Al Mohler has an outstanding post on a new phenomenon in our culture: the increasing use of violent, antisocial male characters in prime time television. Apparently, “competition from the Internet, video games, and a vast array of cable channels has caught the attention of television producers.” Their answer: developing shows that can capture the attention of young male viewers. Mohler shows that these TV producers are promoting a certain type of masculinity by their programming: One who uses his God-given energy, strength and drive, in a manner divorced from moral absolutes. What we’re … [Read more...] about A New Degradation of Masculinity
Archives for 2006
Marks of Leadership
There is lots of material available on what makes a good leader. As a young Christian, I was quite taken by Steven Covey's material, and continue to be a fan of organizational management literature. By common grace, God has gifted many men and women with an ability to marshal their talents and energy towards the accomplishment of worthwhile goals. As Christians, we should differentiate between spiritual leadership and leadership in general. This article on marks of leadership by John Piper is one of the most helpful and challenging I have ever read on the topic, precisely because while … [Read more...] about Marks of Leadership
Olin College and Frances Haugen
My cousin-in-law, Frances Haugen, is a graduate of the first class of Olin College of Engineering. She is a Computer Science and Electrical Engineering major, which means she is a total nerd. She wants to start a company developing software for high school debate teams. Olin sounds like a superb school; the fifth most competitive engineering school, I believe. Especially if one is looking to be an entrepeneur. I say this as one who completed my Ph.D. in Materials Science Engineering at UC Berkeley in 2004. All the best to you, Frances. … [Read more...] about Olin College and Frances Haugen
Can Democracy Survive Polygmay?
Yesterday Albert Mohler posted a fascinating essay entitled: Can democracy survive polygamy? I found it to be insightful regarding the state of marriage in the US and in the world, particularly as the marriage amendment goes to a vote in the Senate this week. Mohler discusses an article by Stanley Kurtz in the June 5, 2006 issue of the Weekly Standard. Key Quote: In the end, Stanley Kurtz comes to a sobering conclusion: "Marriage, as its ultramodern critics would like to say, is indeed about choosing one's partner, and about freedom in a society that values freedom. But that's not the only … [Read more...] about Can Democracy Survive Polygmay?
Complementarianism and the T4G statement
I have heard some rumblings about the fact that the Together for the Gospel Statement made an issue of complementarianism --- that view which maintains that the Bible prescribes distinct roles for men and women in the home and in the church. Mark Dever has a very thoughtful post that in some ways, I think, responds to the concerns being expressed. Dever's conclusion: "Of course there are issues more central to the gospel than gender issues. However, there may be no way the authority of Scripture is being undermined more quickly or more thoroughly in our day than through the … [Read more...] about Complementarianism and the T4G statement
Newsweek Cover Story
Daniel McGinn of Newsweek has a cover story in the June 5 issue of Newsweek called, "Marriage by the Numbers." I'll be discussing this article and other topics in an interview I'm doing tomorrow with Bill Feltner of Pilgrim Radio out of Carson City, NV. McGinn's article harkens back to a Newsweek cover story of 20 years ago -- in the mid-1980s that famously declared, "A woman in her 40s has less chance of getting married than of being killed by a terrorist." The 1986 Newsweek article ("The Marriage Crunch") was based on a study by Bennett, Bloom & Craig that found a 2.6% likelihood of a … [Read more...] about Newsweek Cover Story