Congress Strengthens Religious Freedom For The Military
The Senate passed a defense bill that includes important language to strengthen and protect the religious freedom of military members and chaplains.
The 2014 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes the standard provisions for funding the military as well as amendments that expand the protection of military members’ religious freedoms, including their personal beliefs, actions, and speech. Specific language in the NDAA protects the freedom of military chaplains to “close a prayer outside of a religious service... Continue Reading
“The Lord Says… Kill Them All…Their Children And Infants;” My Unusual Reaction To 1 Samuel 15
How can a good and loving God order the death of children and infants for evil done by their parents or grandparents?
But I realized today that if my first response is not wonder, awe, humility — if these texts do not lead me to meditation or devotion but rather to apologetics, if they lead me to defend God rather than trust Him, then I’m committing the same kind of idolatry that the skeptic does when he... Continue Reading
Wanted: The Perfect Pastor
If we put together a composite of the perfect pastor; what would he look like?
Although we’ll never be all this and we’ll never find all this in any mere man, it’s still a great ideal for pastors and those who train them to aim at. And it’s a reminder of the only Perfect Pastor, who was more than a mere man, and who surpassed all expectations in every part... Continue Reading
Dealing with Demons
We don't typically enjoy the privilege of seeing when and how God is acting in the supernatural world. But this time, we did!
What we experienced was “normal” for our context, and many other missionaries can testify to similar kinds of things. I call these sorts of scare tactics “demonic bullying.” In a place where the number of Christians is less than 1 percent and the rest of the population is consciously or unconsciously worshiping the enemy, this... Continue Reading
I Can’t Explain Why We Shouldn’t Murder Disabled Children
If you don’t understand, I can’t make you. All I can do is pray for your soul.
If it isn’t wrong to kill children, then it can not be wrong to do anything else. Literally anything else. Slavery? Genocide? How can they be condemned? Of what sort of moral standard have they fallen short? If the bar has sunken low enough so that infanticide can leap above it, then I doubt that... Continue Reading
10 Pitfalls of the Foolish Apologist
A handy reminder of the pitfalls to avoid in being ambassador's for Christ.
When the conversation gets complex, he needs to make sure to correct every single error he sees with another person’s view. Never mind that his conversation partner is getting offended by his “attention to detail.” This apologist is the fallacy police, the fact-checker, and grammarian all-in-one. If he makes an error, back-pedaling is in order, with little... Continue Reading
Without Lines, When I Listen to J.S. Bach Am I Listening to Jay Z (whoever he is)?
The necessity of drawing lines in our faith.
Christian Piatt needs to say hello to two-kingdom theology, which may be post-postmodern or popomo. 2k keeps the lines. The sacred is different from the secular. Nadia is different from Jane. Church is different from coffee house. Baroque is different from punk. Sunday is not Monday. Lines matter, as any wearer of tattoos should know.... Continue Reading
Are You Faking or Trying When It Comes To God?
The difference between faking and trying isn’t in the actions for the most part; it’s in the motivation.
Faking and trying often look quite similar. Both require going through the motions of something we either don’t know how to do, or have no intention of doing, well. When I’ve gotten dragged into soccer games on various youth group or missions trips I look like I’m playing because I’m running around and kicking the... Continue Reading
Religious Freedom Bill Shot Down In Knesset Vote
Constitutional law that would have allowed for civil and gay marriage is defeated in preliminary reading.
The Freedom of Religion and Conscience bill, sponsored by Meretz MK Zahava Gal-on, aimed to block discrimination on religious grounds and allow for civil marriage regardless of race, sex, citizenship, and religion. A bill that aimed to formally separate between religion and state in Israel was rejected by a 56 to 21 margin in its... Continue Reading
A Privileged Call: Jane Patete Retires After 12 Years With CEP
“His purposes were that I would serve. These have been some of the most challenging and glorious years of my life."
“Jane has been an excellent example of a woman who uses her gifts to serve the church with great humility,” said Stephen Estock, current CEP coordinator. “She is consumed with a passion for seeing the next generation know the beauty and dignity of living as adopted daughters of God in service to His kingdom.” ... Continue Reading