In Protestant Christian worship, music has always been in a subordinate role to aid the worshiper in taking to heart and mind the meaning and richness of the poetic lyric. Though Calvin knew and appreciated the incredible power of music to move hearts, he cautioned against getting music and the objective meaning of the words... Continue Reading

“Christian children’s books are legion but good children’s books that captivate as well as educate are rare. Getting a pastor-theologian to take up the challenge is encouraging and I’m eager to see what DeYoung and Clark have in store for us. This is a book that promises a biblical-theological approach, connecting the dots throughout Scripture... Continue Reading

“Why is much Texas religion heartfelt and at the same time racist, hostile to difference, and at ease with violence? Why the affinity between corporate money and religion? Why does such a religious state have so much inequality? Why does this Texas version of Christendom—the intertwining of religion, politics, and culture—persist?”   Outside the large... Continue Reading

In the latest episode of The Geek’s Guide to the Galaxy (a podcast that I normally enjoy because I’m a geek) two “experts” in the Bible (Robert Price and Richard Carrier) joined David Barr Kirtley to discuss the new Ridley Scott film Exodus: Gods and Kings. I was interested in what these “experts” (one of... Continue Reading

In the interest of doing everything we do in word and deed as we sing Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs in the name of Jesus (Colossians 3:16-17), a Christ-centered liturgy would do well to include neither the composer’s name nor the poet’s name in the progression through the printed guide to worship.   “Beautiful music,”... Continue Reading

To start with, was there possibly some confusion among the respondents? An unusually high number were unsure of their response to Evangelicals, answering with a “don’t know.” This number was twice as high as it was for any other category. The reason for this confusion may have been that the question appears to have been... Continue Reading

This single chapter heading is truly amazing. It has successfully encapsulated almost everything that’s wrong with Wright’s theology. Let me explain what I mean. This chapter heading contains Wright’s low view of Scripture, his re-interpretation of Paul’s writings, his minimizing the importance of the salvation of individuals, his emphasis on the redemption of the cosmos, and... Continue Reading

Why are gay activists outraged by this? Shouldn’t people have the freedom to pursue the dictates of their own consciences? Why must they be shamed and marginalized until they submit to the norms of the gay rights movement? Must every person experiencing same-sex attraction act on those attractions or be shamed? Surely this is not... Continue Reading

Robertson teaches that not only is a priest to represent the people to God, but “they also had to represent God to the people, particularly by instructing them in the torah” (88). The Hebrews were encouraged to persevere by holding fast to their confession of hope as they drew near to God. The church is... Continue Reading

“Millennials’ religious practices depend largely on how the actions make us and others feel, whether the activities are biblical or not” (5). Much like liberal cultural elites, they will not tolerate intolerance: “Popular liberal evangelical writers and preachers tell young evangelicals that if they accept abortion and same-sex marriage, then the media, academia, and Hollywood... Continue Reading