The Tyranny of Merit
What happens when you build a society on the idea that if you work hard enough you will be successful?
What becomes clear is that once we leave God out of the picture, we tend to take pride in what we have done, failing to acknowledge that we are not the great shapers of our lives that we like to think. We forget to our cost, and society’s cost that, “There but for the grace... Continue Reading
3 Moral Principles to Consider Related to Reproductive Technology
Theologian Wayne Grudem offers biblical insight into decisions concerning birth control, artificial insemination, surrogate motherhood, and adoption for Christians seeking to live out God’s word in an ever-changing society.
These passages are relevant for the question of reproductive technologies because they mean that we should not condone any such technology that will certainly lead to the death of even one unborn child who was conceived when the man’s sperm fertilized the woman’s egg, the cells began to divide, and the human embryo began to... Continue Reading
They Call It Narcissism
Though not a Christian book, I was helped by her kindness and insight, and she actually rekindled my interest in engaging those who fit the narcissist description.
How do we help self-absorbed people? How do we help their family and remaining friends? And how might we be helped by secular literature? Secular literature is most helpful when its descriptions of difficult-to-understand behaviors are coupled with years of experience and when its practical suggestions come close to the wisdom and love we find... Continue Reading
How to Pray When You’re Tempted by Anger
Because God is angry with injustice and evil, you and I can leave space for his anger by not taking the law into our own hands.
Christopher Ash and Steve Midgley explore the root and character of human anger, examine the righteous anger of God, and offer readers practical wisdom about the way the gospel can gradually transform a heart of anger into a heart filled with the love of God. Five Things to Pray I do not know if... Continue Reading
Eating for the Glory of God
From yo-yo dieting to freely enjoying God's gift of food for his glory.
God’s Word gave purpose to my journey to better health, providing the reason to order my life. This Word came to me in numerous ways: through the faithful preaching of the Word, friends, and other means of God’s choice, such as prayer, music, teaching, and studying the catechisms used by the church through the ages.... Continue Reading
Review of Truth with Love: The Apologetics of Francis Schaeffer
Follis shows us how to apply Schaeffer’s principles in our time.
In his book Truth with Love: The Apologetics of Francis Schaffer, author Bryan A. Follis shows his readers what Francis Schaeffer believed and how he lived. It is a transformational book that can bless you in your walk with the Lord. If you enjoy good biography as much as I do, you will probably appreciate... Continue Reading
10 Things You Should Know about the African Church
The number of Christians in Africa at the beginning of the twentieth century was about 9 million; by the end of the twentieth century it was about 380 million.
When church leaders express concern about an important matter in society, local and national leaders tend to listen. This means that the church is able to speak into the moral issues of the day and gain a hearing. This is one reason why the leaders of African nations have been able to withstand the pressure... Continue Reading
Fashion Theology
The history, theology, and cultural intersections between the church and the fashion world.
Covolo’s discourse and style are aimed primarily at the specialist and students of art and cultural theory, although interested readers will find chapters four and five highly valuable for an introduction to a theology for cultural engagement. Fashion Theology. Robert Covolo. Waco, TX: Baylor University Press, 2020. 216 pp. Robert Covolo (PhD. Vrije Universiteit... Continue Reading
The Beauty of Shared Suffering
The invitation to know God— really know him—is always an invitation to suffer. Not to suffer alone, but to suffer with him.
Programs, systems, and methods sit well in the ivory towers of monasteries or in the wooden arms of icons. Head knowledge comes from the pages of a theology text. But the invitation to know God—really know him—is always an invitation to suffer. Not to suffer alone, but to suffer with him. Fellowship with Christ... Continue Reading
Evangelicalism: Biblical Fidelity or Political Expediency
It would be easy to point out how wrong Du Mez’s characterization is, but the harder thing is to ask ourselves if aspects of it are correct.
I read Jesus and John Wayne, but I do not recommend it. It is well-written, but it is misleading and is a mischaracterization of evangelicalism. But, my fear is that if we aren’t careful, this book could become a work of prophecy instead of an attempt at history. Without careful course correction, evangelicals could become so... Continue Reading
