Chick Tracts

[JonC]

I hadn’t really looked at “chick tracts,” but since it was mentioned here a few weeks ago I took a gander. I get the concept of tracts – but many of these are based extraordinarily weak ground - some on outright falsehoods - (I suppose the concept in these cases is that the end outweighs the means).

Would it be acceptable to utilize these for evangelism (the ones that are actually biblical) or would it be supporting the more questionable of the production?

 

[quantumfaith]

I hadn’t really looked at “chick tracts,” but since it was mentioned here a few weeks ago I took a gander. I get the concept of tracts – but many of these are based extraordinarily weak ground - some on outright falsehoods - (I suppose the concept in these cases is that the end outweighs the means).

Would it be acceptable to utilize these for evangelism (the ones that are actually biblical) or would it be supporting the more questionable of the production?

Just speaking personally, I would never conduct evangelism through the use of tracts. I can certainly accept that perhaps some are moved to consider God through them, but I think not so much.

 

[Salty]

They are more likely to be read. However, I am cautious as to which one I use.

 

[beameup]

I'm sure that a few of his tracts are OK. One has been around since the '60s and has been successful.
But he really goes off the deep end in regards to the Jesuits with his grand "conspiracies".
He is also a King James Only supporter (I'm just King James preferred). The FACT that the translators
not only carefully TRANSLATED the apocrapha, but INCLUDED it in the original KJV, tells me "all I want to know".

 

[abcgrad94]

They are more likely to be read. However, I am cautious as to which one I use.

This. Some Chick tracts are very offensive to Catholics and are not appropriate for children, like a certain Halloween one designed for trick or treat. I'd be very selective which ones to use.

 

[Gregory Perry Sr.]

Just my thoughts

As the man who runs the tract ministry at my local church, I am a big believer in the value and use of Gospel Tracts. I have used some Chick Tracts over the years and I will say that they are eye-catchers and do get read. I would also say that I have never seen one that didn't CLEARLY present the true Gospel. For the record, our tract ministry uses the excellent tracts published by the venerable Fellowship Tract League, a ministry of Fellowship Baptist Church of Lebanon, OH (www.fellowshiptractleague.org) or the Hope Tract Ministry which is a ministry of the Blessed Hope Baptist Church of York,SC. I would encourage anyone who doubts the value of tract evangelism to visit the websites and publications of these two fine Gospel ministries and read some of the published testimonies of those who have been won to Christ through the message of a printed tract. Both of these ministries provide their tracts "free as the Lord provides" They are not "businesses"...they are true ministries of local New Testament Baptist Churches. Tracts have the potential to speak to someone's heart LONG AFTER the person who distributes them is gone. They are, and always will be, a useful and appropriate tool that God can and will use to spread His precious Gospel.

Bro.Greg

 

[USN2Pulpit]

They are more likely to be read. However, I am cautious as to which one I use.

I would agree with Salty here. There are several that I wouldn't use, but there are others that are right on the mark. Their "flagship" tract - "This Was Your Life" is excellent.

A different story to go along: When I was in the navy, it was very well known that I was an active Christian. One day while I was deployed, the mailroom called me in because they wanted to be discreet and protect my reputation. A package from "Chick" had arrived, and they believed it was porn. Wanting to protect me, they delivered it to me in private. I thanked them, opened the package in their presence, and they got the first tracts out of the package!

Unfortunate name for gospel tracts, I guess!!

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

I'm not trying to be cute here, but I really cant see how a piece of paper, randomly handed out to people, can save anyone. For me, it took both the Power of the Holy Spirit & a powerful message form a noted preacher telling me that I in fact was a fraudulent carnal Christian before I could recognize my true nature. So I honestly cant see this as being effective.

Of course, I will concede that others may have different ways of getting saved, but this appears gimmicky. And again I'm not attempting to be condescending ....I just dont see any value to it other than for the company profiting by the sale of the stuff. Sorry.

 

[thisnumbersdisconnected]

I would expect tracts have about the same impact direct mail advertising or street flyers have -- about 3-4% actually read and heed them. With tracts, it's probably even less, frankly, given the attitude of the general public toward Christian materials and the gospel.

Evangelism is personal. People are far more likely to discuss their eternal destiny with a friend than they are a stranger on the street. Tracts aren't personal, and usually wind up in the trash.

I'm sure there are people who have heeded the message of a tract. But not nearly as man as have come to Christ through having a personal relationship with a Christian friend.

 

[quantumfaith]

I would expect tracts have about the same impact direct mail advertising or street flyers have -- about 3-4% actually read and heed them. With tracts, it's probably even less, frankly, given the attitude of the general public toward Christian materials and the gospel.

Evangelism is personal. People are far more likely to discuss their eternal destiny with a friend than they are a stranger on the street. Tracts aren't personal, and usually wind up in the trash.

I'm sure there are people who have heeded the message of a tract. But not nearly as man as have come to Christ through having a personal relationship with a Christian friend.

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

I would expect tracts have about the same impact direct mail advertising or street flyers have -- about 3-4% actually read and heed them. With tracts, it's probably even less, frankly, given the attitude of the general public toward Christian materials and the gospel.

Evangelism is personal. People are far more likely to discuss their eternal destiny with a friend than they are a stranger on the street. Tracts aren't personal, and usually wind up in the trash.

I'm sure there are people who have heeded the message of a tract. But not nearly as man as have come to Christ through having a personal relationship with a Christian friend.

Just so many missed opportunities out there.....and maybe the key is to be out there & pressing the flesh. My common question is always, "So how is God working in your life today?" Some get uncomfortable but the point is that it forces one to think..... yea, He is there working, or Gee, hadn't thought of that, or frankly my life stinks & then..... what ever. Of course they dont have to answer it, but it sets your agenda that 1. you are interested in their life & 2. Its your personal belief that God is active in peoples lives.

so my prospective, we can be so much more involved. We can look into the face & eyes of another & see a divine presence there....or at least the potential for one. so on another thread they address atheists. Im not sure there are many, rather there are more carnal Christians who are confused, uncertain, hurt perhaps, used perhaps and there is a way to handle that...... via Gods presence in love & mercy & justice. So as in John 20:27, like when Jesus asked Thomas to touch the wounds. That is what we are most fearful of......to personally extend ourselves. We would rather just send an e-mail.:smilewinkgrin:

 

[Salty]

I'm not trying to be cute here, but I really cant see how a piece of paper, randomly handed out to people, can save anyone. ...

You do have a point. One of my pet peeves are folks who just leave a tract wherever - with no local phone number, church address or ect.

Yes, a tract may spur interest, but there should be a local followup available

 

[go2church]

Not only no, but h-e double hockey sticks would I use Chick tracts

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

You do have a point. One of my pet peeves are folks who just leave a tract wherever - with no local phone number, church address or ect.

Yes, a tract may spur interest, but there should be a local followup available

LOL...gee, I would hope they would have ID stamps and stickers! That would annoy me too.:wavey:

 

[robycop3]

Yes, the "This Was Your Life" tract is excellent, but it seems that, over the years, Chick came under the influence of Ruckman and some other quax, and some of his later tracts are full of falsehoods.

And I agree with Mr. Perry somewhat about the value of tract ministries. Used to be, tracts could be found in many public restrooms and the like...nit just Chick tracts, but simple Gospel-message tracts, complete with Scriptures, that quickly and concisely reminded the reader that ALL have sinned, and that CHRIST ALONE is the only Person who can save one from hell.

Chick's tracts against Islam are somewhat on line, but I believe he would be better-served if he stuck to the Gospel and left off going after RCs & hawking the false KJVO myth.

 

[Gregory Perry Sr.]

Just to clarify....

I'm not trying to be cute here, but I really cant see how a piece of paper, randomly handed out to people, can save anyone. For me, it took both the Power of the Holy Spirit & a powerful message form a noted preacher telling me that I in fact was a fraudulent carnal Christian before I could recognize my true nature. So I honestly cant see this as being effective.

Of course, I will concede that others may have different ways of getting saved, but this appears gimmicky. And again I'm not attempting to be condescending ....I just dont see any value to it other than for the company profiting by the sale of the stuff. Sorry.

EWF...just to clarify...it is NOT a "piece of paper" that saves anyone, but rather, the message of the Word of God contained on that piece of literature that can be used by the Holy Spirit to reach out to the heart of the reader. That said, there are GOOD tracts...and there are also BAD tracts. I do believe we need to be careful about the "content" of the tracts we use and pass out. They should be Biblical and consistently and CLEARLY present the Gospel message that the lost folks we hand them too need to see.

Bro.Greg

 

[abcgrad94]

EWF...just to clarify...it is NOT a "piece of paper" that saves anyone, but rather, the message of the Word of God contained on that piece of literature that can be used by the Holy Spirit to reach out to the heart of the reader. That said, there are GOOD tracts...and there are also BAD tracts. I do believe we need to be careful about the "content" of the tracts we use and pass out. They should be Biblical and consistently and CLEARLY present the Gospel message that the lost folks we hand them too need to see.

Right. While tracts might not have a HUGE impact on evangelism, they do have purpose. When fishing, one uses a variety of methods--nets, lures, baits. When fishing for men, the same is true. We have church outreach ministries, tracts, door-to-door evangelism, etc. By some means, win some!

 

[Gregory Perry Sr.]

I would expect tracts have about the same impact direct mail advertising or street flyers have -- about 3-4% actually read and heed them. With tracts, it's probably even less, frankly, given the attitude of the general public toward Christian materials and the gospel.

Evangelism is personal. People are far more likely to discuss their eternal destiny with a friend than they are a stranger on the street. Tracts aren't personal, and usually wind up in the trash.

I'm sure there are people who have heeded the message of a tract. But not nearly as man as have come to Christ through having a personal relationship with a Christian friend.

I would remind everybody that tracts are simply a TOOL that we can use to extend our reach BEYOND any verbal encounter. The keep on "talking" AFTER the "witness" is gone. If even ONE person got saved through the message in a printed tract, then I believe God would be pleased. JMHO

Bro. Greg

 

[Gregory Perry Sr.]

Sad

Not only no, but h-e double hockey sticks would I use Chick tracts

How utterly spiritual.....don't be coy...JUST GO AHEAD AND SAY THE WORD!
Well...if THAT is your attitude then you must believe that there has NEVER EVER, since Jack Chick began publishing his tracts, been anyone saved through reading them. I guess anyone who ever thought they had been saved after reading one needs to re-repent and get truly saved...

Now...if you don't like Chick tracts, don't use them, that is your choice but I would contend that as a whole, they have been a fruitful means of spreading the Gospel. I've NEVER seen one, both before and after I was saved, that I could resist taking a few minutes to read...whether I liked it or not. That IS just ME...but I am sure there are many more like myself who feel the same way. JMHO!

Bro.Greg

 

[Gregory Perry Sr.]

I may require medical assistance

Yes, the "This Was Your Life" tract is excellent, but it seems that, over the years, Chick came under the influence of Ruckman and some other quax, and some of his later tracts are full of falsehoods.

And I agree with Mr. Perry somewhat about the value of tract ministries. Used to be, tracts could be found in many public restrooms and the like...nit just Chick tracts, but simple Gospel-message tracts, complete with Scriptures, that quickly and concisely reminded the reader that ALL have sinned, and that CHRIST ALONE is the only Person who can save one from hell.

Chick's tracts against Islam are somewhat on line, but I believe he would be better-served if he stuck to the Gospel and left off going after RCs & hawking the false KJVO myth.

LOL...imagine THAT...Roby even PARTIALLY or remotely agreeing with ME about something. I may need medical assistance here....anybody got a spare tank of oxygen? By the way...the "doored" stalls in restrooms are one of my favorite places to leave a tract. It's a very "private" place and those sitting in them are a "captive" audience. I don't worry about the results of where tracts are left. That is God's business and in His hands. It will be interesting to find out what became of things like that when we get to heaven. I also leave one for my waitress or waiter in the restaurants we go too...with a healthy TIP. If you can't tip....don't leave the tract.

Bro.Greg