Why Liberty of Conscience Must Exist for Individuals
In the sphere of private business and the professions, it is the Christian individual, not a secular institution, who is the actor, and thus is the sinner where sinful action is required.
Compromise with SOGI laws leaves Christians other adherents of traditional morality in an untenable and finally incoherent position. If Christians cannot contribute to sinful behavior and yet remain faithful to God, then not only Christian institutions but also individuals in business and the professions cannot facilitate sinful behavior without being unfaithful to God. When there is no protection from SOGI laws in a given occupation, then that occupation is effectively closed to faithful Christians.
Reformed Seminarian Converts to Roman Catholicism
With a trace of irony de Haan is saying – If you reject Roman Catholicism its probably because you don’t understand it.
In the final analysis Jeremy de Haan left the light of the Reformation for the darkness of Roman Catholicism. Had he rightly understood the basic teachings of the Faith he once confessed, he might have been useful in the kingdom and ministry of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, he chose the pursuit of a confused heart over the teaching of Holy Scripture. The end result, as sad as it may be, is that he is no longer with us. But was he ever?
The Justification of the Good Works of the Justified
How should we are to view good works in the life a believer?
So then, we do good works, but nor for merit– for what would we merit? Rather, we are indebted to God for the good works we do, and not he to us, since it is he who “works in us both to will and do according to his good pleasure– thus keeping in mind what... Continue Reading
Fighting Abortion is Not the Fourth Sign of the Church
Don’t gauge your pastor or his church by a single issue, as radically important as it may be.
But here’s the deal. Do not think that just because a pastor doesn’t make abortion his No 1, front burner issue, that it is justification to judge, or worse, vow never to sit in a pew again. The context of the pastorate, particularly for solo pastors, simply does not permit any one man to make... Continue Reading
Mixed Emotions–Radical Options
While marchers claim that “women’s rights are human rights,” the organizers refuse the rights of “pro-life” women to march with them, and deny the human rights of unborn women.
The sacred place of abortion – we will fight to protect reproductive rights” read a large banner – is a modern expression of ancient pagan Gnosticism. Behind the “correct” PC language, total amoral sexual freedom is today’s goal. Many of these “rights” are a rejection of normative creational sexuality, which is exactly what the Gnostics... Continue Reading
Why Read “The Deacon”
It is my hope that this book may help equip and encourage deacons and enable members of the church to grow in appreciation of the diaconal task.
Each age in the history of the church has its own challenges in applying the biblical instructions on the diaconate to today’s pressing issues. This book seeks to address the questions that are raised. Should the diaconal office not be open to women? Is there still really any need for the diaconal office with government safety nets, welfare agencies, and insurances that can take care of just about anything. But what about the poor in the less developed parts of the world? What task do deacons have concerning this crying need?
One Church’s Story of Resettling a Syrian Refugee Family
An interview with a church that helped settle a Syrian refugee family.
I can simply say that this is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. In terms of encouragement, I can simply say that this is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I am confident God has worked everything together to bring this family here to this place at this time. Seeing them... Continue Reading
The Changing Nature of America’s Irreligious Explained
Americans are increasingly choosing not to identify with a religious tradition
“In the course of interviewing many nones for our current research project on innovative religious and irreligious groups, we are finding that, for some, religion has no place in their lives; others may be marginally interested in religion but rarely if ever attend services. “ A recent survey of the religious profile of the... Continue Reading
The Deadly Link Between Organ Donation And Assisted Suicide
Will terminally ill patients be pushed to end their lives by doctors who want their organs?
Canadian ethicists have recommended organ harvesting from patients who choose physician-assisted suicide, raising alarms that people with terminal illness could be pressured into taking their lives. In an article published in the December issue of the Journal of Medical Ethics, bioethicists Julie Allard and Marie-Chantal Fortin said Canada’s medical aid in dying (MAID) law “has... Continue Reading
One-Third Of Colorado Hospitals Opt Out Of Assisted Suicide
Faith-based hospital systems say the law protects their right of conscience
Nearly one-third of Colorado hospitals say they will not allow doctors at their facilities to kill patients under the state’s new physician-assisted suicide law. Recently, two of the state’s largest hospital systems, both faith-based, released statements saying they plan to “opt out” of a state law approved by voters in November legalizing the prescription of... Continue Reading