Becky Castle Miller, an expert on Bible study curricula for local churches and passionate about helping Christians to become more deeply devoted disciples, was offered by Zondervan to draft a Bible study curriculum that ties together my four-book collection from Zondervan: Blue Parakeet, King Jesus Gospel, One.Life, and A Fellowship of Differents. Becky’s new book is called Following King Jesus: How to Know, Read, Live and Show the Gospel. The cover is as arresting as the vision of Jesus to call us to live... Read more

Camilla Turner: Theology and Religious Studies risk “disappearing” from universities, a report has warned, as figures show that the number of students has almost halved in six years. Over 14,000 students were enrolled on such degree courses in 2011/12, which dropped down to 7,585 by 2017/18, according to an analysis by the British Academy. The figures relate to all higher education students taking course in Theology and Religious Studies course, including undergraduates, masters, doctorates, foundation courses and diplomas. While Theology... Read more

Doesn’t Christianity crush diversity? Isn’t it another example of Western imperialism? Rebecca McLaughlin, Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World’s Largest Religion, suggests that we’ve got it backwards. Christianity isn’t a Western religion at all.  “Christianity dominated Europe for centuries. … But while Christianity held a monopoly on Western culture, Western culture never held a monopoly on Christianity.” (p. 34)  Certainly Western Christianity has erred by ignoring other outposts – in Africa, India, Turkey etc. Christianity was first in... Read more

There is one central question here: Do we have a problem? That is, is our gun culture a problem? That is, is our gun culture productive of gun violence? One question in three. A new book by a pastor, one who grew up (as I did) with guns for toys as a child and then owned a gun for hunting, Donald V. Gaffney is called Common Ground: Talking about Gun Violence in America. It’s a good place to begin a... Read more

In the USA we reserve the last Monday of the month of May to honor those who have perished in military service. Kris and I are both grateful no immediate members of our family died in military service. Three in our immediate family did serve and we honor them today as well: So, thanks to three of our family members: Ron Norman, an exceptional basketball player at the Univ of Iowa in the late 60s, served the USA Army in... Read more

This is Mother Theresa’s version of the “St Francis” Prayer, and it can guide us as we remember those who have lost their lives in service to their country: Make us worthy Lord to serve others throughout the world, who live and die in poverty and hunger. Give them through our hands, this day, their daily bread and by our understanding love give peace and joy. Lord, make me a channel of thy peace. That where there is hatred I... Read more

Sunday’s Collect is also the prayer to be used each day of the week, so it is also Prayer for the Week. O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and... Read more

Caesar and the Sacrament, Baptism: A Rite of Resistance Alan Streett is Senior Research Professor of Biblical Theology at Criswell College. He is the author of several books. His book, Caesar and the Sacrament, frames the following interview. This interview was conducted by David George Moore. Some of Dave’s teaching and interview videos can be accessed at www.mooreengaging.com. Moore: Would you describe the motivation behind tackling these two subjects? Streett: Nearly twenty years ago I began to take a fresh... Read more

Good morning! This rainbow, not just seen around this area of late, but speaks a promise that the rains will end. Yea for Tupac! (CNN)The stress of senior year can be overwhelming. Combine that with challenges at home, and it can derail any high school student’s academic career. Memphis high school senior Tupac Mosley maintained a 4.3 GPA, scored a 31 on his ACT, and was named valedictorian — all while dealing with the death of his father and the... Read more