Ralph Wood is a friend of mine who teaches at Baylor. I’m very pleased to be able to provide you with some samples of his excellent lectures on Christian literature…. Read more

The recent re-publication of Richard Watson’s Institutes (kudos to Lexham Press) brings to light important systematic reflections on Wesleyan theology, not the least on the very real problem of Christians committing apostasy. Watson has some very choice things to say on this problem, and the following is some excerpts from Vol. II of his work pp. 366-78. In the first place, Watson stresses that if one affirms particular atonement (i.e. the notion that Christ only died for the elect, who... Read more

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/02/opinion/earthrise-moon-space-nasa.html?action=click&module=Opinion&pgtype=Homepage This is a moving short film, which reminded me of how narrow-minded jingoistic nationalism really is, when we are all God’s creatures living on a globe that from space has no boundaries, no borders, no cities, just one good earth. Read more

Here is a thoughtful editorial by my fellow GCTS alum which appeared in the NY Times last month. See what you think….BW3 https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/29/opinion/sunday/christians-politics-belief.html?action=click&module=Opinion&pgtype=Homepage Read more

The best children’s films are actually films which have a message for both the parents and the children watching them. They are not merely entertainment for all, though that is good as well. Disney’s Christopher Robin starring the splendid Ewan McGregor provides a perfect opportunity to ask such questions as— when is it appropriate for an adult to continue to enjoy children’s games and fantasies? When does childlike become childish? How important is it for an adult to not lose... Read more

For the record I love Sheryl Crow’s music, and her story is equally compelling, as a breast cancer survivor. Nowadays she lives in Nashville near family and draws on the music community there. And she looks just great for a 56 year old rocker. I remember her all the way back to her backing up the likes of Neil Young (remember ‘A Lotta Love’). She is a star in her own right, and does an interesting diversity of kinds of... Read more

The night time was the right time for the heavy hitters to come out and I loved them all. David Byrne is a force of nature who does very thought provoking social commentary rock. This time he came out with a format that looked like a marching and dance band all in matching outfits and all with instruments around there necks. No stationary instruments at all. Of course we got to hear classics like Burning Down the House and You... Read more

On the whole, the acts on the first day, were not much geared to teenyboppers, but then a festival that features bourbon wouldn’t be, of course. It would be illegal! Actually there were plenty of young acts, but with the possible exception of one of the younger acts they were Retro acts…. as we shall see. They were not hip hoppers or rap acts. The day began with Swimming with Bears (not to be confused with Dancing with Wolves) who... Read more

The Bourbon and Beyond Festival has become a big event in Louisville in the early Fall of each year. Last year the headlines were the likes of Stevie Nicks and the Steve Miller Band. And last year it was hot as Hades too, so you were sweating to the oldies. This year could not have been more different— it rained most of the day, sometimes very heavily. So… I finally got to have my own Mudstock (i.e. Woodstock) experience quite... Read more

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/15/opinion/sunday/conservatism-after-christianity.html?action=click&module=Opinion&pgtype=Homepage Read more