Chick Tracts?

[Whosoever]

http://www.chick.com/

Has anyone ever used these in their witnessing endeavors? This is the first I've seen or heard of them. I've perused their website a bit, and while I disagree with some of their minor (read: not related to witnessing) points--i.e. all rock music is evil, the Pope will be the False Witness--their tracts on salvation seem worth a second glance. Not to mention the vast number of languages they're translated into. Any ideas or comments on them?

[Jeffer]

I/we have used them for about 12 years with good results.
The Chick site seems to be Bible believing and sound doctrinally.

[dusty]

Hi Whosoever,

There's a poll on JC tracts in the Polls forum. Just thought you might want to check it out, too.

:):

[Whosoever]

Thanks, Jeffer and Dusty! :):

Wow, would never have thought to look in the Polls section. Good discussion going on. :thumb

[linuxpenguin]

I like them and I use them. I think people like the drawings and seem to remember them. I always thought tracts were pretty cheesy, but you can just leave them places and people do read them.

[Purple Kitten]

Are those little booklets or what? That's the impression I got from the website, but they seemed too inexpensive for that. What are they?

[KennC]

Chick tracts are great for weak minded, fear filled, gullible people and I feel sorry for any one who reads them, and yes I've read them. Talk about sheep chasing after the wolve with their little tails a wagging :wacko

Peace of Christ, Ken

... just my opinion :wave

Peace, Ken

[linuxpenguin]

Originally posted by KennC
Chick tracts are great for weak minded, fear filled, gullible people and I feel sorry for any one who reads them, and yes I've read them. Talk about sheep chasing after the wolve with their little tails a wagging

Peace of Christ, Ken

... just my opinion

Peace, Ken... just my opinion :wave

Peace, Ken

If you've ever done a prison outreach visit you'll find that inmates ask for them.

[His4ever]

I use them also. I leave them lying around and once in a great while I might hand one to somebody. I like them because I'm not real bold about witnessing but want to do something. I think people are likely to read them than other tracts because people like comic books. I've head a lot of people make fun of them, though.

[pilgrimian]

I liked Chick Tracts until I read his KJV-Only stance, which I think is over the line, and unnecessary. It kind of surprised me that he takes that view still. Some of the tracts are actually quite sound, with the exception of that bias.

[linuxpenguin]

Originally posted by pilgrimian
I liked Chick Tracts until I read his KJV-Only stance, which I think is over the line, and unnecessary. It kind of surprised me that he takes that view still. Some of the tracts are actually quite sound, with the exception of that bias.

Well, the King James Version is the version that God gave Moses on Mount Sinai. :wacko

[His4ever]

Here's something interesting on the KJV if I can remember the site address:

http://www.jesus-is-lord.com/another.htm

I found it to be an excellent explanation of why the KJV is separate from the others. Your opinion may differ, of course. It made sense to me, though. I don't feel comfortable with the other versions.

There's a link on the web page that you can click on to get a comparison table of the KJV and some of the others, also.

[pilgrimian]

Originally posted by His4ever
Here's something interesting on the KJV if I can remember the site address:

http://www.jesus-is-lord.com/another.htm

I found it to be an excellent explanation of why the KJV is separate from the others. Your opinion may differ, of course. It made sense to me, though. I don't feel comfortable with the other versions.

There's a link on the web page that you can click on to get a comparison table of the KJV and some of the others, also.

Yes, that is interesting, His43ver...

However, one has to believe that Psalm 12:6-7 is speaking specifically of the KJV translation, (http://www.tegart.com/brian/bible/kjvonly/psalm12.html) for Mr. Barker's/Baker's (which is he?) contention to be true. The Psalms were written in Hebrew. Any English equivalent to the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek of the Bible is going to leave something to be desired. I agree that in many ways the KJV is superior to some translations. I would say my list is as follows: ASV, NASB, NKJV, KJV.

Also, to say that any other translation gives a different Gospel is rather heavy-handed and not true. I came to Christ by reading the Revised Standard. The Gospel of Christ is hardly contained within one singular translation.

A number of Mr. Barker's/Baker's contentions can be explained via mistakes made by Jerome (specifically the Book of Life claim from the end of Revelation--which in the Greek is "Tree of Life"). I'm afraid a number of other things he says has some truth to them, but some unfortunately verge on paranoia.

What would answers to the following be?...

Is/was the Latin Vulgate the "word of God"? Why or why not?


Is/was the Septuagint (LXX) the "word of God"? Why or why not?


Is/was the Geneva Bible, the Great Bible, Matthew's, Tyndale's, etc. the "word of God"? Why or why not?


Which edition (year) of the KJV is uncorrupted? Why do they differ, even occasionally in words? (And if your response has to do with printing problems, why would God inspire a perfect translation only to have it corrupted by the printers? The common people would still be lacking an uncorrupt word of God.)


Who publishes the uncorrupted KJV? Cambride, Oxford, Kirkbride, Scofield, AMG, Zondervan, one of the Bible Societies, or one of the many other publishers? Why do they differ slightly, even occasionally in words?


In the context of Matt 5:18, define "jot", "tittle", and "law".


Define "circular argument" and give an example.


When you encounter an archaic term or phrase in the KJV, or come across a "contradiction", why do you rely on fallible tools (dictionaries, etc) to interpret the infallible?


Suppose you lived in the 10th century. How would you define "preservation" as it related to God's word, so as to not contradict the KJV-only position?

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, THE BIG QUESTION:
The KJV came out in 1611. Where was the "final authority" in 1610 and prior?

http://www.tegart.com/brian/bible/kjvonly/index.html


Godspeed,
Your brother in Messiah,
Matthew

[His4ever]

Thanks for the info. I guess you could be right. The debate seems to be ongoing on the subject. Fraid I can't answer all your questions, I'm not well versed in all those subjects. I just happened accross that site and thought it was interesting.

[antsinmypants]

I've used Chick Tracts... and have found them to be very efficient means of witnessing to people.
I don't think they replace face-to-face encounters, but help suppliment if you don't speak the language, or for leaving behind for people to find and read later.. or for the person who won't talk to you about it.

I don't agree with his KJV only stance, never did.
Ankerberg and Weldon have some great stuff on why the KJV isn't always accurate & about all it's revisions on www.ankerberg.com and The Facts on the KJV Only Debate (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1565074416/qid=1057935363/sr=1-3/ref=sr_1_3/103-8628648-3659863?v=glance&s=books) --a great book... very informative.

I've used Chick tracts when we lived in Spain, and they were the only ones that were inexpensive booklets-- that even had WORDLESS versions of the gospel that the elderly could understand. (many people born during the 'reign' of Franco didn't go to school past 3rd or 5th grade)

The tracts run about .17 cents each, unless you order in bulk for church or a ministry.

:wave

[kc78]

I will never use chick tracts. They are the worst piece of garbage I've ever seen.

[antsinmypants]

Originally posted by kc78
I will never use chick tracts. They are the worst piece of garbage I've ever seen.

Well, it's the best garbage that has gotten the Gospel out for the last 40 or more years...
:tin

[Don]

Originally posted by pilgrimian
I liked Chick Tracts until I read his KJV-Only stance, which I think is over the line, and unnecessary. It kind of surprised me that he takes that view still. Some of the tracts are actually quite sound, with the exception of that bias.

Yeah, some Chick tracts are truly an embarrassment. Dark Dungeons is a pretty stupid one, too. Many tracts also have the "demons are guys with horns and pitchforks who live in fiery caves" crap. Like anything, you have to separate the baloney from the truth when it comes to Chick Tracts.

[glorymj]

Originally posted by kc78
I will never use chick tracts. They are the worst piece of garbage I've ever seen. Could you please explain why you think so?

[pilgrimian]

Originally posted by Don
Yeah, some Chick tracts are truly an embarrassment. Dark Dungeons is a pretty stupid one, too. Many tracts also have the "demons are guys with horns and pitchforks who live in fiery caves" crap. Like anything, you have to separate the baloney from the truth when it comes to Chick Tracts.

Exactly, Don! I have to wonder if kc78 is thinking along the same lines as we are.

Godspeed,
Matthew

[TonyLee]

With an exeption of seeing the ugly demons with horns, I think the tracts are okay. There have been some that did not interest me, but overall I like them. According to some stuff written here, I would get the impression that these tracts teach a perverted gospel that can in no way show someone about Christ. I've read many of them, and cannot agree with "the worst piece of garbage" analysis. :):

Tony

[Schumacher]

As people have said, they are pretty straight forward for the basic salvation message - I saw an especially good one for children which summed up the need for the incarnation brilliantly in a way that kids will "get".

However... there are some truely terrible ones. Dungeons and dragons leading into Satanism and suicide, anyone? The famous "Christian rock" tract ("Who do you think started Christian rock? Me!" states the devil), the tract blaming the Catholic Church for both the holocaust and the start of Islam, and the "that's the way it will be" stance on some quite open end times scenarios (I believe he states that Israel will sign a 7 year covenent with the Vatican - well, we all know how open that is to debate, don't we?). From what I've seen on his site, alot of the salvation messages are mixed with the more "out there" stuff, leaving the choice of tracts as really quite limited.

[spadart]

Originally posted by Schumacher
From what I've seen on his site, alot of the salvation messages are mixed with the more "out there" stuff, leaving the choice of tracts as really quite limited.

I agree. I wouldn't dream of giving out some of those tracts to unbelievers. I know for myself, I would have run screaming in the other direction had someone given me one of those when I was unsaved! It is a great idea, putting things into comics, but when there is more "other stuff" than salvation it is ineffective.

Michelle

[pam2003]

I posted this on another board. If any of you would be interested just PM me.



I made an interactive CD about 2 years ago with the plan of salvation and a brief explanation of the rapture. I have changed it a bit as I added to my software and goodies that I use for my business. Anyway...I have left them at gas stations, on a windshield of a man that was very angry with someone in the parking lot, newspaper boxes in a few subdivisions and have even mailed some to people in hopes that they will click on them and find Christ.

I have a couple of dozen left and I was wondering if some of you out there would like a copy to hand out, make your own copies and/or mail to others. If you are interested PM me and I will mail a copy to you. If you are not comfortable giving your name I will address the envelope as RR Board Member. If you aren't going to use it to hand out as a "tract" then please don't request a copy. The idea behind it was to reach those that wouldn't read a paper tract but may drop a CD into their PC to see what it was.

The CD runs through Windows and will not run on an Apple. If your computer is ancient, it may not work. I have checked it on Windows 98, ME and XP. It is an AutoRun CD so you should not have to do anything but insert it. I am open to suggestions to improve the content. All materials used in the CD is completely royalty free and you may copy away! The only thing I ask is that you do not duplicate the disc and sell it at your church or whatever as it was not meant to be sold.

I hope it was okay to post this...all good intentions are behind it and I think it can reach many...

[spadart]

Originally posted by pam2003
I posted this on another board. If any of you would be interested just PM me.
I made an interactive CD about 2 years ago with the plan of salvation and a brief explanation of the rapture. I have changed it a bit as I added to my software and goodies that I use for my business. Anyway...I have left them at gas stations, on a windshield of a man that was very angry with someone in the parking lot, newspaper boxes in a few subdivisions and have even mailed some to people in hopes that they will click on them and find Christ.



That is such a good idea! The only problem I would see with it is that people may not be gun ho about putting a disc into thier computer that they don't know what is on it (ie. could be a potential virus) but otherwise a great way to tell others about Christ.

[starrs0]

I personally don't care much for Jack Chick or his silly tracts his KJV only stance is dumb and his assertions that the Vatican is secretly worshiping Satan and bringing in the Antichrist by way of a huge conspiracy is ludicrous and to say all catholics will burn in Hell is arrogant I just can't see that, I mean there are good things in the RCC its not all bad there are some real Christians in the RC church yes there are some who are misguided on some things but to say ALL of them throught history are going to Hell come on :rolleyes

[Elizabeth_S]

My favorite tract:

by the way, his KJV ony stance is over the top.

http://www.chick.com/tractimages87117/0001/0001_02.gif
http://www.chick.com/tractimages87117/0001/0001_03.gif
http://www.chick.com/tractimages87117/0001/0001_04.gif
http://www.chick.com/tractimages87117/0001/0001_05.gif
http://www.chick.com/tractimages87117/0001/0001_06.gif

the rest of it is at
This is your life (http://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/0001/0001_01.asp)

I remembered this tract from when I was jsut a small kid.

[Sana]

I like some of them. I remember the one that showed someone breaking into this Christian guy's house. The guy knew he was going to be murdered, and he was grinning his face off, telling the bad guy about heaven and how excited he was that he'd be there soon. So, the bad guy changed his mind because he wanted to go to heaven, too. It was funny.

Even so, it bugs me when tracts use Old English, period. This is the year 2003, and Old English is confusing and uncomfortable to most people, not to mention scary and churchy. It's not necessary.

I also hate when they begin with "Friend" or "Dear Soul." To someone my age, at least (25), or younger, that sounds way too churchy and ridiculous. Just as bad: drawn people wearing suits and ties.

Call me picky but the back page of those tracts also bugs me. Step 1-5, or whatever it was. Not very personable or explanatory.

I know, I know, God can and does use them on all kinds of people, I know. :D:

[Elizabeth_S]

I think that KJVonlyists will find out that God doesn't only speak Olde english. :D:

[Sana]

Yeah, even my mom spaced out for a few seconds when I told her that. :D: She's not a KJVonlyist (more like an Everythingist) but she looked like I was telling her something new.

:):

[linuxpenguin]

Originally posted by Sana
I like some of them. I remember the one that showed someone breaking into this Christian guy's house. The guy knew he was going to be murdered, and he was grinning his face off, telling the bad guy about heaven and how excited he was that he'd be there soon. So, the bad guy changed his mind because he wanted to go to heaven, too. It was funny.

Even so, it bugs me when tracts use Old English, period. This is the year 2003, and Old English is confusing and uncomfortable to most people, not to mention scary and churchy. It's not necessary.

I also hate when they begin with "Friend" or "Dear Soul." To someone my age, at least (25), or younger, that sounds way too churchy and ridiculous. Just as bad: drawn people wearing suits and ties.

Call me picky but the back page of those tracts also bugs me. Step 1-5, or whatever it was. Not very personable or explanatory.

I know, I know, God can and does use them on all kinds of people, I know. :D:

Well maybe Chick will come out with some more modern tracts for younger people.

"Yo! Yo! Jesus is the way! yo! yo! yo! fo' shizzle my sizzle!"

[linuxpenguin]

The problem with most tracts is that they don't have any artwork in them. This is what makes Chick's tracts stand out and is why people remember them. Instead of knocking them, why don't some of you people with a bit of artistic talent come out with some tracts that contain artwork so that they have the same degree of effectiveness that Chick's Tracts have. And I'd like to also point out, tracts are for non-believers, not Christians, so that has to be taken in to consideration. I'd draw some but I don't think stick figure tracts would go over well.

[Sana]

No need for that. Younger people understand plain English.

I was personally knocking lots of tracts, not just Chick ones. I think sometimes people forget that Christianese is a foreign language to lots of people, and churchiness tends to scare them away for one reason or another.

[Joshua's Gen]

I've had this 'bible comic book' since as long as I can remember, and I always enjoyed it since really young. I still flip through it even today, but I never knew what it named was or whom it was by until today. Mainly because it's so tattered and worn, and the cover is missing, heh.

After some searching it turned out to be a comic book published by Jack Chick in 1980 called 'King of Kings'. I absolutely love the illustrations in it..

I went to his website and just re-ordered it so I can finally have a fresh, not-worn-out copy. :thumb

[Jiggy37]

Several of them are ridiculous (see the Dungeons and Dragons one, the one about rock music, etc.) and unbelievers are fully aware of that, from what I've seen.

I won't post a link to the one message board in particular that I'm thinking of because it's against board rules (that and there's a rather heavy amount of cursing there; probably to be expected from a mostly teenage-oriented message board filled with mostly non-believers), but if anyone wants to get an idea of it, PM me...

Among other things, I've seen Jack Chick referred to as the "militant atheist's best friend." The guy was probably right, in all honesty.

[bopeep1909]

I have used them a few times. Jack Chick believes in King James Bible version only. That is not my belief. He comes down very hard on the Catholics,Mormons,Jehovah Witness etc. IMHO I think you can repel people rather than win them over to Christ with that approach.

[Walter]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by KennC
... just my opinion :wave

Peace, Ken [/QUOTE Sooooooooo because someone tells the truth their fear mongering? The tracts might be a bit dramatic but their accurate about mans condition and final disposition without repentence.
PS I`ve found Chick tracts a valuable witnessing tool. I don`t have the patience to talk to too many people so I let the tract do the talking.
Walt

[antsinmypants]

Originally posted by bopeep1909
I have used them a few times. Jack Chick believes in King James Bible version only. That is not my belief.

I have the same problem with that, but it was the result of several tracts, and my parents/grandparents talking to me about salvation that really made me think when I was little-- and I did come to accept Messiah.

I read "this is your life" and several others that he had at the time.. If it weren't for them, I probably never would have kept pestering my parents to explain how one was saved (and yes, I was reading them in kindergarten).

[chris_h]

Pam2003, that's such a cool idea! I found out about something similar here: http://www.united4truth.com/FREEDOM/

Re: chick, I don't like KJVO or his stance on Christian rock obviously (being a DJ that plays Christian rock and hip-hop, and being an unashamed dc Talk fan), but they're interesting. A couple months back, some people were handing "This Was Your Life" out in front of our Student Union building. I still have a copy of it.

I also like Ray Comfort's tracts: http://www.livingwaters.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=Tracts When I get back to school in January, I am gonna buy the IQ cards and "Best Tracts Special," along maybe with the Pressed Pennies. Imagine me giving away the Million-Dollar Bill on the air! :pound

[Walter]

Originally posted by kc78
I will never use chick tracts. They are the worst piece of garbage I've ever seen. Oh, which ones have yo read/

[pilgrimian]

Originally posted by starrs0
I personally don't care much for Jack Chick or his silly tracts his KJV only stance is dumb and his assertions that the Vatican is secretly worshiping Satan and bringing in the Antichrist by way of a huge conspiracy is ludicrous and to say all catholics will burn in Hell is arrogant I just can't see that, I mean there are good things in the RCC its not all bad there are some real Christians in the RC church yes there are some who are misguided on some things but to say ALL of them throught history are going to Hell come on :rolleyes

Yes, he is over the board with that. Unfortunately, his paintbrush is too wide. From the letters in Revelation we can see that the Catholic Church will have a place in the end times (Jezebel in Revelation 2). However, I would certainly not say that all Catholics will be in the Tribulation. Just like I wouldn't say that all who consider themselves Methodists, Baptists, or Christians will not be around during that time. But I can see the presence of the Catholic Church...though not believing Catholics. All believers will be raptured. Few "Bible-believing" folks seem to understand this. They have contempt for Catholics as a whole.

Godspeed,
Matthew

[Walter]

Originally posted by pilgrimian
Yes, he is over the board with that. Unfortunately, his paintbrush is too wide. From the letters in Revelation we can see that the Catholic Church will have a place in the end times (Jezebel in Revelation 2). However, I would certainly not say that all Catholics will be in the Tribulation. Just like I wouldn't say that all who consider themselves Methodists, Baptists, or Christians will not be around during that time. But I can see the presence of the Catholic Church...though not believing Catholics. All believers will be raptured. Few "Bible-believing" folks seem to understand this. They have contempt for Catholics as a whole.

Godspeed,
Matthew
Your wrong, Jack Chick dosen`t hate catholics. If he did`nt care about catholics he would`nt bother trying to warm them. If someone is a true beleiver how can they have anything to do with romes false teachings.

[Walter]

:B: I think this tract is amusing and explains alot.
http://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/0900/0900_01.asp

[tractsforchrist]

tractsforchrist<-------------tracts are primarily Chick tracts


tractsforchrist signed up for this board as tractsforchrist and has an e-mail for tractsforchrist@yahoo.com because she leaves this board and e-mail on back of tracts in hopes that if someone is interested they would come and talk with them and recognize her, even if that was bad

Tractsforchrist<-----------currently has over 150 tracts that she still has to give out

tractsforchrist<---can't imagine why she is jumping late into the frey

This is where I get my name by the way :D:

I use these as my primary tools as witnessing and I only use ones that I personally approve. 14 cents plus shipping is not that bad per tract. I am not KJVO and probably Chick would think I was going to hell with my christian rock music but I love some of his tracts for witnessing.

[Zerubabel]

http://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/0091/0091_01.asp

^^^^^^^ this one is my ABSOLUTE favorite. Every time that I've read it, I've ended up crying. :cry :): EVERY TIME. gotta love the face of the father when his son comes home.....*sniff*
Don't agree with everything Chickie preaches, but the tracts sure are nice :thumb plus I just like cartoons...

[Joshua's Gen]

Originally posted by Joshua's Gen
I've had this 'bible comic book' since as long as I can remember, and I always enjoyed it since really young. I still flip through it even today, but I never knew what it named was or whom it was by until today. Mainly because it's so tattered and worn, and the cover is missing, heh.

After some searching it turned out to be a comic book published by Jack Chick in 1980 called 'King of Kings'. I absolutely love the illustrations in it..

I went to his website and just re-ordered it so I can finally have a fresh, not-worn-out copy. :thumb

Got it in the mail today - wow is the color ever so much more vibrant :eek, and no tattered pages! :lol

[BlessedM.]

Jack Chick based his life on attacking Catholicism. How sad. Attacking Catholicism is in no way shape or form what Christianity should include.

[Walter]

Originally posted by KennC
... just my opinion :wave

Peace, Ken :B: Well they seem to have led alot of simpletons to Christ. We can`t all be an intelectual giant like yourself. Here are some testimonies from a few backwards folks

http://www.chick.com/articles/testimonies/

[WhyChrist]

Coming from someone who is "borderline christianity" (atheist/pagan backround but working towards this christianity stuff) ...


Chick tracts are BS. :tape

Someone gave me one (when I was first thinking about Christianity) and I said, "well, if this is christianity, then I'm out.... what hypocrites!!!"... I mean, honestly, if Mr. Chick really "loves" all these people, then why does he spend so much time hating them? ...and don't say it's not hate, because it is. plain and simple. Especially with regards to his tracts for catholics. Jack Chick hates Catholics.. with a passion... and they're fellow Christians!!... Now, seriously, that's just bad form.

"i'm a christian.. christians are all about love... but those catholics, man they are just so terrible--even if they do truly believe in and teach Jesus Christ as the Son of God (a core doctrine of christianity)... i think they do this this and this, which is soooo bad.. see? i'm so much better than them.. oh, but i love them!"
^^That's the attitude Chick tracts pass off.. Catholic ones or not. Even the ones for the "unbelievers".

[Walter]

:twitch It`s not hate to warn people.

[WhyChrist]

Originally posted by Walter
:twitch It`s not hate to warn people.
:confused Well then, Jack Chick must feel the need to "warn" everyone but himself!!:rolleyes

:freaked If Chick tracts demostrate "real" christianity... then I will forget about considering christianity. What a hypocrite! All he does is portray people he sees as "wrong" (especially non-believers) as ignorant, guillible, and stupid.

[Walter]

:rolleyes It`s your loss not mine pal
P.S. I realy don`t think you bothered to read the material You seem to be spouting your preconcieved notions.

[WhyChrist]

Originally posted by Walter
:rolleyes It`s your loss not mine pal
P.S. I realy don`t think you bothered to read the material You seem to be spouting your preconcieved notions.
Well, as one who is not yet a "Believer"... I bet I've received (and READ) more of 'em than you could imagine.

And besides, your attitude is only furthering my point. You don't "think [I've] bothered to read the material" but am "spouting [my] preconceived notions"... why would I have preconceived notions about Christian tracts if I am LOOKING into Christianity?!? I wouldn't be hostile to something I was thinking of joining, would I?:confused See. Right off the bat, just because I disagree with you, I have "preconceived notions" and haven't really read them. Well, just because I'm not a "Believer" yet, doesn't mean I don't know how to tell the truth. I wouldn't have responded unless I'd seen a Chick tract.


(EDIT: had to correct some spelling!:B: )

[ylf1999]

I dont use them.

they charge you money for the tracts and salvation is a free gift. so I figure that tracts proclaiming the message of salvation should be free

YBIC

[CamelPower]

Now Chris:they charge you money for the tracts and salvation is a free gift. so I figure that tracts proclaiming the message of salvation should be free
And the folks that supply paper and ink should do it for free.

And the people who work at printing the tracts should do it for free.

And the businesses that facilitate the distribution of the tracts should do it for free.

We could go on and on. . .

[WhyChrist]

Originally posted by CamelPower
Now Chris:
And the folks that supply paper and ink should do it for free.

And the people who work at printing the tracts should do it for free.

And the businesses that facilitate the distribution of the tracts should do it for free.

We could go on and on. . .

Maybe you should charge the people you hand them out to then as well.:B:

i thought christians were big on donations? i bet they could finance it all (still paying workers) without having to charge money for them...:eek though it might be a bit of a sacrifice to pull it off.

[Walter]

Originally posted by ylf1999
I dont use them.

they charge you money for the tracts and salvation is a free gift. so I figure that tracts proclaiming the message of salvation should be free

YBIC :twitch The price of the tracts are about a dime apeice. If a person gets saved reading a tract I think it`s a dime well spent.
Walt

[BigDave]

Originally posted by WhyChrist
:confused Well then, Jack Chick must feel the need to "warn" everyone but himself!!:rolleyes

:freaked If Chick tracts demostrate "real" christianity... then I will forget about considering christianity. What a hypocrite! All he does is portray people he sees as "wrong" (especially non-believers) as ignorant, guillible, and stupid.

Chick tracts take insensitivity to an extreme ... I don't think anyone is going to disagree with you there. There are more sensitive ways to witness to Catholics than to be mocking and condescending.

What you need to keep in mind is that not all Christians agree on everything. If you don't agree with Chick's presentation, then that's fine - don't let that stop you from becoming a Christian. It's kinda pointless, I would think, to discuss whether or not Catholics are saved or the proper interpretation of the communion/eucharist experience until after you have trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior. It would be like asking a citizen of China whom Toledo should elect as their mayor.

You are going to find people who profess to be Christians who are total jerks or who commit sins that you don't think Christians ought to be committing. I had a friend in college - a professing Christian and a member of a Southern Baptist church - who seemed to have trouble forming sentences that didn't contain four-letter-words. A particular former Virginia Tech star football player is a professing Christian and the son of a local minister and he fathered a child with a woman to whom he is not married.

Every Christian - Jack Chick, George W, me, everyone - commits sins and does things that aren't necessarilly sins, but that may not be too popular. But as the old saying goes, you don't become a saint through the sins of others. When you are standing before Jesus and He asks is your name in the book of life, you aren't going to be able to get into heaven by your good works.

Revelation 20:11-15 tells about the Great White Throne of Judgment - where the unsaved will be judged according to their works. And because you can't be saved by your works, anybody who is judged there is condemned.

You may see Christians doing things they shouldn't be doing, but please - don't let that stop you from being saved. Christians aren't going to agree on everything and all of us are horrible sinners who would be lost apart from Christ, but don't let that stop you from being saved.

[WhyChrist]

Originally posted by BigDave
You may see Christians doing things they shouldn't be doing, but please - don't let that stop you from being saved. Christians aren't going to agree on everything and all of us are horrible sinners who would be lost apart from Christ, but don't let that stop you from being saved.
So am I "saved" now on earth, or "saved" when God says so?:confused

[arcticgirl]

I grew up catholic in the 60's/70's. We were the only Catholic family in the neighborhood. We all went to the catholic school. We were poverty stricken, eleven children and my father was a janitor. Most of the rest of the families in the neighborhood went to the local Baptist or the local Assemblies of God church.

We had anti-catholic tracts left on our door step, local moms would give my siblings and I these hateful, awful tracts by Jack Chick. They were scary and mean spirited and hurtful. These Christian ladies never once shared the Gospel with me, they just handed the tracts and they wouldn't allow their children to play with us either, nor would they allow us into their homes.

I felt persecuted for my beliefs by this cadre of Christians thoughout my childhood. Their children also persecuted us, they would call out invectives against our church and us as Catholics, they were so sure of, and quite gleeful about, our eventual descent into hell.

Three of my sisters and I accepted Jesus as Savior in the early 80's. we did leave the Catholic church because of the loving leading of the Holy Spirit. Mostly it was being free to read the Bible for myself and having the eyes of my new born spirit opened to the truth.

I dislike the those tracts. I have never liked them and though I was exposed to them many times growing up, they were something I actually had to heal from when I got saved, they were part of a background of hatred and persecution that alienated my from the Lord.

When my father became ill with cancer and was dying, he also had to recover from the effect of those things used as attacks against our family by Christians. He was not saved and it wasn't all of the negative angry attacks that convinced him of his sin and his need to repent and that it is a personal relationship with Jesus that saves. That we can call on the name of the Lord not some intermediary other human being. It was the love of God and loving patient witnessing. In a sense saying the same thing: you cannot earn your way to heaven, the pope and priests and mary will not save you. Only Jesus saves. The Catholic church is in error.

[arcticgirl]

I just re-read my hastily written post and I wanted to make it clear that my father did repent and accept salvation in Jesus Christ before he died of cancer.
nancy

[Walter]

:rolleyes I guess the people that got saved reading the tracts weren`t so touchy that they get feelings hurt over some imagined insult.

[Elizabeth_S]

Originally posted by KennC
Chick tracts are great for weak minded, fear filled, gullible people and I feel sorry for any one who reads them, and yes I've read them. Talk about sheep chasing after the wolve with their little tails a wagging

Peace of Christ, Ken
... just my opinion :wave

Peace, Ken

And Catholics do not like them, cause Jack is pretty hardcore, and he pulls no punches. But his tracts aimed at the RCC are not all he does.

there are several of Chick's tracts I like, and they have nothing to do with any "denomination", they were designed to reach the lost, those who had never heard the gospel. Very compelling to me. Even afte 30 years, I remember a tract about a guy who died and God showed a replay of his life, as he lived it, and also how he could have lived it. It had a real impact on me, even after all these years.

[Walter]

And Catholics do not like them, cause Jack is pretty hardcore, and he pulls no punches. But his tracts aimed at the RCC are not all he does.

there are several of Chick's tracts I like, and they have nothing to do with any "denomination", they were designed to reach the lost, those who had never heard the gospel. Very compelling to me. Even afte 30 years, I remember a tract about a guy who died and God showed a replay of his life, as he lived it, and also how he could have lived it. It had a real impact on me, even after all these years. [/B][/QUOTE] You must be talking about THIS WAS YOUR LIFE. I first saw that tract about 30 years ago. It still make an impression when I read it.
Walt

[ylf1999]

Originally posted by Walter
:twitch The price of the tracts are about a dime apeice. If a person gets saved reading a tract I think it`s a dime well spent.
Walt

I hear what you are saying but I can find free tracts on line without a problem so I use them instead.

[WhyChrist]

Originally posted by Walter
:rolleyes I guess the people that got saved reading the tracts weren`t so touchy that they get feelings hurt over some imagined insult.
So then why do you FEEL the need to defend Mr. Chick by responding in anger to anyone who disagrees with you on his tracts? Are not you a bit "touch feely" yourself over this matter?

It's just a piece of paper with some angry words on it. If people feel threatened enough..they'll accept anything. but do want people converting to jesus out of fear? doesn't seem to me what jesus supposedly taught.

[Jiggy37]

Originally posted by Walter
:rolleyes I guess the people that got saved reading the tracts weren`t so touchy that they get feelings hurt over some imagined insult.
Some of the tracts are powerful and moving, no doubt, but it seems to me that many of them are in gross error.
See his legalistic KJV-only stance, or that laughable Dungeons&Dragons tract, or the absurd "Big Daddy" tract that supposedly debunks evolution (and I should note that no professor verbally assaults a student like that and gets away with it), those ridiculous portrayals of the devil as that stereotypical horned beast (never mind that he's not even currently in hell right now), depicting Christian rock as some sort of demonic force, and others.
My concern is that Christians are going about getting the entirely wrong tracts. I do believe that if one is going to use tracts as a witnessing tool, their purpose (the tracts' purpose) should be to preach the gospel first and foremost, not degrade anyone--there's certainly a difference between making them aware of a sin through story-telling (almost like a modern-day parable) and simply trying to beat them over the head with their sins until they get down on their knees and repent.
I just hope that, when selecting a tract, some discernment is used. Most of the ones that make Bible stories easier to understand are good, along with pretty much anything that's directed at children.

[Walter]

Originally posted by ylf1999
I hear what you are saying but I can find free tracts on line without a problem so I use them instead.
Hi YLF the tracts you use might be free to you but somebody had to pay to produce them. Rapture Ready is free to anyone who cares to use it but it`s not free. I`m sure it costs the people who run it a nice chunck of change.
Walt.

[washere]

I remember reading them in the mens room after i was done i would wipe
myself and flush um down.:wave

[Walter]

:rolleyes My what insight ,what intelligence, what class, wish I could think of clever things like that to post.

[Lady_Firehawk]

Originally posted by Schumacher

However... there are some truely terrible ones. Dungeons and dragons leading into Satanism and suicide, anyone?

Yeah... not to mention the chick DMing the game in that particular tract was doing a pretty horrid job of it. ;): No DM worth his or her dice would be that mean to the players in reality! (Now in-game is an entirely different matter... after all, someone's gotta provide the baddies to fight!)

Is it just me, or do a lot of people in this thread think the D&D tract was utter cheese? Heaven knows it's the butt of jokes in the gamer world! And stuff like that is half the reason so many of them are averse to Christianity... now if more Christians would show D&D players some compassion instead of condemning them on the basis of their hobbies, we could probably win more gamers to Christ! (Personally, I actually do play a little bit of D&D...)

Anyway... back to our regularly scheduled Chick madness! Some of those tracts, I really do like, but the ones that are supposed to be aimed at specific groups, I kinda think they miss their mark a bit... no one's perfect in their ministry, but I won't deny the impact Chick has had. :):

[Lady_Firehawk]

(Argh! Blerfy search function... didn't know this thread was so old. :D: Stupid double postie!)

[Whosoever]

Don't worry, Lady Firehawk ;): I'm amazed this thread has revived so many times. I agree the D&D tract is over the top, as is Chick's KJV-only point of view and his pointing to the pope as the False Prophet. I've decided that a few of his tracts are good for evangelizing, but I need to put myself in the shoes of the receiver when purchasing anything from Jack Chick or others. If I feel my intelligence has been insulted or start to laugh at what I see (i.e. the D&D tract) I know it wouldn't make a good evangelism tool. I try to pick the ones that center on people's excuses, like "but I'm basically a good person" or "Jesus isn't the only way, you know". I've found tracts from Chick and Living Waters that address those issues specifically, and think they work pretty well in tearing down the excuses and speaking the truth.