The Dog Days of Christianity

Last updated on: April 13, 2016 at 10:10 am By David Bordy

The prime example in my mind comes in the form of a 1988 hit by Edie Brickell & The New Bohemians called “What I Am”. In the opening verse of the song, we find these lyrics: “Philosophy is the talk on a cereal box. Religion IS A SMILE ON A DOG” (EMPHASIS mine). The way I read that is to consider a dog’s default resting face, a smile that it has, regardless of what is happening around it, good or bad. As far as the dog’s face is concerned, that smile is a blissful and contented ignorance of anything that is actually going on. Religion, to Brickell, is the same thing… a contented diversion that distracts us from ever facing the cold reality of a godless world… and that’s all that it is. We don’t need to go all the way back to 1988 to see this comparison, though. Take, for example, the very recently popular song “Take Me To Church” by Hozier. Get a look at how THIS song starts out: Read more

Kim Davis, the Gospel, and Civil Disobedience

Last updated on: April 13, 2016 at 10:08 am By Grayson Gilbert

It would do Christians well to have a semblance of an idea to what it means for Kim Davis to do her job properly. She is not bound in judgment more strict than God's - thus, she is bound in whatever sphere of office, civil or not, to God. Homosexuality and the abundant societal approval of sexual deviancy, is a gospel issue. Read more

Your Church Needs You

Last updated on: June 19, 2017 at 4:36 pm By Guest Contributor

It is true that compassion and empathy are deeply emotional feelings that anyone can experience, however, compassion and empathy for the Christian should be coupled with motivation to actually act on those feelings. Let us remember we are instructed to see people as God sees them which will lead us to not only see the need that is there, but also find a way to meet those needs. Read more

Ashley Madison, Josh Duggar, and Shiny Baubles

Last updated on: April 13, 2016 at 10:04 am By Grayson Gilbert

Do you mortify? Do you make it your daily work? Be always at it whilst you live; cease not a day from this work; be killing sin or it will be killing you. - John Owen Read more

Future Israel: Book Review

Last updated on: April 13, 2016 at 10:03 am By Grayson Gilbert

Whether you are Covenantal or Dispensational, I would recommend reading this book. It is good to read books you agree with and disagree with simply to develop your understanding – yet most importantly, assess whether your hermeneutic is adequately reflecting the exegetical basis and salvific economy of the Bible. Read more

10 Ways To Help Prevent Your Pastor From Depression

Last updated on: February 7, 2017 at 5:35 pm By Guest Contributor

Pastors are called to do many stressful things on a regular basis, including grief and crisis counseling, juggling all of the demands placed on them by the congregation, and delivering at the very least one sermon each week that the congregation expects to be profound (and opens the pastor up to disagreement and criticism). The pressure of all of these roles being put upon a pastor is magnified by the fact that they often have to switch back and forth from one exhausting role to another with almost no notification. This exacerbates the stress which often leads to depression and/or anxiety Read more

The “Radical” Christian Life

Last updated on: April 13, 2016 at 10:00 am By Grayson Gilbert

Living a radical Christian life isn’t the idealized excitement this world looks for. It is the ordinary, unexciting, yet difficult work, which conforms us to the image of Christ. Radical Christian living is the simple day-to-day faithfulness outlined in scripture with anticipation toward the hope of the resurrection and fulfillment of all of God’s promises. Read more

Thank You, Liberal Christians – An Open Letter

Last updated on: April 13, 2016 at 9:59 am By Grayson Gilbert

I am grateful for your firm stance in support of Obergefell; I am also grateful for your firm stance in supporting the pro-choice movement, and especially Planned Parenthood. Here's why... Read more

Evaluation of the English Standard Version Bible Translation

Last updated on: April 13, 2016 at 9:57 am By Adam Kyle

In this translation, one of its main goals is to preserve God’s word in its entirety, while adhering to the best resources possible by using methods of textual criticism. In many disputed passages, the ESV offers footnotes that will provide alternative wordings or explanations that are more consistent with older, more reliable manuscripts while keeping what has been translated in most English Bible traditions still alive. Read more

The Fat and Happy Church

Last updated on: April 13, 2016 at 9:56 am By Grayson Gilbert

I fear Christians have become fat and happy in the pews; they have forgotten what it means to live radically opposed to the organized system of belief this world clings to vehemently. We have enjoyed unprecedented prosperity and peace in the American church... Read more