Still, Shortt notes the causes of conflict often are more mundane, such as differences in lifestyle, or fears that hard-working, thrifty and self-disciplined Christians may have an edge over their neighbors in the daily competition for survival. “I reject the…fantasy that holds Islam to be uniquely violent,”   Book Review:  Christianophobia, Rupert Shortt, 298 pp.... Continue Reading

The Two Kingdoms doctrine asserts that God rules all human institutions and endeavors, but in two very distinct ways…God rules his church as Redeemer through Jesus Christ. Thus, the church is God’s “spiritual kingdom.” He also rules the state and all other social institutions outside the church. However, he rules this “civil kingdom” only as... Continue Reading

Any properly functioning society needs justice. Knowing when to temper it with mercy can be a challenge for societies and individuals. The proper balance helps make civilizations civilized. Which world would you rather inhabit: one tilting toward Valjean’s mercy or Javert’s legalism?     Could receiving a healthy dose of kindness and mercy help transform... Continue Reading

The big question: WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?  It’s a movie about a science fiction book right? No! Though to be fair, for some of you the answer is yes. (Please stop reading if you are one of these people).   Some may say producer/director Peter Jackson’s latest J. R. R. Tolkien adaption is an... Continue Reading

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

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

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

The unnamed editors of the revision say they chose to use and retitle the King James Version to the Queen James Version because of the “obvious gay link to King James, known amongst friends and courtiers as ‘Queen James’ because of his many gay lovers.”   The Story: A new revision of the King James Bible—dubbed... Continue Reading

“Unexpected Journey” stays impressively close to Tolkien’s storyline, but introduces some minor twists and turns to fit the medium and keep everyone on their toes. It’s a good blend of fidelity and freshness.  For the ultra-purists, if you just want straight Tolkien, then just read the book. The movie, by necessity, is not, and cannot... Continue Reading

The hymn is based on a prophecy in Isaiah 7, a prophecy that looks forward to the birth of a child who will be named Immanuel, which means “God with us.” In Eden, God had been present with mankind, but as a result of the Fall, man was exiled from God’s presence. From that point... Continue Reading