From George Barna’s newest study: One of the biggest surprises to some people, however, is that a large majority of the nation’s unchurched population is drawn from the sector comprised of people who consider themselves to be Christian. In the United States, 83% of all adults label themselves “Christian.” The percentage is lower among the unchurched, but such self-identified Christians still outnumber those who do not embrace Christianity by a three-to-two margin (61% vs. 39%). Later… Other interesting insights into... Read more

God is faithful, the psalmist knows. Therefore he approaches YHWH on behalf of himself and against his enemies who are full of slander and lies. The psalmist is convinced he is right and they are wrong; he’s convinced God is on his side. It is striking that the psalmist enters into God’s presence “morning by morning” because God is faithful — “because of your great faithfulness.” And here we are to think of God as YHWH (covenant commitment and obligation... Read more

So argues Roland Martin, of CNN.com. [Roland needs to define “terrorist.” It appears to me that he’s defined “terrorist” as anyone who fights for an unjustifiable cause. I don’t support, however, Virginia’s governor in this celebration.] Based on the hundreds of e-mails, Facebook comments and Tweets I’ve read in response to my denunciation of Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell’s decision to honor Confederates for their involvement in the Civil War — which was based on the desire to continue slavery —... Read more

Again, the psalmist (here David according to the heading) barges into the presence of God and demands attention, consideration, and an ear. Why? Because YHWH is the psalmist’s king and God and the one to whom David pleads.  What strikes me about this prayer is the rhetoric of theological reflection: David ponders the very nature of God (vv. 4-6) as he enters into his petition of protection from the slander of his enemies. David, unlike his opponents, can approach God... Read more

We are looking at Brian McLaren’s soul-sort narrative. I have, in two previous posts, sketched Brian’s soul-sort narrative, which I contend is not the conventional Christian’s narrative, and I have sketched the Christian conventional narrative and also suggested that the Protestant evangelical soul-sort narrative is actually better seen as a plan of salvation and not the biblical narrative. The biblical narrative is behind the plan of salvation, but the two are not the same. (This distinction is not often observed.)... Read more

What about guilt? The last and parting letter in Mary Eberstadt’s new book, The Loser Letters , examines this question. Why do we feel guilty? The story of her satire about A.F. Christian (A Former Christian who converts to atheism) comes to this question because her mother died and her boyfriend walked on her and she had an abortion, and she felt incredibly guilty. Where did that come from? The suggestion, often given by Atheists and which she rebuts as lacking logical potency, is... Read more

Hebrews does not appear to be high on the list of “favorite books in the Bible” for that many today, but anyone who has spent solid hours poring over the pages of this NT book will know that Hebrews is rich in theology and demanding in moral vigor. There are lots of good commentaries on Hebrews, and I’ve mentioned them here, but one that came to my attention too late to be included in my listing is by Edward Fudge:... Read more

Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Read more