Dorothy Sayers, a contemporary of C.S. Lewis, wrote a penetrating essay entitled Why Work? published as a chapter in the volume Creed or Chaos? Why Christians Must Choose Either Dogma or Disaster (Or, Why It Really Does Matter What You Believe). Tim Keller referred to Sayers in his sermon on work (about which I previously posted). Sayers writes: What is the Christian understanding of work? I should like to put before you two or three propositions arising out of the doctrinal position which I stated at the beginning: namely, that work is the natural exercise and function of man -- the … [Read more...] about Doctrine of Vocation
Theology
Interview – Tim Keller – The Reason For God
Michael Horton interviews pastor Tim Keller about his NY Times best selling book The Reason For God. It is a fascinating 35-minute conversation in which Keller talks about why the world is getting both more religious and less religious (depending on which group you are looking at). Keller helpfully balances the importance of doctrinal and theological seriousness and contextualization (engaging the culture, but not in a shallow, sentimental fashion). Also addressed is the first chapter of … [Read more...] about Interview – Tim Keller – The Reason For God
Nov/Dec Nine Marks eJournal: On Church Discipline
The November/December 2009 issue of the Nine Marks eJournal is out. The articles deal with the issue of church discipline, and there are a series of book reviews on ecclesiastical matters. One article in particular caught my attention: The Preemptive Resignation—A Get Out of Jail Free Card? Can church members resign their membership to avoid discipline? By Jonathan Leeman In my small amount of experience, this has happened several times: a church member does something egregious (e.g., suddenly leaves their spouse, or displays gross financial impropriety), other Christians lovingly confront … [Read more...] about Nov/Dec Nine Marks eJournal: On Church Discipline
Understanding The Book of Ecclesiastes
Years ago, Dr. Ardel Canaday wrote an outstanding, lengthy article on the book of Ecclesiastes (arguable one of the least understood biblical books among Christians). In the article, entitled QOHELETH: ENIGMATIC PESSIMIST OR GODLY SAGE?, Canaday cogently refutes the view that Ecclesiastes is an expression of existentialism or a soulless, secular hedonism. On the contrary, in Ecclesiastes we see a nuanced, realistic view of life in a fallen world. Quoheleth (the narrative voice in the book of Ecclesiastes) is a wise sage, instructing believers on how to exercise godly enjoyment in one's work, … [Read more...] about Understanding The Book of Ecclesiastes
Free Audio Book: Desiring God (John Piper)
For the month of November, Christian Audio is making available a free audio download of John Piper's book Desiring God. Just use the coupon code DG2009. … [Read more...] about Free Audio Book: Desiring God (John Piper)
New Ligonier Website Unveiled
A sleek new Ligonier Ministries website is apparently being unveiled today (on Reformation Day, at 15:17 Wittenberg time, no less). Now that's careful planning! … [Read more...] about New Ligonier Website Unveiled