the children still suffer
thoughts on Holy Innocents' Day
We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the holy innocents of Bethlehem by the order of King Herod. Receive, we beseech thee, into the arms of thy mercy all innocent victims; and by thy great might frustrate the designs of evil tyrants and establish thy rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and . . .
"this is not a day care..."
an indictment of American Christianity's self-centeredness
Until this morning, I had never heard of Oklahoma Wesleyan University, nor could I point out Bartlesville, Oklahoma, on a map. Then I read this brilliantly-written piece from the University President, Dr. Everett Piper. What is remarkable is not Dr. Piper's prose but the very fact that he had occasion to write it. As a conservative . . .
9 signs your theology is driven more by politics than historic Christianity
This post offers something to offend almost every American Christian. Do you know why? Contemporary American Christianity–both on the right and the left–is powerfully influenced by politics. The stereotype, of course, is that Republicans are in bed with conservative Evangelicals; however, it would be extremely misleading to suggest that . . .
refugees: when theology and patriotism conflict
Since the horrendous terrorist attacks in Paris last weekend, calls for stopping the proposed admission of Syrian refugees to the United States have reached a deafening roar. Over half of all state governors have released statements defending their right to refuse entry to any refugees the United States admits into its borders. Numerous . . .
pastor, France is not Serbia
thoughts on violence and terrorism
In the wake of the horrific terror attacks in Paris on Friday, Christian pastors had a difficult situation to face last Sunday.
- All rightly called out these evil deeds for what they were
- Most rightly pointed out that Christianity also has its share of sinful atrocities in its past
- Some wrongly placed Christian . . .
charade: war on Christmas
yep, it's the most wonderful time of the year
In the beginning was a Starbucks coffee cup with snowflakes on it. Then the snowflakes went away, and all hell broke loose.
And so it began...the annual charade of the 'war' on Christmas, where every year Christians who otherwise spend the rest of their year not terribly concerned about hard calling of the Christian life find . . .
despise the sins...not the brother who commits them
The Devil cunningly induces us – instead of irritating us against himself – to notice our neighbors’ sins, to make us spiteful and angry with others, and to awaken our contempt towards them, thus keeping us in enmity with our neighbors, and with the Lord God Himself. Therefore, we must despise the sins, the faults themselves, and not our . . .