Joe Carter offers a scathing rebuke of Randall Balmer's recent article in The Chronicle of Higher Education. Here's a partial outline of Carter's analysis: 1. Balmer claims to be an evangelical is suspect because, to him, religion is essentially a private matter and imposes no particular constraint from tradition, the historic church, or the Bible. 2. Balmer suggests that evangelicals oppose abortion and homosexuality simply because of their allegiance to the GOP. This is silly, since their is ample biblical data on both matters. 3. Balmer claims the best way to limit abortion is … [Read more...] about Jesus: Republican or Democrat?
A Price for a People by Tom Wells
I put together a list of the ten most meaningful books I've read for Tim Challies. He has asked a number of individuals to do this in the hopes that the lists will serve other believers looking for good material to build up their faith. I decided that I should post on each of these books at some point. I want to start with a book that is not very well known, though it should be. Tom Wells has been a pastor near Cincinnati, Ohio for over 25 years and has written a number of books, including A Vission for Missions and Come to Me! The former shows a zeal for missions often lacking in American … [Read more...] about A Price for a People by Tom Wells
Cheat sheet for Firefox
Firefox beats Outlook Explorer and Netscape hands down, as many of us know. Now Leslie Franke has put together a useful cheat sheet with quick commands. HT: Joe Carter … [Read more...] about Cheat sheet for Firefox
Baptism and Church Membership
Justin Taylor agrees with Al Mohler on the necessity of believer's baptism as a prerequisite for church membership. (I'm setting aside the issue of the Lord's Supper for now.) Both reference a withdrawn proposal by the Elders at Bethlehem Baptist Church (BBC). The issue is: Should churches whose elders already lean towards a baptistic position (i.e., baptist churches) require believers baptism for membership? To get a handle on the topic, here are three statements I think both sides would agree upon: 1. Membership in a local church is very important for all Christians. 2. Churches need … [Read more...] about Baptism and Church Membership
Alex Strauch – Leading with Love
Alexander Strauch's new book, Leading with Love, was published this year. Having previously written on ecclesiological matters (such as the role of Elders and Deacons), and on nitty-gritty, practical matters like how to run meetings that work, Strauch now deals with the indispensable nature of love in the life of the Christian leader. With over 30 years of pastoral experience at the same church, Strauch writes out of a full heart not just for his flock, but for the future of Christian leaders, both among the laity (teachers, small group leaders, etc.) and those paid by the church. Srauch … [Read more...] about Alex Strauch – Leading with Love
NYT Editor (weakly) replies to critiques re: leaked secrets
Hugh Hewitt provides an outstanding commentary on the unreasonable reply from NYT Executive Editor Bill Keller regarding the NYT recent publishing of classified information provided by government officials speaking "on the condition of anonymity." Keller lacks a coherent argument, and purports numerous distortions, as Hewitt uncovers. … [Read more...] about NYT Editor (weakly) replies to critiques re: leaked secrets