There are many reasons for this American achievement, but foremost is a commitment to religious freedom – which originated in the struggles of English Protestants but was applied in a way the world had not seen before. St. George’s Chapel, located within the walls of Windsor Castle, is Anglophile heaven – a marvel of Gothic... Continue Reading

The story of Jonah shows us that the gospel—the good news that God relentlessly pursues sinners in order to rescue them—is just as much for Christians as it is for non-Christians. Jonah’s life proves this, because Jonah, who knows God, obviously needs divine deliverance as much as anyone else in the story. In fact, his... Continue Reading

Whatever difficulties the inclusion of Abel might create the overwhelming evidence from 2 Corinthians 3 and from Hebrews chapters 7–10 is that the NT identifies the “old covenant” with Moses and with Sinai. The figure of Abraham and the promises of the new covenant, expressed in the old covenant in typological terms and quoted in... Continue Reading

Which movie stars will become superstars? Which celebrities will marry and divorce? Which soft drink maker will prevail? What new technology trend will revolutionize life as we know it? Who will wom the Oscar Meyer Weiner Bowl, presented by Meineke Car Care, featuring the Progressive Insurance halftime show? Finally, I was right! An academic sort... Continue Reading

We are at the threshold of a new year. What does it hold? How do you view it—with fear or with confidence? At the end of each year I like to peek ahead based on accelerating trends in our world, and based on planned events or anniversaries coming our way. This is by no means... Continue Reading

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