‘If I Were The Devil’
A scary 1965 radio broadcast by Paul Harvey
(Editor’s Note: Martin Snyder, Editor of the PuritanBoard, calls our attention to a significant radio broadcast made nearly 50 years ago. The predictions approach the level of prophecy is ways that should alarm us all.) [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6IXPq1m0Eg&w=640&h=380] I heard this for the first time tonight (December 19). Then I had the kids listen to... Continue Reading
Review of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Appendix A: Abridged Guide to Evangelicalism as Middle Earth (Must Read)
The big question: WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN? It’s a movie about a science fiction book right? No! Though to be fair, for some of you the answer is yes. (Please stop reading if you are one of these people). Some may say producer/director Peter Jackson’s latest J. R. R. Tolkien adaption is an... Continue Reading
Let’s Rethink Our Holly-Jolly Christmas Songs
“Christmas is boring because there’s no narrative tension. It’s like reading a book with no conflict.”
The first Christmas carol, after all, was a war hymn. Mary of Nazareth sings of God’s defeat of his enemies, about how in Christ he had demonstrated his power and “has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate” (Lk. 1:52). There are some villains in mind there Sometimes... Continue Reading
Why I Homeschool
Every family has to make their own decision about what is right for them and what they believe God is calling them to do
I get asked some why we homeschool our children. And I put up with a good bit of attitude from people who have very strong (and very wrong) preconceived notions about homeschoolers and homeschooling. So, here is my list of reason why we homeschool. ** Disclaimer** These are MY reasons. I do not believe... Continue Reading
Top Ten Books of 2012
It's really eleven; there's a tie for 10th place (plus 4 honorable mentions)
When I say “best” I have several questions in mind: Was this book well written and enjoyable to read? Did I find it personally challenging, illuminating, edifying, or entertaining? Is it a book I am likely to reread or consult often? Do I see myself frequently recommending this book to others? This was a... Continue Reading
Sacred Bond
Sacred Bond is the most concise book I have read explaining the basic structure of covenant theology
If you want to understand your Bible better, read this book. The authors glorify God by teaching his promises to which we can hold fast. We may break our promises, but God was pleased to make a covenant with his people, and then fulfill the full sanctions of that oath. He delivered his righteousness in... Continue Reading
Bishop Mania and Confusion About Biblical Church Leadership
These men seek validation for their practice…outside of Protestantism itself
So bishop positions are bought, and the price is rather steep to keep the less serious out of the ranks. Perhaps that’s where there was so much emphasis laid on “success” in the early parts of the interview. A pastor of 15 people can’t be a bishop because the worldly resources of “success” won’t allow... Continue Reading
Crystal Cathedral Founder Robert Schuller appeals court loss
Schuller ruled to be employee limited to one year's compensation
This Christmas Eve, her parents will likely stay home and watch or listen to Christian broadcasting, (the Schuler’s daughter) said. They don’t plan to attend services at the Crystal Cathedral. The Rev. Robert H. Schuller filed an appeal to a judge’s ruling in a case that pits the well-known religious leader against the Crystal... Continue Reading
America’s baby bust
A new study reveals the number of U.S. women giving birth has reached its lowest point ever recorded
Many factors contribute to declining fertility, including a lack of hope in the future and a culture that discourages people from taking on the hard work of rearing children. “Modernity has turned us into a deeply unserious people,” Last said. The overall U.S. birthrate fell in 2011 to its lowest level ever... Continue Reading
Radicalizing the Middle Class
We seem to have a lot more middle class church members than we do rich ones, and it is not just your money that I seek.
We need a generalized radical attitude among ordinary Christians. We need whole congregations who desire to include the poor among their ranks. We need middle class churches willing to share their budgets with inner city congregations; not to give them pretty curtains, but help to feel the needy among them. We need tutors, we need... Continue Reading