“Good scientists follow the data where they lead. They are constantly open to alternatives and remain mindful of scientific and intellectual rigor. To dismiss this scientific report as merely political is to misread it—not only cynically but unscientifically.”   The Fall 2016 edition of The New Atlantis: A Journal of Technology and Society consists of... Continue Reading

Adultery does no favors to the adulterer. To the contrary, it undermines and erodes character and integrity. “Like all secret sin, it eats away like some noxious chemical at the integrity of the one who commits it. The moment any of us drive a wedge between what we say we are publicly and what we... Continue Reading

“Israeli security officials arrested the operations manager of World Vision’s Gaza branch, Mohammed El Halabi, on June 15 at the Israeli-Gaza border before formally charging him on August 4 with providing material support to Hamas in the range of tens of millions of dollars over the course of several years, allegedly from World Vision’s budget.”... Continue Reading

‘Despite pushback from Republicans, who have expressed concerns about admitting those from Syria and Iraq, religious groups continue to work in tandem with agencies to place individuals in their states.”   Despite the heated opposition of the Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, and more than 30 state governors, conservative churches are welcoming Syrian refugees displaced... Continue Reading

Do we forget that no amount of contextualization will make the gospel inoffensive? In his Upper Room discourse, Jesus warned his disciples of the countercultural nature of his message. And Paul knew, even after making himself “all things to all people,” that the gospel he preached would be a stumbling block, ultimately landing him in jail and leading to death.  ... Continue Reading

“If God is good,” he began, “I may be able to retire early, and live not far from here.” Unfortunately, he had to hurry away. All I had time to say to him as he left was, “Do remember that Romans 8:28 will always be true.”   Many years ago, my wife and I were... Continue Reading

“Don’t get obsessed with one week of numbers. Budgets and attendance can have wild fluctuations. Don’t base your worth on nickels and noses. Use numbers in a godly strategic way, but don’t let them control you week by week.”   It can be the toughest day of the week for pastors. They have preached with... Continue Reading

“When groups root their identity in a specific narrative, then a serious challenge to that narrative will be greeted with real hostility, for such a challenge is not simply a disagreement over details.  It is a denial of personal legitimacy.”   Why has this Trinitarian issue generated such passion?  Given the fact that the EFS/ERAS/anti-eternal... Continue Reading

“Not dismissing the reality of their inner feelings, however, is not the same as affirming those feelings. It’s important for Christians to understand that people who experience distress, anguish, and conflict over their perceived gender identity really do exist.”   The latest issue of Time magazine features an essay by Jessi Hempel telling the story of her brother, Evan,... Continue Reading

“The penalties for violating the religious restrictions are draconian. The law carries a fine of up to nearly $800 for individuals and over $15,000 for organizations who violate the rules. Foreign visitors, such as missionaries, can be immediately deported.”   Russia recently imposed new restrictions on religious groups outside the Russian Orthodox Church. Although some... Continue Reading