Monday, June 01, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Former President Jimmy Carter was correct when he urged his fellow Baptists to look beyond a range of disputes that have split the denomination and focus on reconciling under a common cause, namely the Gospel.
Carter said disagreements over issues such as abortion and homosexuality have kept Baptists too narrowly focused. And he said those issues shouldn't divide Christians who agree on a higher matter--that people are saved by the grace of God through Jesus Christ.
I agree with him. But why did Mr. Carter and others leave the Southern Baptist Convention and form the New Baptist Covenant? The folks he criticizes believe exactly as he does that people are saved by the grace of God through Jesus Christ. It seems Jimmy Carter doesn't practice what he preaches.
With regards to the cultural issues he finds so divisive, I have two questions for Mr. Carter. One, what informed him as a politician rising through the ranks in his home state of Georgia to take a leading role in fighting racism? And, two, what motivated him as governor and later as President to expand the role of government in fighting poverty through welfare? I'm fairly certain I've heard him say over the years it was his Christian faith.
So what does he suppose informs many Christians today in their opposition to abortion and homosexuality? Could it be their Christian faith?
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
I grew to admire Tony Blair during his time as Prime Minister of Great Britain. After 9/11, Blair set aside his political differences with George W. Bush and forged an alliance that put the world on notice that terrorism would meet stiff resistance. It's also widely reported the two men grew to like each other personally.
Monday, March 16, 2009
This year marks the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin. Many of the leading Calvinistic pastors and theologians will be gathering in Geneva this summer to observe what's being billed as the Calvin Quincentenary.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
There is a fascinating essay on the Christian Science Monitor website predicting, "The coming evangelical collapse." I'm not familiar with the author, Michael Spencer. But he describes himself as an evangelical and he comes to some compelling conclusions, including:
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Remember The Phil Donahue Show? The show had a 26 year run that ended in 1996. Donahue seldom hid his liberal views on a host of issues. And though I don't recall him being rude to his guests, he never seemed to be at a loss for words, except during this exchange with noted economist Milton Friedman, who died in 2006. I'm not sure when the interview took place, but my guess is during the 80's.
Monday, January 26, 2009
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi suggests adding birth control funding to the financial stimulus package.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Steve Martin did a comedy routine early in his career that made me laugh so hard I could cry. Basically, here's how it went:
Thursday, January 22, 2009
America's entertainment industry receives a lot of criticism. Because of the gratuitous sex and violence depicted in many films, much of that criticism is deserved. But Joseph Dooley, Genealogist General of the Sons of the American Revolution, says many films also contain a lot of good which we, as Americans, may take for granted.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
With all the controversy surrounding Rick Warren giving the opening prayer at President Barack Obama's inauguration, it was the benediction delivered by long-time civil rights leader, the Reverend Joseph Lowery, that ought to generate the most outrage. Here's how Lowery concluded his prayer: