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
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
Some Thoughts on the State of Christian Publishing
After the Bible, the Spirit, and the body of Christ, has anything been more important in the history of the church than the printed page
Personally, I’d like to see a deeply theological book about the nature of church unity. I’d like to see more careful “first principles” kind of thinking on politics and the relationship between church and state. I’d like to see someone publish (at a popular level) that go-to book on the doctrine of Scripture. I think... Continue Reading
Libertarianism, Calvinism and Young Evangelicals
"Postmoderns love Libertarianism because it often implies there is no “accepted moral truth.”
This postmodern stance resonates with a certain vision of some Calvinist theology, which presumes that those outside of faith are outside of God’s redemptive rule and are “vessels of wrath.” Walker countered that God does not “create any person to break His laws.” Today IRD was graced by a visit from our board member Graham... Continue Reading
‘Ana is with Jesus’
A portrait of one family affected by Friday’s mass shooting in Newtown, Conn., as they prepare for their daughter’s funeral
“Ana loved her God, loved to read the Bible, and loved to sing and dance as acts of worship. We ask that you pray for the legions of people who are left behind to cherish memories of her.” Ana and Isaiah attended Linden Christian School in Winnipeg. The funerals have begun. On Monday, the... Continue Reading
Who Owns “Evangelicalism” in America?
We evangelicals can confess that we believe moving Leftward is more dangerous (theologically and soteriologically) than moving Rightward.
“The only time I heard from Christians themselves was in the political realm. Two issues defined them — abortion and gay marriage — leading secular folks like me to believe that Christians wake up thinking only about babies in the womb and gay people at the altar. That perception changed when I moved to a... Continue Reading