Nuance is an endangered species. Few people offer it, few people seem willing to tolerate it. But a lack of nuance leads to a confusing cognitive dissonance. On the far right of the Christian political spectrum are those who contend America was and should be again a Christian nation. This group wants to reintroduce biblical … Continue reading Nuance is Needed: Foreigners in Israel, America, and the Church
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Faith Complete by Works
Last week I preached from James 2:14-26, a passage that speaks of the importance of good works in the life of the believer. I stressed that, for James, it's NOT FAITH + WORKS = SALVATION. He didn't preach "add some works to your faith, then you'll be saved." What he does say is FAITH = … Continue reading Faith Complete by Works
End of an Evangelical Era
When I read of the closing of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School's (TEDS) main campus, I was saddened. While technically, it's moving and merging with a school in Canada, the main campus in the suburbs of Chicago is shuttering its doors and will be transformed into a sports complex. My three years on the Deerfield, IL, … Continue reading End of an Evangelical Era
Trinity Broadcasting & Kid Rock
It feels like I'm living in an alternate universe when Trinity Broadcast Network is airing a show headlined by Kid Rock. In the late eighties and nineties Pat Robertson on TBN talked frequently about the evils of rock and roll. It was demonic, a tool of the devil to steal our souls. Others on TBN … Continue reading Trinity Broadcasting & Kid Rock
Romans 13 isn’t the only relevant text
This post is not my opinion on a video, constitutional law, civil rights, etc. This post is me, as a pastor, weighing in on theology. I have seen pastors recently cite Romans 13 as if it were the answer to all the questions we might have about how we interact with the state. Some seem … Continue reading Romans 13 isn’t the only relevant text