Ward on Civil Religion

Although I've only known that it exists for a few weeks, I've been greatly enjoying the blog of Dr. Mark Ward Jr. of BJU Press.   In fact, I am pleased to announce that he has become my new favorite fundamentalist (not used here as a pejorative- he self identifies as such in the linked post).  To be fair, living in the Pacific Northwest means that I know far more Marxists, lumberjacks, and trees than I do fundamentalists; but the point remains and is meant as a compliment.  His post today reflecting on the President's recent remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast is a healthy does of keen insights, respectful tone, and good writing.  Enjoy.

Elephant Equation

If you've never heard of the Elephant Room I would probably just skip this post. It's amazing how many "controversies" that we get worked up about in evangelicalism involve men and churches which are geographically and culturally so far away from us that they have no real impact on our lives.  Our LCD screens become both the window into matters that truly do not involve us and also the pulpit from which we then opine as though they were very urgent in our lives.

That being said, if you are following this blog then there is a good probability that you are somewhat engaged with the broader reformed and evangelical culture.  A good percentage of you may have been following every twist of this story for the last several months.  The Elephant Room has been and continues to be a bit different from the normal evangelical kerfuffle do to the central doctrines at play and the particular men involved.

My input on this will be brief.  If you think that the Elephant Room 2 was a.) the dawning of the age of Aquarius in regards to a new "tribe" which speaks to rather than at each other and which rightly exalts love and relationship over doctrine and division, or b.) you think that the age of Antichrist has dawned and the end is near; you should probably take a break from the internet.  

As usual, Dr. Gonzales has some great thoughts and helpful links.  Also, don't miss Thabiti's thoughts from before the event actually occurred.

As for me, I could write 10,000 words on this but it would probably be more heat than light. Rather, I have chosen to express myself by way of an equation. Remember your order of operations (please excuse my dear aunt sally).   

[(good intentions - critical discernment) + (admirable courage - careful wisdom)] x reality TV

the strange state of contemporary evangelicalsim

=

the blurred orthodoxy of the Elephant Room 2

The Chicken of the Sea

Al Mohler shares a great article comparing the cowarice of the Captain in the recent cruise ship disaster with the courage of naval Captains throughout history.  Thank God the Captain of our salvation (Hebrews 2:10) is nothing like the former and even greater than the latter.

AlbertMohler.com – The Chicken of the Sea: A Modern Tale of Fear, Failure, and Cowardice

HT:Challies

Free Book from John Piper on Race and the Gospel

I greatly appreciate the voice of Pastor John Piper as a clear advocate for the crushing implications of the gospel against the evils of racism.  Today, on MLK Jr. day, I applaud his decision to give away PDF copies of his latest book on this topic.  I have not yet read it, but I will be following the link in this post to download it and will seek to examine my own heart in relation to this insidious sin.  Will you join me?

Download Bloodlines for Free - Desiring God

Follow up to Bethke and DeYoung

Click the link to see the fruit reaped by the sowing of appropriate, humble,  Christian critique. Praise God for both these brothers.

Following Up on the Jesus/Religion Video

DeYoung on Bethke on Jesus on Religion

This post from Kevin DeYoung was the first time I had run a cross this spoken word peom from Jefferson Bethke. While I appreciated the poem a great deal and found it quite stirring, I have to agree with DeYoung's comments as well.  More to the point, DeYoung models a type of critical interaction here which is humble and gentle yet full of clarity and conviction.  There is perhaps as much value in learning from this method as there is the content of either the poem or the resultant critique.  Follow the link below to view both the video and DeYoung's comments.


Does Jesus Hate Religion? Kinda, Sorta, Not Really