Yesterday President Obama nominated Dr. Francis Collins to be the director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Collins is highly regarded for his pioneering work in guiding the Human Genome Project to completion. If confirmed by the Senate, he will oversee the NIH's operations and (in 2009) its $31 billion annual budget dedicated to scientific research. Collins is also a born-again Christian (having been converted from atheism by the aid of Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis) and the author of The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief which spells out his … [Read more...] about Francis Collins to Lead the NIH
The Persecution of Sarah Palin
Matthew Continetti, Associate Editor of The Weekly Standard, is the author of a forthcoming book entitled The Persecution of Sarah Palin (Penguin Sentinel, 2010). In an op-ed piece for CNN, Continetti argues--convincingly, in my judgment--that we'll be hearing from Sarah Palin for a long time: Something about Sarah Palin riles people up. After the McCain-Palin ticket lost the election and the governor returned to Alaska, the onslaught against her did not cease. The Democrats in the state legislature who once had been Palin's allies turned on her. Her opponents, continuing their never-ending … [Read more...] about The Persecution of Sarah Palin
Interview of Cultural Commentator Ken Myers
I've always enjoyed Mars Hill Audio, led by Ken Myers. It is sort of a "Christian NPR." Walter Henegar interviews Ken Myers in the PCA magazine byFaith. Prior to the interview, Henegar gives some helpful background on Myers and how Mars Hill Audio came about. … [Read more...] about Interview of Cultural Commentator Ken Myers
The Gospel: Spread It or Lose It
John Piper, in reflecting on the legacy of Ralph Winter, notes that valuing missions (the continual spreading of the gospel in other cultures) has a vital role in preserving the gospel within one's own denomination or church (or even at the individual level). One of the most helpful treatments I've read in this regard is a chapter in Let the Nations Be Glad! entitled "The Supremacy of Christ as the Conscious Focus of All Saving Faith." It rigorously argues that people need to consciously place faith in Christ in order to experience salvation. That belief undergirds and motivates missions. … [Read more...] about The Gospel: Spread It or Lose It
Lyrical Theology and Doxology
What he says in the first 2 minutes would have taken me 30 minutes and I would have needed a manuscript! HT: Brian Borgman … [Read more...] about Lyrical Theology and Doxology
Should churches acknowledge civil holidays?
Bob Kauflin and Jeff Purswell offer some good words on this subject. An excerpt:In brief, since God’s kingdom is not of this world (Jn. 18:36), we don’t feel any obligation to draw attention to, highlight, or celebrate civil holidays as part of our Sunday gatherings. There are a number of reasons. Our country doesn’t set the agenda and priorities for the meetings of the church – God’s Word does. Also, one country’s celebration may confront another country’s values. For instance you won’t find many Christians in Britain excited about Independence Day. Finally, we gather on Sundays to remember … [Read more...] about Should churches acknowledge civil holidays?