Interview with Terry W. Anthony

What inspired you to write Child of God: The Life of a Follower of Christ?

I was frustrated by how Christians fought each other in the public square in the culture wars. Some of the tactics used in this struggle have hurt our witness for Christ. I began to pray about these concerns, and then I began to write. This book is the result. 

What is Child of God: The Life of a Follower of Christ about? 

Child of God explains from scripture how humanity turned from God, which set us on a path of corruption that will eventually lead to our destruction. It shows how God works to rescue us and set us back on a path to full loving fellowship with Him. Child of God also describes the struggles we encounter, and ways to overcome them, as we walk with God toward the glory that awaits the children of God in heaven. 

What do you hope to accomplish with this book? 

I want this book to open the eyes of non-believers to what it means to be a Christian. I hope that God will use this book to bring non-Christians to Christ. I also want Christians to use this book to find the tools and encouragement they need to overcome the challenges they face in this life and grow closer to God. 

How can this book be used in ministry? 

Churches and ministry organizations can offer this book to their new members as a biblical resource to help them understand who we are as Christians and how we can live more effectively for Christ. Ministries can also offer this book to people who are not yet Christians but are open to learning about Christianity and what it means to be a Christian. 

What is different about this book than others of its kind? 

I believe Child of God shares the gospel of Jesus Christ differently in two ways. First, it uses poetry, examples from my life, and the lives of biblical characters to make important points. I hope readers will see that the biblical characters are just as flawed as we are, yet God used them mightily, as he will use us. Secondly, it does not shy away from important issues people face today that have proven to be divisive in communities and churches. These issues are addressed head-on in love from a biblical, non-political perspective so that people can see that Scripture does have answers for the problems we see today. 

What was your intent when you addressed topics that are sources of conflict in the culture wars? 

I have no interest in taking sides in the culture wars. My goal was to address these issues in an easy-to-understand non-threatening way from the standpoint of the Bible as an ambassador of Christ. My hope is that people on all sides of these issues can find common ground where we can work together for the good of all in obedience to Christ. 

What problem does your book address concerning the Christian response to the culture wars? 

Christians disagree on many issues, which is ok, but we have lost our sense of unity. We often do not demonstrate the love God requires of us as we face these issues. My book speaks to this from scripture to show why this is happening and what we can do about it. If we want to be the ambassadors Christ called us to be, we must act in accordance with our beliefs in the right way; The way of sacrificial love. My book speaks in depth to this point. 

Why did you use poetry in this book? 

I believe that describing the human condition and the struggles we go through using poetry allows the reader to understand better how the subject matter applies to them. Poetry can take the reader beyond intellectual understanding to provide emotional access to the subject matter. 

Why did you use so many Scripture references in this book? 

We need to hear from God concerning the subjects this book addresses. The Holy Scripture is the Word of God. It is the final authority for us whether or not we recognize this. Though I can still make mistakes in my interpretation of what God is saying in scripture, the more we lean on the Word of God for answers, the less likely we will be wrong.