Comments on: Book Review: Crazy for God

By: Jodie Howerton

Jodie Howerton — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 07:50:00 +0000

And here I was, anticipating that you and Kelly would review Twilight……

By: Roger Koskela

Roger Koskela — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 22:41:53 +0000

There is certainly no problem whatsoever in talking “in front of me” (or behind me, for that matter:-). As you know by reading the book, Frank likes to use the “extreme” end of most issues to enhance the dramatic. He is the same way as a public speaker (really a fine orator, btw) and at the personal level as well. Discussions with him are quite “interesting” (as well as hilariously funny). I said you did a very honest and fair review, and I stick by that. In truth, his vitriol has increased a bit as he’s “matured,” and I’m not quite sure why. I remember him questioning the inconsistencies in the lives of those older “evangelical” leaders, but at the time it seemed more humorous than acidic. I grew up in the “evangelical world”, as did Frank, and much of the frustration we all felt with the “movement” ended up getting expressed in a variety of ways. This book reflects Frank’s feelings. In our case, we moved to a more mainline worship experience. Anyway, you did a fine book review; keep it up!

By: jonathan

jonathan — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 20:55:14 +0000

Roger, that’s fascinating! I had no idea that you know the family personally. (and it’s a good thing I didn’t or I’d probably have been afraid to talk about Frank’s book in front of you!). I’d love to hear your perspective and stories sometime.

By: Roger Koskela

Roger Koskela — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 06:09:55 +0000

Hi Jonathan. I was quite interested (and pleasantly surprised) to see your review of Frank’s latest book. I think you do an accurate job in your review, although there is much more to Frank’s relationship with his famous mother and father than comes across in this one book. I happen to know Frank quite well and still communicate with him several times a year. Back in the 70′s my promotional company in San Jose, CA was involved in doing work for Schaeffer V Productions, the company that in one form or another produced the two Schaeffer book and film series’, “How Should We Then Live?” and “Whatever Happened To the Human Race?”. We knew Francis & Edith fairly well, but never saw the “struggle” side Frank depicts in the book. It was an incredible experience to be involved with them back then, and we have many wonderful memories, but, as well, could probably add many more to the sad “evangelical” stories Frank often “colorfully” describes. Next time we have opportunity to get together I’ll bore you with a few “stories” if you have any interest. The life and times of the Schaeffers is a most interesting, often soap-operish, saga. BTW, all is not lost with Frank; his faith has just “morphed” a bit. -Cousin Roger