2014-02-23T17:44:44+00:00

Last updated on: February 23, 2014 at 5:44 pm   By

There’s a weird world where marketing, social media, and Christianity have come together online in a dangerous dance. I follow many Christian platforms and find quite a few of them edifying and thought-provoking. But after walking in this space for a couple years and getting to know quite a few of them, I’ve recognized some patterns and pitfalls—among others and myself. I’ve been ruminating on the classic seven deadly sins in regards to online Christian platform building, and I wanted... Read more

2014-02-17T19:57:02+00:00

Last updated on: February 17, 2014 at 7:57 pm   By

I have a question for you. It’s likely to push your buttons, but I’m going to ask you anyway. In preparation, I’d like you to think about an idea you’re extremely passionate about. Maybe it’s a political belief, a theological position, or a social issue. Heck . . . it might even be your worldview. Okay, have it in mind? Would you want to know if you were wrong? And what would it take to convince you that you were?... Read more

2014-02-13T20:51:47+00:00

Last updated on: February 13, 2014 at 8:51 pm   By

When the church talks about pornography (which they do often), they talk about how: It normalizes the abnormal It stunts instead of liberating natural desires It promotes unattainable standards It rewires the brain It’s addictive These things may be true, but they’re also true of an area that the church all but ignores. Questioning the romance industry Whether it’s romance novels, rom-coms, Disney princesses, or The Bachelor, we unquestioningly steep ourselves in a fantasy that relationships can somehow be different... Read more

2014-02-09T09:57:01+00:00

Last updated on: February 9, 2014 at 9:57 am   By

I went on Twitter and looked up #blessed to see what God had been busy doing around the world. Here are some of the ways God’s been blessing people: He won someone a rugby game. He enabled some lady to get her picture taken with a celebrity. He helped someone get a dresser that was accidentally marked down by a sales associate. He made it Friday. He helped a girl get asked to the prom by the sweetest boy ever. He... Read more

2014-02-06T21:53:57+00:00

Last updated on: February 6, 2014 at 9:53 pm   By

It’s surprising how often Christians in the West talk about their rights being denied. In fact, some media outlets stir up viewership by perpetuating this mythology. “You can’t take my First Amendment rights!” Freedom of speech is one of America’s greatest attributes. I’m surprised, however, how few really understand it or how it works. Freedom of speech in a nutshell It’s pretty simple. You can say anything you want without fear of being tried by the American government for sedition.... Read more

2014-02-02T21:50:03+00:00

Last updated on: February 2, 2014 at 9:50 pm   By

Researchers tell us that the more we’re exposed to perfect bodies in the media, the more we’re dissatisfied with our own. That dissatisfaction goes for any area where we’re regularly confronted with the idea that everyone else is more successful, richer, smarter, or better than we are. It would be one thing if the celebrity images that wreaked havoc on our self images were real, but they’re not. They’re airbrushed and photoshopped—the flaws are hidden and the strengths are accented.... Read more

2014-01-29T16:27:36+00:00

Last updated on: January 29, 2014 at 4:27 pm   By

“Thy fate is the common fate of all, Into each life some rain must fall”—Longfellow Tragedy’s coming. And chances are: You don’t know when. You don’t know what form it will take. You won’t be able to prevent it. You won’t be prepared for it. When the storm comes, it’s going to take all of your resources to weather it. One of the bigger questions is whether you will have the right friends for the job—and will you be the... Read more

2014-01-22T06:55:42+00:00

Last updated on: January 22, 2014 at 6:55 am   By

I took up blogging because I love to write, and like many, I’d do it without an audience. The internet is strewn with blogs I’ve launched for awhile and let run aground. This blog’s growing influence has allowed me the luxury of getting to know some other fantastic writers—and familiarize myself with many of the Christian blogosphere’s benefits—and blemishes. At their best, blogs are a forum for anyone to inform, encourage, and engage others. My favorite blogs challenge me to... Read more

2014-01-18T17:47:19+00:00

Last updated on: January 18, 2014 at 5:47 pm   By

We tend to forget how much spin goes on in Hollywood and Washington. Both communities are awash in public relations specialists and image consultants who work hard to form public perception about their clients. When a senator’s poll numbers start getting shaky, these professionals jump into action. Whether they’re leaking a couple pics from the 10-minute charity photo-op or pulling together a confessional press conference complete with a supportive and stoic wife, popular opinion is shaped by these illusionists. Fire... Read more

2014-01-12T16:24:18+00:00

Last updated on: January 12, 2014 at 4:24 pm   By

“God is not just saving individuals and preparing them for heaven; rather, he is creating a people among whom he can live and who in their life together will reproduce God’s life and character.”—Gordon Fee Social media has become a natural and important part of many lives. A recent survey says that 79% of smartphone users are on their phones within 15 minutes of waking up. For those 18–24, the number rises to 89%. (more…) Read more

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