Belief that religion is LOSING its influence hit 50-year peak after inauguration of Barack Obama Since 1957—more than half a century ago–Gallup has been asking Americans whether they think religion is increasing or losing its influence on American life. In all that time, the largest percentage of Americans who said they thought religion was increasing... Continue Reading

Arguably two of the issues that separate confessional Reformed folk from their Baptist friends are the Sabbath and Baptism. For many Baptists (but not all—there are confessional Baptists who agree with the Reformed on the Sabbath In my response to Tom Schreiner’s critique of the Reformed confession of the Sabbath I wrote, “Underlying Schreiner’s approach... Continue Reading

Some interesting things have happened over the last 18 months to justify my sense that contemporary evangelicalism is literally unchurching the churched. Admittedly, it’s an odd conclusion, but it is supported by a number of developments. Not only has there been a decline in the percentage of professions of faith in American churches during the... Continue Reading

I wonder what would happen if Christians thought of family beyond its sometimes idolatrous, biological constraints? My guess is that adoption would become a part of normative church culture. American orphan statistics would plummet. How can America have Christian churches and 115,000 orphans? But that is the case, with a sizable group of Christian families... Continue Reading

As a way of reflecting on this year’s activities, I’d like to express my thoughts on blogging in the PCA. I have a feeling it will be a big topic in the PCA in 2011. TE Brian Carpenter, for one, will probably be brought to trial in the Presbyter of the Soluixlands for activities on... Continue Reading

To put it in personal terms: why does incest horrify me in a way that homosexuality does not? Because I have, and like, gay friends; people who commit incest turn my stomach. Al Mohler has posted some fascinating reflections on the case of incest involving a Columbia University professor and his adult daughter (read here:... Continue Reading

The threats come not just from individual predators but also from a well-organized adult entertainment industry. It is an Evil Empire that attracts young women with the prospect of attention and the allure of fast easy money. Last Saturday night, just as I was leaving the house to dine with a couple of friends, I... Continue Reading

For these tortured believers and other Christians around the world, it will be best to keep this holy night a silent night. For these persecuted souls, there is no room at the inn. On Saturday, the world’s Christians joined in prayer and celebration of the birth of Jesus. For too many of them, this worshipful... Continue Reading

In the gospel, that peace comes only through war. This isn’t violence, the way we think of it, flesh and blood against flesh and blood. It is the Spirit of Jesus marching as to war against the principalities and powers in the heavenly places I’ve been wanting some peace and quiet around here. Now I... Continue Reading

Must one believe in the Virgin Birth to be a Christian? This is not a hard question to answer. It is conceivable that someone might come to Christ and trust Christ as Savior without yet learning that the Bible teaches that Jesus was born of a virgin. In one of his columns for The New... Continue Reading