Under God: A Review of One Nation Under God: How Corporate America Invented Christian America
Kruse’s argument is that much of what we think of today as the fundamental institutions and ideologies of Christian America actually date to the 1950s
If you say that the particular forms of “Christian nationalism” date from the 1950s, fine – as Kruse says, the “ceremonies and slogans.” But to say, as Lehmann suggests, that the underlying ideology was novel in that era is absurd. To appreciate that, think about the inconceivably vast literature over the previous two hundred years... Continue Reading
ISIS Executes 35 Ethiopian Christians
Islamic State militants reiterate war against ‘nation of the cross’ in harrowing video
The grisly video bore the grim trademark of Islamic State (ISIS) footage in February that showed the beheadings of 21 Egyptian Christians on a Libyan beach. The Egyptian government ordered airstrikes against Islamic State targets in response. The new 29-minute video showed black-clad ISIS militants executing two groups of Ethiopian men identified as Christians in... Continue Reading
Smearing Sexual Orientation Change
Speakers at the conference were quite clear that change of sexual orientation for all meant no longer living under the control of sinful desires.
The point, which she apparently missed, is that Jesus extrapolated his position about limiting the number of partners in a sexual union to two based on the twoness of the sexes, “male and female,” which in turn establishes a male-female prerequisite as foundational. Jesus regarded the Genesis creation texts as essential for defining sexual ethics,... Continue Reading
How Christianity Invented Children
We have forgotten just how deep a cultural revolution Christianity wrought
“Our culture encourages us to let ourselves fall prey to our gooey feelings whenever we look at baby pictures. What could be more natural? In fact, this view of children is a historical oddity. If you disagree, just go back to the view of children that prevailed in Europe’s ancient pagan world.” We have... Continue Reading
A Call for Musically Gifted Pastors
If you believe God’s called and gifted you to serve the church with your music vocationally, I want to suggest that you consider whether God’s calling you to be a pastor as well
“Of course, not every musician who leads congregational singing should or will be a pastor. But if you hope to join a church staff some day, I want to suggest six reasons why preparing to be a pastor who’s also a musician is better than simply aiming to be a worship leader.” In 2008, I suggested in Worship Matters... Continue Reading
Great Ape Personhood and the Seventh Commandment of Animalism
A judge in Manhattan has ordered a hearing that will touch upon the continuing debate over whether caged chimpanzees can be considered “legal persons”
“This case is the most recent brought about by the great ape personhood movement which seeks to extend personhood and some legal protections to the chimpanzees , gorillas, and orangutans. Prominent advocates in this movement include primatologists Jane Goodall, evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, philosopher Peter Singer, and legal scholar Steven Wise, president of the Nonhuman... Continue Reading
Heidelberg 62: Works No Part Of Our Justification
Our cooperation is of no account in our justification either as the ground or the instrument
“It’s not enough to speak of grace. We must define grace as Scripture does. Rome makes much of grace and faith but she does not define them as Scripture does. Grace is not a medicinal substance with which we are infused in the sacraments. Faith is not a meritorious, saving virtue wrought in us by grace... Continue Reading
Why Is A Central Prayer Gathering In A Church So Important?
Here are some reasons why a prayer meeting is a big deal and worth attending
“People say prayer changes things but the truth is it doesn’t. God changes things. We live in dependence on a loving heavenly father ‘in him we live and move and have our being’ and that, as a congregation, humbles us. A congregation that makes a priority of praying together can never be proud.” I expect in your church... Continue Reading
Gospel Irony: When the Gospel Prevails in Unlikely Places
Paul’s experience with the Praetorian Guard should serve to give us hope and courage
“There are ardent, veins-popping-in-their-forehead, opponents to the gospel today. They do not wear the uniform of a highly trained, elite force. But they write op-ed columns, hold forth in lecture halls, and occupy seats of power. Do we sometimes think that the gospel is not powerful enough to prevail?” What better symbol of Roman strength... Continue Reading
Will the American Church Be a New Smyrna?
As Christians brace for official oppression in America, Jesus' words to Smyrna offer a great hope.
Jesus had a simple message for the believers in Smyrna that is needed by American Christians today: “Do not fear what you are about to suffer” (Rev. 2:10). Do we doubt our Lord’s ability to preserve us under trial? Do we question his willingness to support us under unjust oppression? Then of what are we... Continue Reading