What is the role for denominations? What is the role for broad parachurch ministries or organizations? How should we understand confessional identity? If we are to have unity in essentials, what are those essentials? Where should Christians agree to disagree? Where should churches agree to disagree? What are the right doctrinal boundaries for churches, for denominations, for movements, for institutions, for friends?

It’s a terrible thing to do to someone: to suggest that hope for abundant life in Christ goes only so far, and they’re permanently on the other side of the fence. Many people with mental illness may not seamlessly fit into church life the way most of us experience it on Sunday morning. But let’s be honest—how many of us really do?

Human flourishing is a fundamental component of the plan of God. As a result, using economic and business tools, including, yes, borrowing money, to pursue such flourishing is consistent with the themes of Christian service. It is in this light that the recourse to debt must be examined. So the question of taking on debt becomes different. It is not a case of what you are borrowing, but for what are you borrowing.

If you set up subjective boundaries or eliminate boundaries altogether, your life will appear easier. You won’t need to think through the numerous arguments media is making against God or the various nuggets of truth presented by these creators of media who silently admit they live in our God’s world

Now I can type my column on my mobile phone, correct it, email it, post it to my blog and draw attention to it throughout the world in the blink of an eye. The internet revolution has had massive implications for the way we go about our daily business, as well as the way in which we relate to others. Facebook emboldens the most reluctant communicator to publish the trivial details of his or her life; twitter constrains the dissemination of thoughts and aphorisms; email demands instant responses and attention.

In response to this drastically changed situation, pastoral leaders also need to change. In particular, we need to stop executing religious skills for our people and train them to perform them for themselves. Otherwise, they will continue to be spectators, appreciating the faith but never really learning how to do it for themselves.

We used to blush about it. It was the kind of thing that women kept quiet about. It was personal – too personal – and not at all “ladylike.” Perhaps we’d joke about it or laugh at a reference to it on shows like Sex in the City. But for the most part, it stayed tucked away in the recesses of our inner world – or at least in a dresser drawer away from view. Last summer, however, all of that changed. The 50 Shades of Grey trilogy became an international phenomenon, selling more than 40 million copies and surpassing the last Harry Potter book in the U.K.

Question]: Finally, what advice would you offer to theological students and young theologians as they face a lifetime of theological work? [John Frame’s answer]: Well, here are some thoughts, in no particular order.

There's a common phrase among theologians that uses classical philosophical categories of causes to describe the Reformation: the authority of the Bible was its "formal cause" while the doctrine of justification was its "material cause." I think we can get a fuller picture of the Reformation if we add sanctification as the "efficient cause."

As of now, it appears there is a 5-4 majority on the Supreme Court in favor of Roe. The candidate who wins the presidency will appoint justices who will either bolster the current majority in favor of Roe or will make a new majority against Roe. In effect, this election is a referendum on the legality of abortion.