This infographic explains why we'll be hearing the phrase "middle class" relentlessly in the next election cycle. Whoever wins the middle class, wins. It's that simple. The swings reveal that this group morphs with time -- siding with the GOP 53-46 in 2004, and then basically reversing in 2006. Then back with the GOP in 2010. It's also true that the majority of voters (between 55-60%) have come from the middle class (defined here as having $30,000-$100,000 annual household income). Notice that you don't have to win this group by a huge margin - a little over 50% will do just fine. … [Read more...] about The Political Significance of the “Middle Class”
Why We Need Jesus – Michael Horton
Writing in Christianity Today, Horton's article begins this way: A passenger on a recent plane trip happily divulged his spiritual views. Raised in a conservative religious home, he proudly dismissed traditional Christianity, with its radical claims about Jesus of Nazareth, because it substitutes dogma for reason, he said. Fifteen minutes later, he became an apologist for a sacred cosmos, with tarot cards and astrology. But of course, he said, these were true just for him. The encounter epitomized what we have all experienced in a culture that identifies reason with naturalism and faith … [Read more...] about Why We Need Jesus – Michael Horton
Mitt Romney: No Flip-Flop on Marriage
I've been watching the GOP presidential race with increasing interest. Each candidate has significant flaws, in my opinion. Nevertheless, this article by Maggie Gallagher on Mitt Romney's history on the marriage issue is encouraging. Gallagher is the founder of the National Organization for Marriage and a 14-year syndicated columnist. She writes, in part: I don't mind anyone criticizing Romney for the things he has done. But this particular attack is grotesquely unfair. I know. I was there. In the summer of 2003, when I learned the Massachusetts courts were likely to make gay marriage a … [Read more...] about Mitt Romney: No Flip-Flop on Marriage
Tim Keller: The Meaning of Marriage
This weekend I finished reading Tim and Kathy Keller's fantastic book on marriage. It was vintage Keller---insightful, convicting, and intellectually engaging. Moreover, it was biblically-rooted, but in a way that could speak directly to Christians and non-Christians alike. For example, it had some of the best arguments against cohabitation that I've ever heard. Likewise, Kathy Keller's chapter on submission/headship winsomely presented a viewpoint considered anathema in many pockets of our culture. Each chapter was highly substantive and it was easy to follow the flow of the … [Read more...] about Tim Keller: The Meaning of Marriage
Jack Abramoff and Capitol Punishment
Jack Abramoff is a notorious corrupt lobbyist who spent a few years in prison. Now he's back in the public's eye, promoting his book, Capitol Punishment: The Hard Truth About Washington Corruption From America's Most Notorious Lobbyist. I suppose one cannot question the author's credibility on the subject. The book sounds fascinating. This interview with David Gregory on Meet The Press reminded me of the need to pray for our leaders (I Tim. 2:1-6) as they wrestle with serious issues and are regularly subject to enormous temptations. Note: It would be the subject of another post … [Read more...] about Jack Abramoff and Capitol Punishment
Man Enough to Love a Real Woman
Joshua Rogers: Cory, one of my happily married friends, was annoyed with some of his single, male buddies. "Joshua, it's so irritating," he said. "I suggest a woman to them, but they say 'she's not attractive enough,' or she's lacking in some other area. And here's the crazy part: In every case — without exception — the woman is way out of their league." I shook my head. "I know. I used to be like those guys, always finding a problem with every woman I dated. I didn't realize I was the one with the problem." And my problem was pride. I measured women against a vague standard of … [Read more...] about Man Enough to Love a Real Woman