Category: Christian Culture
-
The Bones of Biblical Preaching (Guest Post)
Read more: The Bones of Biblical Preaching (Guest Post)Accuracy in preaching has never been more important than it is today. In the 800s, it mattered less if preachers thought the Bible taught the earth was the center of the universe. Everyone believed that. In the 1400s, it mattered less if preachers taught a flat earth. People believed their clergy more than university professors….
-
“People of the Book” : Is it Important for Christians to Read? (Guest Post)
Read more: “People of the Book” : Is it Important for Christians to Read? (Guest Post)I am one of those people who love to discuss books in the process of reading them. I just can’t help it. In English class, I’ve made my friends discuss the reading from the night before with me—which usually entailed predicting the rest of the book, discussing favorite (and least favorite) characters, and reciting favorite…
-
On F Bombs and Christian Music: A Reflection on P.O.D.’s Newest Album, Murdered Love
Read more: On F Bombs and Christian Music: A Reflection on P.O.D.’s Newest Album, Murdered LoveLast week the Christian rap-metal band P.O.D. (Payable on Death) came out with their eighth album, Murdered Love. When I first heard that P.O.D. was releasing a new album I was quite excited. There was a time when P.O.D. was my all-time favorite band. Indeed, they functioned like a doorway for me into the world of…
-
Reflections on the Value of Jewish Studies
Read more: Reflections on the Value of Jewish StudiesA few months ago, a family member brought a particular newspaper article to my attention. The title “New Testament gets a new look by Jews.” As someone who is very interested in not only the study of the Old Testament, but also the Jewish Backgrounds of the New Testament, and the Christian faith, this seemed…
-
(UN)Christian Music
Read more: (UN)Christian MusicLast week I reviewed mewithoutYou’s new album, Ten Stories. As I wrote the review I thought about the idea of “Christian Music.” This is something that I’ve been wrestling with for a while. For some Christians, they only listen to “Christian Music” and deem it a sign of impiety to do otherwise. I imagine this…
-
What to Think About Church Growth
Read more: What to Think About Church GrowthI don’t know what to think about church growth anymore. I’ve always believed it’s God that causes a church to grow–and I still do. But what role does the leadership of the church play in bringing more people in? I’m afraid the answer to this question I’ve long held to is actually little more than…
-
With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility
Read more: With Great Power Comes Great ResponsibilityYesterday Albert Mohler published an article at his website entitled, “Is the Megachurch the New Liberalism?” The article–or at least its title–inspired megachurch pastor Rick Warren to tweet, “@albertmohler A TITLE questioning 1000s of churches’ orthodoxy due to size is unChristlike. U need to apologize to pastors Al.” Despite the knee-jerk reaction it elicited from Warren,…
-
Disabilities and the Church: From Periphery to Center (Guest Post)
Read more: Disabilities and the Church: From Periphery to Center (Guest Post)The day my youngest brother was born was simultaneously incredibly joyful and acutely painful. Being in 5th grade, I was filled with the excitement at the prospect of a new addition to our family, and hopeful for future trips to Disneyland. But all that changed when, upon his birth, the doctors informed us that Daniel…
-
“Love or Lust?” Identifying the Role of Physical Attraction in Healthy Relationships
Read more: “Love or Lust?” Identifying the Role of Physical Attraction in Healthy RelationshipsSo, sexual attraction is a powerful force. If you are like me, you grew up in the church being told this, and that as a result, sexual lust was to be avoided like the plague and feared as dangerous as an inescapable labyrinth. And there are many who can testify to the powerful vice-grip that…
-
Hip Hop: It’s not good or bad, it’s how you use it (Guest Post)
Read more: Hip Hop: It’s not good or bad, it’s how you use it (Guest Post)What if I told you that you could saturate your mind with profound truths about the glory of God and the sufficiency and infallibility of the Bible through music? What if I told you that it was hip hop music? Would your embers of interest be further kindled if I told you that words and…