Post by Nathan Rinne Actually, I am dealing with Lutheran bad boys in particular here, but perhaps some of what I talk about may be more broadly applicable. (and for those inclined to diagnose me, I have never been nor ever will be a “charismatic figure” and/or “bad boy”, though, I confess that according to my flesh I have, pathetically and sinfully, imagined myself capable of being one – and imagined the “benefits” I might accrue thereby. “Ah, sounds like... Read more
Since the rise of feminism in the early twentieth century, conservative Christians have attempted to give Biblical answers and alternatives to societal movements that are opposed to Biblical ethics and the Biblical family structure. Some have adopted an egalitarian approach, thus capitulating to the norms of contemporary society. They argue that the church has been wrong about the family structure all along. Husbands and wives do not have distinct roles within the family, the church, or society. It is purported... Read more
On today’s program I discussed abortion in light of the recent events surrounding Planned Parenthood. I examine early Christian teaching on the subject, and briefly overviewed the Biblical reasons why abortion is sinful. Here is the program Read more
(By Eric Phillips) Having preached on Eph. 1:3-14 this past Sunday (see below for a link to that sermon), I’ve been thinking about predestination lately. I consulted Lenski’s commentary while preparing, and I know he was an intuitu fidei guy (considering Election to be based on God’s Foreknowledge of the person’s faith), so I was wary. But while I did end up disagreeing with his interpretation of the passage, I also found that his understanding was more nuanced than I... Read more
Post by Nathan Rinne Rod Dreher is one of my favorite columnists. I consider his blog at the American Conservative to be essential reading. Over the past couple of years he has been talking about something he calls the Benedict Option. He contends that Christians in America who take their faith seriously are basically going to have to take this option in one form or another. In this recently released talk, he sums up in some detail what he is... Read more
I recently purchased a copy of the Modern English Version of the Bible. This translation was released in 2014 by Passio, which is an arm of Charisma Publishing House. It claims to be the most modern edition of the King James Bible. Though released by a charismatic publishing house, there doesn’t appear to be any particular charismatic bias in the translation itself, and the translators come from a variety of Christian traditions. The Textual Foundation The MEV is within... Read more
As a father of two young boys, I have had to think extensively about the educational decisions that my wife and I have to make in the next few years. Among Christians, there are essentially three options: public education, private Christian schooling, or homeschooling. We’ve been looking at a variety of resources on these issues, and when the documentary film IndoctriNation was recommended, we thought that it would be worth watching in order to hear from those who promote homeschooling.... Read more
After the recent SCOTUS decision, I have seen a number of different responses from Christian pastors about how Christians should respond to such issues. Many fear that legal action will eventually come to those who refuse to perform gay weddings. Due to this fear, some Christians have argued that the church should step out of the marriage business altogether in order to avoid such persecution. After all, we don’t want to pay the kinds of fines that the government required... Read more
On today’s program, I responded to Matthew Vines’ recent post “40 Questions for Christians who Oppose Marriage Equality.” I was able to get through all 40 questions, and explained how Vines does not agree with the Scriptural view of marriage. Instead, his ethical system is guided by experience and emotion. This is an important program. Here is the show. Read more
Post by Nathan Rinne “The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” — I Timothy 1:5 Recently, I read the following quotation from a conservative Lutheran pastor: “You may use your conscience to guide your behavior. You may not use your conscience to guide my behavior.” Needless to say, I found the quote rather jarring. It reminded me of a statement from another like-minded Lutheran pastor (though... Read more
Just and Sinner
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