What ‘The New York Times’ Gets Wrong on the ‘Transgender Memo’
Without a stable definition of what a man or woman is, society’s most important constituency—humanity—is left wondering what, in fact, it is.
Two of the world’s foremost experts confidently dismiss the timeless truth that sex and gender identity are chromosomal and embodied realities—while admitting no one knows where gender identity originates or, for that matter, what constitutes male or female. This admission means humanity is left with no stable definition of itself. Last week, within the... Continue Reading
Living When You Know You Will Die
We know we are going to die, but we glory in the hope we have in Christ.
Jesus conquered the enemy we would never be able to conquer on our own through his resurrection from the dead. Because Jesus rose again, we do not have to fear the fangs of our worst enemy. Jesus triumphed over death and by his grace, we will as well. A few months ago, I walked... Continue Reading
If You Knew Me, You Would Say Much Worse
The more I understand my sinful nature, the more I am living in reality.
Pick up a history book–any history book–and see how many times the oppressed, when given the opportunity, become the oppressors. Is it power that corrupts? Or is it possible that the corruption is already inside of us, just waiting for the right set of circumstances? That’s them, not me, we tell ourselves. But why? Why do we think... Continue Reading
How One Book Changed My Life (Part 3)
If I could name just one defining feature of Mastricht's Theoretical-Practical Theology, it is that it is full of the glory of God.
Theology is not merely about living: it is about living for God, through Christ. Its chief end is God’s glory, and the great means it seeks to that end is our union and communion with God (103), which comes only through the Mediator, Jesus Christ (102). Previously I discussed how Petrus van Mastricht, in... Continue Reading
The Marrow of Modern Divinity: Edited and Abridged (Wilson)
One of Wilson’s goals of writing the summary was to get more people to read the original Marrow.
To be sure, abridging and editing a book like “The Marrow” is no easy task, and we all might go about it in a slightly different way. But in my opinion Wilson’s summarization is a good and accurate one. Many of our readers are perhaps familiar with Edward Fisher’s excellent 17th century publication called “The... Continue Reading
3 Reasons We Should Pay Attention to What We Sing in Church
Music and singing helps connect what our minds might know but our hearts do not feel.
Throughout the history of Christianity, one of the greatest tools for teaching theology has been music. After all, one of the earliest Christian hymns is the great Christological passage of Philippians 2. If it’s true, then, that we are learning from our songs whether we mean to or not, then we ought to pay very... Continue Reading
The Grace of Grieving
Sanctified grief on Ezra’s part appeared to have a blessed and positive effect on the people of Israel.
Do we, as God’s people, mourn over sin? Or is sin too comfortable for us: is it an understandable failing on our part or a most horrific offense in the sight of God? The people’s sin reduced Ezra to a disheveled beggar with torn robes and hair, fasting until evening. That is, I think, how... Continue Reading
The Cruelty of Victim-Blaming and the Hope for Redemption
When Tamar cries, “Where could I carry my shame?” (13:13), our heavenly Father responds with good news of a future messianic king.
Contrary to those who argue Scripture normalizes violence by including narratives of war, pillaging, and sexual assault, it’s more likely such passages are included to compel God’s people to confront the uncomfortable realities of sin and brokenness in our world. During my past six years serving as a college pastor, some of my most... Continue Reading
They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?
If the stress of euthanizing animals drives some vets to suicide, what will happen to euthanasia doctors?
How many times have we all heard the argument, “They shoot horses, don’t they?” Its logic is that if the suffering of animals and humans is essentially the same, they both should be released from suffering in the same way. “You wouldn’t let a dog suffer like this…” But if the animal-human parallel works for the... Continue Reading
The Rhythms of the Lord
No matter how fulfilling our labor, God designed us for more than work.
Believers should attend to the God-given rhythm of life since it both corrects laziness and offers relief to those who feel pressure to be industrious at all times. He teaches us to work, then pause to sleep, eat, pray, and rest each week. In the beginning, there was work, then rest, for God created, then paused... Continue Reading
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