Perhaps it is the fervent individualism of American Christianity which makes free market capitalism seem like a Divine mandate. Because evangelicals assert that you alone are responsible for your eternal salvation, it makes sense that the individual is also responsible for his or her economic salvation without government assistance, especially if God is the only assistance you really need.

It's widely remarked that to be "poor" in America often means decent housing, at least one vehicle, a cell phone for everybody in the family over age 12, air conditioning, two TVs, and a pig heaven of high-carb snacks—wealth beyond the dreams of the average Haitian. Though often exaggerated, it's true enough to raise eyebrows when discussion turns to "The Other America."

In the Reformed community there has been quite an emphasis of late on the freedom we have in Christ from the guilt of sin. Thank God! That is essential in our Gospel preaching and teaching.

Moving took a toll on the young Ronald; it created a void in him—a hole that religion came to fill. In need of a rock of reliability, he looked to where his mom, his heart, and his desolation pointed him: upward. There, he found what he perceived as a permanent friend—God, who was always in His place, accessible at any moment, who never moved on him.

I am writing this on the train home from the Servants of the Word conference. It was a joy to hear Alastair Begg, Tim Keller, Dick Lucas, and others and to share in great Gospel fellowship.

One possible explanation is that conservative churches tend to be more vibrant and viable and therefore be in a better position to attract and retain members. Another possible explanation is that larger churches simply by virtue of their size are in a better position to strike out on their own, or join a fledgling group like the ECO, while smaller churches are dependent on some of the resources of the larger denominational structure, including monies paid into the pension plan.

“God’s covenant with the body of Christ, while sufficient for an open source Christian, does not deny the truth and benefit found in other religious and wisdom traditions. We trust that the God who has given us freedom in Christ has acted to ensure the freedom of all creation. There is no need to say that our understanding of God’s actions (revealed to us in the work and person of Jesus Christ) in any way limits or affects the truths of other religions.”

As the night hours passed, Synod turned its attention to two overtures addressing the proposed Psalter Hymnal. As a result, Synod directed the Psalter Hymnal committee to pay attention to “unrest and concern” in connection to gender-neutral language, the use of the name ‘Jehovah’ and various word changes in traditional hymns.   Tuesday’s evening hours... Continue Reading

By discussion, the delegates aired various difficulties experienced in home and foreign missions whereas others expressed some hesitation with the establishment of a federation level functionary for the purpose of mission coordination. After Synod engaged in fraternal and thorough deliberation, it organized a Missions Committee and created the position of a Missions Coordinator.

Parents involved with homosexuality were more apt to report "being unemployed, less healthy, more depressed, more likely to have cheated on a spouse or partner, smoke more pot, had trouble with the law, report more male and female sex partners, more sexual victimization, and were more likely to reflect negatively on their childhood family life, among other things."