Tony Snow on the "Blessings" of Cancer

As you no doubt know, recently retired White House press secretary Tony Snow is fighting cancer.  Christianity Today approached Snow and asked him about his thoughts on being stricken with a potentially fatal disease.

Snow's response is wonderful.  I heartily recommend it to you.  Click here: Cancer's Unexpected Blessings | Christianity Today | A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction

Comments

[Cliff]

Kim,

Interesting. I don't know if you saw his interview with David Gregory on MSNBC. The video was posted online. In that interview Tony was quite vague re his view of the afterlife and whatever it might be. Was not very encouraging re his own understanding of the gospel. I hope I'm wrong.

Cliff

[Richard]

My wife recently was diagnosed with cancer. I found Snow's comments on his condition and his reaction immensely comforting. I tell you what has "blessed my socks off" during this time: Michael Horton's book, "Too Good to be True," and the series of lectures he gave on suffering at his URC of Santee. What tremendous stuff! Three cheers for Mike!

[Dave Sarafolean]

It is no secret that Tony Snow is a lifelong Roman Catholic. His interview in CT needs to be read through that lens. While I appreciated the article I was left wondering how much of the Gospel and the Bible he really understands. Without that framework his advice is on par with Chicken Soup for the Soul.

[Dennis]

I found one mention of Jesus in Tony's article. When I read the post by Dave S. I understood why. I too hope Tony has a relationship with Jesus or else he is in for a rude awakening when he stands before God.

[Richard]

Come on! Some of us Truly Reformed guys (of whom I count myself one) need to get a grip. This story of Tony Snow--and his witness--is of comfort to those of us who are going through it, along with Tony. It isn't expected to be a Reformed theodicy--give me a break. If you want that, listen to some of the great stuff Kim puts out on his church's web site and listen to the WHI guys.

[Craig]

His explanation of his faith was foggy at best. His faith sounds like a mystic view of God.

[Dave Sarafolean]

Richard,

Don't be too harsh here. I'm not looking for a reformed theodicy from Tony Snow. I just don't hear anything that remotely resembles evangelical faith (in the broad sense of the term). My understanding is that he remains a practicing Roman Catholic. Hence, his interview utilizes many 'evangelical' terms without clearly affirming that he embraces 'evangelical' definitions of those terms.

The fact the Christianity Today ran the article putting forth Snow as 'one of us' is troubling. I need more information before I can endorse him as an evangelical or recommend his interview to those who are suffering.

[Larry Jackson]

How many times must one use Jesus' name to be truly Christian? Catholic friends of mine whose faith can not be doubted seldom use Jesus' name out of reverence to His Holiness. Just what are the Evangelical word clues to reveal true faith? I can't find the one true rulebook on that (tho I'm sure there are dozens to choose from). Beyond the statements of orthodox faith found in the ancient creeds live,"The Knights who say 'niche!'". Fellow believers who can only criticize Mr. Snow's eloquent expression of Christian hope in the face of death need prayers for humility and grace.