A friend of mine was gracious enough to ask me what I thought of Theistic Evolution--the idea that tries to fuse modern science's theories of the origins of the universe with some form of the Creation account. Is it a legitimate belief system, he asked, or is it "cheating" (for both sides) of the debate? An interesting way to phrase the question, for sure. I was thankful that my Christian witness in the past provided for a chance to engage on his latest discussion. As believers that is what we should hope for in our conduct before a watching world (Col 4:5,6). I prayerfully sat at the … [Read more...] about Theistic Evolution–Legitimate Belief System or Cheating? (Actually, It Is Worse Than That)
Better is a Little
"Better is a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble with it." - Proverbs 15:16 (ESV) For the last month or so if you wanted to find me on Monday nights at 9pm, I’m probably glued to the TV watching the Emmy®-nominated documentary series, Hoarders on A&E. TLC also has a similar show called Hoarding: Buried Alive which I also watch. The shows are arguably identical, although A&E’s seeks for a two-day cleanup whereas TLC’s is willing to follow the person for weeks or months to show their progress. (I know, these have been around for a few years, but I just … [Read more...] about Better is a Little
People I Know
Let me introduce some of the people I know. There are the three businessmen at church who are also members of Gideons International. One of them is also a faithful deacon--a title meaning he wears many hats at church underneath that one! There’s the lady who volunteers her time with Scarlet Hope, a women-to-women ministry that brings “the Hope and Love of Jesus Christ to women in the sex industry.” Another brother spent his summer as a volunteer-intern at a men's homeless shelter/addiction recovery center. A dear friend is a professor at a Christian college. He gladly exposes the follies … [Read more...] about People I Know
On Word Christian Soldiers
A decade ago I dabbled in stand-up comedy. My humor was the weird kind that when the punchline came you could almost count the beats before the audience got the joke. Thankfully, most everyone in the crowd (all 17 of them on a good night) usually got it. One of my favorites from those days was, "What's the deal with those 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' books? I saw one the other day, 'Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul.' What if your pet was a chicken?" 3...2...1...aaaaaaand cue the laugh track. I know I see the world differently than a lot of people. My skewed perspective means I … [Read more...] about On Word Christian Soldiers
Should Christians Express Their Political Views?
I first posted this on my blog but I also wrote it for readers here. Thoughts? Experiences? Thanks! -Anthony A lot of my friends are politically conservative. A lot of my friends are not. I'm thankful that I have managed to make and retain friends on both sides of the aisle. I've noticed that with no shortage of bad news economically, socially, or politically some of my friends seem to be more vocal with their discontent. I respect their right to free speech and expression about those issues but I can't help wonder if it is the wisest course of action. While Christian Americans have … [Read more...] about Should Christians Express Their Political Views?
The Christian and Self-Awareness
One of the “side benefits” (if I can use that term) of being a Christian is the awareness of self that it brings. John Calvin understood this. He begins his “Institutes of the Christian Religion” making the two-part point that, “in the first place, no man can survey himself without forthwith turning his thoughts towards the God in whom he lives and moves… On the other hand, it is evident that man never attains to a true self-knowledge until he has previously contemplated the face of God, and come down after such contemplation to look into himself.” Our aim in becoming a disciple of Jesus … [Read more...] about The Christian and Self-Awareness
Should Christians be on ‘American Idol’?
Every now and then I can’t sleep. Most of the time I don’t mind because it gives me a chance to work on projects I’ve had in my head for a while. When the world is dark and quiet (well, our half of it) it is a great time to get things done. Then again, sometimes I just zone out reading the news--which I often think belongs in quotation marks. With the country in the shape it’s in, is another person booted from ‘American Idol’ really “news”? Apparently it is. Personally I don’t watch ‘American Idol’; not for any reason other than lack of interest. Bring back William Hung as a perpetual … [Read more...] about Should Christians be on ‘American Idol’?
Have You Misplaced Your Mind?
It’s been a busy few weeks for me. I have one last final exam at my current school before moving to Louisville, KY in a few weeks to transfer to Southern (Baptist Theological Seminary). I’ve been wheeling-and-dealing on Craigslist like Donald Trump with better hair, placing ads selling furniture, motorcycle gear, and other stuff we’re not taking with us. I’ve also been evaluating moving company estimates, which are a fascinating studying in reducing everything you hold dear to total weight and cubic footage. Right now my life’s possessions are as precious as 3,500lbs in 650cu.ft., and some … [Read more...] about Have You Misplaced Your Mind?
Why It Is Well With My Soul
I love the old hymns. I love the richness of the words and the depths of the theology. When I think of the cross of the Lord there are, of course, so many wonderful hymns about it. Over the years I have grown particularly fond of paying special attention to the third verse of hymns. Take a look at the third verse of any hymn and there you will often find the most inspiring part of the song. For me, It is Well with My Soul is my favorite. The third verse in It is Well with My Soul is my favorite because that is the song that the Lord gave me when I was truly saved in 2005. Over the … [Read more...] about Why It Is Well With My Soul
Claire’s Prayers
“Claire” usually wears a bright blonde wig placed obviously over her own still-dark hair. Sometimes she has her teeth in, but not usually. Either way you are guaranteed to be greeted with a huge smile beneath squinty, cheerful eyes. When she says “hi” her voice goes up, up, up and back down all in one syllable—like a roller coaster peak, or maybe a steep sine wave, but I never took calculus so I don’t know for sure. I do know that no packet of Sweet ‘n Low is safe when Claire’s around though. Yes, Claire is quite a character. I often wonder what she was like before … [Read more...] about Claire’s Prayers