"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right." This well-known commandment to Christian children contains the phrase "in the lord." The meaning of that phrase in this verse has been interpreted in two different ways: some have said that the child is to be in the lord, others have said that the … Continue reading Obey in the Lord
Loves recognizes property
There are many small ways in which we love each other by respecting informal property rights. Anything that someone is using, or into which someone has invested effort we respect and treat as if they have a right to it. Because they do. Investment creates an ownership claim The tiniest investment of labor is enough … Continue reading Loves recognizes property
A house divided
In this post I lay out why I believe American society will split into two distinct factions. The differences between the two camps are fundamental and those differences will necessitate some sort of political separation. Perhaps the necessary separation can be achieved by returning to a federal system where nearly everything is handled at the … Continue reading A house divided
Self-regard is shame
Jesus teaches us to be radically humble. If we follow his example, we will be unconcerned with our own honor. Mat 20:25 But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Mat 20:26It shall not be … Continue reading Self-regard is shame
Scriptural reasons to doubt the traditional interpretation of 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 and 1 Timothy 2:12
Let's start by stipulating that if the apostle Paul wrote that women shouldn't speak in church meetings, then they shouldn't speak in church meetings. Paul had revelation direct from Christ. Paul knew what he was talking about. The question is whether we know what he's talking about. We should not interpret the bible by our … Continue reading Scriptural reasons to doubt the traditional interpretation of 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 and 1 Timothy 2:12
Glory, not yet
The gospel of John records the healing of a man born blind. It's a momentous record, not only for the impact it had on that man and his parents, but for the theological impact it has on the followers of Christ. To get the full impact, you have consider what it means that the man … Continue reading Glory, not yet
Anti-semitism
When contemplating the recurrent horrors of anti-semitism throughout history, it's important to remember that the driving force of it all is spiritual, not natural. To give a half-way thorough description of the phenomenon is going to require quite a few words. It takes more than saying anti-semitism is evil, which it is. It takes more … Continue reading Anti-semitism
How to be a *boss*
Christ teaches us that every earthly authority is a steward, a manager, whose authority is a delegated to him from above. This is true of kings, judges, church leaders, husbands, parents, school administrators, business owners- every earthly authority is a delegated authority. Everyone has a master over them; everyone has a boss to whom they … Continue reading How to be a *boss*
A world of inequality
The world God made, and the human race he created as part of it, are both chock full of inequality. It is supposed to be this way. The inequality throughout creation isn’t an evil, far from it. Rather, it is the beauty, and the glory of God manifest in creation. The inequality within creation echos … Continue reading A world of inequality
On Jussie Smollett, and the just punishment for false accusations
Jussie Smollett stands accused of falsely claiming to be the victim of a racially and politically motivated hate crime. What does the bible have to say about such things? https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/20/arts/television/jussie-smollett-attack-suspect.html If the charge against Smollett is accurate, meaning that he falsely claimed to have been attacked, then he is guilty of offering false testimony. The … Continue reading On Jussie Smollett, and the just punishment for false accusations
