1. Are your questions real questions or veiled assertions? 2. When did you stop beating your wife (or husband)? 3. How did you come up with the number 40? Did Rick Warren put you up to this? 4. Will you accept my apology for asking two questions instead of one in the previous question? 5. How many minds and hearts have you changed by asking 40 questions? 6. Is every teardrop really a waterfall? 7. If I answered all... Read more
I instantly got sick to my stomach after hearing about the massacre in Charleston last Wednesday. How in the world could a human being gun down 9 fellow human beings while sitting in a church? My heart was saddened and my stomach was sickened at the thought of such violence and racism. I didn’t want to respond right away, because it took me a while to reflect on the tragedy. But after letting the event simmer—and fester—I wanted to respond... Read more
The following post is written by my friend Joshua Ryan Butler and it’s the last of three that he’s written this week (His first two are HERE and HERE) Josh has written an amazing book titled The Skeletons in God’s Closet: The Mercy of Hell, the Surprise of Judgment, and the Hope of Holy War. In this third blog, Josh looks at the the whole genocide problem in Joshua. Do we worship a God who commands ethnic extinction? “How can... Read more
The following post is written by my friend Joshua Ryan Butler and it’s the second of three that he’ll write this week. (His first one is HERE.) Josh has written a killer book titled The Skeletons in God’s Closet: The Mercy of Hell, the Surprise of Judgment, and the Hope of Holy War. In this second blog, Josh looks at God’s judgment through a different lens. “Do Christians go running into the kingdom, while everyone else gets kicked outside?” Exclusivity... Read more
The following post is written by my friend Joshua Ryan Butler and it’s the first of three that he’ll write this week. Josh has written a killer book titled The Skeletons in God’s Closet: The Mercy of Hell, the Surprise of Judgment, and the Hope of Holy War, and I’ve asked him to sum up some of the main points of his book on my blog. A massive thanks to Josh for being willing to do this. Take it away,... Read more
Pastor Jeff Cook and I hosted a debate (or discussion) about homosexuality a month ago on my blog, and I’ve had several people ask for a “one stop” link for all the blogs. Therefore, I’ve included all the links to our discussion below, with a short description of what each post is about. The overall purpose of this discussion was to model a better way for Christians to dialogue about homosexuality. Jeff and I are friends and we both love... Read more
The following post is written by my brother in law and friend, Dr. Benjamin Foreman. “Benj” lives and teaches in Israel. He’s married to Ya’el and together they (now) have four children. “I have set before you life and death….therefore choose life.” (Deut 30:19) I’m just about as pro-life as they come. But I have to admit something: it’s easy to be an arm-chair supporter of life. When you’re sitting on your couch watching your three perfectly healthy kids wrestle... Read more
In my last post, I tried to clear away some arguments that clutter the discussion on whether Christians should baptize their infants. One could walk way from that post thinking that I endorse infant baptism. But I don’t. At least, I think that the case for believer’s baptism has more scriptural support, and yet I think there is some support for infant baptism. Now, I must say that I have not studied this issue in depth. I’ve never read any... Read more
I’ve never advocated for infant baptism, nor have I let my kids near the dunking tank until I’ve witnessed a confession of faith. I believe in what’s called “believer’s baptism;” that is, a person should be baptized after they’ve made a personal confession of faith. However, over the years I’ve come to see the logic and scriptural support for infant baptism. I still advocate for believer’s baptism but I don’t see this position as a clear, slam dunk, how-can-you-believe-the-Bible-and-baptize-babies issue.... Read more
*The following post is by a friend of mine who wishes to remain anonymous. He’s a conservative Christian who experiences same-sex attraction. He grew up in the church, but due to his struggle he wasn’t welcome. He wandered from God for 23 years, but 6 months ago he returned to Jesus and has found a loving church that upholds the authority of Scripture and has welcomed him into their community. Here’s his story. And due to the vulnerable and personal... Read more
Theology in the Raw
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