An Evangelical Perspective
Theology, Science, Ethics,
plus a little woodworking and photography just for the fun of it
The Latest
The American Cult
There has been a lot of talk of cults lately. The language that describes a “Trump cult” has been popular among political pundits, both professional and amateur. The accusation is that people will follow him mindlessly, like automatons, without question and without...
Announcements
The Marketplace is Open!
Ok, so there's just one item listed for sale. Don't worry -- there will be more. They'll come in my favorite categories: Books, woodworking, and photography. So go ahead and look. Things will add up quickly. Just click on Marketplace in the top menu and you are...
Book Review
Review: William Lane Craig’s “God Over All”
If you’re a philosopher this work is a useful tool even outside of the primary theological concern. You will get a good handle on the abstract objects question along with some useful points for resolving it. Likewise if you are a heavyweight in theology this work can help you do better theology and even help you be more aware of some things which taint our understanding.
Two Books for Elder Training
During the mid and late 1970s the church were I fellowshipped was making to bold move toward multiple elder leadership and away from the senior pastor structure. It was a bold move at the time. Other local church pastors of the same association took offense to this...
Christianity & Society
Book Review: Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man
Book Review: Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man by Emannuel Acho Nobody who knows U.S. history doesn’t understand the problems we have faces with racial relations in this country. But for all of the sensible discussions we might have on the issue there are...
A State of War
Forty years ago we, in college, debated whether or not the “hot box” approach to Christian education was appropriate. Should we keep our children out of public school where there might be some influence? Should we keep them in Christian schools, isolated from the...
This Apocalyptic Age
People are looking for a reason to hope. They want hope, and the want a foundation for it. Take a look at the messages around you. The desire is everywhere. Watch The Man in the High Castle. The theme of the series is the quest for freedom. The definition of freedom...
Ethics
Reasons to Behave
There is no proper virtue outside a duty that provides scope; there is no proper duty without a virtue that gives it purpose.
Do Progressivism and Rationalism Bear Moral Responsibility?
What if this were to happen: Seismologists Tried for Manslaughter for Not Predicting Earthquake? What mindset is behind this way of thinking? Is it reasonable to think that scientists bear moral responsibility for their secular efforts? These people are not...
Preparing for Change on Sexual Issues and Government Demands
Being prepared for the upcoming marriage issue it seems important that churches and related institutions prepare with biblical definitions of marriage as well as the liberties and obligations of staff, workers, and members. This goes for churches as well as...
Crafts
Rodale’s “Illustrated Cabinetmaking, How to Design and Construct Furniture That Works,” by Bill Hylton
I recently picked up a woodworking book that really hits the spot. Rodale’s “Illustrated Cabinetmaking, How to Design and Construct Furniture That Works,” by Bill Hylton. It's not a new book. In fact it has been around a good while. But it is a very useful...
If I Needed a Tiny Woodworking Shop
"Tiny house" is a popular concept. But why that is, I can't figure out. Who wants to live without books? It seems like such an empty life. Still, many of us don't have the massive space we would like. We have enough and that's just fine. The rest belongs in dream and...
Theology
Can Bad Theology be a False Flag?
First, what is a "false flag?" Wikipedia (twiw) says The contemporary term false flag describes covert operations that are designed to deceive in such a way that activities appear as though they are being carried out by individual entities, groups, or nations other...
When you think your prayers are hitting the ceiling
We’ve forgotten the core principle of maturity in the New Testament church. It’s really simple: To be found faithful.
Calendar
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Apologetics
A Picture of Apologetics
The first title I thought of was “Make Apologetics Great Again” but that really didn’t seem appropriate. The topic of apologetics has been on the upswing for the past two centuries. While apologetics has always been a part of theology the past few decades has seen a...
John Gray’s “Seven Types of Atheism” and the Problem of Ideas
The Problem of Ideas John Gray's "Seven Type of Atheism" My first reading of John Gray was his book "Black Mass, Apocalyptic Religion and the Death of Utopia." It's a good and useful piece, outlining the historic theological structure of the liberal/progressive...
Will Science Its Find Limits? Christian Ethics & the Question of Scientism
Is there a place for interaction between science and theology? I try to take a different direction here and pursue an approach different from the common arguments. The idea of non-overlapping magestieria is too simplistic and subject theology to science or science to theology is too provincial. There are other options and I’ll explore one of them.
Education
A Systematic Inquiry: Reconstructing Dispensationalism Without the Rapture (Part 1)
It is fascinating to look at theology from an historical perspective. Good theology has often developed out of conflict and challenge, like the doctrine of the Trinity. Various proposals were made but the final product came out of sound exegesis to give us a result...
Can Science Inform Theology? A question for the ages
In short the answer is Yes. But it is a qualified Yes. So let's spend some time exploring the question. First let’s be certain that we are using these terms in the same way. By “informs” I am not saying that theology develops out of science. To do so would mean a...
Ministry
Maybe Dispensationalists Should Take Their Convenant Relationship Seriously
The New Covenant is driven by the Great Commission. That commission means a lot of work. The commission drives the covenant.
An Introduction
This effort is about apologetics that makes a difference in daily living. The emphasis is on science and ethics and the venue for teaching these is the local church. The science discussion is geared toward students (secondary & later), teachers, and scientists. The ethics discussion is for everyone. Read also for my doctrinal statement and other matters of importance.
Politics
Reflections on Jonah Goldberg’s “Suicide of the West”
Conservatism has become as pessimistic as liberalism. While both were founded in the context of postmillennial optimism with is dream of a better world and improved human condition. The wish was to build God's Kingdom, or at least something that closely resembles it....
How a “Fake News” Item Fits a Narrative-Driven Scenario
What if the narrative of the echo chamber is wrong? What if there is another narrative which explains the facts better? Education is the challenge of conservative media. The apocalyptic message of some will distract us from the goal of preparing the people. Conservatism is best when it takes the offensive. A defensive posture will always lose.
Science
Can Evolutionary Directionality Be an Internal Characteristic
simpler approach is James Shapiro’s informational assumption. Think of it as a variation on Dawkin’s selfish gene but going one step further. The gene is not only selfish but smart, too. It’s the biological equivalent of Adam Smith’s economic self-interest. Genes may now be seen as producers and investors rather than as mere consumers.
Can Artificial Intelligence Be Held Morally Responsible?
It seems at first that morality is always being coded. The idea that a vehicle should stop and avoid an impact describes the computer’s duty.
Essay
The Christian Mind in a Contrary Culture
Some History of the Ideas That Affect Our View of the World and of God’s Workings Introduction This is my perspective regarding the place and implementation of clarified discernment in my own Christian life and in my field of ministry. It encompasses my motivations...