All this is to say, the chaplain works in an institution for the care of people in the distresses of this fallen world.  The pastor does that as well, but not merely to provide solace.  The pastor cares for the flock with an eye to leading them into (or, back into) the spiritual fray for... Continue Reading

In a sequence of carefully timed speeches and rejoinders, the two men clashed over whether we need God for there to be moral laws. Harris delivered most of the better one-liners that night, while Craig, in suit and tie, fired off his volleys of argumentation with the father-knows-best composure of Mitt Romney, plus a dash... Continue Reading

What is the single biggest misunderstanding about Christianity among Muslims? AS: That Christianity has been corrupted (starting from the Apostle Paul and continuing throughout church history) and no longer reflects the teachings of Jesus. Muslims charge that not only has the Bible been tampered with and corrupted but that Christian beliefs in the doctrine of... Continue Reading

Those comments led Robert Gagnon, an associate professor at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, to call for Chambers’ resignation. Gagnon, who has written about homosexuality and spoken at Exodus events, said it’s unbiblical to assure people living in lifelong, unrepentant sin that they will go to heaven. “Alan’s approach of providing assurances of salvation to those actively... Continue Reading

Please know that I am deeply sorry. I am sorry for the pain and hurt many of you have experienced. I am sorry that some of you spent years working through the shame and guilt you felt when your attractions didn’t change. I am sorry we promoted sexual orientation change efforts and reparative theories about... Continue Reading

In my first report for RD, I expressed skepticism that it would lead to any sustained changes in how evangelical churches and leaders respond to allegations of abuse. The responses from T4G and TGC indicate the willingness of some powerful evangelicals to maintain the status quo around these issues. At the same time, there has... Continue Reading

When you visit the physician you look at the wall behind him, don’t you? What do you see? Signs of accomplishment. Your physician attended a real medical school. You physician has been licensed to practice medicine in your area and he has been admitted to this board or that of specialization. Those things are not... Continue Reading

Although John Calvin and Martin Luther are generally recognized to be the two principal reformers of the sixteenth century, there is a certain asymmetry in their respective legacies, as seen in the fact that no one ever complains of creeping Lutheranism in the Southern Baptist Convention. As far as I know, there is no pro-Luther... Continue Reading

We all, especially clergy as the “shepherds” of the church, have a duty to protect the innocent, which includes ensuring predators are kept away from children. The charges brought against SGM are grave, and (though we must hold our conclusions until the legal system does its work to find truth and deliver justice) we ought... Continue Reading

The trustees’ announcement in April sparked growing opposition from students and faculty. Since then, nearly 650 members of the college community signed a student petition online called “Sufficient Support,” asking school trustees to amend the religious requirement. Davidson’s faculty and alumni boards also each passed resolutions this month expressing disappointment the trustees hadn’t acted. Some... Continue Reading