Rather than humbly standing before the honest assessment of the Bible mirror, I looked into carnival mirrors. The problem with the carnival mirror is that it really does show you, but with distortion. You don't actually have a 20-inch neck and a 6-inch torso. Yes, it's you in that concave mirror, but it's not showing your actual appearance.

The average American estimates that 7% of the population is Muslim; the actual number is under 1%. The average American estimates that 7% of the population is Mormon; the actual number is about 2%.

How should we assess this ever-present narrative of struggle? Is it good for American politics? Good for Christians? Good for the soul? Or are there dangers? Let me offer one observation, two appreciations, and three concerns.

“America is not the new Jerusalem,” Strachan said. “But we need to vote.” And he challenged Christians: “You have to fundamentally redefine history,” noting, “We have the ultimate… life changing transformative message.”

"The right to free speech and the unrealistic expectation to never be offended cannot coexist," rightly observed Philip Sharp. It seems, however, that the "unrealistic expectation" cited by the retired U.S. Army Ranger and author is being viewed increasingly as a right.

The implications of justification by faith are vast. In the early church, it broke down the barrier between Jews and Gentiles, making unity between disparate ethnic groups possible. It challenged the medieval church for selling what God gives away abundantly and for free. It pops the bubble of well-behaved Christians who think their sanctified lives set them apart from the wretched and dissolute

What I have learned is that there are really only four “rules” to a successful marriage and they all have to do with my perspective: Be his helper; Submit to his leadership; Always display respect; Pray for him daily

Does that mean that Christianity has the wonder-working powers that Doster claims? And what about the times after the good times? What about America after Witherspoon, England after Wilberforce, Scotland after Chalmers, the Netherlands after Kuyper (not to mention Ephesus after Paul)?

There are still evangelicals who, for theological reasons, would never vote for a Mormon. As an electoral issue, the question is whether there are enough evangelicals of that sort to make a difference in the handful of swing states that will decide the election in November.

To sum up what we at Christianity Today have said before: We believe gays and lesbians should not be denied fundamental rights granted to every other American, nor should they suffer slurs or intimidation in any shape or form (and neither should those who oppose gay marriage).