2. I expect that in these letters many current issues and trends will come up for discussion, but if that happens we will not forget that current affairs have historical and spiritual roots, and we will dig them up. These underground connections may be of a theological or cultural nature, but they need to be brought to light if we are to make any real progress towards renewal.

3. My friends constantly warn me against being too provocative and tell me to reign in the combative side of my nature, especially when writing. I will keep their advice in mind, but I do not believe that in Jesus’ church we should always shy away from confrontation. In the context of our spiritual battle we should teach each other to think clearly and critically and my hope is that these letters will be of some help to that end.

On the other hand, I am well aware that the future of Christian worship among Evangelicals in this country and in the Reformed Church does not depend on whatever letters I write. We may trust the Lord himself for the future of his church. He rules and provides, while in history trends and issues come and go.

4. Some of my friends are worried that letters like these may cause polarisation to increase. We have enough of that already, they feel. I am not as worried as they are. I am more afraid of dullness and ignorance. Moreover, I sometimes suspect that their call for peace is inspired by a certain apprehension about their own side of the argument being in for a hard time.

It would not worry me that much if some find it hard to love me. It may be a useful test of their Christian character. After all, no one is forced to read these letters which, if they are not worth serious attention, will soon be forgotten.

5. I have been asked whether it would not be better to seek publication in Trowel and Sword. It would widen the circle of readers. That may be true, but I did not think that it was fair on the editor of Trowel and Sword to ask him for the publication of letters that are likely to displease, and provoke to indignation. a proportion of its readers. Furthermore, I do not want to be limited in my freedom to be as frank and forthright as may seem to be required.

On other matters I hope to continue offering material to Trowel and Sword. It is a long-time habit that is not easily given up.

6. Those who have read C.S. Lewis’ Letters to Malcolm, about prayer, will notice that I follow his model. It is a long time ago that I read these letters and I cannot find my copy back among the Lewis books I still have; but at the time I much enjoyed that book and for the purpose I have in mind Lewis’ letters seem a good model to follow, even though I am well aware of my limitations. As far as these letters are concerned I have no higher hopes and ambitions than that they may be readable. As literature they will only be of negative value. Nor will there be a desk-editor for the correction and the streamlining of the English.

7. Some have asked whether I can manage financially. So far in my life I have been able to, be it at times only just. With my wonderful wife no longer there to keep an eye on things, the situation has not improved.

To be honest, I have not given that aspect of this undertaking any thought yet. I do not expect it to give any problem to anyone. I have received some kind donations for which I am truly thankful. We will see how we go. I will keep you posted. For the time being I am in no trouble.

Thank you for your moral support and prayers

Yours in Christ. 

J.W.Deenick

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