This post is eventually going to be about the Reverend Tim Keller, founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City and author of the best-selling book The Reason For God. Keller, it turns out, has important things to say about cities. But first I must get personal: I have an elusive relationship with... Continue Reading

Most white evangelicals (84 percent) and minority Christians (76 percent) believe God is in control of everything that happens in the world, compared to slimmer majorities of white mainline Protestants (55 percent) and Catholics (52 percent). We may never know why bad things happen to good people, but most Americans—except evangelicals—reject the idea that natural... Continue Reading

In a Dutch Reformed church tradition that places a premium on rigorous doctrine, church governance and tightly disciplined lives, Edouard chose to pastor one of the most rigorous… Before it hired Edouard, the church required him to fill out a detailed questionnaire that asked about his preaching style, whether he prepares by reading the text... Continue Reading

We believe that Christians do not need to personally question the integrity, the intelligence, or the salvation of other Christians when debating Biblical issues. Ken has obviously felt led to publicly attack our conventions and a number of our speakers. A sponsor of Christian homeschooling conventions has pulled speaking invitations from Creation Museum founder Ken... Continue Reading

The Rev. Steve Lawler faced being defrocked if he continued to practice Islamic rituals for Lent. The Rev. Steve Lawler should have just given up chocolate or television for Lent. Instead, Lawler, the part-time rector of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, decided to adopt the rituals of Islam for 40 days to gain a deeper understanding... Continue Reading

In Afghanistan, he said, he helped soldiers plug into worship services. There was an active gospel choir “that rocked” and a praise band that was “really big” among its followers, he said. Bible studies were well-attended. With weekly choir practice, Bible study and worship services, John Richards could almost believe he hadn’t left Lookout Valley... Continue Reading

Bashir encourages open discussion of theology and philosophy in one’s spiritual pilgrimage, unlike what has historically been found in fundamentalistic versions of Islam and Christianity. He confirms that he is a Christian and attends Redeemer Church in NYC, which is pastored by Tim Keller Martin Bashir, whose straightforward questions Rob Bell struggled to answer earlier... Continue Reading

“His scholarship and teaching of Christian legal theory and of confronting life’s burdens inspire people in our community and well beyond it. He imbued his work and his life with a vision of mercy and compassion. The Harvard Law School, the larger community of scholars, and the communities connected through Bill’s writings are better, wiser,... Continue Reading

Haiti’s Jean-Bertrand Aristide is leaving exile in South Africa in just a few hours, despite President Barack Obama’s bid to keep the hugely popular but controversial figure away from his homeland until it holds presidential election this weekend, officials said Thursday. South African Cabinet Minister Collins Chabane said “they can’t hold him hostage,” noting Haiti’s... Continue Reading

A host of critics, including widely-read Christian blogger Justin Taylor and evangelical leader John Piper, have charged Bell with false doctrine and universalism — the belief that everyone goes to heaven. They argue he is subverting Christian orthodoxy by suggesting non-Christians may be saved and that people can still be saved after going to hell.... Continue Reading