Recently, while hiking out at Laity Lodge, I stumbled (almost literally) upon a large porcupine. He (she?) was about two and a half feet long and two feet wide. He was also right in the middle of my trail, munching on some greenery. I was moving pretty quickly, and came within about six feet of the beast. He did not seem to be particularly concerned, however. Rather, he slowly turned his backside toward me as if to say, “I dare... Read more
The very idea of psychotherapy seems to defy the instant-access, video screen chatter of popular digital culture. Not for long, if some scientists have their way. In the past few years researchers have been testing simple video-game-like programs aimed at relieving common problems like anxiety and depression. These recent results have been encouraging enough that investigators are now delivering the programs on smartphones — therapy apps, in effect, that may soon make psychological help accessible anytime, anywhere, whether in the... Read more
My colleagues at TheHighCalling.org have produced a striking new video. I need to hear this message. What about you? Read more
Sigh! Well, every now and then I am actually startled by something on the Internet. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse, USA Today featured a story called: “Sites that cater to ‘discreet’ encounters thriving.” Here’s how it starts: Husbands and wives take note: If Valentine’s Day expectations aren’t met, your mate might soon be looking elsewhere for a little romance and appreciation. That may sound like a cautionary tale, but for Noel Biderman and others who have... Read more
Part 2 of series: How Lent Can Make A Difference in Your Relationship with God I grew up hearing about Catholics who had to fast during the season of Lent. No meat on Fridays, only fish. This, you must understand, was a costly sacrifice in the cafeteria of Glenoaks Elementary School! The fact that my Catholic friends had to give up decent food in Lent always seemed to me to be one more good reason to be a Protestant. (Photo:... Read more
I thought I’d share with you my Daily Reflection from the High Calling. “If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them!” Luke 6:32 Today is St. Valentine’s Day, a day in popular culture set apart for celebrations of romantic love. So it seems only appropriate for me to offer one further reflection on Luke 6:27-36, a passage that focuses on love. The origins of this holiday... Read more
How Lent Can Make a Difference in Your Relationship with God The Seven Last Words of Christ: Reflections for Holy Week The Stations of the Cross: A Devotional Guide for Lent and Holy Week. Includes the paintings by my wife, Linda Roberts. Why Did Jesus Have to Die? Introduction to Eastertide: The Season of Easter Read more
The Christian season of Lent begins next week on Ash Wednesday. For many Christians, this is a special season of the year for growing in one’s relationship with God. Other Christians aren’t so sure about Lent’s meaning or value. I am putting up this post before the start of Lent so that you might have time to think about how, if at all, you want to participate in the observance of Lent. (I put up a couple of posts on... Read more
Background to the Confusing Kingdom Psalm 110:1-7 The LORD will extend your powerful kingdom from Jerusalem; you will rule over your enemies. Psalm 110:2 Psalm 110 can help us understand why so many of Jesus’ contemporaries were confused about his message and ministry. It also undergirds one of the deepest mysteries of the Gospel. Psalm 110 celebrates the power and victory of a future king of Israel. Under this human Lord, the Lord God will “humble” the enemies of Israel... Read more
Mark D. Roberts
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Is There a Necessary Contradition Between Sports and Faith?
Is there a necessary and unavoidable contradiction between sports and faith? David Brooks, one of my favorite cultural commentators, says “Yes!” In his recent New York Times op-ed, “The Jeremy Lin Problem,” Brooks asserts that “The moral ethos of sport is in tension with the moral ethos of faith, whether Jewish, Christian or Muslim.” In fact, the moral ethos of sports “violates the religious ethos on many levels.” The extraordinary success Jeremy Lin, the New York Knicks’ phenom, is what... Read more