Doctor Fired for Refusing to Do Abortions Wins Major Court Case
The case marks the first legal victory for freedom of conscience in Norway.
Katarzyna Jachimowicz, an experienced family doctor who moved from Poland with her family to the municipality of Sauherad in Norway in 2010 to respond to the country’s shortage of medical professionals, became the first medical professional in Norway sacked for exercising her conscience rights. A Polish Catholic doctor who lost her job for refusing... Continue Reading
Where Evangelism Fails
The emphasis fell on the divine offer, not the human response: “I offered them Christ.”
This “supply-side” focus (rather than “results-driven” ministry) is so healthy, clarifying, and joy-giving. As an evangelist, nothing brings home to me the graciousness of my Lord so much as offering him to others. The givenness of Jesus is so tangible when you lift him up before people and say: “Turn and receive this Lord; he has given... Continue Reading
The Puritan Passion for Philosophy and Science
The Puritans’ enthusiasm for natural theology “went hand in hand with their adamant insistence that ministers not only be trained in the Scriptures and in systematic theology but also...the study of logic, philosophy and the classics.”
One of the consequences of the Puritans’ commitment to natural theology was their unusual degree of interest in science. Instead of being opposed to it, the Puritans, says Marshall, were “markedly enthusiastic about the study of the natural world” and as a result they “befriended science.” Yesterday I highlighted my surprising recent discovery that ”the... Continue Reading
Jesus, the Shema, and the Glorious Trinity
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God; the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”
The text was of great significance during the New Testament period, a significance that seems understood between Jesus and His interlocutors. Students of the Bible who read the New Testament with an ear for the Shema will find references to it elsewhere among the new covenant writings. For instance, the Apostle Paul develops the Shema in 1 Corinthians 8:6... Continue Reading
Services Shaped Like an Hourglass
We begin our service distracted, narrow our focus to Jesus Christ, then broaden our gaze to living in this world for God’s glory.
It struck me this past Sunday, that our most effective services are shaped like an hourglass. We begin “wide,” progress to “narrow,” and then return to “wide.” We begin distracted, burdened with the cares of the week that has gone by, deeply aware of the sins we have committed, perhaps scared or sorrowful or shaken.... Continue Reading
Unlatched Theism: An Examination of John Frame’s Response to “All That Is in God”
James Dolezal’s book, “All That Is in God,” defines the basic differences between classical Christian theism and what he calls “theistic mutualism.”
Classical theism is the biblical doctrine of God, and that is why it is the doctrine of God that one finds in our creeds and confessions. That is why it is the doctrine defended by orthodox Christian theologians from the early church to the twentieth century. I also believe that Dolezal has demonstrated conclusively that... Continue Reading
Help for the Beat-Up Pastor
If you are feeling beat up, here are some words of encouragement to refresh for your weary soul.
This must be our comfort. God does see, and he will bring to light what is hidden. When the factions are arising, and the inbox is filling up, you may be tempted to think that no one sees what you are genuinely trying to do. You may be tempted to throw in the towel because... Continue Reading
A Review: “Bind Us Apart”
Interracial marriage proposals two centuries ago.
Guyatt, as his subtitle suggests, shows that most anti-slavery Americans during the late 18th and early 19th centuries were segregationists: They typically wanted gradual emancipation with ex-slaves then moving to Africa or lands west of the Mississippi. That’s well-known among historians. But Guyatt also reports on a gutsy minority who thought the road to racial... Continue Reading
Stop Misrepresenting Masterpiece Cakeshop
Can the state compel American citizens to affirm and advance ideas and messages they find reprehensible?
The actual facts of the case are crystal clear. Jack Phillips, owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop, refused to custom-design a cake to help celebrate a gay wedding. As a Christian, he finds same-sex unions to be unbiblical and immoral, and he wasn’t willing to use his artistic talents to advance a message he holds to be... Continue Reading
Canada Rejects Christian Couple For Adoption
Their biblical beliefs on sexuality and gender conflict with the government’s official position.
During the home study, the social worker who managed their case asked them about their beliefs regarding homosexuality. The couple said they held Biblical views on marriage and sexuality but would unconditionally love and respect a child questioning his or her sexuality or gender. The social worker noted their answers in her report and otherwise... Continue Reading