While Europe Slept

"Europe cannot remember who she is unless she remembers that she is the child not only of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds and the Enlightenment but also of Judaism and Christianity—the child, therefore, of Catholicism and the Reformation. If Europe abandons her religious heritage, the idea of Europe dies. And Europe has abandoned, or forgotten, her religious heritage. Europe is now “post-Christian.” What does this mean? What does it portend?" ~ Jean Bethke Elshtain, the late American ethicist and political philosopher

Although Elshtain "...speak(s) here not of faith but of sustaining cultural memory...", her 2009 essay While Europe Slept is a thoughtful analysis of Europe's floundering self-identify and cultural malaise.

The Faculté Jean Calvin (Aix-en-Provence, France) is one of a few points of light in Europe that not only help to retain its fading memory of the Reformation; but most importantly, trains and prepares those who minister in calling Europe back to the Faith of the Reformation.

The Huguenot Fellowship's primary mission is to support the Faculté in order to keep its light shining brightly in the spiritual twilight of France. 

Please share this post with friends who may have a burden for the spiritual renewal of France and Europe.

Click here to read Elshtain's entire essay While Europe Slept.

Enduring The Race That Is Set Before Us

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. ~ Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)

Quant à nous, nous sommes entourés de cette grande foule de témoins. Débarrassons-nous donc de tout ce qui alourdit notre marche, en particulier du péché qui s’accroche si facilement à nous, et courons résolument la course qui nous est proposée. Gardons les yeux fixés sur Jésus, dont notre foi dépend du commencement à la fin. Il a accepté de mourir sur la croix, sans tenir compte de la honte attachée à une telle mort, parce qu’il avait en vue la joie qui lui était réservée ; et maintenant il siège à la droite du trône de Dieu. ~ Hébreux 12:1-2 (La Bible en français courant)

Declaring the Faith to Those Disappointed with Secularization

Dear Friends,

       France has long been considered one of the most secular countries in the world. Its policy of laïcité keeps anything smacking of religion out of public life, to the point where there is serious legislation limiting the size and prominence of symbols such as the cross or the hijab. But it doesn’t take much to see another ethos coming to the surface.

       The left-leaning Nouvel Observateur recently asked, “Why the devil are all five leading presidential candidates Catholics?” Despite declining numbers attending mass, one quarter of the French population considers itself Catholiques engagés. And everyone, Protestant, Catholic or secularist, is newly fascinated by Martin Luther on the five hundredth anniversary of his posting the 95 Theses on the Castle door at Wittenberg. Part of the reason for the new courage of Christians to declare their faith is the perception of a double standard applied to Muslims and the rest. After years of trying to comply with laïcité they resent how the media and politicians enforce the rules differently with Muslims. Time to stand up.

       Our Seminary in Aix is at the forefront of these trends. In a recent Carrefour Théologique, the annual conference held at the Faculté Jean Calvin, the topic was “faith and works: the biblical and theological approach”. Not only were Catholicism and Protestantism compared, but a special lecture on the role of good works in Islam was given by Karim Arezki, a converted Algerian now serving as a pastor in a large evangelical church in Paris.

       Our graduates are going into a society which has been deeply disappointed by secularization. There is a thirst for something more. Their message will not primarily address the unfair treatment of Christians but the great relevance of Jesus Christ for our times. For more information on the Huguenot Fellowship and the work of the Seminary in Aix do visit our newly invigorated web site. And thank you very much for your generous support.

    Very Truly Yours

       William Edgar,
President 

Huguenot Fellowship Soirée

Gert Kwakkel, Professor of Old Testament at the Faculté Jean Calvin

Gert Kwakkel, Professor of Old Testament at the Faculté Jean Calvin

On April 21, The Huguenot Fellowship (THF) held a Soirée at Westminster Theological Seminary near Philadelphia. Sixty or so attendees enjoyed a memorable evening, which included an address by Gert Kwakkel, Professor of Old Testament at the Faculté Jean Calvin (FJC) in Aix-en-Provence, France; special musical by gifted vocalist-composer Ruth Naomi Floyd, along with Bill Edgar on keyboard, and Randy Pendleton on bass; a dramatic recitation (en français) of Genesis 1 by Libbie Groves; an appeal for support by THF Trustee Paul Wolfe (next week be sure to read Paul's inspiring account of why this date/event has deep personal significance); a delightful buffet dinner; and fun rides around the campus in Trustee Nan Powlison's antique car.

Prof. Kwakkel gave an update on FJC citing 7 permanent and 10 associate professors, over 100 matriculated students, plus 30 students taking courses à la carte. Half of the students are from France and half from elsewhere, including North Africa and South Korea. Graduate programs include 29 students in the masters program and 12 students in the doctoral program. The seminary offers both traditional onsite and innovative distance learning approaches. God continues to bless the training of His servants at FJC!

For you who could not attend, your presence at this Soirée was dearly missed! We sincerely hope that you will be able to attend the next one. Meanwhile please continue to pray for and contribute to The Huguenot Fellowship as it continues to support the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the French-speaking world. Many thanks to you, faithful friends and generous donors, without whom this ministry could not exit!