Reflections on culture, or the elements and conditions outside the cab.
Thank you for being courageous enough to share your reaction to my term “broken people.” It seems we’re living in a time when the virtue of respectfully disagreeing with others while maintaining basic human etiquette has fallen to the vices of partisan bickering, shaming, and name-calling. This has taken us Read more…
Here it is in quick free-write fashion:
The developing and escalating situation in Ukraine ought to be cause for concern for every one of us.
Here’s why:
This is the second of two posts on the topic of homosexuality. The first post introduced the issue. This post outlines the proper Christian response to gay individuals.
The $10 million dollar question: “How should Christians respond to gay individuals[1] in a way that honors both them and biblical truth so that we can earn the right to be heard?
It’s a tricky question for most Christians as tire-blowing and axel-breaking potholes litter the road surface. The main reason the topic of homosexuality has become a roadblock is because the controversy forces the Christian community to wed right beliefs (orthodoxy) with right practices (orthopraxy). (more…)
Fewer topics are more divisive within Christian communities than homosexuality. It is a volatile issue, splitting and dividing denominations and those who comprise them. Most church leaders would just as soon ignore the issue than take it head-on. Those that do, however, tend to fall into two camps.
On the extreme right, there are folks like Fred Phelps who broadcast the message, “God hates fags.” (It’s painful to even write those words.)
On the opposite side of the spectrum, denominations like the Episcopal Church USA proudly ordain openly gay men like Gene Robinson. (more…)
The year was 1954. Dr. Jandali, professor at the University of Wisconsin, and student Joanne Schieble found themselves in a tough predicament. The two had been having extra “tutoring” sessions outside of class when Joanne and her professor realized the unthinkable: they were pregnant!
Joanne’s parents strongly objected to the relationship. So from the beginning things were not off to a good start. And now a baby!?
To put that number into perspective, the population of the ten largest cities in America are half that figure at 23.4 million.
I’ve been giving some thought to this year’s Presidential election. I’ve also been trying recently to put into practice Solomon’s advice from Ecclesiastes.
Squaring the two realities has been good for my soul and for gaining good perspective in life. So I thought I’d pass along some “fresh bread”. Perhaps you’ll find some benefit too!
Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes 2:24-25:
There is nothing better for people than to eat and drink, and to find enjoyment in their work. I also perceived that this ability to find enjoyment comes from God. For no one can eat and drink or experience joy apart from him. (NET Bible)
This verse is the thrust of Ecclesiastes as it is a recurring theme throughout the book (see also 3:12, 22; and 8:15). Solomon is arguing that the only way to find true joy and satisfaction in life is to fear God and keep his commands. (more…)
Why the Ten Commandments can’t be cut to six | Fox News.
Lauren Green, FoxNews Contributor
So this news piece by Lauren Green caught my eye. The thesis of her article concerning a U.S. District Judge’s attempt to resolve a dispute between the ACLU and the Giles Country, Viginia School District by eliminating the first four Commandments is to explain how doing so ultimately empties the last six of their authoritative value. In other words, the Judge’s suggestion will not work. Ms Green is arguing that the 10 Commandments must be taken as a whole and must not be separated for diplomatic expediency. She makes a great point.
Certainly God knew this when he inspired Moses to write them down on stone tablets. (more…)
Christian Teens Say Gay Activist Made Girls Cry | FOX News & Commentary: Todd Starnes.
Dan Savage, Founder of the “It Gets Better” Project
This news story has arrested my attention this week. It is about a national journalism conference for high school-aged teens in Seattle hosted by National Scholastic Press Association and the Journalism Education Association. The hosts invited anti-bullying speaker Dan Savage as the keynote speak for their conference.
Savage is the founder of the “It Gets Better” Project, a resource created “to show young LGBT people the levels of happiness, potential, and positivity their lives will reach – if they can just get through their teen years.” In colorfully inappropriate language, Savage voices his contempt for the Bible’s position on homosexuality, slavery, virginity, menstruation, masturbation, and shellfish, among other things. Towards the end of the clip below, Mr Savage reveals where the real tension lies: “I have a right to defend myself and to point out the hypocrisy of people who justify anti-gay bigotry by pointing to the Bible….”
