In order for the church to realize its potential as the "city set on a hill," we have to live our lives in a certain way. We must live in the fear of God, with everything done in awesome reverence for him. We must learn what he loves, and then love and do those things. … Continue reading A God-centered society
Never hit a girl
Never hit a girl. Where does that idea come from, and what are its traveling companions? I recently watched Miss Congeniality, starring Sandra Bullock, and the idea sprang unbidden to my mind that American culture is conveying a message about women that is incongruous with the old rule “never hit a girl.” In the movie, … Continue reading Never hit a girl
A dangerous illusion
In recent times, America has taken to debating what bathroom a person should use. This is an absurd thing to disagree about, since physical differences between boys and girls are obvious. The funny thing is, most of the people who are being so absurd aren't transgender. The push to normalize cross-dressing, gender-reassignment and putting men … Continue reading A dangerous illusion
Unreasonable “faith”
Perhaps nothing has done as much damage to the Christian religion as when the word “faith” was redefined to mean believing without a reason, or contrary to reason. It has caused Christians to become unskillful in the use of their God-given ability to reason. It did this by making reason seem unnecessary for a life … Continue reading Unreasonable “faith”
Another excess
This post will give more detail on the third of my complaints against those expound on predestination. The complaint is that they sometimes (not always) present the invitation to believe in Christ as superficial or insincere. If we believe that Jesus's death, resurrection, and the proclamation of his name throughout the world is insufficient to … Continue reading Another excess
Reasonable faith – what is faith?
Perhaps nothing has done as much damage to the Christian religion as when the word "faith" was redefined to mean believing without a reason, or contrary to reason. The idea that faith is belief without a reason has done harm in at least four ways: it has alienated Christians from the God-given ability to reason … Continue reading Reasonable faith – what is faith?
Some detail on the excesses, part 1
This post will begin to flesh out the excesses that frequently appear in the teachings of those promoting predestination (think Calvinists). As I wrote previously, I heartily endorse that God foreknows, chooses and predestines men and women to be saved. I also believe that the bible teaches that we have free will. So, while I … Continue reading Some detail on the excesses, part 1
Who needs Jesus, anyway?
One objection to Christianity that is posed by secular society today is that our faith is too exclusive. It is too exclusive in its truth claims and too exclusive as to the means of salvation. Of course anyone who objects to a truth claims because it is exclusive clearly doesn't understand the nature of truth … Continue reading Who needs Jesus, anyway?
Excesses of predestinationists
Why all this debate over predestination vs. free will. I mean, it appears to me that answers for most of the questions are readily at hand. We shouldn't be surprised at this, since the bible deals specifically with such questions. If God set out to reveal these things to us, chances are he has succeeded, … Continue reading Excesses of predestinationists
How we know things
I was delighted to discover that someone is animating the talks and writings of C.S. Lewis on Youtube. If you're not familiar with him, let me inform you that Lewis was a Christian apologist and an intellectual hero of the 20th century. He was a brilliant writer and is probably best known for a series … Continue reading How we know things
