This is really dangerous and I may regret it and just trash the whole thing. But someone asked me the other day what I thought of a candidate. I don't pay much attention. As an Iowan, I will see and hear more than I want of the Republican candidates in the months between now and the caucuses in February. But right now, I don't know what to think of any of them. What do you think? I know there are some Obamaites out there and you probably feel excluded, but the Democratic nominee is not a big surprise, unless someone jumps into the Dem race. But the Rep side is wide open and most of … [Read more...] about Open Thread: Who’s Your Early Favorite for the 2012 Election?
Politics
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?
How Does Submission to We the People Work?
I wouldn't normally post up two posts by myself in a day, but since Dave has been out of pocket some today and this post has a "timely" basis for today, here it is. It has been a pretty slow day around anyway thanks to the holiday. Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. - Romans 13:1 I daresay that most, if not all, of us are very familiar with this verse. Since our series of discussions about patriotic worship, I have been pondering the unique status that our form of … [Read more...] about How Does Submission to We the People Work?
Bin Laden, Eternity, and Why I’m not in Charge
By now, most of you have heard the news that the US Military has killed Osama bin Laden. His identity was verified, and then he was "buried at sea" in accordance with Islamic tradition. First, I've got a confession to make. I have not been diligent in his case to honor Matthew 5:44 and pray for my enemy. I have, on occasion, prayed that a Bible find its way to him before the bullet did, but I haven't prayed for his health, wealth, or prosperity. I certainly have prayed that no missionary lose their life trying to carry the Gospel to him and his cohorts. Why? To be honest, after that … [Read more...] about Bin Laden, Eternity, and Why I’m not in Charge
Russell Moore on Glenn Beck and American Christianity
Honestly, this is one of the best articles I have read in quite some time. Russell Moore nails it on the head in regards the influence Beck and those like him have on American Christianity: Rather than cultivating a Christian vision of justice and the common good (which would have, by necessity, been nuanced enough to put us sometimes at odds with our political allies), we’ve relied on populist God-and-country sloganeering and outrage-generating talking heads. We’ve tolerated heresy and buffoonery in our leadership as long as with it there is sufficient political “conservatism” and a … [Read more...] about Russell Moore on Glenn Beck and American Christianity
How Should Christians Respond to the Proposition 8 Debate?
This was originally posted at Modern March Unless you live under a rock, you have seen the latest news on the Proposition 8 case. Earlier this month, U.S. District Court Chief Judge Vaughn R. Walker ruled that Proposition 8 violates the constitution, a ruling that could potentially overturn the California voters’ decision that same-sex marriage should remain illegal. Expectedly, Judge Walker’s decision has flared much debate over the issue of homosexuality. Many Christians, though not all, have been up in arms for years over the idea that same-sex marriage will be made legal … [Read more...] about How Should Christians Respond to the Proposition 8 Debate?
Paige Patterson’s Decision to Speak Alongside Glenn Beck
There has been a large outcry at Jerry Falwell, Jr.'s decision to allow the controversial, Mormon Glenn Beck speak at Liberty University's 2010 Commencement. What hasn't gotten near as much publicity is the fact that Paige Patterson chose to speak on the same stage with Beck. I remember a major uproar over John Piper inviting Rick Warren to Desiring God 2010, but maybe that was a different situation in people's eyes than the Liberty Commencement. I think this is possibly a bigger deal considering the major theological differences between Baptists and Mormons. By major I mean that Mormons are … [Read more...] about Paige Patterson’s Decision to Speak Alongside Glenn Beck
Frank Page To Advise Obama Administration
Update: Baptist Press has also written about this story. According to this story from Associated Press, our former SBC President Frank Page will be announced as an adviser to Obama's revived White House Office for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. The advisory council is scheduled to be introduced Thursday 2/5/09. Other advisers will include a Jewish rabbi active in Washington and a pioneering female African-American bishop. … [Read more...] about Frank Page To Advise Obama Administration
Baptists In The 111th Congress
Aaron Weaver, has posted some analysis on the church affiliation claimed by members of the 111th US Congress. He makes special note of incoming legislators affiliated with Baptist churches. He states that 27 House Representatives hold membership in a Baptist church that affiliates with the Southern Baptist Convention. He also lists four SBC affiliated Senators. Southern Baptists in the Senate include John McCain (R-AZ), North Phoenix Baptist Church; Roger Wicker (R-MS), First Baptist Church Tupelo; Tom Coburn (R-OK), First Baptist Church Muskogee; and Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Corinth Baptist … [Read more...] about Baptists In The 111th Congress
After the Election
You woke up on November 5th and you weren't very happy with your newly elected official (insert whoever YOU voted for if he wasn't the guy the rest of the free world chose) that the majority of the People elected to lead our great country. What happens now? Do you rant and rave about how ignorant those other folks were? Do you let fear and worry set in about what might happen to your future, or your children's future? We might be tempted to lean in that direction but if we are smart then we will dig into the Word of God and let Him be our guide. The first thing you have to remember is that … [Read more...] about After the Election