In 1975 some of (Norman Shepherd’s) former students were being questioned for ordination, and when the question “How is a sinner justified?” was asked, they answered, “By faith and works.” Shocked questioners traced their answer back to their professor, Norman Shepherd. This is re-posted from October 30, 2009. I want to add an important point:... Continue Reading

We believe, since this holy congregation is an assembly of those who are saved, and outside of it there is no salvation, that no person of whatsoever state or condition he may be, ought to withdraw himself to live in a separate state from it; but that all men are in duty bound to join... Continue Reading

“I believe they have a religious belief system in Africa that is much closer to yours. Perhaps you’d be more comfortable teaching there. You’re not welcome in my home state.” Dear Mr. Masters: Thank you for writing in response to my recent column, “The Separation of Gay Church and State.” I have copied your entire... Continue Reading

Muslims have fought many wars against other Muslims. Certainly, for the vast majority our allegiance is first and only to the U.S. and never to any Islamist constructs of the Islamic state, the ummah, or jihad. There should be a moratorium on granting conscientious objector status to Muslims based on claims of religious faith. Our... Continue Reading

But how can you tell if you really are a Christian? How can you know if you have been born again? What are the definite marks of a new creation in Christ? A Christian is someone who has obeyed the gracious command of Jesus Christ, “Look to me, and be saved, all you ends of... Continue Reading

What are the lessons that investors can learn from the CMI and Alanar cases? First, never invest in anything pitched by even a subtle appeal to your faith. Make that your Eleventh Commandment. Cornerstone Ministries Investments, Inc. (CMI) was incorporated in 1996 to make loans to churches seeking to build or expand their facilities. To... Continue Reading

If your husband’s voice is nasal, his laugh hyena-like, or his nervous gestures too repetitive, don’t bother to bring it up. I try to honestly weigh whether my critique is something reasonably within his power to change. When I first declared my intention to marry Rob, my mom said to me, “Do you like his... Continue Reading

Here is a news flash: 45% of people who vote have no chance in the world of voting for anyone else at all but Barack Obama. And 45% of the people who vote are absolutely no matter what going to be voting against him. Right now, that other 10% is dramatically set against the President... Continue Reading

Private community-based charity is usually much more conducive to helping people achieve the desires I mentioned because their assistance is based on relationship and a deeper knowledge of individual’s need. “Did austerity politics kill compassionate conservatism?” That’s the question writer Amy Sullivan raised recently in Time magazine. She’s questioning whether political conservatives have proven themselves... Continue Reading

If the New Yorker piece is any indication, apparently we evangelicals remain an elusive, vastly misunderstood lot…Those of us in the media would do well to treat evangelicals as neither homogenous nor uncommon, and choose our words more carefully. A week or two after the 2004 election, I was dining with some friends in New... Continue Reading