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GregBoyd
Registered Member

Date Joined Jul 2001
Total Posts : 1818

Posted 12/28/2002 6:38 PM (GMT -6)

Today at 8:19, pm, my father, Edward K. Boyd, crossed the finish line where his Lord and Savior was waiting with open exuberant arms.

Though Dad had tried hard to be Catholic while married to my Catholic mother, he gave up on religion and settled into atheistic/agnostic skepticism after her death in 1959. As most readers on this board know, he has become one of the most acclaimed (ex) skeptics in recent times because of his probing questions in Letters From a Skeptic. Largely owing to his insightful objections to Christianity and to the loving, honest nature of the literary dialogue he and I had over three years (which are contained in this book), Letters has been a best seller since being published in 1994. After three years of dialogue, Dad committed his life to Jesus Christ. Through this work, Dad has been instrumental in bringing thousands of people to Christ. The work has been to datge been translated into 8 languages.

His life the last ten years has been a testimony to the transforming power of Christ. Dad had inherited a rather petulant disposition. If something was wrong, everyone knew it. To this day I would claim he was one of the most prolific and creative cursers in history. When angered, he could put together whole paragraphs with amazingly few clean words! His use of vile metaphors was especially exceptional.

All of this changed, most remarkably, after his conversion. (Well, his mouth never got entirely cleaned up. But heh, he was 73 years old when he met Christ). One year after his conversion he began suffering from Bell's Palsey. Then followed several significant strokes, resulting in speech impairment and severly restricted bodily moment (e.g. he was largely confined to a wheel chair). He next lost almost all of his hearing, and finally, beginning seven years ago, almost all of his sight. Yet all who knew him would say that he was never happier and more at peace than he was the last ten years.

Indeed, the last time I saw my father, he began to weep, for no apparent reason. (Another dramatic change was the ease with which he showed emotion... rarely seen prior to his conversion unless he was significantly inebriated.) When I asked him why he was crying, he said, "because I'm so damned blessed. God has been good to me." This from a man who could do next to nothing by himself! This from a man who once railed when inconvenienced in the slightest manner.

Three weeks ago, Dad had a massive stroke that included a brain hemmorage. He was put on life support until the doctors could accurately assess the damage and give a likely prognosis. This last Monday, the doctors told the family that there was very little chance of any significant recovery of any use of his body or mind. And, in any event, he would have to be put on permanent life support and institutionalized. We all agreed Dad would never ever prefer this situation over death. On Thursday we removed life support.

Moments before we removed his tubes, we in the family all had a chance to say our good byes. It was an emotional, but beautiful, event. Remarkably, Dad openned his eyes just before they removed the tube. (He had only done this several times since the stroke). I looked him straight in the eyes, and after telling him once again how much we loved him and thanked him for all he meant to us, I said, "Dad, we've got to let you go now. And you've got to let us go. Everything's taken care of. It's okay. Jesus is waiting for you. They want to start a party." I don't know if he was conscious of us, but at that moment Dad squeezed his wife's hand (at which point we all lost it). He immediately sunk back into a coma. His end was extremely peaceful and painless.

The last thing I said to my father before his brain hemmorage ccured a month ago as I was leaving after a two day visit. I said "Dad, I want you to do two things. First, keep me covered in prayer. You're my prayer warrior, right?" Sitting in his wheel chair, nearly totally blind and mostly deaf, he said, "yeh boy." "Second," I said, "dream about heaven. As you sit around this house (he could do little else) think about what it will be like when you can see again, hear again, dance again... when you see Jesus, feel his love, and meet your loved one's again. Just enjoy thinking about heaven Dad. Won't it be great?" With a grin, and slightly choked up, he simply said, "yeh boy."

I have such joy and such peace knowing that Dad's dream has come true. I can hardly wait to join him.

Everyone is invited to a Memorial Service honoring my father which will be held at Woodland Hills Church, 1740 VanDyke Street, Maplewood Minnesota, 11:00 this Friday, January 4.

Ed Boyd was a great man, wonderful father, loving husband, and most importantly, a forgiven redeemed child of the Most High God whose life is a testimony to the reality of his Savior Jesus Christ.

I miss him

Greg

"In Christ...the ONLY THING that matters is faith energized by love." Galatians 5:6

trosie
Registered Member

Date Joined Jul 2001
Total Posts : 550

Posted 12/28/2002 6:50 PM (GMT -6)

Dear Greg:
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. The song "I Can Only Imagine" ran through my mind as I read your post. That song was the song I heard on the radio for the first time the day before my dad died. Praise God that your dad didn't have to suffer long in the comatose state before being brought home!

My prayers are with you and your family.
trosie

Tom
Registered Member

Date Joined Jul 2001
Total Posts : 10353

Posted 12/28/2002 8:20 PM (GMT -6)

Greg-

Can't make the memorial service for obvious reasons, but Anita and I will be praying for your family and rejoicing with you at the glories your Dad is now experiencing.

Much love,
Tom

"When you mix things up they get messy" Fred

churchmouse522
Registered Member

Date Joined Jul 2001
Total Posts : 163

Posted 12/29/2002 12:05 AM (GMT -6)

I can't sleep, and for some reason, I can't stop crying. I'm praying for you and Shelley and 'Lisha and Denae and Nate. I'm praying for your whole family. I appreciate so much the generosity with which you shared your dad's life and death with all of us. I appreciate that you never stopped caring for the people like me even when your own life was so sad and difficult. Bless you...

Terri

Mayflower
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2002
Total Posts : 445

Posted 12/29/2002 2:15 AM (GMT -6)

"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"
1 Corinthians 15:55

Mephi2K
Registered Member

Date Joined Jun 2001
Total Posts : 713

Posted 12/29/2002 3:17 AM (GMT -6)

Doc,

My heart is your heart, my beloved friend and brother. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. I'm there for ya. I'll be in prayer and contemplation for you.

With bittersweet feelings of heart,
Dwayne

Edited by - Mephi2K on 12/29/2002 08:17:34 AM

di
Registered Member

Date Joined Nov 2002
Total Posts : 49

Posted 12/29/2002 8:12 AM (GMT -6)

What a testimony of love. I share in the deep emotion of your loss and the boundless joy of knowing your Dad finished his race strong. It is beautiful how the Lord blessed so many through your Dad...it will never end. Praise God.

Love and prayers,
di

Edited by - di on 12/29/2002 1:15:54 PM

GregBoyd
Registered Member

Date Joined Jul 2001
Total Posts : 1818

Posted 12/29/2002 11:14 AM (GMT -6)

I am touched by your expressions. Thank you.

Please spread the word about the memorial this Friday.

With deep appreciation

Greg

"In Christ...the ONLY THING that matters is faith energized by love." Galatians 5:6

Starkman
Registered Member

Date Joined Oct 2001
Total Posts : 1747

Posted 12/30/2002 3:35 AM (GMT -6)

Well, PRAISE THE LORD!
Another precious child of God has gone home. Missed down here, but ever living up there!

Thanks, Doc, for sharing with us from your heart!
You always do.

Starkman

shell
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2002
Total Posts : 280

Posted 12/30/2002 4:10 AM (GMT -6)

Greg,

Thank you for sharing that beautiful tribute to your father with us. It is such a testimony to the transforming power of Christ.

The love between you and your father was so evident and touching in Letters...your perseverence in prayer and the exchange of writings with your father is an example to us all.

Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family. May God's love minister deeply to all of you.

In His love,
Shell

Edited by - shell on 12/30/2002 09:46:44 AM

BJS
Registered Member

Date Joined Dec 2001
Total Posts : 587

Posted 12/30/2002 4:53 AM (GMT -6)

Thanks for sharing with us, Greg. Like Job, your dad's questions and doubts about faith have touched countless lives. I have sent LFAS to several skeptical friends, and am currently in dialogue with them about Christ because of it. One of my dad's friends has become a Christian because of the book.

Ed Boyd may not have completely understood it here, but I hope he gets a glimpse now of what an incredible impact for God his honesty and integrity have had in just ten short years at the end of his life.

Blessings on you and your family, Greg. Kaia and I will continue to pray for your comfort and peace. Wish we could be there for the memorial service.

Brett

"Siste viator et memento mori."

SIM
Registered Member

Date Joined Nov 2002
Total Posts : 90

Posted 12/30/2002 6:38 AM (GMT -6)

You have my sympathies and thoughts with the loss of your dad here on Earth. We know he is celebrating in Heaven with his Lord.

In having read your "Letters" book about your correspondence with your dad, I feel a closeness to your Dad. I know God will use all the events and suffering in his life to His glory, and will keep his memorial service in my prayers.

SIM

bouncer99
Registered Member

Date Joined Sep 2001
Total Posts : 14

Posted 12/30/2002 6:46 AM (GMT -6)

Greg: I am saddened by your loss of your Dad! Nothing will or ever can replace the role a Dad plays in our lives. But I am also very excited about your Dad's trip home to Heaven. I picture him in the Father's presence with all the other children of god who have gone home. The Joy, love, Warmth, and total contentment that now must surround him. May god continue to fill you with his love and peace.

blessings

sean

"Show the world your a christian by what you do not by what you say" Mother Thersa

Edited by - bouncer99 on 12/30/2002 11:48:30 AM

Modes of Thought
Registered Member

Date Joined Jun 2001
Total Posts : 817

Posted 12/30/2002 9:57 AM (GMT -6)

Very sorry for your loss, Greg. Thanks for sharing so much of your life with us lately. I must say that I am inspired at God's faithfulness to you and your family. You have had many heavy burdens lately.

It is truly good to know that Ed Boyd is done suffering.

Peace.

Modes of Thought

"Christianly understood, truth is obviously not to know the truth but to be the truth. Despite all modern philosophy, there is an infinite difference here..." SK

adiaphora
Registered Member

Date Joined Jun 2001
Total Posts : 123

Posted 12/30/2002 10:12 AM (GMT -6)

Here is the obituary for Edward K. Boyd

GregBoyd
Registered Member

Date Joined Jul 2001
Total Posts : 1818

Posted 12/30/2002 11:28 AM (GMT -6)

You guys make me CRY

for joy
and appreciation

"In Christ...the ONLY THING that matters is faith energized by love." Galatians 5:6

Mayflower
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2002
Total Posts : 445

Posted 12/30/2002 11:46 AM (GMT -6)

MEMORIAL SERVICE -- Honoring the life of
Edward K. Boyd

...."The public is invited to a memorial service honoring the life of Edward Boyd
to be held at Woodland Hills Church, 1740 Van Dyke Street, Maplewood, Minnesota, on Friday, January 3rd at 11:00 a.m.
Consistent with Edwards’ heart for the poor and homeless, we ask that memorial donations be made to the Family Service Center (2001 VanDyke, Maplewood, MN 55109) in lieu of flowers..."

================================

OBITUARY:

Edward K. Boyd, Acclaimed Ex-Skeptic, Dies at 84

Edward K. Boyd, co-author of the best selling and award winning "Letters From a Skeptic," passed away on Saturday, December 28th. He was 84. Between 1989 and 1992 Edward and his son, Gregory, then a professor of theology at Bethel College, exchanged letters discussing the Christian faith. Through their correspondence, Edward abandoned his agnostic skepticism and embraced faith. This correspondence was collected and published as "Letters From a Skeptic." Edward’s probing questions and keen mind, combined with the love and respect exhibited between the father and son throughout the correspondence, has made this book a best seller in Christian circles for 9 years. It was award the Gold Medalian
by the Christian Booksellers Association in 1995. The book has been translated
into seven languages and has been instrumental in bringing thousands to faith in Christ.

Edward Boyd was a loving husband and father. In the 50’s, Edward was very active in fighting for unions. Throughout his life Edward was an avid advocate for the underdog, an outspoken critic of political and social injustice, and a champion for anti-racist causes. He was a loving and devoted husband and father. Though he suffered from multiple debilitating ailments the last 10 years of his life, he aged and died with tremendous dignity and grace.

Edward Boyd was born in Linden Michigan on November 13, 1918. He passed away in St. Joseph’s hospital in Marshfield Wisconsin on December 28th. He is survived by his loving wife, Jeanne Boyd; six children, Judy Simonis, Joanne Taylor, Deborah Sparrow, Christopher Boyd, Gregory A. Boyd, and Anita Prosser; six stepchildren, Ted Berggren, Donna Burns, Deborah Waelti, Barbara Cowle, Carol Dominic and Lynda Carver, as well as 19 grandchildren and numerous great-children.

The public is invited to a memorial service honoring the life of Edward Boyd to be
held at Woodland Hills Church, 1740 Van Dyke Street, Maplewood, MN, on Friday, January 3rd at 11:00. Consistent with Edwards’ heart for the poor and homeless, we ask that memorial donations be made to the Family Service Center (2001 VanDyke, Maplewood, MN 55109) in lieu of flowers.

[end]
______________________________

<><

selah
Registered Member

Date Joined Oct 2001
Total Posts : 1210

Posted 12/30/2002 4:50 PM (GMT -6)

Greg,

I too am so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember when you shared at WHC about telling your dad to dream of Heaven... At that time, I began to wonder what he might imagine...and many beautiful things came to mind.

Today, after reading this thread, all I can think of is this: "no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him."
It has to be exceedingly more than we could ask or IMAGINE!

Praying God's peace for you and your family.

With much love,
selah

Then He showed me the river whose waters give life, sparkling like crystal, flowing out from the throne of God and of the Lamb. Rev. 22:1

PotOnWheel
Registered Member

Date Joined Jul 2001
Total Posts : 9890

Posted 12/30/2002 6:08 PM (GMT -6)

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

Praying for you all. May the Lord bless you all!

Amen.

hand_carved
Registered Member

Date Joined Apr 2002
Total Posts : 111

Posted 12/30/2002 7:52 PM (GMT -6)

Greg,

I've been away from the board getting ready to move to Texas, but man, that breaks my heart that you had to say "see ya later" to your dad. At the same time, though, I weep for joy that you CAN say "see ya later." Honestly, I cannot imagine a better way to go than the way your dad did. What a blessed, blessed man he was.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in this holiday season.

In His Name...

Adam

"I'm beside myself!" C-3PO, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.

Winghead
Registered Member

Date Joined Feb 2002
Total Posts : 132

Posted 12/31/2002 7:56 AM (GMT -6)

Greg,

With my own dad's recent passing, I suspect we are both going through similar things. In some ways we know that the death is welcomed by all, and yet, there is a sense of "finality" in this life. With this, a sense of loss.

Now, we will start to discover what remains of our dad's life. In my case, there are many little ways my dad continues to touch our lives. I suspect you will find the same to be true for your dad.

For me, it has been a profound period in my life, though sometimes more trying than anticipated.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Your Brother in Christ,
Winghead

"...you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”
Mark 12:30-31 (NLT)

trosie
Registered Member

Date Joined Jul 2001
Total Posts : 550

Posted 12/31/2002 8:41 AM (GMT -6)

quote:
Now, we will start to discover what remains of our dad's life. In my case, there are many little ways my dad continues to touch our lives. I suspect you will find the same to be true for your dad.

Greg and Winghead, I heard the most moving words in a song on the radio yesterday. These words are so true and may mean a lot to both of you at this time.

"It's not what we take with us when we die but what we leave behind."

Having read the responses that both of you have received it sounds like both of your dad's left quite a bit behind that touched and will continue to touch many people.

My prayers are with you,
trosie

Magneton
Registered Member

Date Joined Aug 2001
Total Posts : 132

Posted 12/31/2002 10:01 AM (GMT -6)

Greg,

What a wonderful tribute to your dad and to the power of God to transform lives. May the joy of seeing God at work be an ongoing comfort to you and your family.

Your comment about his language reminded me of an acquaintance who once told me, with a kind of innocent sincerity, "Knowing Christ has made a helluva difference in my life." It was a refreshing reminder of God's priorities in the process of renewal, and an expression of genuineness like your dad exhibited so strikingly.

Magneton

"Never apologize for showing feeling. When you do so you apologize for truth" - Benjamin Disraeli

Edited by - Magneton on 12/31/2002 5:22:12 PM

Mayflower
Registered Member

Date Joined Mar 2002
Total Posts : 445

Posted 12/31/2002 10:08 AM (GMT -6)

Trosie wrote:

quote:
"It's not what we take with us when we die but what we leave behind."

How true.
Through Our LORD's transformational work in Edward Boyd's heart during the writing of
"Letters From a Skeptic," Mr. Edward Boyd (and, his son Greg) have left a living legacy that will continue to impact countless lives.
PRAISE GOD!

(SEE: Barnes & Noble book review, attached below).

BOOK REVIEW of
"Letters from a Skeptic":

quote:
FOLLOWING IN ED BOYD'S FOOTSTEPS

. . . "I began this book believing that Ed Boyd, the father and skeptic, was absolutely on target with his
succinct and clear headed questions that were directed to his rather circumvent and philosophical Christian son, Greg Boyd.
Every question I read from the father made me say, 'There, see what your Christian belief can say about that.'

As the book progressed I found my position gradually eroding.
I began to side more and more with the well thought out answers of the Christian son as opposed to the skeptical father. My own skepticism began to diminish along with the father's.

I slowly traveled down the long road to a more reasoned and defensible Christianity. The trip was made
along side Greg Boyd's father, both of us fighting all the way.
Letters from a Skeptic omitted much of the mystical, 'you have to have faith' concepts with which many Christians are bombarded and was instead a well reasoned, thoughtful, proof-filled defense from a very intelligent Christian theologian.

My heartfelt thanks to both Ed and Greg Boyd."

Signed: A reviewer, July 5, 2001

[end]

<><

lone ranger
Registered Member

Date Joined Dec 2002
Total Posts : 9

Posted 12/31/2002 11:32 AM (GMT -6)

Dear Greg,
I am extremely sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I have not been online since before Christmas, therefore I just found out today. Incidently, I just received a copy of Letters From A Skeptic as a Christmas gift from my kids this year, and started reading it on Saturday. I am about half way through the book; however, I have fallen in love with your dad! What an incredibly genuine man. So far(in the book)he reminds me very much of my own father. In fact, that is really why I wanted to have a copy of the book so bad. Years ago I tried to talk to my dad about Jesus, but didn't really get too far. I was hoping that Letters From A skeptic would address all of the issues that my own father has with Christianity--so far it has. I think that I can get him to read it, or at least my mom to read it to him. I know that my father will relate to Edward Boyd. And, I can't wait for my dad to meet your dad, both in this life and the next!! May God bless, and keep in His care, both you and your family.
Sincerely,
lone ranger

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