4 Must-Read Books for Grieving Christians
Finding answers and hope amidst the doubts and questions of grief.
These four books were a lifeline of much needed comfort, wisdom, and encouragement for me, and it is my hope they will be the same for my brothers and sisters in Christ who are struggling to hold on to their faith amid devastating grief. When my son died in 2006, it was hard—even painful—for... Continue Reading
The Scandalous Forgiveness of Sinners
Christ knows the depth of depravity that lives inside of us. He dwelt in it, yet never sinned, for 33 years.
Though free for them, for you, for me, forgiveness was anything but free. Someone had to pay that cost, but it never could be me— Too full of my own impurity, I could never forgive to this immense degree. But Jesus can, and He did, and He does. And for those who believe, it’s still... Continue Reading
Is God Disappointed with Me?
Book Review: "Peace over Perfection," by Faith Chang
For those who have dealt with manifestations of Christian perfectionism, Chang has done a beautiful thing. In reading her personal experiences, her reflections on the writing of others, and her rich meditations on God’s character from his word, you will be deeply encouraged by how you are both loved and delighted in by your God. ... Continue Reading
The Church in an AI Future
Christians must know their purpose to steer a world dominated by AI.
The promises of AI are indeed amazing. The labor- and time-saving potential will save humanity hours of mindless tasks, and we’ve not even begun to realize the potential for medicine, among other things. However, potentials are not actuals, and history is full of unintended (and intended) applications and consequences of technology. The only way forward... Continue Reading
Should Science Define Christian Doctrines?
Review: ‘Defending Sin’ by Hans Madueme.
‘Defending Sin’ is an attempt to argue to reveal truth rather than to win at all costs. By defending the biblical account of the fall, Madueme’s work serves a larger purpose. He makes the case that Christians can embrace science without capitulating on matters that Scripture and the Christian tradition have agreed on for millennia. ... Continue Reading
John 3:16 and the Gospel
What exactly is the gospel that we must present to non-believers?
Let me refer you to a very good book that David Pawson released some years ago: Is John 3:16 the Gospel? (Terra Nova Publications, 2007). His thesis is simple: John 3:16 as such is not the core gospel message. The righteousness of God and our unrighteousness, and how to bridge that gap in Christ is. It is... Continue Reading
Anti-Slavery Activist William Wilberforce: Christian Hero
Wilberforce was eventually called the "Conscience of Parliament."
The “Slavery Abolition Act” was passed in 1833. This made slavery illegal and mandated that slaves would be freed (immediately for children under 6, while those over 6 would be part slave and part free for a further four years and be paid wages). Fortunately, Wilberforce lived to see this. He had become seriously ill... Continue Reading
A Review of Religion & Republic by Miles Smith
Who We as American Protestants Actually Were and What We Might Still Strive to Be
Religion & Republic shows that we have positive examples to work from within our own national history and that we do not necessarily have to look outside the American tradition in order to conceptualize a Christian America. It is worth repeating and reemphasizing that as Americans, unless we intend to be revolutionaries, our approaches to reform... Continue Reading
No One in Our Lives “Always” Acts a Certain Way—Except God
The Lord is good, and he is only ever good. And in all his ways with all his people he only ever sends goodness and mercy.
If you cannot feel it now, the Lord is still with you in the valley. He will still walk with you without fail all your days, and one day it may be that you look back on the worst of experiences, the most dreadful of times, the deepest of dark valleys, and you will be... Continue Reading
For the Children
A review of pro-child politics: why every cultural, economic, and national issue is a matter of justice for children, edited by Katy Faust.
At its core, Pro-Child Politics is a call for adults to represent and steward the best interests of children in the realm of politics, culture, and economics—not find themselves beholden to childish wish lists and self-focused desires, regardless of the person’s age. While I would happily opine about various conservative thought experiments, including JD Vance’s... Continue Reading