“Physics is like sex: sure, it may give some practical results, but that’s not why we do it.” -Richard P. Feynman[1] For many in our society, Dr. Feynman’s above quote pretty much summarizes the telos (the goal, or end-all) of sexual activity of any type—its about pleasure, desire, and self-satisfaction (maybe even the satisfaction that comes from pleasing another). But… that’s about it. Despite the natural results (conception and childbearing) that the exercise naturally produces, […]
First it was Youcef Nadarkhani and now it is Saeed Abedini. For over two years now, certain media elements, Fox News in particular, have been on an unrelenting binge of feeding the United States public news of two Christian pastors jailed in Iran. As my wife and I have been in the process of support raising, questions about this situation have periodically arisen. What do we think about the risks of working with a Muslim […]
The details for our upcoming conference, Ecclesia & Ethics: A Eco-Friendly and Economically-Feasible Online Biblical Studies and Theology Conference, are being finalized. The ‘Call for Papers’ has ended and the parallel presentations have been selected. In addition to our main speakers – which includes notable figures like NT Wright, Stanley Hauerwas, Michael Gorman, Shane Claiborne, Brian Rosner, and more – we will have several additional presentations. We are uploading the titles, times, abstracts, and bios for […]
Anyone who has spent significant time in Christian circles has either heard or pondered the problem of the un-evangelized individual. The problem is usually phrased as a question: What happens, hypothetically, to someone who dies without ever hearing about Jesus Christ? There is a story behind this question: An all good, all loving, all powerful God exists. In order to come into the right relationship with Him it is necessary to accept the Lordship of […]
In my last post I talked about the reality of sinkholes, the absolutely terrifying natural phenomenon in which what was once stable ground gives way and forms gaping chasms. Reports of sinkholes swallowing people from the face of the earth have been regular fare for news coverage recently. And for me, the actuality of yet another freak natural occurrence was enough to bring me to a crisis point in my faith. By training and occupation, […]
It was Easter Sunday in 1972. My grandfather was preparing to sing an Easter cantata with his church choir when he suffered a stroke and collapsed. On the following Sunday, he went to be with the Lord. I never met my grandfather, but I’ve heard countless stories from my mother about what a wonderful man he was, full of joy, gentle-natured and filled with the love of his Savior. Four years ago, on the night […]
= Equality = If your facebook newsfeed was anything like mine, pink and red was the dominant color scheme of the beginning of the week. As if Valentine’s Day was having a month late resurgence, signs for equality have flooded the social media and blogospheres in the supreme courts pending ruling on the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act. As the news coverage and national anticipation increases, activists and advocates draw attention to memories […]
Alex Lundry, Mitt Romney’s data analyst, recently reported that over 60% of evangelical youth support the legalization of same sex marriage (SSM). This number is in stark contrast to the responses of older evangelical Christians to poll on the issue. Democratic strategist Hilary Rosen cited this statistic on NBC’s Meet the Press this past Sunday. The context was a discussion over the upcoming Supreme Court decision regarding the constitutionality of state laws banning SSM. The panel […]
I have been waiting to review one of my favorite movies from 2012 for quite some time, Cabin in the Woods. As soon as I saw it I knew I needed to blog about it, and more importantly, I knew I needed to review it this week—Holy week. Perhaps you’re thinking, this is totally random; why is he reviewing a movie from last year during a time when he should be reflecting on things like […]
On this Holy Monday, I cannot help but to remember this past Lent with joy. These past few weeks have been some of the most peaceful days I’ve had in a very long time. In short, my goal for Lent was a bit secular in nature, as it was to be more mindful. I hung up verses throughout my house to help remind me everyday of this mindfulness goal. But the fruit of the Spirit […]
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