Perhaps the biggest need for Christians in the USA is to develop less of a trust in the federal and state governments and more of a biblical posture toward government. Do you see the government connected to the “powers” or is the government — local, state, federal — neutral? Is it inspired by the powers? Does government have a natural proclivity toward the powers? John Howard Yoder’s last book, published posthumously on the basis of his lectures in Warsaw (Poland),... Read more

Those of us who know John Woodbridge, well-known church history professor at Trinity, know that John’s got a bit of the sleuth in him. He’s not just a historian; sometimes he wanders into detective work. Which he has done in newest book: Hitler in the Crosshairs: A GI’s Story of Courage and Faith. This is one of those won’t-stop-till-I-finish book that must be read in one sitting, which I did the other day. I won’t give away the secret, but... Read more

When I was in college my pastor encouraged me to read G. Campbell Morgan’s The Crises of the Christ, and I did. It was in that book that I first learned to ask the question: Why was Jesus transfigured? Was it for the disciples? for himself? I do not know recall how he answered, but I think he offered a case for the transfiguration being for Jesus. Every time I read the transfiguration story (Mark 9:2-8) I ask those questions... Read more

Is this a good way forward? Who knows about this and can help us? To stand out in a still-sluggish housing market, major builders are starting to sell affordable tract homes that come with solar panels and nearly zero utility bills. On Earth Day Friday, Meritage Homes will begin offering a “net-zero” home that’s designed to produce as much energy as it uses annually. Such homes, starting at $140,000 in Tucson and $160,000 in Las Vegas, will be available in parts... Read more

Thanks to Tim Keller for these words on TV: “At the very least, we should be creating individuals who know how to talk civilly,” said Pastor Tim Keller, who based himself in New York City with the mission of spreading the gospel to a city better known for stone-cold competition rather than Christian brotherhood. “As an institution, most of the churches have lost a lot of credibility,” Keller told Amanpour on “This Week.” “So I think my job is to... Read more

From David Brooks: The central theme of “The Book of Mormon” is that many religious stories are silly — the idea that God would plant golden plates in upstate New York. Many religious doctrines are rigid and out of touch. But religion itself can do enormous good as long as people take religious teaching metaphorically and not literally; as long as people understand that all religions ultimately preach love and service underneath their superficial particulars; as long as people practice... Read more