“This is not an apologetics 101 text, as in a book that will compare and contrast various apologetic methods; instead, it is a guide, a book that seeks to lead the reader into a new method of sharing his faith with others.”   I have a bit of an aversion to books on apologetics. I... Continue Reading

One common critique among them is that Tucker’s view of complementarianism is wrong. Complementarianism does not teach abusive headship, it teaches using the model of how Christ leads his church. I think the author would agree that her ex-husband would have been abusive no matter what doctrine he held. But here’s the problem: the “that’s... Continue Reading

This adapted excerpt from T. J. and Jenn Menn’s Faith to Foster (Abeille Books) recounts the story of “Casey,” documenting his time with the Menn family from arrival to departure and the aftermath. The Menns have welcomed 22 foster children into their home from multiple states across America, ranging in age from birth to high school. Names have been changed to... Continue Reading

It is possible to steer a middle ground between the allegorical and literal extremes: to recognize the Song of Songs as wisdom literature that celebrates a great mystery in life, the mutual love of a man and a woman (Prov. 30:19), yet that in this celebration will not only shape our thinking about human relationships... Continue Reading

A major tone of the book is that our children are lost, and Tripp’s advice to parents is affected by this tone.  While some readers might agree with Tripp, I for one do not.  Based on Scripture, I don’t believe it is wise or helpful to call children of Christian parents “lost.”  Sometimes God is... Continue Reading

I do not have the space here to summarize the nine missteps Shaw identifies, and I want to give you a good reason to go and read the book – which every thoughtful Christian should do. But I do want to draw attention to what I take to be some of Shaw’s most important points.... Continue Reading

Joshua Harris has been reflecting a lot on the impact of his book. He’s heard from people who felt his writing taught them to be ashamed of their bodies and to feel guilty for having any sexual desires. The criticism came out recently on Twitter. One woman reached out and said the book was used... Continue Reading

The most popular are those that follow Icarus (rise-fall) and Oedipus (fall-rise-fall) arcs and stories that follow more complex arcs, which use the basic building blocks in sequence. Researchers also say that the most popular arcs are those that involved two sequential man-in-hole arcs and a Cinderella arc followed by a tragedy.   From Harry... Continue Reading

“Day after day I participated more and more vigorously with a penitent heart in morning meditation, the Mass, Friday adoration hour, and prayer before the Monstrance.  What else could I do since I was taught that cleansing myself was my responsibility?  I tried harder and harder.”   “[I] would say the rosary even more than... Continue Reading

Bird argues the creeds offer us the best interpretive lens for reading Scripture: “This is because the creeds should be regarded as a biblically generated tradition that meets with the consensus of the universal church about what the main teachings of the Christian faith are…The creeds provide a kind of “Idiot’s Guide to Christianity” by... Continue Reading