Human First

Last updated on: August 10, 2012 at 3:59 pm By James F. McGrath

Only human beings are or can be Christians. Wouldn’t you agree? Christians are a subset of humans, and being Christian is one way of being human, not something that transforms people into something other than people. Some would say that Christianity is about being human in the way God intended, restoring the damaged image of God. Others would point to evidence suggesting that Christianity brings out the worst human characteristics in some people. Whatever your view in these matters, hopefully... Read more

Progressive Christians

Last updated on: August 10, 2012 at 9:40 am By James F. McGrath

The above poster offers one definition of progressive Christianity. Is it yours? What do you think of the eight points listed? Read more

Our Limited Human Perspective

Last updated on: August 9, 2012 at 12:16 pm By James F. McGrath

A useful warning against the idolatry inherent in elevating our limited perspective to the level of absolute truth. It is disappointing that crusading with absolute confidence that one is right seems to have replaced humility and introspection in many Christian circles. It has happened before, but it is still sad to see it happening again. Via Facebook Read more

Homosexuality and Sin Flow Chart

Last updated on: August 9, 2012 at 12:12 pm By James F. McGrath

This came my way on Facebook. While some of it is simplistic, I don't expect otherwise from a flow chart on Facebook. The notion of “civilized society” is also extremely problematic. But even so, it does seem to helpfully draw attention to the assumptions many bring to discussions of this topic. And I wanted to share it here because it reflects arguments which are in danger of being perceived as anti-Christian, when in fact they have been pioneered by liberal... Read more

Cut-and-Paste Bible

Last updated on: August 9, 2012 at 10:14 am By James F. McGrath

Several people shared the above spoof advertisement on Facebook. I know that some conservative Christians will view the above as a jibe at liberals, whom they accuse of picking and choosing. But in my experience, liberals like myself are at least aware of what is in the Bible, warts and all, and for that very reason adopt the stance that we do, namely that we do not and should not try to believe or practice everything that is in the... Read more

What We’re Learning from Online Education

Last updated on: August 9, 2012 at 9:06 am By James F. McGrath

Christianity vs. the Forces of Darkness

Last updated on: August 8, 2012 at 11:03 pm By James F. McGrath

This letter from a father to his son, which the recipient shared online, has been getting a lot of attention: I was struck by the language used on the blog Unreasonable Faith, which shared the letter and offered some reflections on it. The author suggested that this is a Christian mindset that says “It’s a battle between Christianity and the forces of darkness, and some sacrifices have to be made.” My response is to suggest that some Christians are gung-ho... Read more

From Chicken to Pizza: Papa John’s, Obamacare, and the Intelligent Consumer

Last updated on: August 8, 2012 at 12:59 pm By James F. McGrath

I admit I was astonished by the blatant self-interest and attempt at manipulation of consumers that John Schnatter, CEO of Papa John’s Pizza, offered recently, saying that he would pass on the cost of Obamacare to consumers in the form of pizza costing at least $.10 and perhaps as much as $.20 more. This is a man whose annual salary is well over $2 million, but who resents having to provide improved healthcare to his employees and will penalize his... Read more

Maurice Casey responds to Thomas Thompson

Last updated on: August 8, 2012 at 12:20 am By James F. McGrath

James Tabor wrongly refers to an “all-out war among the experts” regarding the question “Did Jesus exist?” At present, the only person who can be considered an expert in New Testament in any sense, and who has disputed the existence of a historical Jesus in academic publications, is Robert M. Price. He teaches at an unaccredited seminary, but his PhD is legit. That isn’t “all-out war” – not by a long stretch. Price’s “case” for mythicism is nothing but unimpressive... Read more

I Don’t Understand Jim West

Last updated on: August 7, 2012 at 11:41 pm By James F. McGrath

There are plenty of things that I do understand about Jim West. He has no feelings – I know this because after I made a jibe at him, he told me himself, “If I had feelings they’d be hurt.” And so really what I’m saying is that I understand that he has a sharp wit, and some people take certain things he says too seriously – while others assume he’s kidding even when he’s serious. I also understand that Jim... Read more

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