Note: Hey friends, I’m excited to share that I’m working on a new booklet in the Constructive Conversation series on Christian Nationalism. This week’s post is related to that, as was last week’s, and, I expect, several more over the coming months. If you want a simple definition of Christian nationalism, think of it as a subtle form of idolatry … Read More
Misplaced Priorities
“O grant us help against the foe, for human help is worthless. With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.” Psalm 60:11-12, NRSV One of the more troubling but deeply revealing emails I received while serving at the center of the pro-life movement was from a dear mom whom I’ll call Sarah. Choosing … Read More
Faith in Crisis
Believe it or not, my greatest crisis of faith came thirty years ago while I was immersed in discussions and study related to God and the Bible at Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY. One day, as I wandered the nearby campus of Westminster Presbyterian Seminary, a solitary PCUSA school with several attractive stone buildings, I even seriously questioned the existence … Read More
Celebrating Jesus as the Life and Light
“In him was life, and the life was the light of all people…the true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.” John 1:4,9 (NRSV) For the last four months, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about John’s famous prologue (1:1-18). Throughout the Christmas season, this passage loomed large and now, as we enter Holy Week, I continue … Read More
Responding to Ken Ham and Other YEC Arguments
Hey Freinds, I’m excited to let you know about a new chapter in the Genesis 1 & Science booklet that’s part of the constructive conversation series. It’s 100% devoted to responding to Ken Ham and common young earth creationist (YEC) objections. There are also quite a few smaller updates throughout the resource, as well as two fresh reviews that you … Read More
More on Knowing God as Father
Many feel that David Bently Hart’s That All Shall Be Saved: Heaven, Hell, and Universal Salvation is the best case in our day against an everlasting hell and for universal salvation. Although I can’t tackle these important questions here, I do want to take issue with Hart’s oversimplification of God’s fatherhood in the quote below, as well as his misapplication … Read More
Reflections on Waiting, Sources of Empowerment, and Uncertainty
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance, and he set out, not knowing where he was going. Heb. 11:8, NRSVUE It’s hard to wait… This is true for any of us whether we’re two or 82. Whether we’re looking for employment or the next chance … Read More
Eagle Powers for Christmas?
“But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13, NRSVUE) We know well that worship is at the center of the Christian celebration of Christmas. As … Read More
Another Opportunity for Shared Impact
The heavens declare the glory of God,and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.Day to day pours out speech,and night to night reveals knowledge.There is no speech, nor are there words,whose voice is not heard. Psalm 19:1-3, ESV Hi All, Updates to the Genesis 1 and Science booklet in the Constructive Conversations series are now live and ready for some good … Read More
God’s Power and Our Efforts
“Then he [the angel] said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6, ESV Below is a favorite by Abraham Kuyper from his devotional classic The Practice of Godliness. It’s been a great reminder in my struggles that “waiting on … Read More