Biographer Stephen Oates (Let The Trumpet Sound) called The Letter from Birmingham Jail "the most eloquent and learned expression of the goals and philosophy of the nonviolent movement ever written." The speech illustrates the principle of "just" and "unjust" laws: "...there are just laws, and there are unjust laws. I would agree with St. Augustine that "An unjust law is no law at all." Now, what is the difference between the two? How does one determine when a law is just or unjust? A just law is a man-made code that squares with the moral law, or the law of God. An unjust law is a code that … [Read more...] about Letter from Birmingham Jail
John Piper: I was a Full-Blooded Racist
John Piper's recent book, Bloodlines, chronicles his upbringing in the segregated south and how his racist views were ultimately rectified. Today, Desiring God and Crossway have made Bloodlines available as a free PDF download. … [Read more...] about John Piper: I was a Full-Blooded Racist
Martin Luther King Jr. Had a Dream
Here is the full video of what is widely regarded as one of the great speeches of the twentieth century. If you've never heard or read it, I encourage you to do so. The content and delivery are equally masterful, full of active verbs and vivid images. Note the string of metaphors, powerfully engaging the listener: The full text of the speech is below: … [Read more...] about Martin Luther King Jr. Had a Dream
Thriving at College among the “Best of Best in 2011” (YouthWorker Journal)
I was deeply encouraged to be sent the notification that YouthWorker Journal, a popular bi-monthly magazine serving youth ministries for over 20 years, has named Thriving at College one of the "Best of Best in 2011." "Well done" doesn't scratch the surface of how good this book is. It's explicitly Christian in the purest sense, enabling its truths to speak to non-Christians. Although this resource is written for emerging adults, it's a valuable read for anyone wanting to consider every area of life with a sound biblical lens. My best summary of Alex Chediak's brilliant work here is simply, … [Read more...] about Thriving at College among the “Best of Best in 2011” (YouthWorker Journal)
Marvin Olasky on College and Non-College Options
Some good thoughts from Marvin Olasky on the college experience and the potential "college bubble." For many, college is a highly educational, even transformative, experience--one that pays significant dividends for years to come, professionally and otherwise. I want it to be that for those who go, which is why I wrote Thriving at College. Those who pursue college should do so with professors who care deeply about actually educating them, not just stamping a grade so they can get back to their real interests. Those who don't should pursue fruitfulness elsewhere. HT: Chris Haugen … [Read more...] about Marvin Olasky on College and Non-College Options
Does God Care Whether Tim Tebow Wins on Saturday?
Owen Strachan, in the pages of The Atlantic, gives an outstanding answer to the question burning in all our minds: Does God Care Whether Tim Tebow Wins on Saturday?. An excerpt: But what happens when Tebow loses?...... This is easier than your average late-night philosophical chat in the college lounge might make it seem. The Bible teaches that no believer is assured an easy road. In other words, contrary to what health-and-wealth teachers like Joel Osteen say (to the tune of massive earnings), God nowhere promises to unendingly bless his people in worldly terms. On the contrary, it seems … [Read more...] about Does God Care Whether Tim Tebow Wins on Saturday?