It is considered almost a truism that conservative Christians, who believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman and that homosexual behavior is sinful, are hateful, cruel, homophobic, intolerant and just plain evil. And, unfortunately, that has perhaps been the case with some churches, some pastors in some situations. At times, our rhetoric has been intemperate. The liberal orthodoxy is clear: conservative Christians are homophobic, hateful bigots. It is, in my opinion, a lie that is not founded in reality. Those who accuse us of bigotry and hatred are engaging in lazy and … [Read more...] about Dealing Redemptively with the Hate and Intolerance of the Left
Let’s Face It, Christian Republicans. We’ve Been Used!
It has been a remarkable phenomenon taking place in the last few years, and the tide only seems to be getting stronger. Since the halcyon days of the Moral Majority, the Republican Party has been the proud defender of "traditional family values." We knew that much of this support was tepid at best, but it was there nonetheless. The party platform opposed abortion, an unspeakable evil that must be opposed by anyone with basic moral sense. It stood for the "traditional family" against many initiatives pushed by the social progressives on the other side of the aisle. But the struggle was most … [Read more...] about Let’s Face It, Christian Republicans. We’ve Been Used!
Jesus Is Better
Thanks, Greg, for sharing this (in the comments)! I'd rather have Jesus than anything this world affords today... … [Read more...] about Jesus Is Better
Biblical Christianity Needs Both Javert and Valjean.
Okay, confession time. I'm a musical theater geek. In my small Baptist college, I was in the communications department, which included theater. I was Arvide Abernathy in "Guys and Dolls" (thankfully, no video exists). I played a dynamite pirate in a summer children's theater production (Aargh!) and performed what is generally considered to be the worst-ever performance of the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet during a class. A rose by any other name, and all. I've written and produced plays (at church, not Broadway, of course). My two youngest children both got involved in show choir … [Read more...] about Biblical Christianity Needs Both Javert and Valjean.
Breaking News: Dr. Russell Moore Elected President of ERLC
In a move that shocked and amazed absolutely no one, Dr. Russell Moore was elected today as the eighth president of the Ethics and Religious Liberties Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. You can read the details in Baptist Press. From the time that Dr. Richard Land announced his retirement, Vegas odds-makers had Dr. Moore as the prohibitive favorite to be elected to this position. (No, Vegas does not make book about Baptist politics - relax!) The Baptist Press article has a series of quotes by a wide range of SBC leaders, all praising the selection. From Dr. Land: "I am … [Read more...] about Breaking News: Dr. Russell Moore Elected President of ERLC
Did the Same People Shout “Hosanna” and “Crucify?”
This morning, I saw a question on the Holy Rev. Dr. Marty Duren's Facebook asking: Is there biblical evidence that those who cried 'Hosanna' on Palm Sunday were the ones who days later cried 'crucify Him'? Most in the discussion answered the question in the negative. They seemed to think that the group that praised Jesus at the Triumphal Entry was pretty much a different bunch than the ones who later that week screamed for Jesus' blood. One commenter referenced an article on Challies.com (by guest blogger John Ensor) called "The Crowd Was Not Fickle." He argues that "the crowd" in Matthew … [Read more...] about Did the Same People Shout “Hosanna” and “Crucify?”
The Problem with Jesus
For centuries, the Jews had awaited the day when Messiah would come. They talked about it, groaned for it and prayed diligently to see that day come. False messiahs rose up and led many astray to destruction. But finally, the Christ came. Just as the prophet Zechariah had foretold, he came riding in on a donkey, a humble beast of burden. “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’ ” Matthew 21:5 (citing Zechariah 9:9) And Jerusalem exploded with excitement. They knew the stories of this … [Read more...] about The Problem with Jesus
An SBC Voices NCAA Tourney Bracket Challenge
Just for fun, I started an ESPN "SBC Voices" group. If you want to play, follow the links below and demonstrate your supreme and superior knowledge on these things. I never do that well on such things. I choose with my heart, not my head. I don't pick UNC, Duke or SEC teams even when I should. It's a matter of conscience. I pick Big 10 teams as often as possible! So, if you want to get in the action, follow the links below. On your computer, Here is the link to the group If you are on a mobile device, Go here The group name is: SBCVoicesBB. I chose a unique and secure … [Read more...] about An SBC Voices NCAA Tourney Bracket Challenge
Remember Me?
Due to reasons that are beyond my control, I've been unable to write or even monitor the blog the last few days. I hope to get back into the swing of things tomorrow, though the internet is out at my home (one problem among many) and I don't know how to get it fixed. … [Read more...] about Remember Me?
What Do You Think? A Proposal for Calvinism Posts at SBC Voices
For your consideration... Think about all of the discussions of Calvinism you have been involved in (or observed) at this site and at others. There have been a LOT of them. I've written my share and most of our contributors have weighed in at one point or another. So, I would ask you to consider these questions: Have you learned anything significant from the discussion threads for those posts? Have you changed your position in any way because of the discussions (or known of someone else who changed theirs)? Have you been built up and encouraged by your involvement in these … [Read more...] about What Do You Think? A Proposal for Calvinism Posts at SBC Voices