Taylor describes in part the conditions under which the polity of the PCA came about: “the PCA originated out of Southern Presbyterianism, which by the nature of the case had an aversion to centralized authority and had a strong emphasis on authority in the lower levels of the Church” (Uniqueness, 1). I’d suggest that the... Continue Reading

The world, and our culture especially, fills us with a false hope that every question has an answer, an answer which will soon be available to us.  The good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection, however, speaks to our heart in the midst of mystery, saying, ‘In this world you will have trouble. But take... Continue Reading

History records that when the church has failed to discern where the battle lines are drawn around doctrinal controversy, or even that there is a controversy to battle over, it is because it has failed to believe the Word of God, to use it to understand the nature of the battle, and to guide how... Continue Reading

There is no golden age of journalism for which believers should pine, but there are many models of great journalism to which we might aspire. The collapse of the objectivity paradigm and the ad-supported business model means that the field is wide open for innovative ways both to do journalism and to finance it.  ... Continue Reading

“We know how to have fun with our children, but do we know how to weep with them? If we only expose them to life’s joys, but not its trials, are we truly preparing them for a world that groans under the burden of sin (Rom. 8:20)?”   Should you take your child to a... Continue Reading

As laity, we are limited in our ability to change the PCA through its official structure, e.g., the church courts, General Assembly, etc. So, whether we think the fire of the world’s attacks on the church is currently turning the PCA into gold or dross, it is important that we participate in the maturation and... Continue Reading

“Writing is enormously helped by living. And for pastors, well, we must prioritize our callings. You do not learn to be a pastor by immersing yourself in writing, you learn to write by immersing yourself in pastoring.”   “You probably won’t have much to say until you are forty.” The words passed easily enough over... Continue Reading

But for Draycott, the Scriptural text does not seem to be decisive. Instead, the personal experience of Rachel Mann, Austin Hartke, Susan Faludi, and others is what drives him to consider how “transgender Christians” can be better understood and how the church can better incorporate them into the church, transgender identity and all.   When... Continue Reading

Indeed, the Great War’s significance in American history, while subtle, is nevertheless real. Socially, its impact on roles of women and African-Americans in American society was enormous. With millions of men leaving home, women stepped into jobs in manufacturing and agriculture. American women also deployed to Europe where they served as doctors, nurses, ambulance drivers,... Continue Reading

My greatest comfort must be found in Christ. Christ, who came to earth, away from the Father, to do the work set before Him. Christ, who reigns in heaven now, while His Bride, the Church, is here on earth. Christ is acutely familiar with the loneliness of separation. And He is greater than my loneliness and sufficient... Continue Reading