Holly Pivec in the Spring 2006 issue of the Biola Connections magazine pens an outstanding article entitled The Feminization of the Church: Why Its Music, Messages and Ministries Are Driving Men Away. She cites numerous Christian leaders, like Patrick Johnstone (Operation World) and David Murrow (author of Why Men Hate Going to Church). Nancy Pearcey is another who touches on these themes in Total Truth: Liberating Christianity from Its Cultural Captivity. Some excerpts: "93 percent of senior pastors in America are men, according to evangelical pollster George Barna. But, the majority of … [Read more...] about The Feminization of the Church
Culture
Harvey Mansfield – Manliness
Harvey C. Mansfield, a Professor of Government at Harvard University, has written a provocative book -- particularly given his Ivy League status -- called Manliness. Manliness, says Mansfield, causes men to need to feel important. Mansfield is concerned that in a gender-neutral society, neither men nor women will be well served because manliness will have no legitimate place. Mansfield observes that innate sexual differences persist in our society and are generally enjoyed. He calls manliness, "the remaining obstacle to gender-neutrality, which does not seem easily removed." Here is a … [Read more...] about Harvey Mansfield – Manliness
Mainline Denominations like the PC(USA)
Mark D. Roberts has been an articulately expressing concern at the direction of the PC(USA) with respect to their understanding of the Trinity and the ordination of homosexuals. Mark noticed this analysis by Steve Levin of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette on mainline denominations losing impact on the nation. Excerpt: "Today...secular culture defines mainline churches' dialogue on everything from social issues to politics and morality, tellingly shown this summer at the emotional and acrimonious national gatherings of the Presbyterian Church USA and the Episcopal Church." Levin observes these … [Read more...] about Mainline Denominations like the PC(USA)
Stem Cell Research – U.S. Senate Legislation
President Bush is threatening to use his veto power for the first time in his presidency if the Senate (as anticipated) passes legislation this week to expand federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. Joe Carter (Director of Communications at The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity) provides an articulate (Bush-supportive) response to the typical reporting on this issue by the MSM. On a related story, see this Justin Taylor post on in-vitro fertilization and test-tube babies. I'd like to learn more about both sides of these issues, so would be particularly grateful for any … [Read more...] about Stem Cell Research – U.S. Senate Legislation
Father, Son and Holy Spirit – and the PC(USA)
Albert Mohler does a great job holding his ground in response to The Christian Century. At issue is Mohler's concerned response (here and here) to the PC(USA)'s 217th General Assembly's alternative suggested titles for the Persons of the Godhead (which included "Rainbow, Ark and Dove," "Speaker, Word and Breath," "Overflowing Font, Living Water and Flowing River," "Compassionate Mother, Beloved Child and Life-Giving Womb," "Sun, Light and Burning Ray," "Giver, Gift and Giving," "Lover, Beloved and Love," "Rock, Cornerstone and Temple," "Fire that Consumes, Sword that Divides and Storm that … [Read more...] about Father, Son and Holy Spirit – and the PC(USA)
Wild at Heart – John Eldredge
Even after the Promise Keepers movement began to lose some of its initial sensation in the evangelical culture, there were still a number of best-selling books aimed at addressing "men's issues." One was by John Eldredge and it was called Wild at Heart (Nelson Books, 2001). By 2003, over half a million copies had been sold. Even just today, this book is #383 on Amazon (which means only 382 books are selling at a faster rate). Eldredge has clearly struck a nerve. Given the unabated popularity of the book, I thought it worthwhile to refer you to an outstandingly fair and balanced review … [Read more...] about Wild at Heart – John Eldredge