SMcK: I’m not sure we have any “purpose” other than retributive justice in too much of our system. Is it a place to punish or is it a place to work for restoration? Benjamin L. Corey: 10.2 million people sit in prison cells today around the world– and almost half of them are right here, in the United States. While in the US we like to boast about being “#1″ we forget that we’re actually #1 at a lot of things that... Read more
Sandra Crawford Williamson — at the link you can read her fuller post, which I have cut down to these four major points: Does your church minister to all women? We need to figure out quickly how to recognize, encourage, and spiritually lead these [professional] women. Barna and others say as many as 27% of professional Christian women are starting to choose to unplug from church all together. Why is that? Evidence says four reasons are given as to why she chooses... Read more
We’ve been slowly working through Iain Provan’s new book Seriously Dangerous Religion: What the Old Testament Really Says and Why It Matters. The next chapter addresses the Old Testament’s answer to the question of how we are to relate to our fellow humans. Provan takes two major approaches to addressing this question. The first continues his general approach of starting with Genesis. The second looks at the sweep of the rest of scripture. Both are interesting and will be outlined... Read more
When it comes to evolution vs. creation, American history story-telling focuses on none other than William Jennings Bryan and the famous Scopes trial in Dayton, TN. But the first major evolution vs. creation debate occurred in the South, it was almost entirely confined to Southern Presbyterians, and it was one string in a cultural knot: the “southern-biblicist apologia.” This is the story told in Monte Harrell Hampton’s engaging and complete analysis, Storm of Words: Science, Religion and Evolution in the Civil... Read more
Let the annual guessing contest commence! (And T, you are eligible again.) I bought myself a Christmas gift, knowing that way I’d get what I really do want, and I wrapped it up and now you can guess what it is. The winner can choose a copy of one of my recent books (Kingdom Conspiracy, King Jesus Gospel, One.Life, Jesus Creed, or Blue Parakeet). You can guess once per day, and I will announce the winner December 13th. For USA... Read more
By Angela Hanscom Except for brief periods of getting up and switching classrooms, I’ve been sitting for the past 90 excruciating minutes. I look down at my leg and notice it is bouncing. Great, I think to myself, now I’m fidgeting! I’m doing anything I can to pay attention – even contorting my body into awkward positions to keep from daydreaming. It is useless, I checked out about forty-five minutes ago. I’m no longer registering anything the teacher is saying. I look around the... Read more
5 Fallacies of Spiritual Gifts What fallacies do you hear or see when it comes to spiritual gifts? It is not that uncommon to run into a believer, sometimes already contributing to their Christian community, but who sometimes doubt they really have what could be called a spiritual gift. 1 Cor 12-14 is indispensable in studying the subject, so I kept it in view as I pondered. It is a spiritual gift because of its source, the Holy Spirit. Thinking... Read more
What is liberation theology? It is fair to follow that up with What kind of liberation theology? It is also fair to ask When was liberation theology? Let’s begin with this: modernity created an all-encompassing narrative rooted in social and economic realities that buttressed those in power with structures and ideologies that kept power in those hands. During the 1960s (roughly) a new mindset, a new worldview, and new theology arose from those out of power. As Roger Olson summarizes... Read more
CNN: Revolution changes structures and externalities over night; it does not change at the deep levels. Deep level change occurs over time. Work now for change tomorrow, and next week, and next month, and next year, and in a decade. Washington (CNN) — After weeks of racial protests across the country, President Barack Obama is taking the time to deliver encouraging words about the future of race relations in America to a network that reaches a predominately young African-American audience. “What... Read more
Today we relight the candle of HOPE. Now we light the candle for the second Sunday in Advent. This is the candle of PEACE. As we prepare for the coming of Jesus, we remember that Jesus is our hope and our peace. From the prophet Isaiah: “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6-7 From... Read more
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