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Thinking about a PhD?
2 comments | PermalinkJohn Stackhouse has some very helpful counsel, especially regarding discernment and expectations.
HT: Andy Naselli
HT: Andy Naselli
posted by JT at Friday, July 04, 2008 2 comments links to this post 
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Friday, July 04, 2008
Obama, Health of the Mother, and Late-Term Abortions
5 comments | PermalinkJohn McCormack:
Barack Obama recently told a Christian magazine he opposes late-term abortions performed because of mental health problems of the mother. "I don't think that 'mental distress' qualifies as the health of the mother. I think it has to be a serious physical issue that arises in pregnancy, where there are real, significant problems to the mother carrying that child to term," Obama said.
But the Supreme Court's ruling in Roe v. Wade's concurrent case, Doe v. Bolton, held that "medical judgment may be exercised in the light of all factors--physical, emotional, psychological, familial, and the woman's age -- relevant to the wellbeing of the patient. All these factors may relate to health."
Doe v. Bolton is the reason that abortion remains legal throughout all 9 months of pregnancy for essentially any reason.
Unless Obama intends to appoint Supreme Court justices who will overturn that decision, his opposition to late-term abortions performed for mental health reasons is meaningless.
posted by JT at Friday, July 04, 2008 5 comments links to this post
An Interview with Paul Tripp
0 comments | PermalinkHere are some questions I asked Paul Tripp about his new book, Whiter Than Snow: Meditations on Sin and Mercy.
What led you to pen these meditations?
I wanted to write something about Psalm 51 that would reflect that it is actually a poem and that would remind us that this psalm of confession is a psalm about the life of every sinner. David's story is my story, it's your story--and David's hope is our hope as well.
What effect did it have on your soul to ponder and pray through and pen these meditations on Psalm 51?
Day after day I would be confronted with how deep and pervasive my sin actually is. I wanted to back away from David. I wanted to believe that I am not like him, but I am. But day after day I was also confronted with the magnificent beauty of God's transforming grace.
Was there anything in particular that you personally learned or applied in a fresh way as a result of your work on this Psalm?
I learned the importance of heartfelt, honest, no-holds-barred confession. Confession should not be composed like a term paper, or planned like a holiday meal. It should be from the gut; an edgy, dangerous, courageous, unpolished, unedited self-disclosure of the flaws that exist at the causal core of our personhood that could only be made before a God of indescribable love. I guess what I really learned was that most of what I have called confession simply isn't.
How are you praying that God will use this book in the lives of everyday folks?
My prayer is that Whiter Than Snow would cause people to understand how comprehensive their struggle with sin actually is and how powerful the mercy of God is as well. I think it is healthy for the church to be both the saddest and most celebrant community on earth. If this book pushes us that way I would be delighted!
What led you to pen these meditations?
I wanted to write something about Psalm 51 that would reflect that it is actually a poem and that would remind us that this psalm of confession is a psalm about the life of every sinner. David's story is my story, it's your story--and David's hope is our hope as well.
What effect did it have on your soul to ponder and pray through and pen these meditations on Psalm 51?
Day after day I would be confronted with how deep and pervasive my sin actually is. I wanted to back away from David. I wanted to believe that I am not like him, but I am. But day after day I was also confronted with the magnificent beauty of God's transforming grace.
Was there anything in particular that you personally learned or applied in a fresh way as a result of your work on this Psalm?
I learned the importance of heartfelt, honest, no-holds-barred confession. Confession should not be composed like a term paper, or planned like a holiday meal. It should be from the gut; an edgy, dangerous, courageous, unpolished, unedited self-disclosure of the flaws that exist at the causal core of our personhood that could only be made before a God of indescribable love. I guess what I really learned was that most of what I have called confession simply isn't.
How are you praying that God will use this book in the lives of everyday folks?
My prayer is that Whiter Than Snow would cause people to understand how comprehensive their struggle with sin actually is and how powerful the mercy of God is as well. I think it is healthy for the church to be both the saddest and most celebrant community on earth. If this book pushes us that way I would be delighted!
posted by JT at Friday, July 04, 2008 0 comments links to this post
Sin Lives in a Costume
2 comments | PermalinkHere's another excerpt from Paul Tripp's book, Whiter Than Snow: Meditations on Sin and Mercy. Again, I found this both deeply convicting and hopeful at the same time.
Sin lives in a costume, that's why it's so hard to recognize. The fact that sin looks so good is one of the things that make it so bad. In order for it to do its evil work, it must present itself as something that is anything but evil. Life in a fallen world is like attending the ultimate masquerade party.
Evil simply doesn't present itself as evil, which is part of its draw.
You'll never understand sin's slight of hand until you acknowledge that the DNA of sin is deception. Now what this means personally is that as sinners we are all very committed and gifted self-swindlers. I say all the time to people that no one is more influential in their own lives than they are because no one talks to themselves more than they do. We're all too skilled at looking at our own wrong and seeing good. We're all much better at seeing the sin, weakness, and failure of others than we are our own. We're all very good at being intolerant of others of the very things that we willingly tolerate in ourselves. The bottom line is that sin causes us to not hear or see ourselves with accuracy. And we not only tend to be blind, but to compound matters, we tend to be blind to our blindness.
What does all of this mean? It means that accurate-self assessment is the product of grace. It is only in the mirror of God's Word and with the sight-giving help of the Holy Spirit, that I am able to see myself as I actually am. In those painful moments of accurate self-sight, we may not feel as if we are being loved, but that is exactly what is happening. The God, who loves us enough to sacrifice his Son for our redemption, works so that we would see ourselves clearly, so that we would not buy into the delusion of our own righteousness, and with a humble sense of personal need, seek the resources of grace that can only be found in him.
Impatient yelling wears the costume of a zeal for truth.
Lust can masquerade as a love for beauty.
Gossip does its evil work by living in the costume of concern and prayer.
Craving for power and control wears the mask of biblical leadership.
Fear of man gets dressed up as a servant heart.
The pride of always being right masquerades as a love for biblical wisdom.
Lust can masquerade as a love for beauty.
Gossip does its evil work by living in the costume of concern and prayer.
Craving for power and control wears the mask of biblical leadership.
Fear of man gets dressed up as a servant heart.
The pride of always being right masquerades as a love for biblical wisdom.
Evil simply doesn't present itself as evil, which is part of its draw.
You'll never understand sin's slight of hand until you acknowledge that the DNA of sin is deception. Now what this means personally is that as sinners we are all very committed and gifted self-swindlers. I say all the time to people that no one is more influential in their own lives than they are because no one talks to themselves more than they do. We're all too skilled at looking at our own wrong and seeing good. We're all much better at seeing the sin, weakness, and failure of others than we are our own. We're all very good at being intolerant of others of the very things that we willingly tolerate in ourselves. The bottom line is that sin causes us to not hear or see ourselves with accuracy. And we not only tend to be blind, but to compound matters, we tend to be blind to our blindness.
What does all of this mean? It means that accurate-self assessment is the product of grace. It is only in the mirror of God's Word and with the sight-giving help of the Holy Spirit, that I am able to see myself as I actually am. In those painful moments of accurate self-sight, we may not feel as if we are being loved, but that is exactly what is happening. The God, who loves us enough to sacrifice his Son for our redemption, works so that we would see ourselves clearly, so that we would not buy into the delusion of our own righteousness, and with a humble sense of personal need, seek the resources of grace that can only be found in him.
posted by JT at Friday, July 04, 2008 2 comments links to this post
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Machen's Worrier Children
4 comments | PermalinkCarl Trueman shares some thoughts--encouragements and misgivings--about the narrative relayed by Collin in Young, Restless, and Reformed. As with virtually everything Trueman writes, it's a mixture of witty observation and insightful analysis.
posted by JT at Thursday, July 03, 2008 4 comments links to this post
God Is Not Dead
7 comments | PermalinkPost by Collin Hansen
Christianity Today's July cover takes its cue from the famous Time magazine cover from 1966 that asked, "Is God Dead?" CT responds "not yet" (?) with an article by William Lane Craig. He writes, "To paraphrase Mark Twain, the news of God's demise was premature. For at the same time theologians were writing God's obituary, a new generation of young philosophers was rediscovering his vitality." Craig sees a turning point in 1967 with the publication of Alvin Plantinga's God and Other Minds: A Study of the Rational Justification of Belief in God.
The cover package also includes Craig's recommended reading on the existence of God.
Christianity Today's July cover takes its cue from the famous Time magazine cover from 1966 that asked, "Is God Dead?" CT responds "not yet" (?) with an article by William Lane Craig. He writes, "To paraphrase Mark Twain, the news of God's demise was premature. For at the same time theologians were writing God's obituary, a new generation of young philosophers was rediscovering his vitality." Craig sees a turning point in 1967 with the publication of Alvin Plantinga's God and Other Minds: A Study of the Rational Justification of Belief in God.
The cover package also includes Craig's recommended reading on the existence of God.
posted by Collin Hansen at Thursday, July 03, 2008 7 comments links to this post
Bonhoeffer: The Cost of Freedom
5 comments | PermalinkI've mentioned before how highly I think of Focus on the Family's Radio Theatre--audio dramatizations on CD with superb acting and excellent production.
One in particular to get is the 3-CD set, Bonhoeffer: The Cost of Freedom. Here's the description:
One in particular to get is the 3-CD set, Bonhoeffer: The Cost of Freedom. Here's the description:
With faith comes a price. What are you willing to pay? That's the question explored in Bonhoeffer: The Cost of Freedom. Chronicling the life of German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, this provocative Peabody award-winning dramatization shares the story of one man's battle against the evils of Nazism, a decadent culture, and compromising church--something that's not so foreign to society today. Challenging and compelling, it's entertainment with a message!
posted by JT at Thursday, July 03, 2008 5 comments links to this post
Paul Tripp, "Whiter Than Snow"
4 comments | PermalinkI've just started reading Paul Tripp's new book, Whiter Than Snow: Meditations on Sin and Mercy. The book contains 52 meditations on Psalm 51.
The following is from the first meditation, and I found it especially helpful and convicting. Tripp is recounting the time a friend confronted him about some sin in his life.
The following is from the first meditation, and I found it especially helpful and convicting. Tripp is recounting the time a friend confronted him about some sin in his life.
It wasn’t a big deal in one way. Just a small conversation that had turned a bit ugly. It wasn’t a dramatic life-altering moment. It was in the privacy of my home with one of my family members. But maybe that’s the point. Perhaps it’s very important because that’s where I live everyday. You see, you and I don’t live in a series of big, dramatic moments. We don’t careen from big decision to big decision. We all live in an endless series of little moments. The character of a life isn’t set in ten big moments. The character of a life is set in 10,000 little moments of everyday life. It’s the themes of struggles that emerge from those little moments that reveal what’s really going on in our hearts.
So, I knew I couldn’t back away from this little moment. I knew I had to own my sin. The minute I thought this, an inner struggle began. "I wasn’t the only one at fault. If he hadn’t said what he said, I wouldn’t have become angry. I was actually pretty patient for much of the conversation." These were some of the arguments I was giving myself.
Isn’t this interesting. Rather than appealing to the mercy of the Lord in the face of my sin, what I actually do instead is function as my own defense lawyer and present a list of arguments for my own righteousness. The theology behind the defense is that my greatest problem is outside of me, not inside of me. In so arguing, I’m telling myself that I don’t really need to be rescued by the Lord’s mercy. No, I’m telling myself that what I need to be rescued from is that sinner in the room who caused me to respond as I did.
Here’s the point. Before you can ever make a clean and unamended confession of your sin, you have to first begin by confessing your righteousness. It’s not just your sin that separates you from God, your righteousness does as well. Because, when you are convinced you are righteous, you don’t seek the forgiving, rescuing, and restoring mercy that can only be found in Jesus Christ.
What’s actually true is that when I come to the Lord after I’ve blown it, I’ve only one argument to make. It’s not the argument of the difficulty of the environment that I am in. It’s not the argument of the difficult people that I’m near. It’s not the argument of good intentions that were thwarted in some way. No, I only have one argument. It’s right there in the first verse of Psalm 51, as David confesses his sin with Bathsheba. I come to the Lord with only one appeal; his mercy. I’ve no other defense. I’ve no other standing. I’ve no other hope. I can’t escape the reality of my biggest problem; me! So I appeal to the one thing in my life that’s sure and will never fail. I appeal to the one thing that guaranteed not only my acceptance with God, but the hope of new beginnings and fresh starts. I appeal on the basis of the greatest gift I ever have or ever will be given. I leave the courtroom of my own defense, I come out of hiding and I admit who I am. But I’m not afraid, because I’ve been personally and eternally blessed. Because of what Jesus has done, God looks on me with mercy. It’s my only appeal, it’s the source of my hope, it’s my life. Mercy, mercy me!
Here's a video of Tripp reading an excerpt from his writing and talking about the book:So, I knew I couldn’t back away from this little moment. I knew I had to own my sin. The minute I thought this, an inner struggle began. "I wasn’t the only one at fault. If he hadn’t said what he said, I wouldn’t have become angry. I was actually pretty patient for much of the conversation." These were some of the arguments I was giving myself.
Isn’t this interesting. Rather than appealing to the mercy of the Lord in the face of my sin, what I actually do instead is function as my own defense lawyer and present a list of arguments for my own righteousness. The theology behind the defense is that my greatest problem is outside of me, not inside of me. In so arguing, I’m telling myself that I don’t really need to be rescued by the Lord’s mercy. No, I’m telling myself that what I need to be rescued from is that sinner in the room who caused me to respond as I did.
Here’s the point. Before you can ever make a clean and unamended confession of your sin, you have to first begin by confessing your righteousness. It’s not just your sin that separates you from God, your righteousness does as well. Because, when you are convinced you are righteous, you don’t seek the forgiving, rescuing, and restoring mercy that can only be found in Jesus Christ.
What’s actually true is that when I come to the Lord after I’ve blown it, I’ve only one argument to make. It’s not the argument of the difficulty of the environment that I am in. It’s not the argument of the difficult people that I’m near. It’s not the argument of good intentions that were thwarted in some way. No, I only have one argument. It’s right there in the first verse of Psalm 51, as David confesses his sin with Bathsheba. I come to the Lord with only one appeal; his mercy. I’ve no other defense. I’ve no other standing. I’ve no other hope. I can’t escape the reality of my biggest problem; me! So I appeal to the one thing in my life that’s sure and will never fail. I appeal to the one thing that guaranteed not only my acceptance with God, but the hope of new beginnings and fresh starts. I appeal on the basis of the greatest gift I ever have or ever will be given. I leave the courtroom of my own defense, I come out of hiding and I admit who I am. But I’m not afraid, because I’ve been personally and eternally blessed. Because of what Jesus has done, God looks on me with mercy. It’s my only appeal, it’s the source of my hope, it’s my life. Mercy, mercy me!
This page contained an embedded video. Click here to view it.
posted by JT at Thursday, July 03, 2008 4 comments links to this post
Don't Call It a Comeback
1 comments | PermalinkPost by Collin Hansen
Christianity Today reports on "A New Day for Apologetics." The articles says "it is the best of times" for apologists such as Lee Strobel, William Lane Craig, Ben Witherington III, Darrell Bock, and J. P. Moreland. I just finished Tim Keller's The Reason for God, and I'm currently reading Craig Blomberg's The Historical Reliability of the Gospels. I thank God for these powerful responses to those who deny the truth and power of the gospel.
Christianity Today reports on "A New Day for Apologetics." The articles says "it is the best of times" for apologists such as Lee Strobel, William Lane Craig, Ben Witherington III, Darrell Bock, and J. P. Moreland. I just finished Tim Keller's The Reason for God, and I'm currently reading Craig Blomberg's The Historical Reliability of the Gospels. I thank God for these powerful responses to those who deny the truth and power of the gospel.
posted by Collin Hansen at Thursday, July 03, 2008 1 comments links to this post
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
More from the Obama Watch
12 comments | PermalinkPost by Collin Hansen
Sorry for posting so much about Sen. Obama, but the guy keeps making news, since he's in the middle of a media push to court evangelicals. Relevant has posted one of the better interviews I've seen with the Democratic candidate. He explains why he would not allow faith-based organizations to hire and fire based on faith, contrary to the earlier AP report I posted. He also lays out when he would support banning late-term abortions, and why he voted against a bill that would require doctors to try and save babies who survived abortions.
Sorry for posting so much about Sen. Obama, but the guy keeps making news, since he's in the middle of a media push to court evangelicals. Relevant has posted one of the better interviews I've seen with the Democratic candidate. He explains why he would not allow faith-based organizations to hire and fire based on faith, contrary to the earlier AP report I posted. He also lays out when he would support banning late-term abortions, and why he voted against a bill that would require doctors to try and save babies who survived abortions.
posted by Collin Hansen at Wednesday, July 02, 2008 12 comments links to this post
Does the Pill Kill?
19 comments | PermalinkAt the Life Training Institute Blog Rich Poupard (a very sharp pro-life advocate) has been posting on the issue.
Below are some of the links with excerpts:
The Dangers of Overstating our Case
There is a real controversy regarding this issue, and science does not have all of the answers. Let me state this plainly: anyone who believes they know absolutely that OCs cause endometrial changes that result in "chemical abortions" is simply wrong. They don't. I don't know for sure either. Cool web sites and T-shirts do nothing to change this fact. Pro-lifers who overstate this case are acting very irresponsibly.
What if breastfeeding kills?
By endorsing a campaign such as "The Pill Kills" and overstating the case for a post-fertilization effect of OCs, we leave ourselves vulnerable to being hypocritical regarding possible dangers to an embryo. There are many reasons to question the use of oral contraceptives, and we should inform women to the best of our ability so they can make an educated choice. However, overstating dangers helps no one.
Does a Thin Uterine Lining Support the "Pill as Baby Killer" Theory?
. . . if a thick, receptive uterine lining is necessary for implantation, and we can show that OCs thin the lining, it almost has to effect implantation. This is the predominant reasoning used by those who support the abortifacient theory. However, this only covers the issue very shallowly. In order to understand what it really occurring, we have to go deep. This can be complicated and confusing, but I will do my best to simplify it where I can.
Below are some of the links with excerpts:
The Dangers of Overstating our Case
There is a real controversy regarding this issue, and science does not have all of the answers. Let me state this plainly: anyone who believes they know absolutely that OCs cause endometrial changes that result in "chemical abortions" is simply wrong. They don't. I don't know for sure either. Cool web sites and T-shirts do nothing to change this fact. Pro-lifers who overstate this case are acting very irresponsibly.
What if breastfeeding kills?
By endorsing a campaign such as "The Pill Kills" and overstating the case for a post-fertilization effect of OCs, we leave ourselves vulnerable to being hypocritical regarding possible dangers to an embryo. There are many reasons to question the use of oral contraceptives, and we should inform women to the best of our ability so they can make an educated choice. However, overstating dangers helps no one.
Does a Thin Uterine Lining Support the "Pill as Baby Killer" Theory?
. . . if a thick, receptive uterine lining is necessary for implantation, and we can show that OCs thin the lining, it almost has to effect implantation. This is the predominant reasoning used by those who support the abortifacient theory. However, this only covers the issue very shallowly. In order to understand what it really occurring, we have to go deep. This can be complicated and confusing, but I will do my best to simplify it where I can.
posted by JT at Wednesday, July 02, 2008 19 comments links to this post
One Meeting Only
2 comments | PermalinkPost by Collin Hansen
Over at the 9Marks blog I found this post by Mark Dever from last week. Capitol Hill Baptist Church is known for strong community among members, and Dever doesn't think it's a coincidence that the church has steadfastly stuck to one Sunday morning service. Certainly CHBC cuts against the grain of multiple campuses and multiple services.
Over at the 9Marks blog I found this post by Mark Dever from last week. Capitol Hill Baptist Church is known for strong community among members, and Dever doesn't think it's a coincidence that the church has steadfastly stuck to one Sunday morning service. Certainly CHBC cuts against the grain of multiple campuses and multiple services.
posted by Collin Hansen at Wednesday, July 02, 2008 2 comments links to this post
Doug Wilson on Productive Plodding
1 comments | PermalinkA very helpful post here from Doug Wilson. Be sure to read the whole thing. He provides brief principles and shares the particulars from his own life and schedule.
The basic principles are: (1) redeem the fifteen minute spaces; (2) maintain boundaries for everything, boundaries that suit the circumstance; (3) measure progress by the extended video, not the snapshot; (4) use and reuse everything.
The basic principles are: (1) redeem the fifteen minute spaces; (2) maintain boundaries for everything, boundaries that suit the circumstance; (3) measure progress by the extended video, not the snapshot; (4) use and reuse everything.
posted by JT at Wednesday, July 02, 2008 1 comments links to this post
Donate Books to the American University of Iraq
1 comments | PermalinkChristopher Hitchens is making an appeal to donate books, helping to build the university library in Iraq.
So here's what to do. Have a look at the university's Web site. Get some decent volumes together, pass the word to your friends and co-workers to do the same, and send them off to:
Read the whole thing. I'm sure Hitchens wouldn't want you to donate Christian books of any kind (!), and it'd probably be inappropriate for the university to receive devotional-type books--but donating academic books related to Christianity would seem entirely appropriate and helpful.Nathan Musselman
The American University of Iraq—Sulaimani
Building No. 7, Street 10
Quarter 410
Ablakh Area
Sulaimani, Iraq
(+964) (0)770-461-5099
It's important to include the number at the end.
posted by JT at Wednesday, July 02, 2008 1 comments links to this post
Bill Graham
3 comments | PermalinkPost by Collin Hansen
Here's something unusual, from The New York Times: "[McCain] met Sunday with one of the country’s best-known evangelicals, Bill Graham, and his son, Franklin, for what was described as an 'excellent conversation' but secured no endorsement."
Has anyone ever referred to Billy Graham as Bill? Maybe the aged evangelist let Sen. McCain know that he had finally outgrown the 'y.' The Los Angeles Times reports that McCain said, "Bill Graham recalled that during the Vietnam War when I was in prison, he visited my parents in Hawaii twice and he and my mother and father prayed together for me, and I expressed my appreciation for that a long time ago.…I am very grateful for the time they spent with me."
Every other site I've seen, however, quotes McCain calling him Billy. Are there really journalists out there who apparently haven't heard of Billy Graham?
Here's something unusual, from The New York Times: "[McCain] met Sunday with one of the country’s best-known evangelicals, Bill Graham, and his son, Franklin, for what was described as an 'excellent conversation' but secured no endorsement."
Has anyone ever referred to Billy Graham as Bill? Maybe the aged evangelist let Sen. McCain know that he had finally outgrown the 'y.' The Los Angeles Times reports that McCain said, "Bill Graham recalled that during the Vietnam War when I was in prison, he visited my parents in Hawaii twice and he and my mother and father prayed together for me, and I expressed my appreciation for that a long time ago.…I am very grateful for the time they spent with me."
Every other site I've seen, however, quotes McCain calling him Billy. Are there really journalists out there who apparently haven't heard of Billy Graham?
posted by Collin Hansen at Wednesday, July 02, 2008 3 comments links to this post
Poythress: He Makes the Winds Blow
3 comments | PermalinkI don't read World Magazine any more (mainly due to their restricted web access), but I did notice that they now have Vern Poythress writing a column--apparently they are short meditations on a theme from a biblical perspective. This is a great move!
Here's his article reflecting on the recent hurricanes from a God-centered point of view: He Makes the Winds Blow.
Here's his article reflecting on the recent hurricanes from a God-centered point of view: He Makes the Winds Blow.
posted by JT at Wednesday, July 02, 2008 3 comments links to this post
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Witherington on "Pagan Christianity"
6 comments | PermalinkThe best kind of reviews not only critique, but also instruct. Such is the case with Ben Witherington's informative in-progress chapter-by-chapter dismantling of Frank Viola and George Barna's book, Pagan Christianity.
Thus far, see part 1 and part 2.
HT: James Grant
Thus far, see part 1 and part 2.
HT: James Grant
posted by JT at Tuesday, July 01, 2008 6 comments links to this post
What Every American Should Know About the Middle East
8 comments | PermalinkDaniel Miessler:
Most in the United States don’t know much about the Middle East or the people that live there. This lack of knowledge hurts our ability to understand world events and, consequently, our ability to hold intelligent opinions about those events.
Read the whole thing.
For example, frighteningly few know the difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims, and most think the words “Arab†and “Muslim†are pretty much interchangeable. They aren’t. So here’s a very brief primer aimed at raising the level of knowledge about the region to an absolute minimum.
HT: Joe Carter
posted by JT at Tuesday, July 01, 2008 8 comments links to this post
Gagnon DVDs: Love, the Bible, and Homosexual Practice
1 comments | PermalinkIf you're looking for a good resource on thinking about homosexuality, you probably can't do much better than this new 4-hour, 3-DVD set by Professor Robert Gagnon, entitled, Love, the Bible, and Homosexual Practice
DVD 1: What's at Stake & What Are the Closest Analogies (83 min.)
Treats why we disagree in the church about homosexual practice; what's at stake in this debate; why the oft-cited, alleged analogies to Gentile inclusion, slavery, women in ministry, and divorce and remarriage are not in fact good analogies to the Bible's prohibition of homosexual practice; what the main problem with homosexual practice is; why adult-committed incest and polyamory are the closest analogies; and responses to audience questions.
DVD 2: The Witness of Paul on Homosexual Practice (72 min.)
Treats the witness of Paul, showing how Paul opposed homosexual practice absolutely by looking at: echoes to the creation texts in Romans 1:24-27 and 1 Corinthians 6:9; the meaning of Paul's argument from nature in its historical context; the case for identifying Rom 1:26 with an indictment of lesbianism; the conception of caring homosexual unions in the ancient world; the condemnation of even such caring unions by some Greek and Roman moralists; and the case for identifying the terms for homosexual practice in 1 Cor 6:9 and 1 Tim 1;10 with homosexual practice per se.
DVD 3: The Witness of Jesus & the OT on Homosexual Practice (76 min.)
The first 11 minutes completes the discussion of Paul by showing why the "orientation argument" (i.e. had NT authors known about sexual orientation it would have changed their view on homosexual practice) doesn't work. The next 19 min. are devoted to discussing the witness of Jesus; 8 min. to the witness of Genesis; 7 min. to Sodom and related texts (Ham & Noah, the sacred cult prostitute texts, Levite at Gibeah, commentary on Sodom in Ezekiel, Jude, and 2 Pet); 5 min. to the Levitical prohibitions and the problems with alleged analogies to menstrual law and cloth mixtures; 2 min. to David and Jonathan; and 23 min. to responding to questions from the audience.
CD: The Importance of Sexual Ethics in the NT (72 min.)
You can also get the three DVD presentations on audio CD, along with the CD above, for $20 plus $5 shipping and handling.
posted by JT at Tuesday, July 01, 2008 1 comments links to this post
Population Loss
6 comments | PermalinkPost by Collin Hansen
Stan Guthrie at CT comments on a New York Times Magazine article about staggering population loss in Europe. Guthrie writes, "The hypothesis [journalist Russell] Shorto presents is that nations that have only half-heartedly embraced modern society’s welcoming of women into the paid workforce by failing to provide state financial incentives or career flexibility inadvertently end up providing strong disincentives for couples to have children." Unfortunately, according to Guthrie, Shorto failed to interact with the counter-trend among religious traditionalists.
Stan Guthrie at CT comments on a New York Times Magazine article about staggering population loss in Europe. Guthrie writes, "The hypothesis [journalist Russell] Shorto presents is that nations that have only half-heartedly embraced modern society’s welcoming of women into the paid workforce by failing to provide state financial incentives or career flexibility inadvertently end up providing strong disincentives for couples to have children." Unfortunately, according to Guthrie, Shorto failed to interact with the counter-trend among religious traditionalists.
posted by Collin Hansen at Tuesday, July 01, 2008 6 comments links to this post
Tradition or Bigotry?
6 comments | PermalinkPost by Collin Hansen
Reading the results of a significant poll on religion and public life conducted by the Paul B. Henry Institute of Calvin College, I was a little bit surprised by what the poll reveals about evangelical attitudes regarding abortion and gay marriage. Significantly fewer evangelicals support same-sex marriage (21 percent) than who back legal abortions (35 percent). The results become more interesting when you analyze the so-called modernist evangelicals, who attend church less frequently and hold more liberal theological views than traditionalist evangelicals. Among these modernists, a whopping 62 percent believe abortion should be legal and solely up to the women to decide. But only 42 percent believe gays and lesbians should be permitted to marry legally. For all the talk about anti-abortion views among evangelicals, there is much more unified opposition to same-sex marriage.
I share this observation in the context of Senator Obama's recent letter to the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club in California. Obama said he supports "extending fully equal rights and benefits to same-sex couples under both state and federal law. That is why I support repealing the Defense of Marriage Act [DOMA] and the 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' policy, and the passage of fully inclusive laws to protect LGBT Americans from hate crimes and employment discrimination. And that is why I oppose the divisive and discriminatory efforts to amend the California Constitution, and similar efforts to amend the U.S. Constitution or those of other states."
The New Republic reports that these stands make Obama far more favorable to gay rights than were the Democratic running mates in 2004, Sen. John Kerry and Sen. John Edwards. Hugh Hewitt weights in with the doomsday scenario: "If Obama is elected and he leads majorities in the House and Senate to repeal DOMA, eight judges in two states--California and Massachusetts--will have reversed 3,000 years of law and culture in the West." Peter Wehner criticizes Obama for equating support for traditional marriage with bigotry. "He has now taken a position that strikes me as fairly extreme: same-sex marriages ought to be imposed by the courts, even if the citizens of that state object–thereby making an already-contentious social issue even more contentious."
Needless to say, Obama's policy positions complicate his well-publicized efforts to gain evangelical support. It can't help his campaign that this letter went public just as he announced a beefed-up faith-based initiative.
Reading the results of a significant poll on religion and public life conducted by the Paul B. Henry Institute of Calvin College, I was a little bit surprised by what the poll reveals about evangelical attitudes regarding abortion and gay marriage. Significantly fewer evangelicals support same-sex marriage (21 percent) than who back legal abortions (35 percent). The results become more interesting when you analyze the so-called modernist evangelicals, who attend church less frequently and hold more liberal theological views than traditionalist evangelicals. Among these modernists, a whopping 62 percent believe abortion should be legal and solely up to the women to decide. But only 42 percent believe gays and lesbians should be permitted to marry legally. For all the talk about anti-abortion views among evangelicals, there is much more unified opposition to same-sex marriage.
I share this observation in the context of Senator Obama's recent letter to the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club in California. Obama said he supports "extending fully equal rights and benefits to same-sex couples under both state and federal law. That is why I support repealing the Defense of Marriage Act [DOMA] and the 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' policy, and the passage of fully inclusive laws to protect LGBT Americans from hate crimes and employment discrimination. And that is why I oppose the divisive and discriminatory efforts to amend the California Constitution, and similar efforts to amend the U.S. Constitution or those of other states."
The New Republic reports that these stands make Obama far more favorable to gay rights than were the Democratic running mates in 2004, Sen. John Kerry and Sen. John Edwards. Hugh Hewitt weights in with the doomsday scenario: "If Obama is elected and he leads majorities in the House and Senate to repeal DOMA, eight judges in two states--California and Massachusetts--will have reversed 3,000 years of law and culture in the West." Peter Wehner criticizes Obama for equating support for traditional marriage with bigotry. "He has now taken a position that strikes me as fairly extreme: same-sex marriages ought to be imposed by the courts, even if the citizens of that state object–thereby making an already-contentious social issue even more contentious."
Needless to say, Obama's policy positions complicate his well-publicized efforts to gain evangelical support. It can't help his campaign that this letter went public just as he announced a beefed-up faith-based initiative.
posted by Collin Hansen at Tuesday, July 01, 2008 6 comments links to this post
Packer Interview, Post-GAFCON
0 comments | PermalinkJ. I. Packer was interviewed at All Souls regarding GAFCON. You can read the entire transcript here.
Asked to summarize his counsel to them, Packer--who has frequently reminded us that he's Packer by name, packer by nature--said, "Keep the faith, resist Liberalism, do not act the ostrich, hiding your head in the sand."
HT: Kevin Cawley, who has collected other links as well
Asked to summarize his counsel to them, Packer--who has frequently reminded us that he's Packer by name, packer by nature--said, "Keep the faith, resist Liberalism, do not act the ostrich, hiding your head in the sand."
HT: Kevin Cawley, who has collected other links as well
posted by JT at Tuesday, July 01, 2008 0 comments links to this post
Florida Outpouring
42 comments | PermalinkPost by Collin Hansen
The Good News newspaper in South Florida reports about the Florida Outpouring, a healing revival led by Canadian evangelist Todd Bentley. As with other such events, however, some Christian leaders are doubting this revival's validity and biblical warrant. A closer look at the event reveals a number of causes for concern.
“We increase our scrutiny of people like Hugh Hefner, and we decrease our evaluation of people like Todd Bentley just because he comes in the name of Jesus,†Tullian Tchividjian told The Good News. “Hugh Hefner is not nearly as dangerous to the church as someone like this.â€
“I would pay much more attention to those people who have stood the test of time. I would pay very little attention to anyone who comes and says, ‘God told me something that he’s never told anyone else, and you can’t find it in the Bible.’ It’s a lie, it’s that simple.â€
The Good News newspaper in South Florida reports about the Florida Outpouring, a healing revival led by Canadian evangelist Todd Bentley. As with other such events, however, some Christian leaders are doubting this revival's validity and biblical warrant. A closer look at the event reveals a number of causes for concern.
“We increase our scrutiny of people like Hugh Hefner, and we decrease our evaluation of people like Todd Bentley just because he comes in the name of Jesus,†Tullian Tchividjian told The Good News. “Hugh Hefner is not nearly as dangerous to the church as someone like this.â€
“I would pay much more attention to those people who have stood the test of time. I would pay very little attention to anyone who comes and says, ‘God told me something that he’s never told anyone else, and you can’t find it in the Bible.’ It’s a lie, it’s that simple.â€
posted by Collin Hansen at Tuesday, July 01, 2008 42 comments links to this post
Reasonable Faith: Third Edition
3 comments | PermalinkThe third edition of William Lane Craig's classic apologetics textbook, Reasonable Faith, is now available. This book holds a special place in my heart and mind, given that the Lord used it in some significant ways early in my undergraduate years at a studies of religion program at a state college. There's nothing else quite like it on the market. Even if you don't agree with all of the arguments and perspective, I've long thought that every Christian family should own at least one copy.
A web-based companion to the book has been set up online.
Here are some blurbs for it.
"It is hard to overstate the impact that William Lane Craig has had for the cause of Christ. He is simply the finest Christian apologist of the last half century and his academic work justifies ranking him among the top 1 percent of practicing philosophers in the Western world. Besides that, he is a winsome ambassador for Christ, an exceptional debater, and a man with the heart of an evangelist. I know him well and can say that he lives a life of integrity and lives out what he believes. I do not know of a single thinker who has done more to raise the bar of Christian scholarship in our generation than Craig. He is one of a kind and I thank God for his life and work."
A web-based companion to the book has been set up online.
Here are some blurbs for it.
"It is hard to overstate the impact that William Lane Craig has had for the cause of Christ. He is simply the finest Christian apologist of the last half century and his academic work justifies ranking him among the top 1 percent of practicing philosophers in the Western world. Besides that, he is a winsome ambassador for Christ, an exceptional debater, and a man with the heart of an evangelist. I know him well and can say that he lives a life of integrity and lives out what he believes. I do not know of a single thinker who has done more to raise the bar of Christian scholarship in our generation than Craig. He is one of a kind and I thank God for his life and work."
J. P. Moreland, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy,
Talbot School of Theology and author of Kingdom Triangle (www.kingdomtriangle.com)
"Bill Craig is one of my personal heroes! He is among today's very finest defenders of Christianity. He offers a powerful mix of authentic faith, intellectual firepower, debating skill, and the gentleness and respect that the Bible requires"
Lee Strobel, Best-selling author of The Case for Christ
and The Case for a Creator (www.leestrobel.com)
"Especially regarding his breadth of scholarship, no contemporary Christian apologist surpasses Bill Craig. Some of Bill's wide range of interests are evident in this third edition of Reasonable Faith. To be introduced to crucial topics such as God's existence, creation, Scripture, and the historicity of Jesus, including his deity and resurrection, all under one cover, is an enormous treat. Not a singlestudent of apologetics should miss this volume by a major scholar. Crossway Books deserves much credit for continuing its strong tradition of Christian textbooks."
Gary R. Habermas, Distinguished Research Professor and Chair, Department of Philosophy and Theology, Liberty University (www.garyhabermas.com)
"Whenever I pick up a book by William Lane Craig, I know I will be treated not just to a feast of rational insight, but also to a tutorial on how good thinking is done. I can always count on a thorough, charitable, even-handed, and intellectually elegant analysis.Reasonable Faithis a classic example of these virtues."
Gregory Koukl, founder and president of Stand to Reason (www.str.org), author of Tactics—A Game Plan for Discussing your Christian Convictions, and co-author ofRelativism—
Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air
"A much-needed book for our times. It overflows with cogent and compelling argument presented in accessible and irenic language. University and seminary students will find this book especially helpful in exposing the fallacies and lack of evidence in the many and various challenges that have been leveled against historic Christian claims. I highly recommend this book."
Craig A. Evans, Payzant Distinguished Professor of New Testament,
Acadia Divinity College; author, Fabricating Jesus:
How Modern Scholars Distort the Gospels
(www.craigaevans.com)
"As a former student and now collaborator with him in writing and in ministry, I am one of the numerous beneficiaries indebted to William Craig and his stellar work in the philosophy of religion and Christian apologetics. He has been a model, a mentor, and an inspiration through his scholarship and his commitment to God's kingdom. His newly-updated Reasonable Faith continues to be the gold standard for apologetics texts: vital historical discussion of issues and arguments; rigorous reasoning and state-of-the art scholarship; and highly relevant, personal application—all permeated with an evident passion for the cause of Christ."
Paul Copan, Professor and Pledger Family Chair of Philosophy and Ethics, Palm Beach Atlantic University and President, Evangelical Philosophical Society (www.paulcopan.com)
"William Lane Craig is both an absolutely topnotch, world-class scholar and a man with a warm heart for apologetics and evangelism. This astute book combines both passions. It gives rigorous and well-documented argument which are aimed at producing a rational faith that can be commended and defended before the watching and waiting world. Bravo (for the third time)!"
Douglas Groothuis, Professor of Philosophy, Denver Seminary
(www.theconstructivecurmudgeon.blogspot.com)
"William Lane Craig is arguably one of the finest Christian philosophers of our time. His knowledge and skill have placed him on platforms on every continent, engaging the most notable skeptics in dialogue and debate. Reasonable Faith will provide only increased opportunity and impact as he makes his mark on our time with a timeless message."
Ravi Zacharias, Founder and Chairman, Ravi Zacharias
International Ministries (www.rzim.org)
"The third edition of William Lane Craig's Reasonable Faith is simply a masterpiece. It combines clarity and applicability without sacrificing depth. Each chapter has three major parts. First, the topic is introduced with an extensive discussion of the historical development of the arguments and objections to the arguments. Second, Bill leads the reader into the depths of the most contemporary discussion. He treats the leading versions of the arguments for Christianity as well as the best of the objections. He has taken great care to achieve a thoroughness that is rarely found in apologetics texts. Third, he explains, through many personal examples, how the arguments in the chapter can be appropriated in personal evangelism. Combining these three elements is enough to make this text unique. The depth and quality with which each step is accomplished makes it indispensable."
Gregory E Ganssle, Lecturer, Department of Philosophy,
Yale University, Rivendell Institute
posted by JT at Tuesday, July 01, 2008 3 comments links to this post
Obama Pledges to Boost Faith-Based Initiative
5 comments | PermalinkPost by Collin Hansen
From the Associated Press: “Reaching out to evangelical voters, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is announcing plans that would expand President Bush's program steering federal social service dollars to religious groups and — in a move sure to cause controversy — support their ability to hire and fire based on faith.â€
From the Associated Press: “Reaching out to evangelical voters, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is announcing plans that would expand President Bush's program steering federal social service dollars to religious groups and — in a move sure to cause controversy — support their ability to hire and fire based on faith.â€
posted by Collin Hansen at Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5 comments links to this post
