James Comey: The Fall of a Niebuhrian
Comey wrote his undergraduate thesis on Niebuhr
Comey’s thesis treats Niebuhr’s writings as a kind of wisdom literature for Christian office seekers. “Every aspiring world leader,” he advised, should study “Niebuhr’s classic statement of the human condition.” Last fall, my students were reading Reinhold Niebuhr’s 1952 classic, “The Irony of American History,” when the renowned theologian’s title came alive for them:... Continue Reading
How a Pastor Loves His Flock
A pastor’s preeminent duty consists in the regular feeding of God’s people with the Word
“The pastor loves his flock well when he preaches Christ to them and constantly, prayerfully, and tirelessly points them away from themselves and this world to Christ Jesus, the Lord. No Christian should ever underestimate the divine power that attends the faithful heralding of the Word of God.” The measure of a pastor’s love... Continue Reading
Early Parole Rejected For Former Bishop Heather Cook
Heather Cook, the former Episcopal bishop who pled guilty to criminal charges in connection with a drunk-driving crash, will remain in prison
Commission chairman David Blumberg said the two commissioners who ruled on the case told him one reason they denied Cook parole was that she “took no responsibility” and “showed no remorse” for her actions during the 90-minute hearing. Heather Cook, the former Episcopal bishop who is serving a seven-year prison sentence for a drunk-driving... Continue Reading
Two New Popular Biographies Of Zwingli
William Boekestein has published two popular biographies of Zwingli in recent years
“With these two volumes Boekestein, a minister in the United Reformed Churches in North America, has done us a service by providing accessible, popular pathways into Zwingli’s world, life, theology, piety, and practice and for that we are in his debt.” Since this is the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s 95 Theses (October 31,... Continue Reading
Was Grand Canyon Project Rejected Because Researcher Is a Creationist?
All Andrew Snelling wants to do is collect some rocks from Grand Canyon in order to help prove Arizona's landmark was created in a few days by God
“Snelling, who lives in Kentucky, agrees with the official Answers in Genesis position — that Genesis is literally true, right down to the six-day creation and Noah somehow fathering the ancestors of all human beings alive today.” All Andrew Snelling wants to do is collect some rocks from Grand Canyon in order to help... Continue Reading
The Kidification of America: On the Goodness of Maturity
Contra our narcissistic culture, you find yourself when you find God.
We’ve grown up in a feelings-driven, truth-averse, trigger-happy culture. We’ve been told that we’re only authentically human when we “express ourselves,” whatever that means. We’ve witnessed the breakdown of the family as adults dissolve lifelong bonds over a few afternoon court dates. The way to stand out today is this: to hunger to be... Continue Reading
The Revenge of Analog Discipleship
Disciple-making is accomplished by modelers, not just messengers
“There is no such thing as digital-only discipleship. It’s all analog, because we are embodied people who long for real life community that goes beyond virtual hangouts. Furthermore, pursuing knowledge apart from relationship can become a vice instead of a virtue, the kind of knowledge that puffs up but does not edify.” Is digital... Continue Reading
Priesthood of All Believers: Two Basic Tasks
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession..."
As a priest, the believer is to cultivate holiness. For example, in [I Peter] chapter 1, Peter exhorts these exiles to “be holy!” In chapter 2, he encourages them “to offer spiritual sacrifices.” And later he tells them to “keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable.” With that in mind, I want to suggest that... Continue Reading
5 Things You Should Never Say To A Small Church Pastor
Don’t just get the content right. Consider how it might feel to the hurting pastors who need your help the most.
It’s not because we don’t want or need the help. It’s that we’ve grown weary of hearing advice that’s offered with the best intentions, but is more hurtful than helpful. If you’re in a position to speak, write or counsel small church pastors, here are 5 things small church pastors regularly hear that you should... Continue Reading
They Have Not Rejected You, They Have Rejected Me
To reject God’s spokesperson was to reject God.
Samuel the prophet was God’s spokesperson to the nation of Israel. He was called and equipped by God to speak the words of God. Those who rejected the words of Samuel were actually rejecting the words of the one who called Samuel. God’s people had rejected God’s prophet. For many years, Samuel had served... Continue Reading