A Response to Paul Copan on Bad News Evangelism-Part 1

While on Facebook the other day, I caught an article posted by Dr. Michael Patton. For those who don't know, he is the founder and main teacher of a great program called The Theology Program (My church is currently going through it). Dr. Patton also has a very popular blog called Parchment and Pen that is worth visiting. However, a recent article he posted there by Dr. Paul Copan has left a lot of us confused. My response will begin here and continue tomorrow in another post. Ill start by saying that it deals with the use of bad news in evangelism. I'd like to quote him in full so there's no mistake:

We’ve seen them in all manner of places—on street corners, in parking lots, at craft fairs, outside stadiums. Sometimes they’re on wearing placards, admonishing hearers to “turn or burn.” Or perhaps they’re warning America of coming judgment and doom. Others may prefer challenging individual “sinners” on the street, exposing them to their failure to live up to the Ten Commandments. A common justification from those “witnessing” is: “You need to tell people the bad news before they can listen to the good news.” After all, isn’t the Law a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ (Galatians 3:24)? Isn’t this the reality of Romans 1-3?

I first want to point out that there seems to be a lumping together of people who legitimately use the law and judgment in their gospel presentation, and those who just preach hellfire and brimstone and are devoid of the gospel. We're already starting on a bad foot. But the difficulties continue. He goes on to say

I’m not denying hell, judgment, sin, or the need for repentance. Jesus saved his harshest message of judgment for the hard-hearted religious leaders of his day (e.g., Matthew 23), and he called on his hearers to turn/repent and align themselves with God’s kingdom agenda.

That said, Jesus had the strong reputation of being a “friend of sinners.” He reached out to the “unlikelies” of his day—those who, according to the religious authorities, were unlikely recipients of God’s kingdom blessings: tax gatherers, prostitutes, Gentiles, lepers, the ceremonially unclean, the demonized. Jesus let them know that God hadn’t forgotten them, that God was interested in them.

I think I know what he's saying. And I agree. We should not be afraid to speak to all sorts of people or be their friends. I know many wonderful Christians who have no problems with having friends and family who are gay, goths, geeks, etc... However Mr.Copan is mistaking the method for the message. We should make friends as a means to earn the right to be heard. Even the Apostle Paul told us to be wise as to how we treated unbelievers.But does that mean we leave out the bad news of the gospel? A point I'll come back to.

How many of those preaching divine judgment in our day do so with tears in their eyes (Philippians 3:18)? How many of them have the reputation of being “friends of sinners”? How many of them truly follow in the way of the Master? It’s a lot easier to preach a message of judgment than to exemplify Jesus, who actually got involved in the lives of others. ....Unfortunately, many of the law-first-grace-later messengers don’t exude a friend-of-sinners demeanor.

For a someone who has written a good book on apologetics (True For You But Not For Me) with lots of evidences, I see little evidence of what he's talking about. Mentioning the "way of the Master" I can tell who he means: Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron. All I can say is that I have met them both and they practice what they preach. And they do it with comedy and courtesy. During a visit to their headquarters in Belflower, my brother and I happen to run into them. They kept us both is laughs and some great conversation. Right as we were getting ready to leave, someone from the power company came to look at their power box. Ray shook his hand, offered him a drink, and as they went looking for it, the last thing we heard was him say, "So let me ask you a question..." He later returned and said he was able to talk to him a little. No pushy attitude, no dour faces, no hellfire. There may be people (which I'v already highlighted) that may be graceless, but Copan barking up the wrong tree by hinting that about Ray and Kirk. I would also like to add, that when preaching the gospel, it isn't about tears, it isn't about laughs, it's about clarity and earnestness. Paul writes:

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. 2 Corinthians 5:10-11 (NIV)

He says "Unfortunately, many of the law-first-grace-later messengers don’t exude a friend-of-sinners demeanor." I will develop this idea later, but for now all I can say is that it is possible to lovingly start with God's law and sin and point people to the Savior. Whether you just met this person, or if they are a life long family member or friend. He continues:

It seems that we should be careful about a formulaic method of communicating the good news. After all, helping people connect with Christ is more a process than it is an event. This process includes friendship, the integrity of Christian character, a loving community, and time process the implications of Christ’s Lordship. (See Greg Boyd’sLetters from a Skeptic [Victor] that nicely illustrates the process—even if you or I may not agree with all of Boyd’s arguments.)

Again, I think he's mistaking the message for the method. And I think he's mistaking discipleship with the proclamation of the gospel. Having said that, there is a move in some circles, that before people believe, they belong. I'm not entirely opposed to that ideas (something for another blog). John Piper has called it "conceptualization" as differentiated from "contexualization". Some people may be interested and may need a lot of time with Christians to learn and connect. But again, to say that a bad news first MESSAGE is opposed to a friendship METHOD, misses the mark. My other concern is that he quotes Greg Boyd. He is a proponent of an open view of God and not exactly the person I would have picked. Indeed, I would have much more preferred him mentioning Evangelism Explosion, which has added friendship as a component of their evangelistic method.

This is where Dr. Copan starts talking about a few considerations involving evangelism and a bad news first message.

1. People will at some point need to be aware of the bad news, but are we the ones who have to bring this up?

He mentions that those who use a bad news first message (BNFM) can come off like storm troopers. Again, he brings up taking consideration for unbelievers and bad past church experiences. I agree, and it is for this reason that we should be wise in how we speak to others. However, I will say this again and again: he's confusing method for message.
I am also surprised that he then goes on to quote Blue Like Jazz and an example the author had with a radio station. He was asked to defend Christianity. Instead he wants to point the person to Christ. I have no problem with that. Greg Koukle of Stand to Reason has a great article on pointing people to Jesus. But remember, Jesus will always cause controversy. No matter how nice you are. I also take issue with something he says about 1 Peter 3. He writes:

Yet in 1 Peter 3, Peter exhorts wives of unbelieving husbands to focus on the way they live their lives—quietly, gently, virtuously—so that their husbands may be won without a word even though they didn’t believe the word of God (3:1). A virtuous life is a very attractive thing, and such a life may create a spiritual and moral longing in those previously disinterested in Christ—and this without a single word about anything, let alone sin!

Let me quote the verse he is talking about. 1 Peter 3:1-2 says:

¹Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, ²when they see your respectful and pure conduct. (Emphasis mine)

I think Dr. Copan is assuming that the husband in this example hasn't heard the Word and doesn't need to either. If anything, the fact that it says he doesn't BELIEVE the Word, probably means that he heard it and rejected it. Again, Dr. Copan has confused method with message. The wife may have given the message at one point, and now is showing through her testimony, that is, what it looks like.

2, I have met plenty of “the encountered” who report that those “witnessing” about the bad-news-first commonly come across sounding judgmental, legalistic, and morally-superior, arrogant, and so on.
Yes, rebels against God love darkness rather than light. But our focal point ought not be a guilt-finding mission. Our consciously taking on Paul’s chief-of-sinners title would go a long way in building bridges.


I have to admit that some people in their zeal without knowledge, can leave add to the sting of the gospel with bad manners, or a bad approach. We must develop a posture of humble boldness. But again, this is advice we can give to anyone, not just singling out one group and making it apply especially to them.


3. Like the prodigal son, most people already know they carry shame or guilt and are looking for relief, hope, acceptance, and friendship.


But what they ultimately need is the gospel. Again, I think he's mistaken the message for the method. And I do hope that those of use who use some sort of BNFM will have hearing ears and loving, giving hearts. But that can't change the message we proclaim.
As an additional point to this, Dr. Copan again missuses scripture. He quotes Romans 2:4. It states that" the kindness of God that leads to repentance". (Emphasis his) But again, I think we need to look at what the text is really saying.

¹Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. ²We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. ³Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? ⁴Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? ⁵But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. (Emphasis mine)

In context, we see that this verse means that people who think they're getting away just fine while judging others are in grave trouble. God's kindness to them (the air they breathe, the people they love, the food they eat) and God's patience (the fact he hasn't brought judgement on them is something to worry about. As a matter of fact, Paul uses this as a starting point in his gospel proclamation. In Acts 14:15-18 we see

¹⁵"Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. ¹⁶In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. ¹⁷Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness." ¹⁸Even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them. (emphasis mine)

The longer you take advantage of these things, the more wrath is being stored up. I think Dr. Copan has taken Romans 2:4 out of context and it shows gravely. He quotes Rodney Star as saying

“Hell fire-and-brimstone sermons to the contrary, people respond far more strongly religiously to a carrot than to a stick. This has long been recognized by missionaries.”

Again, Dr. Copan has lumped together a BNFM with hell-fire-and-brimstone preaching. He's painting a caricature, but not giving people like Comfort and many in the Reformed camp like him, a fair shake.

4. Certain contemporary evangelistic methods in America would be deemed culturally insensitive in non-American contexts.

This may be a somewhat legitimate complaint against a BNFM, but we do live in the American West. He mentions talking in terms of honor, power and shame to those from other cultures. I can understand that, but Paul lived in such a culture, and he had no problem mentioning sin, and man's responsibility to God. (Something I will mention at the end). For now, I will again note that we need contexualization and conceptualization. But that may change certain emphasis, but not the overall message.

5. How many of us came to trust in Christ because a stranger told us that we were sinners? Or did we come through friends or relatives who modeled an attractive, redeemed Christian life?


Again, this is confusing method and message. Dr. Copan is assuming that a winning testimony and BNFM are mutually exclusive. I've already dealt with that, so let's move on.


6 and 7 The idea that “this may be the non-Christian’s only chance to hear the gospel and she may not hear it again” often turns into a self-fulfilling prophecy...the “what if the person dies tomorrow?” question raises issues about our own view of God’s sovereignty


I think this these two concerns are something most people who take evangelism seriously face, so why only mention this as if this is a problem for people who use BNFM? He writes:

Sometimes well-meaning Christians tend to take the entire burden of another’s salvation upon their shoulders and fail to trust in a sovereign God who may use us to be a stepping stone in another’s life. In John 4, Jesus reminded his disciples that they were “reaping,” thanks to the faithful labors of others who had gone before them.

He may be right, that some of us forget where our part ends, and God's part starts. But again, is that a legitimate critique of BNFM users or of anyone who takes evangelism seriously? Indeed God does work sovereignly in many ways. I'm friends with a missionary couple in Taiwan. Before they left, they worked in a restaurant. One of their friend there was an outspoken Christian. One night, he was witnessing to one of their co-workers. As their conversation ended, the man said that if he died that night, he knew he was going to heaven. That night, as he drove through an icy Iowa street, his car sled and crashed killing him instantly. Needless to say, having those be the last words to his co-worker heard must have spoken powerfully. God's sovereignty does work mysteriously. So I hope we do wisely use every chance we get. It may be OUR last! He also writes:

Those touched by Jesus knew that he first was genuinely interested in them. Perhaps that friend-of-sinners approach has something going for it! The confrontational method diminishes the listening and unfolding process involved in evangelism. The gospel should be expressed in a holistic and relational manner. Otherwise it more often than not appears to be a judgmental sales pitch. (emphasis his)

Again he has mistaken the method for the message. And this is where I will finally respond to this. I have said that it is possible to be relational and yet to use a BNFM at the same time. I will illustrate this with two examples. If you want to read the whole story feel free to visit another blog where I talked about this. (HERE)

Recently, my pastor and I went to a local university campus to give away food while talking to students. One of the students just so happen to share a similar up bringing as me. As we talked, I was able to open my Bible and talk to him about God, Sin, and Christ. I even got to use the 10 Commandments and used something Dr. Copan mentions, talking about sin as slavery. While explaining these things to the guy I was talking to, I was able to relationally (talking while asking questions, not shouting) kindly (free burger!) and Biblically (we opened a Bible and read it in context) share the gospel. He even let me pray for him and gave me his email. Not terribly hard at all. Of course I was praying the whole time.

My second example comes from Jesus himself. When talking to the rich young ruler, he was careful to point him to the 10 Commandments. The Scripture says that he looked at him lovingly. And yet even with love, Christ could use the law of God to show a man his sin, his slavery to his money. We are under orders to do no less.


I'll respond to the rest of Dr. Copan's points tomorrow.

Happy New Year!

Hello, and thanks for making it to this side of the new year. I hope all of you have been enjoying time with your family and friends. I'm glad I've gotten to do both. Well, what is new for Let My People Read? Well, I hope to really do more religious news stories. I also hope to do more advocate journalism. But I plan to get more book reviews out than I have this last year. While we are at it, are there any  things  you'd like to see on the blog? Any links you'd like to have on my blog role?  Have a book or movie you want me to review? Very well, leave a comment, or visit me on twitter (link on my side column) and I'll try to accommodate you.Thanks again, and thanks for keeping with the blog.
Frank Fusion!

What was biggest Controversy of 09?

As I was looking at my google reader this week, I though I would look up the word "controversy". All I can say is we Reformed folk like to argue! The usuals like Mark Driscoll and Rick Warren keep showing up (deservedly or not). A few names I almost forgot showed up as well. Tim Challies and John Frame for instance. So, wht do you think were the biggest controversies of the year? What do you think we didn't argue enough about? What should have never been an issue? Let me know. I will have my list up in the next few days.

Review- PostSecret: Confessions on Life, Death, and GOD

 Frank Warren has been called the world's friendliest stranger. Mainly because every week he gets anonymous post cards with people's deepest secrets (Sounds like something out of Stephen King). These secrets, usually on a creative post card, get posted on-line at his blog for all to see. For many, it fosters a sense of community and understanding, in knowing that there are others out there who feel like them-and that there is a place to express those feelings. Warren started the blog as an art project back in 2005. Since then, he has traveled the country with the cards as a traveling art exhibit.

In the case of "Confessions on Life, Death and God", the secrets were from an exhibit called: Every Faith Beautiful. Warren explains that one of the first cards he ever received was from a woman in Texas who's husband was a Baptist pastor. Her secret? No one suspected she was an atheist. The fact that a lot of the post cards are about issues related to faith, doubt, life, and death is what led to this book and the exhibit.

The cards are almost always creative with a lot of attention to detail. No wonder they can be a part of an art exhibit. Some are funny ("I don't hold my farts around you"), some are very revealing (a suicidal psychiatrist), and some-to Christians- are thought provoking and sad.

That's where the God part come in. One that made me think was from a woman who lost her unborn child at 16 week. "That was the day my baby, God and my heart died".

The cards make for a pretty fast read. However, some images in the book are very inappropriate (along with some of the content). Thus I would be careful with who you get this book for.

So why is this important? I think to those of us in ministry, this is the kind of research you sometimes can't get. It's a peek into the lives of everyday Americans. Maybe even the man next door. And since this book is specifically about faith issues, I think it's one worth looking at.

To finish I wanted to share some observations I made while reading the book:

1. People are desperate to communicate.

Even if it's telling a stranger their darkest secrets,people want to talk. The image of the God who is not silent, makes us want to communicate. Facebook, Twitter, etc.. are further proof of that  (See Ch.1 of James White's "Scripture Alone" for a great argument on this point). This leads me to the next point....

2. We must learn to listen.

I know it's been said before, and it bears repeating: James 1:19 reminds us to be "quick to hear, slow to speak". Many of us who are called to evangelism and apologetics, can get a little too eager to make our points at the expense of the person. We must learn to cultivate the discipline of listening.  If ever we needed the ministry of listening, it is now. I know I speak this to myself as well.

3. The arts are our friends.

A simple post card becomes a medium for communication and a work of art at the same time. Many people have noted (i.e. John Frame) there can be variety to our apologetic. In the Bible, this includes parables, metaphors, images, etc... Is it any wonder God speaks to us not only in language, but with literature? (A great resource for this would be the Literary Study Bible). And yet, many churches think it odd to try and include the arts in its worship and evangelism. This isn't the place to discuss arts and the church (but you're free to) so I will just say two things.  In the book, Warren, talks about visiting a Buddhist temple, and being attracted by a garden and pond there. He then went on to have a pretty interesting talk with one of the visitors in the temple.

The first thing I thought was: I wish my church had a garden! I know a lot of us are stuck with store front churches, but that shouldn't be reason to ignore the aesthetic possibilities our buildings can have. Neither should we ignore the value the arts can play in our worship and communication.

#4 People still have questions.

The classic questions of evil, exclusivity claims, and the nature of God keep coming up. People are looking for an answer. they're looking for a word from God. I have been of the opinion that our churces have been weak in teaching and preaching. At a time when people are asking the classic questions (in the face of personal and national troubles) we hide our bible to our shame and detremement. This is connected to my last obserevation...

#5 We need to teach our people

Many times while reading Confessions, I just kept seeing people who gave up on church or God because of a bad tradition, or interpretation of scripture. Whether it was tongues or the place of people with gay tendencies, God basically gets a bad rap sometimes. We must teach the whole counsel of God's word and help our people develop a robust world view. To give our people any less, is to put them in danger of not being able to answer the big questions that are being thrown at them by the man next door. Or without the means to minister to them.

Trevin Wax Christmas Giveway

As a great Christmas present, SBC blogger Trevin Wax, is giving a copy of each of his favorite books away to one lucky winner. Included in the package is an ESV Study Bible. (those things are becoming real collectors items!). For rules and quilifications, please visit his blog (here).  He will be picking the winner on Christmas.

King David Gives Thanks

As we stop to give thanks (and eat lot's of turkey!) I wanted to take a look at a prayer given by King David. Found in 1 Chronicles 29, David is getting things ready for Solomon to start building the Temple. As he challenges the people to bring materials for the great work ahead (vs1-5) he was glad to see that they responded to willingly and with great joy (vs. 6-9)
His response is a great prayer of Thanksgiving. I share it with you because I guess it's a part of Scripture I may have missed, and when I read it last night, it truly moved me. There are many things to thank God for. Here is what David prayed:

Therefore David blessed the LORD in the presence of all the assembly. And David said: "Blessed are you, O LORD, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all.In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.

 "But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. For we are strangers before you and sojourners, as all our fathers were. Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding. O LORD our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand and is all your own. I know, my God,that you test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. In the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered all these things, and now I have seen your people, who are present here, offering freely and joyously to you. O LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our fathers, keep forever such purposes and thoughts in the hearts of your people, and direct their hearts toward you. Grant to Solomon my son a whole heart that he may keep your commandments, your testimonies, and your statutes, performing all, and that he may build the palace for which I have made provision." 

A line that bears repeating. One I hope we can pray today as we gather with family and friends.

"And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name"

Amen.

The Manhattan Declaration -Your Thoughts

For those of you following current theological urrents, last week the Manhattan Declaration was announced along with a great deal of well known signatories. Included amongst them are people as diverse as Al Mohler and Peter Kreeft. In short, it deals with:

1. the sanctity of human life
2. the dignity of marriage as the conjugal union of husband and wife
3. the rights of conscience and religious liberty. 

In today's culture, these are the very things that have come under attack (broadly speaking). So before I delve into what things are covered, I'd like your opinion: What did you think? Would you sign it? Why or Why Not?

To get your thinking going, here is a link from APPRAISING. It has a few questions about the contenet of the declaration.

And a link to Al Mohler's reasons for signing the Declaration.

The Fall of Captain Becks: The Final Duel

***A Tribute to S. Morgenstern***

The sea has the stories of a thousand ships, and all their crews. Under the moonlight, Captain Becks looked out across the seas and the stars from the deck of her ship and wondered what they would say of her. Becks had seen the known world, and even a few islands that weren't on current maps. And now her ship would sail into one more battle. One that would be fought for honor, not plunder. This battle would be settled between her and him. She knew he would come one day, she just never believed it. As the dark ship approached, her blood got cold.

She wasn't always Captain Becks. Once she was called Rebecca. Her father, Erik, was a farmer for the King, Rowland of Florin. His family had passed the legacy down through the ages. They loved working for the King. It was Humperdinck, the prince, whom they hated. Unfortunately, when he gained influence, as the King's health worsened with age, most of the farmers were fired from their jobs. Becks and her family spent their time in the King's orange groves and apple orchards. They were the few who remained-mainly because they were the only ones who could do the work. People called them the Groves. Though to Becks, it felt like a curse word rather than a surname.

She loved it....once. Time in the trees, the orchards, and with the animals became a burden. She wanted more than tree's. Her brother joined Florin's Navy. When he visited, he always had stories of the lands beyond. Hearing his stories, Becks realized that she wasn't meant for the land. So when she turned seventeen she ran away to the only place she knew she'd be free. The sea.

Florin's seashore drew the wealthy and poor alike. Poets and artists have painted and written its beauties. Its air and water are as clear as glass. Beck's could still remember the day she ran there. The clear air and the scent of the sea were intoxicating. All the children running in the white sand were alive. It made her alive. This was her home, and it was calling her.

The dark ship drew closer, and Becks came back to the moment. Standing on the deck of the Raven, her ship, she realized what she was doing. It was an old sea tradition. Like a doctor, the captain would inspect the contours of their ship before battle. Each floorboard, each sail, each rope, was examined. Not that she had had many battles on her ship. But a few stood out.

They once encountered a fishing ship from Guilder. The crew was made of former Guilderrian sailors. She tried to board the ship, but they put up a great fight. Becks had to call a retreat. She had lost Troy the Barber and her favorite dog in the fight. Their canons nearly destroyed the Raven. Becks had been badly wounded as well. It was Watkins who saved her that day. He was able to get the ships close enough to put one last canon ball through their hull. It was enough to give the Raven time to get some distance. Watkins called a retreat, and cared for Becks in her cabin. The first mate had drowned, so it was up to him to get them safe. Becks hated losing, but she hated the idea of dying as well, so she made him first mate.

What awaited her now? she thought. She had to do this alone. The dark ship was now a half days voyage away from them. She didn't need a spyglass to see it anymore. She knew it would be there in the morning. They had first spotted it earlier that day. Watkins told her the news. She woke up expecting her normal breakfast of oranges, oatmeal and tea. Instead, he had a report of the night before. The Sicilian spotted a ship following them. "I don't think I recognize it. But whoever they are, they're coming fast" he said. He usually had a snarky look on his face that Becks didn't trust. But the look on his face was plain for all," We're in more trouble than we know". He was still new to thre crew. A trader who was running from the police near the Port of San Pellegrino. He turned out to be a good guide. He knew all the trade routes, thus the best ships to attack for plunder. But she still felt uneasy about him. He always seemed to be hiding something.

When Watkins described the ship, part of her wanted it be be a Florin trade ship, or a Guilderian scout ship. Those could be handled. It was still too far to tell, she thought. But she knew. It was only a matter of time before HE came. She remembered the ship too well. Climbing the crow's nest, she began to get a clearer view of what she was looking at. Through her spyglass, she saw it. Her heart started to beat faster. It was the dark ship; the ship even pirates feared. It was also where Beck's learned to be a pirate. She called it home once. And now, the pirate ship Revenge was coming for her. The Dread Pirate Roberts was coming for her.

It was strange to Becks, as she walked through the downstairs cabins, watching her crew sleep. She was trying to get a feel for her ships readiness. And all she could think of was the begining. When she ran to the Florin seashore, she found a trade ship, the Pegasus, and became its cook. She loved it, but at her age, she became tired quickly. She loved the ocean, but being a cook just wasn't enough. She wanted adventure. And she soon found it. While on shore leave, she met a man named Cummerbund in the Port of Turtuga. He helped her get a good price on some bread for the Pegasus. To thank him, she returend to the ship to make him an apple pie.

"Becks!" he cried,"join my ship". He told her she was the best cook he ever met. He told her he was the first mate on the pirate ship revenge. He offered her a job, and she took it. She finally felt like she was on her way to doign what she always wanted. Her brother would object, of course, to her being a pirate, but this was her life. She still remembered Cummerbund. He was an old sea dog, gray haired, sharp as a whip, short temper, and always ready for a fight. Roberts was something else.

She could see the Revenge without a spyglass, as it grew closer. Her heart was still beating fast. She could see the night lamps hanging on the sides. It was coming for her. He was coming for her. She knew the legends, she also knew the man, The Dreap Pirate Roberts. He wasn't wicked, but he was fierce. She could still remember when she first met him.

On the Becks first day, Cummerbund, introduced the new crew to the Captain. He showed great devotion to Captain Roberts. "Hear this once, sea maggots, Captain Roberts demands unquestioned loyalty. Betray him, or this ship, and it will be off to the bottom of the sea with you!". From behind him, came the man even pirates feared. Roberts was dressed in dark boots, a white shirt and three corner hat. He wasn't dressed to impress. Becks was surprised. He was tall and handsome, but he didn't look like a tyrrant. He didnt' look, like a pirate either. He spoke with a careful demeanor as one well read in the classics. Almost like a philospher. He was also one of the best military strategists on the seas. It was no wonder that he could take on the Florin Navy. He may not have looked like a pirate, but when he walked on the deck, he walked as one who owned the oceans. He had few words for them. Just a reiteration, betray him or his ship, and die. A lesson the crew soon learned.

After plundering a whaling vessel, Becks was aprt of the crew that counted the cargo. Whale flesh, trout as well as food from many countries. It was Becks who noticed on second count that a pound of spices went missing. They were from India, thus a rarity in Florin, and very expensive in an open market. Captain Roberts had the ship searched till it was found. They were found in the quarters of Vincent the Petagonian. He was also Captain Robert's valet. When he learned of this, Roberts changed course to the Gray Sea off the coast of Florin. It was not a place to get lost, or to swim in. Those were eel infested waters.

The night they got there, their shrieking filled the air. While still begging for his life, Roberts had Vincent thrown from the ship. The shrieks in the air were soon joined by those of Vincent's cries for help. The crew could hear them as they were drowed out by the shrieks of the eels as they ate dinner. And how they stopped as quickly as they started. That dreadful silence was etched into Becks memory, and the crew would never forget it.

It was that same silence that Becks could hear now, as the Revenge approached. Watkins came to her at the third hour of the morning. "You're troubled Captain, are you thining about the battle?" There won't be a battle Watkins" she said. He knew he might have to fight to the death this time, but Becks reassured him. This was a battle between her and Roberts. He tried to get Beck to get some sleep, but she still wanted to take a look at the ship. It was like the Revenge. Just smaller. She still missed it at times. It as where she learned to be a pirate.

After the incident with Vincent, she spent time learning the pirate arts. She learned to shoot from an old soldier named Hariss, he was the quarter master. His vision was the best in the crew. He could shoot an apple from your head at one hundred paces. Becks could use a sword, her brother learned in the Navy, and he taught her. But it was Roberts who taught her to use a sword to kill. Roberts saw her practicing one day with Fiona, the only other female on the ship. She could swing wildly, and run circles around the biggest member of the ship. As soon as she came in for a kill strike, Roberts called out to her "You're fast Becky, but your form is flawed".

He was right. Fencing was about proper form and fighting in war was different from fighting for sport. Roberts was the best swordsman on the ship. and he would know that difference. He was a student of the fencing arts. Some even said he went as far as Spain to learn to fight. So when he called her form flawed, it wasn't an insult, just a statement of fact. It was also his first lesson to her.

"You can't stike to the side" he grabbed her arm, and pointed it straight at Fiona. "If you swing wildy in the hopes of killing, you will be easly blocked. He aimed her arm straight at Fiona's heart, and had her lunge slowly at her. "You must strike with the force of your body, right into the heart" he explained. Fiona was glad to know it was only practice, Becks was honored and at the same time felt like a school girl around Roberts.

From that moment, he became her teacher. He taught her a lot of what he knew, including a few languages like Patagonian and Spanish. He taught her the pirate arts, and she became his best student. Becks served him proudly. She knew that if he asked, she would even die for him.

Each ship they attacked was not foolish enough to fight the Revenge. But mostly it was because Roberts was feared for never leaving captives alive. It scared those who knew of the legend. But, those who dared fight him in the ocean, never left it. But as Becks came to know, that was only mostly true.

One day, they found a fishing vessel off the coast of Florin. As they came in, it did something they weren't used to. It fired on them. For three hours, the air went dark with smoke as lead balls criss crossed the sky. The Revenge was damaged, but Captain Roberts was able to get the ship close enough to get a raiding party on board. The crew put up another fight as they crossed swords on the deck. The spilled blood mixed with the gun powder and water on the deck. There were few survivors.The few who lived, were rounded up and placed on deck. Becks knew what would happen. She saw it a hundred times. They would beg for mercy, or attempt to bribe him, before they were cast off into the shark infested waters. Roberts walked down the deck; each step of his dark boots filling the silence. Nearing the end of the survivors, one boy, not much older than Becks said "Please". Becks found it humorous. Roberts stopped.

They found him in the sick bay helping the wounded. He was a blond young man with hazel eyes. Becks though it a pity for him to die so young. But she'd seen Roberts end the lives of young and old. His would be no different. Indeed Roberts always asked for a reason to spare the person's life. She knew it was a ploy. He didn't mean it. She thought he got a perverse pleasure in toying with his captives.

"Why should I spare you?" he said peering into his eyes.
"Please, I must live" pleaded the boy.
And it was the "please" that stopped Roberts. But his story would completely capture Roberts attention. The boy told of a girl from Florin. She was waiting for him. He hoped to marry her one day, and wanted the chance to return to her. He described her eyes, dark blue, and golden hair. And her faithfulness. Her enduring faithfulness. It was true love. The crew listened intently as Roberts did. All Becks wanted was for him to be thrown to the sharks. It was to her surprise when Roberts let him live. For the next eight months, Roberts trained the boy, Wesley, and Becks saw less of him. When Cummerbund left the ship, Wesley became as close to Roberts as Becks had been. The anger burned in her.

Captain Roberts taught him to fence and shoot. Wesley even scouted for new crew, a job for the first mate. Every night however, he would tell him, "Sleep tight Wesley, good job. I'll most likely kill you in the morning". It became a joke around the crew. Everyone knew he was becoming first mate. Becks could stand it no longer. Her hatred of Wesley had grown to make her sick.

One day while working on their fencing, Becks and Wesley were set against each other. Without a word, she lunged towards Wesley in a kill strike. The farmboy was fast. He parried the blow, and responded. Becks blocked his sword and kicked Wesley's stomach, watching him fall flat. She raised her sword ready to strike him dead. A bright sword flashed through the air disarming her. Blood trickled from her forearm as her sword dropped. Roberts attacked her, but he didn't kill her. Her outbreak cost her dearly. For a week, Becks was put in a holding cell with nothing but bread and water. Roberts came to her on her last day.

"Why Becks? Are you not my crew as well as him?" asked Roberts
"He's not your crew, he a boy who bewitched you with a story of true love. How could I repect even that"
"So you will not apologize, or make amends then?" Roberts was mad.
"Need you even ask?" she said. She couldn't look at him. There was still respect.
"An attack on my first mate is an attack on me Becks" he said solemnly.
It was her death sentence. She betrayed him. But he betrayed her first. He made the farm boy first mate ahead of her. Because he told the story of a girl?! This was the ultimate insult.

"Will you kill me? Will YOU take me with YOUR hands and throw ME to the sharks?" she asked defiantly. Becks stared her cold eyes to him. His were soft, not like a pirates at all. Hers were the eyes of a woman scorned. And still, she knew she couldn't really defy him. She still respected him and hated him for it.

"In the morning, I will take you to the open waters, and your fate will be in God's hands" he said

"I'm sure he's the one who told you to throw me to the sharks" she snapped. He left her in the dark with her moldy bread and the rats. She could see out the porthole. They were headed north. Not far from the Gargantua Port. All she needed was to steal a rowboat and head west for a half day. Getting out would be hard. But she knew a few of the ships secrets. One she learned the day they fixed the holding cells.

Hax was the metalworker and gunsmith on the ship. She found him pounding on the bars, shooting a million sparks into the air. Becks could still hear the hammer strike against the hot metal. "These bars here Becksy, these will hold Davey Jones himself!" he boasted. The bars were strong, But the floorboards weren't strong enough to hold them. They had been rotting for months. All she needed was to dislodge one-with enough pressure. Using the bench in her cell, she broke off the seat plank and slipped it between the bars. Pushing with all her might, she was able to loosen one of the bars. She was thin enough to slip right through.

It was night, and she could blend in with the rags she was wearing, but she had to move fast, or her window of escape would close in on her. She ran to the only place she could. Slipping by the night watchmen, she got into the storage room. There she found it. Her source of escape. And she could only use it once. Success meant escape, and failure meant death for her and the crew.

Walking quietly through the deck, she approached the rowboat. It was to be used to escape in case of an emergency. Dying with the sharks was emergency enough for Becks. She started to lower the boat when she was spotted. "It's Becks! She trying to escape!" cried the guards. She took out a piece of flint and her knife and struck them together. Like magic, sparks flew from her hands. The sparks hit the trail of gun powder she left behind her. Like a line of fire, it traveled towards the storage room. Inside, Becks had poured powder over another keg. As the men came towards her, the flames entered the room, and a large ball exploded behind them. The Revenge was on fire. The ship even pirates feared, was a flaming ball of death in the ocean. As the crew scrambled to stop the fire, a few screamed out her name. Some screamed out in pain. It was hard to see her due to the smoke, so she took advantage. She untied the boat. It hit the sea with a loud splash. It didn't matter. Everyone was just trying to save themselves from the flames. As Becks got ready to jump she heard him.

"You can't escape Becks. Not from me!" It was Roberts. The flames around him shone the anger in his eyes. With sword in hand he lunged at her. Becks was unarmed, and she knew he was going to kill her. As he neared her, a flaming part of the mast fell on him knocking him unconscious. Without hesitation, she took one last look at him, and jumped.

She thought he was dead for sure. In the dark night all she could see was the ball of fire from the Revenge. The further away she got, the smaller it got. She wasn't sure it survived. Part of her hoped that it would be completely destoryed. She ended up in the Gargantua Port. She sold the boat and used the money to buy a new sword and boots. At the port bar she met an old Captain named Wild. He was the proud owner of a fast little ship called th Raven. He was in need of a crew, and she got herself in as a deck hand. She impressed Wild enough to become his first mate. During a storm near Petagoia, he drowned, leaving her as Captain. Half the crew was lost, but the few that survived, gave her unquestioned allegiance. That had been three years before.

Daylight was coming, and off in the distance, the ship drew closer. She almost didn't recognize the Revenge. It was darker in color, but that was from the fire. It made it look even more menacing. Now the Raven was prepared to be boarded by the Revenge. As the men gathered with weapons in hand, a white flag appeared from the mast of the Revenge. This was new even for Becks. She still had the men ready the canons. The ship got closer, and there was nothing but silence.

A small boat was let down from the ship, as as it made its way towards the Raven, she let down the lader. It wasn't Roberts, but the farm boy.

"Hello Becks!" shouted Wesley. She wasn't glad to see him. He looked different though. He looked like a pirate. "We mean your ship no harm. Bring it to a halt, and Roberts and I will board". Was he serious? she thought. But sure enough she stopped the ship. And as both ships were close to each other, a long plank was put out from the Revenge to the Raven. Bobbing up and down, in the middle of the sea, out came Roberts. Still as stoic and tall as she remembered. He came on baord with little fanfare.

"Hello Captain Becks" he said. His voice almost mocking her. "It seems we have a score to settle" he said. "We have to talk" She walked him around the Raven's deck. "I've heard tales of your little ship Becky"
"Little?" she said
"Well you've made a name for yourself". He stopped and turned to her. "I thought you had died"
"I thought you died" she responded.
"I almost wish you had died" he said to her surprise
"I'm sorry to dissappoint. But I guess that beats the sharks" she replied. She almost felt bad about that last remark. But she had to show courage in front of her crew.

"You know why I'm here" said Roberts. Becks knew. She knew he would come for her, but she never believed it.
"The code" she replied. It was the code of allegiance that every pirate swore to their ship upon entering. She swore allegiance to Roberts and the Revenge. She burned it and left him for dead. The Pirate's Code bound her to certain repricussions.

"I always thought the code was more of a rule of thumb" Becks said.
"You burned my home and left me for dead," said Roberts "The Dread Pirate Roberts won't let that be".
"So what? Will our ships shoot each other till they sink?" Becks replied. She could fight the Revenge, but they had a bigger crew. Roberts had the advantage.

"The code says that if two of the crew have a dispute, it is up to the quarter master to help settle the dispute, I call on Hariss your quarter master to help end this dispute" said Becks.

Hariss died last month" replied Roberts. A shame, thought Becks. He was almost smiling. "And the code also states that betrayal is only punishable by death, or marooning" he added.

"I don't see an island nearby Roberts, so you'll have to shoot me and be done with it" said Becks.
"I won't make it that easy for you Becky" said Roberts. "You nearly destroyed my ship, and left me for dead, hence I am the wronged party and the one who decides how this will end" He thought. Looking at Becky, he removed his black glove and threw it on the floor. She looked at it. Picking it up meant she was going to run the gauntlet with Roberts. This could only end one way.
"A duel then?" asked Becks. It could be pistols at fifty paces, or a sword fight. Becks was hoping for pistols. Her shooting had improved with time.

"Swords in the morning. The Revenge will not attack your Raven. But run, or try and void our duel, and I will take your crew, your plunder and your ship, and this time, the eels will shriek for you". Roberts voice brought a chill to her.

Roberts and Wesley left the ship. Becks was left to prepare. In her cabin, she practiced her sword thrusts, parrys and blocking. Watkins was almost as good as her and was easily able to keep up with her practice. But she knew she had to fight differently. After resting for a while,Watkins brought her some food. It was still nightfall and Becks hadn't slept or eaten all day. "You should eat" he said. He was trying to encourage her. He was the best fist mate she'd ever had. Her last one was only in it for the money. SHe liked Watkins because he was in it for the adventure as well. He was from Guilder, but no one held it against him. He was also an excellent navigator and a pretty good swordsman. He wasn't a pirate, not really, he was an explorer. Somehow he always knew what to say when she was vexed. Though she tried to hide it. He brought her the usual oatmeal, oranges and toast. She ate, not because she wanted to, but because she knew he worried. She also knew this could be her last meal. In front of the open sea, she ate. She peeled her oranges and for the first time since she left, Becks remembered home.

In the morning, she got ready. "Bring me my sword" she told Watkins "And Watkins" he stopped. He knew what she was going to say. "I'll take care of the ship" he said solemnly. She took her sword, and hugged him.

Morning finally came, as the sun shone around both ships. Both crews were standing around hurling insults at each other. But when the Revenge released its plank over to the Raven, everything stopped. Roberts came onwith Wesley. She knew Roberts's movements, his style, and his flaws. He was strong, but not fast. He was a tactical fighter, so she would have to rely less on form and more on instinct.

It was Wesley who officiated as quartermaster. "We are here to witness the challenge set forth by the Dread Pirate Roberts for damages done to his ship, crew and himself by Captain Becks of the Raven. The Pirates Code demands approrpiate action to settle this dispute. As such, they will settle their dispute with a duel. A fight to the death". Oddly enough, both crews shouted cheers, they did get such little entertainment out in the ocean.

Becks could feel her heart racing, as she felt the weight of her blade. It was a light and sharp blade. It would help her stay ahead of him. This was going to be an improvised fight. No fancy moves, no set forms. Becks wasn't going to let him have the advantage.

"Are you ready?" yelled Wesley.
"Yes" said Roberts
"Yes" said Becks
"There is only one rule, fight to the death" he said. "Begin!"

Both crews cheered for their captains. Becks could only hear silence as she peered into the white of Roberts eyes. They circled eachother, testing who would strike first.
"En guarde!" cried Roberts

His blade was menacing, it was almost as long as her. He positioned himself to strike, but she made the first jab. He blocked and countered. "That almost seemed slow Roberts" taunted Becks. "Try it again then" he said. She struck at him again and he blocked and parried. They clashed swords again, and Becks slashed him, almost cutting his shoulder. "That was sharp Becky, but I'm sharper". He returned by slashing at her, it was almost elegant. Both swords cutting through the air. Their feet shifting with each move. They danced around the deck of the Raven as their swords moved . She was running out of moving room. They were near her ships mast.

"Nowhere to go eh Becks?"
"I don't know, maybe we can take this to your ship" and with a jump, she grabbed for one of the ropes tied around the foremast and sliced it with her sword. She used it as a swing to get to the deck of the Revenge. Roberts followed and both crews cheered. They continued their fight.
"Splendid move Becks" said Roberts. He meant it too.
"You too" she said "Lets see if you can keep up"

Their battle raged on with Becks dancing around Roberts fancy footwork. He had taught her well indeed. Both swords clash and clang enough to actually spark at one point. At that they both stopped. And the crews cheered yet again.

She struck at him, but be seemed to be able to block every shot. It was his stance. He was taller therefore had the better advange, so she attacked his leg. She struck his left leg hard. He was able to jump away. But Becks drew first blood.
"Bad form!" he cried. He slashed at her arm, now he drew her blood. She cried out in pain, an with fury returned to the fight.

They made their way to the plank connecting the Revenge to the Raven. They drew a cheer as they both crossed swords while walking the plank. The confined walking space made it hard for Roberts. He was bigger than Becks (and hobbling a bit) but she was able to maneuver her way around him. As they stepped back onto the Raven, her crew cheered. Everyone but Watkins. He could only look in intently.

"Tell me Becks, did you really think you would get away from me" asked Roberts as the thrust at her stomach.
Blocking his thrust, and responding with a swipe to his neck, she said, "I figured you'd be retired by now, and too old to care". He parried and redirected her enough to get face to face with Becks. Both swords pressed against eachother, who would break first?

"Age has taught me how to win Becks" he said. She kicked him to break his hold. They both fell dropping their swords. They were tired, but Becks knew she had to reach her sword first. She reached for it as Roberts grabbed his, she spun around, ready to go for a kill strike. But as she turned, she saw Roberts sword in hand. She stabbed his shoulder. He croud out in pain and fell to the ground.

The cheering was at an uproar, and Becks saw victory in Roberts fall. She lunged at him, ready to strike him down. He moved. She missed. He didn't. The sharp steel cut through her stomach, and Becks fell to the ground. It felt horrid going out as it did going in. Roberts stood above her. His crew cheered as hers looked on with horror.
"Captain!" cried Watkins. He ran to her. She was lying in a pool of her own blood. She could feel her life slipping. Roberts turned to her, and his eyes were lost. This wasn't a victory he relished. "It is finished" he cried out. He walked on board the Revenge with Wesley.

Watkins was holding Becks, and she could the loyalty in his eyes. "It's over" she whispered. "Its your ship now". She could see the ocean, and the air was comforting. She took one last breath of it and her life came to an end.

That night, as the Revenge slipped away, Watkins officiated a ceremony for Becks. Even the most hardened of the crew had a tear in their eye. Watkins returned her body to Florin, to her family. Erik was grived to know what had happened. Yet he was glad to know she lived an interesting life. He and Watkins buried her under an orange tree. The scent would always remind him of Captain Becks of the Raven. The legendary pirate who dueled against the Dread Pirate Roberts. And Watkins was happy to think of it that way.