| Date |
Title |
Commentary |
| 2008-07-24 |
Beauty Only Skin Deep? |
For many brides it may reside deeper, as this article from the New York Times reports of an alarmingly increasing trend where brides and their bridesmaids are preparing for weddings not only with hairdressers and salon packages, but with botox, laser treatments, and even plastic surgery. How might churches respond to this social phenomenon in which weddings are becoming increasingly more and more steeped in consumerism? (Daniel L. Patterson) |
| 2008-07-24 |
Israel, Tibet, & Presidential Candidates |
While there have been plenty of headlines on how both presidential candidates are attempting to woo evangelicals, both candidates made appearances in the religous section of newspapers across the country today for different reasons: Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill) for his predawn visit of the Western Wall in Israel, and Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz) in announcing his scheduled meeting with the Dalai Lama on Friday in Colorado. (Daniel L. Patterson) |
| 2008-07-24 |
Biblical Manhood, Biblical Mentoring |
Peter R. Schemm, Jr. recently preached a series of sermons on mentoring at McLean Bible Church in McLean, Va. "Biblical manhood is characterized by nothing less than indefatigable, untiring pursuit of the good of another and not yourself," says Dr. Schemm. (Robert E. Sagers) |
| 2008-07-24 |
Sojourning in the Land of Egalitarianism |
Speaking of Brian McLaren, I noticed that Christians for Biblical Equality has received his endorsement, along with those of his fellow Sojourners Jim Wallis (who is currently featured at the top of the endorsement page), Shane Claiborne, and Tony Campolo. Is this really the direction that CBE wants to go? Perhaps they are already there. (Robert E. Sagers) |
| 2008-07-24 |
"Wonderful" and "Creative"? |
The Anglican Communion's Lambeth Conference heard from emerging church leader Brian McLaren earlier this week. According to this article, "McLaren remained positive about the 'wonderful' and 'creative' ways that Anglicans are making disciples around the world, including the Church of England's Fresh Expressions initiative to develop new ways of being church." (Robert E. Sagers) |
| 2008-07-24 |
Walking the Election Tight Rope |
While McCain has begun to close the gap in several battle ground states, a new poll indicates that Obama's intercontinental sojourn has provided no (fist) bump to his campaign. How much interest should Christians place in election polls such as these? (Phillip Bethancourt) |
| 2008-07-24 |
The Uneasy Conscience of Modern American Voters |
According to a recent poll, Obama is not just discussing issues; he is the issue: "Obama maintained a lead of 47%-41% over McCain in a Journal/NBC poll,
but voters voiced concerns about the Democrat's background and values.
The key question in the contest isn't over any single issue, but the
focus has turned to the Democratic candidate himself: Can Americans get
comfortable with Obama?" (Phillip Bethancourt) |
| 2008-07-24 |
Ja, wir können? |
Today Democratic presidntial candidate Barack Obama delivered his much ballyhooed speech in Berlin, Germany. Click here for the transcript, video, and pictures from the event. "People of Berlin, people of the world, this is our moment. This is our time," Obama said. (Robert E. Sagers) |
| 2008-07-24 |
Church "with dudes in mind" |
Regardless of what one thinks of some of the outreach techniques employed by these churches, the attitude of this greeter ought to challenge us all: "I'll chase them into the parking lot if I haven't seen someone else already welcome them. I'll talk to the dad. Give him a card. Say, 'Call me if you have any questions'... They don't know the Lord, and they don't trust places with steeples. They're just struggling with the idea they have to get this or that right before they can come to Christ. I tell them, 'You have it backwards. You come hang with us, and you'll see.' " (Robert E. Sagers) |
| 2008-07-24 |
Baylor Fires President Lilley |
Baylor University has announced the firing of President John Lilley, who has served at the helm of the Waco, Texas school since January 2006. From Lilley's email statement: "We felt that we could help to heal the wounded hearts left in the wake of the conflict that preceded us. Despite the board's unanimous vote, it became clear immediately that the Baylor board of regents reflected some of the deepest divisions in the Baylor family." (Robert E. Sagers) |
| 2008-07-23 |
More Emerging Church Humility |
"It's Time to Rethink Everything," declares a new emerging church Web site launched by "The Church Basement Roadshow" and Relevantmag.com. "Join Tony Jones, Doug Pagitt and Mark Scandrette in the ongoing conversation that is Christianity, always emerging," invites the site. "Together we can shape the future of our faith." If the conversant ability to shape the future of Christianity is not enough for you, you can even enter to win an iPod--for, as was pointed out to me by Phillip Bethancourt, what most emerging church devotees need is more iPods. (Robert E. Sagers) |
| 2008-07-23 |
Mo(o)re on Bentley |
Dr. Moore is quoted today in a Baptist Press story on evangelist Todd Bentley. From the article: "'Every few years here comes another fraudulent, scandal-riddled "faith healer,"' Moore said. 'That's, sadly, no surprise... What's most tragic about this cycle, though, is the fact that there's always a constituency for guys like this... Might there be less of a demand for these traveling health-and-wealth revivalists if our churches spent more time on our knees in prayer for sick and hurting people?'" (Robert E. Sagers) |
| 2008-07-23 |
WTS and Enns Part Ways |
Westminster Theological Seminary has announced that Old Testament professor Peter Enns will no longer be teaching at the school as of July 31, 2008. (Robert E. Sagers) |
| 2008-07-22 |
Multi-Site Mosques |
A number of mosques across the U.S. are beginning to employ a model most frequently associated with evangelical megachurches: multi-site campuses. The Pew Forum reports: "Many of these 'mosque chains' brand themselves as progressive, and sometimes feature gymnasiums and mixed-gender prayer areas for men and women. Some groups even host weekly services at churches or synagogues with the expressed goal of fostering interfaith goodwill." (Daniel L. Patterson) |
| 2008-07-22 |
Listening to Culture at the Cineplex |
Today on the Albert Mohler Progam, listeners found out that Dr. Moore hates robots, but he loves Wall-E. More importantly, with guests Timothy Paul Jones and Sam Thielman, Dr. Moore discussed the questions raised and worldviews revealed in recent summer blockbusters. The audio can be downloaded here. (Daniel L. Patterson) |
| 2008-07-22 |
Eleven Day Trip to Israel |
Rapid Fire readers: have you ever been to the land of the Bible? Now is your chance. Dr. Moore is co-hosting a trip to Israel along with Dr. Bill Cook, an excursion that will take place Dec. 27, 2008, through Jan. 6, 2009. You can download a brochure with a detailed itinerary here, and an enrollment form here. We hope you'll consider it. (Robert E. Sagers) |
| 2008-07-21 |
More Than an "Existing Relationship" |
In a victory for those fighting for the rights of the unborn, a recent court ruling in South Dakota upholds a state law requiring a change in pre-procedure counsel doctors give to abortion-seeking mothers. Whereas doctors formerly were required to say that an abortion will terminate an "existing relationship," they now must inform mothers that an abortion "will terminate the life of a whole, separate, unique living human being." (Daniel L. Patterson) |
| 2008-07-21 |
Franchising? Or Faithful? |
Southern Baptist missiologist Ed Stetzer points to a recent WORLD Magazine article examining the multi-site church movement endorsed and practiced by a growing number of evangelical churches today. This past winter Southern Seminary's School of Theology Council sponsored a faculty forum on the topic, the audio of which can be accessed here. (Robert E. Sagers) |
| 2008-07-21 |
Driving the Bentley |
In a similar vein to the latest Rapid Fire post, Louisville Courier-Journal religion reporter Peter Smith continues to cover the aftermath of Todd Bentley's visit to Louisville last week. (Robert E. Sagers) |
| 2008-07-21 |
Why is There a Market for Faith-Healing? |
Not only is this the question Dr. Moore discusses in his most recent commentary, but also that which served as the topic today on The Albert Mohler Program. During the program, Dr. Moore spoke with Justin Peters--an expert on word-faith healing--and took up specifically the so-called revivals led by Todd Bentley in Lakeland, FL. You can find the audio here. (Daniel L. Patterson) |
| 2008-07-21 |
The Grass Is Red? |
Paige Patterson, president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and co-architect of the renaissance within the Southern Baptist Convention known as the Conservative Resurgence, reviews the autobiography of moderate leader Cecil Sherman. Opens Patterson: "If Cecil Sherman were to offer his judgment that 'grass is green,' this reviewer would probably want to reconsider his own perspectives about the color of grass, which is no surprise to anybody. Maybe grass, after all, is red. So, why have I always loved Cecil Sherman and why did I find his autobiography By My Own Reckoning one of the most delightful reads in many moons?" Click here to find out. (Robert E. Sagers) |
| 2008-07-21 |
Purpose-Driven Presidential Candidates |
Pastor Rick Warren will host Obama and McCain, who "will end the primary season by making their first joint appearance
of the 2008 campaign at Saddleback Church on Saturday, Aug. 16 at the
Saddleback Civil Forum on Leadership and Compassion." (Phillip Bethancourt) |
| 2008-07-21 |
The McCain Veepstakes Nears Conclusion? |
Robert Novak reports: "Sources close to Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign are
suggesting he will reveal the name of his vice presidential selection
this week while Sen. Barack Obama is getting the headlines on his
foreign trip." (Phillip Bethancourt) |
| 2008-07-18 |
Encouraging Clarity on Life from McCain |
In some of his clearest statements to date on issues of the rights of the unborn, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz), drew a clear line between himself and Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), saying that the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness apply to the unborn, and that "There's a great difference between myself and Sen. Obama. When he was in the Illinois legislature ... he voted against a ban on partial-birth abortions. My friends, that's a hideous procedure. It should never be allowed anyplace on earth." (Daniel L. Patterson) |
| 2008-07-18 |
The Last Bastion of Traditional Values? |
In a recent article, Lisa Miller noted the rise of homosexual clubs on the campuses of Christian colleges. Over at the CBMW blog, Courtney Tarter has posted some thoughtful reflections on this trend, writing of the need for churches to speak boldly to issues of moral relativism, but doing so with compassion and grace--with tears in our eyes and gospel on our tongues. (Daniel L. Patterson) |
| 2008-07-18 |
"People are calling it an awakening." |
Peter Smith of the Louisville Courier-Journal interviewed evangelist Todd Bentley while he was in town yesterday at the Evangel World Prayer Center, providing a fascinating glimpse into the mind of this controversial faith-healer. Smith also gives a bit of background information on Bentley and his long-running "revival" in Lakeland, Fla. (Robert E. Sagers) |
| 2008-07-18 |
Are You a "Gullible Evangelical"? |
The Wall Street Journal reports today on evangelicals and the 2008 presidential race. From the article: "Mr. Obama certainly uses more biblical references in his speeches than John Kerry or Al Gore ever did. But evangelicals may not be as gullible as the Democratic elites make them out to be." (Robert E. Sagers) |
| 2008-07-18 |
Death, Heaven, and Hell |
Yesterday Daniel Patterson linked to an article from Baptist Press on the theological doctrine of heaven. Here is a similar article on the doctrine of hell, along with a very good piece by Gary Ledbetter on death. Says Ledbetter: "To you Christians who read this, listen to a culture that speaks foolishly of ultimate things. Watch those who twitch and fidget at Grandma's funeral. There is no solution to their fear but the Gospel we bear. Remember that we will all die either in terror or in bright anticipation of the God we all will meet." (Robert E. Sagers) |
| 2008-07-18 |
(More) Reviewing Emerging |
Yesterday we noted some back-and-forth in the world of Christian book reviews. Now Mark Driscoll has responded. (Robert E. Sagers) |
| 2008-07-18 |
Ladies of the Night |
Outsourcing parenting takes on a new look: "SLOGGING through endless nights with a newborn baby has long been a
parenting rite of passage. But for some dual-income parents, the
arrival of the night nanny is making those 2 a.m. interruptions a thing
of the past." How would you counsel someone in your church who is considering this new trend? (Phillip Bethancourt) |
| 2008-07-17 |
The End of the World... |
...is fast-approaching, according to former Vice President Al Gore. In a speech today on global warming, Gore comments, "The survival of the United States of America as we know it is at risk. And even more – if more should be required – the future of human civilization is at stake." Though such sentiment is touted by many today, is such a statement resonant with how the Scriptures speak of the end times? Dr. Moore speaks to these issues here and here. (Daniel L. Patterson) |
| 2008-07-17 |
More on Heaven |
In light of Dr. Moore's post today about the "earthiness" of biblical eschatology, for further reading Rapid Fire readers might also be interested in this article from Baptist Press discussing how popular notions of heaven clash with what the Scriptures actually teach. (Daniel L. Patterson) |
| 2008-07-17 |
Reviewing Emerging |
The Out of Ur blog posted on Tuesday a review of two recently released books, one each from emerging church leader Mark Driscoll and Emergent church leader Tony Jones. Upset that the reviewer "felt Jones presented himself and the movement as condescending, contradictory, and closed," Jones has now responded. A response from Driscoll is promised in the coming days. (Robert E. Sagers) |
| 2008-07-17 |
Working for Reduction or Elimination? |
On today's Albert Mohler Program, Dr. Moore asked Tony Campolo and Robert P. George about whether pro-life'rs ought team with pro-choice'rs to "reduce" abortions, in the way that Campolo has proposed. You can listen to the show here. (Robert E. Sagers) |
| 2008-07-17 |
A Planned Attack |
From the Washington Post political blog: "The political arm of Planned Parenthood will start airing a 30-second TV ad today critical of John McCain's stance on birth control and women's health issues." Planned Parenthood, of course, has endorsed Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) for president. (Robert E. Sagers) |
| 2008-07-16 |
Polygamy in Italy |
The LA Times offers this report of a disturbing rise of polygamy in Italy. Some 14,000 families in the country are said to be polygamous, many of them leaving women "in a murky semi-clandestine world with few rights and no recourse when things go especially badly." (Daniel L. Patterson) |
| 2008-07-16 |
Was This Dr. King's Dream? |
Yesterday, Rapid Fire pointed to an article describing a pro-life demonstration at a meeting of the NAACP. Among these protestors was Dr. Alveda King, a niece to the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In an article on her website, Dr. Alveda King poignantly captures the significance of the issue, by asking, among other things, "What would Martin Luther King, Jr., who dreamed of having his children judged by the content of their characters do if he'd lived to see the contents of thousands of children's skulls emptied into the bottomless caverns of the abortionists pits?" (Daniel L. Patterson) |
| 2008-07-15 |
Buddhism Dying Out in Japan |
In a country that has been called the home of "funeral Buddhism" for its influence on traditional Japanese funerals, this article notes how this same expression "also describes a religion that, by appearing to cater more to the needs of the dead than to those of the living, is losing its standing in Japanese society." As more Japanese people continue this move away from finding their indentity in elaborate funerals, may it be true that they look instead to an empty tomb in the Middle East and find their identity in the One who was raised from it. (Daniel L. Patterson) |
| 2008-07-15 |
Pro-Life Members of NAACP Protest |
While it didn't make as many headlines as did having the first African-American presidential head-of-ticket speak at the annual convention of the NAACP, another noteworthy group was in attendance Monday: a group of pro-life protesters--many of whom were NAACP members--"who can't understand why America's most venerated civil rights organization turns a blind eye to what they say is the abortion industry's practice of targeting poor minority neighborhoods." (Daniel L. Patterson) |
| 2008-07-14 |
The Chimp Has Rights? |
And no, this has nothing to do with screening calls. Rather, the enviornment committee of the Spanish Parliment voted this week to grant limited rights to apes, citing their "human qualities, including the ability to feel fear and happiness, create tools, use languages, remember the past and plan the future." What does such a ruling say about the worth of human beings? And, as Christians, how might we engage a culture with an idea of intrinsic human value grounded in something else entirely? (Daniel L. Patterson) |
| 2008-07-12 |
Here... |
...is Highview Baptist Church's newest teaching pastor. (Robert E. Sagers) |
| 2008-07-12 |
Tony Snow, Dead at 53 |
Some sad news out of Washington this morning, Tony Snow--former White House press secretary and conservative news pundit--passed away this morning after a three year on-again-off-again battle with cancer. Snow was 53 years old and is survived by his wife Jill and his three children Robbie, Kendall, and Kristi. (Daniel L. Patterson) |
| 2008-07-12 |
A Steadfast Commitment to Injustice |
Despite all the talk of a rush to the center, there seems to be at least one issue in which Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill) will not yield: abortion. At a fundraiser yesterday in New York, Senator Obama reiterated his unflinching commitment to abortion rights, saying, "I've made it equally clear that I will never back down from making sure that women have their reproductive rights here in this country. That's what's at stake in this election." HT: Denny Burk (Daniel L. Patterson) |
| 2008-07-11 |
iPocalypse? |
Jedidiah Coppenger pointed me to this article about the problems consumers are having with their newly purchased iPhones. Jedidiah works for Verizon, however, so I don't think that he is too upset. (Robert E. Sagers) |
| 2008-07-11 |
Living Out the Glories of Motherhood |
Today on the Albert Mohler Program, Dr. Moore was joined by Brian and Heather Payne. Heather, a founding member in the Christian group Point of Grace, recently made news in her decision to leave the group to spend more time with her family at home? Dr. Moore and the Paynes discuss the motivation surrounding that decision, the glories of motherhood, and what broader implications this might have for the church. (Daniel L. Patterson) |
| 2008-07-11 |
Dr. York on NPR |
Rapid Fire readers might be interested in this discussion on NPR's Faith Matters segment with Rev. Eugene Rivers of Asuza Christian Community and Southern Seminary's own Dr. Hershael York as they discuss "the moral and political dilemmas of federal funding for faith-based initiatives." (Daniel L. Patterson) |
| 2008-07-11 |
Back to Their (Agrarian) Roots? |
Why just buy the fruit, when you can buy the farm? "In an environmentally conscious tweak on the typical way of getting
food to the table, growing numbers of people are skipping out on
grocery stores and even farmers markets and instead going right to the
source by buying shares of farms." Dr. Moore reflects on the need for a resurgence of agrarianism in American life here. (Phillip Bethancourt) |
| 2008-07-10 |
Suing the Spirit |
Making my home state of Tennessee proud... or not, this story tells of a man who is suing an East Tennessee church for $2.5 million in damages, claiming that the Holy Spirit made him fall and injure his head. "The Sevier County man says he was asking God to have 'a real experience' while praying at church." No pun intended, but who exactly do you call to give testimony in a case like this? (Daniel L. Patterson) |
| 2008-07-10 |
Thank God for Evolution? |
Matthew Hall, producer of the Albert Mohler Program, said yesterday that call-screening for the show "is so easy that even a trained monkey could do it." As Rapid Fire's own Daniel Patterson filled in as the call-screener today, Dr. Moore posed the question: is Daniel--and everyone of us--merely a trained monkey? In other words, is it possible to reconcile Christianity and Darwinism? He asked "America's evolutionary evangelist" Michael Dowd that question, and you can listen to their discussion here. (Robert E. Sagers) |
| 2008-07-10 |
Men at Work - Not in Atlanta |
No longer will you see a sign in Atlanta warning drivers of "Men at Work." And no, it's not because the men are huddled around the Gatorade cooler not actually working, but because gender equality groups have argued that the signs are sexist - discriminating against female workers. Brad Thayer has some thoughtful comments on this development here. (Daniel L. Patterson) |
| 2008-07-09 |
Church Reform When You're Not the Pastor |
Over at the 9Marks blog, Greg Gilbert debuted today what looks to be a helpful and insightful series of posts on "Church Reform When You're Not the Pastor." (Daniel L. Patterson) |
| 2008-07-09 |
Reducing Murder? |
Sojourner Tony Campolo is serving on the Democratic Party's platform committee (What's that Jim Wallis line, again? Something like, "God is not a Republican, or a Democrat..."), and is doing his best to press for an "abortion reduction plank" in this year's party platform. Says Campolo: "If the Democrats are going to make any dent in the support that Evangelicals now provide for the Republicans, they had better address the abortion issue and do what is necessary to show that while their party might still remain pro-choice, it has become a party committed to making abortions rare." (Robert E. Sagers) |
| 2008-07-09 |
Bland Parenthood |
Leading Abortion group endorses Obama for president: "'The Planned Parenthood Action Fund is proud to endorse Barack Obama
for president of the United States,' said Action Fund president Cecile
Richards in a press release. 'He is a passionate advocate for women's
rights, and has a long and consistent record of standing up for women's
health care.'" Seems like a different definition of women's health care than we are used to. (Phillip Bethancourt) |
| 2008-07-08 |
Republicans, Evangelicals, and Sam's Club Voters |
Have Evangelicals been taken for granted by the GOP? What steps does the party need to take to hold secure their core constituents? Dr. Moore discusses this issue with author Ross Douthat today on the Albert Mohler Program. (Daniel L. Patterson) |
| 2008-07-08 |
Non-Vegetarians, Meting Out Torture? |
So argues Jesuit priest Rev. John Dear in a recent article: "Animals have feelings, they suffer; they have needs and desires. They were created by God to raise their families and breathe fresh air." By eating meat, argues Dear, non-vegetarians ignore "the Gospel mandate of Matthew 25." Is such an argument sustained by Scripture? If not--as most argue--how might those of us who are in Christ develop a biblical understanding of food? Dr. Moore discusses that issue here. (Daniel L. Patterson) |
| 2008-07-08 |
"No Moore" |
Pastor Blake Ring of Ninth and O Baptist Church has posted his kind reflections on Dr. Moore's taking a pastorate at Highview Baptist Church here in Louisville, news just announced this past Sunday morning. (Robert E. Sagers) |
| 2008-07-08 |
Together for Adoption |
The Together for Adoption blog has posted the schedule for their conference on November 1, 2008. Dr. Moore will be speaking on the topic, "God's Joy in Adoption." (Robert E. Sagers) |
| 2008-07-07 |
The Abolition of Slavery and the Modern Church |
Today on the Albert Mohler Program, Dr. Moore had an extended discussion with ABC News correspondent Dan Harris, Professor Kevin Bales--President of Free the Slaves, and Holly Burkhalter of the International Justice Missions, about the issue of child slavery. (Daniel L. Patterson) |
| 2008-07-07 |
Church of England to Ordain Women |
The General Assembly of the Church of England voted today in favor of the ordination of female bishops. While a final vote will come some time next year and require a two-thirds majority, the bill passed today with a comfortable majority among synod bishops, clergy, and laity. (Daniel L. Patterson) |
| 2008-07-07 |
Greener by the Number |
While Britain contemplates individual carbon allowances, California is rolling out a new environmental requirement for cars: "California is making it mandatory for cars to be labeled with global
warming scores, figures that take into account emissions from vehicle
use and fuel production." How do these new legal efforts fit with a biblical ethic of creation care? (Phillip Bethancourt) |
| 2008-07-07 |
Obama Stands at the Door and Knocks |
Obama recently discussed his faith journey in this way: "'In my own life,' he said, 'it's been a journey that began decades ago
on the South Side of Chicago, when, working as a community organizer,
helping to build struggling neighborhoods, I let Jesus Christ
into my life. I learned that my sins could be redeemed and that if I
placed my trust in Christ, that he could set me on the path to eternal
life when I submitted myself to his will and I dedicated myself to
discovering his truth and carrying out his works.'" (Phillip Bethancourt) |
| 2008-07-07 |
Burk Appointed to Deanship |
Southern Seminary announced today that Dr. Denny Burk has been appointed as the fourth Dean of Boyce College. Comments Dr. Moore: "Denny will be loved by students, respected by faculty, and trusted by Southern Baptists as he leads Boyce College students toward their callings in the pastorate, global missions, youth ministry, women's ministry, and other fields of service to our Christ. I am proud to have him on the Southern Seminary team." (Robert E. Sagers) |
| 2008-07-06 |
Far Fewer "Evangelical Universalists" than Feared |
Based on a more precise definition of 'evangelical' than used in the most recent Pew report, LifeWay Research indicates that there aren't near as many "Evangelical Universalists" as the report seemed to indicate. "The bigger issue," adds Ed Stetzer, "is why there are so many self-identified evangelicals who sit in evangelical pews but do not evidence evangelical beliefs, particularly in regard to universalism." (Daniel L. Patterson) |
| 2008-07-04 |
Flag-Waving in the Pulpit? |
Yesterday on the Albert Mohler Program Dr. Moore asked Duke ethicist Stanley Hauerwas and pastor Mark Dever whether or not churches ought to have patriotic services. It is worth a listen. (Robert E. Sagers) |
| 2008-07-04 |
Smallscreen Patriotism |
Dr. Denny Burk of The Criswell College has posted a couple of Schoolhouse Rock videos that Rapid Fire readers may enjoy on this Fourth of July. (Robert E. Sagers) |
| 2008-07-03 |
What's in a Name? |
The Boston Globe reports of an apparently growing trend among teenagers in which they are foregoing the use of "Mom" and "Dad," opting instead for nicknames--names like Shar Shar, P-Money, and G-Dog. "Maybe they experience a little more power or equality by the process of naming you," surmises family psychologist Robert Reifsnyder. But maybe that's exactly the reason such a development is troubling. Dr. Moore writes on the significance of terms of address here. (Daniel L. Patterson) |
| 2008-07-03 |
Ashes on the Fourth of July |
In one of the stranger stories of the week, this story reports of a recently deceased 74-year old man whose cremated remains will be poured into a fireworks shell as part of the finale of a Thursday evening fireworks display in Indianapolis. Many are lauding the display as a fitting tribute, but for those of us in Christ might there be a more fitting tribute? Dr. Moore seems to think so. (Daniel L. Patterson) |
| 2008-07-03 |
Evangelical Gathering Considers McCain |
As Barack Obama courts evangelicals with his support of faith based initiatives, some evangelical leaders gathered this week to discuss the viability of McCain: "Conservative evangelical leaders met privately this week to discuss
putting aside their misgivings about John McCain and coalescing around
the Republican's presidential bid while urging him to consider social
conservative favorite Mike Huckabee as a running mate." (Phillip Bethancourt) |
| 2008-07-03 |
The World is Flat |
Global warming alarmists are concerned that the new flat panel TV in your living room is accelerating climate change: "A gas used in the making of flat screen televisions, nitrogen
trifluoride (NF3), is being blamed for damaging the atmosphere and
accelerating global warming." Dr. Moore and Robbie Sagers discuss environmental issues here. (Phillip Bethancourt) |
| 2008-07-02 |
Coffee and the Kingdom |
Starbucks has announced that they will be closing 600 stores--8% of the total number--in the United States, which could eliminate as many as 12,000 positions with the company. Even with--perhaps especially with--an economy that is at a less than stellar state, are your financial purchases reflecting where your heart is also? (Robert E. Sagers) |
| 2008-07-02 |
The Gospel and Christian Hip Hop |
Dr. Moore dubbed himself "MC Cricket" yesterday as he discussed Christian hip hop with artist Flame on the Albert Mohler Program: "Can Christians learn anything from hip-hop music? A number of young Christians are trying to fuse their hope in the gospel with the genre. On today's program, guest host Russell Moore welcomes Christian recording artist FLAME for an extended conversation about hip-hop, art, culture, and the gospel." (Phillip Bethancourt) |
| 2008-07-02 |
The Fairness Doctrine |
Partners for Just Trade, a Christian organization related to the PCUSA that "cultivates global partnerships between impoverished artisans and conscientious consumers, has developed a new six-part Bible study resource based on the principles of Fair Trade." The Bible study "walks readers through the principles of Fair Trade by means of personal narration, Biblical passages and questions for reader reflection." Which biblical passages would they use for this study? (Phillip Bethancourt) |
| 2008-07-01 |
Nearer My Car to Thee |
Apparently for those people who enjoy the drive to church but not the pesky walk inside, this story reports of a number of churches which are hosting "Drive-In" Services--with everything from in-car communion, to blinking headlights in lieu of saying, "Amen." Intentions aside, can such services adequately reflect the self-sacrificial, loving community to which God has called us, or are they more likely to merely fuel our individualistic, consumeristic tendencies? (Daniel L. Patterson) |
| 2008-07-01 |
Gender Roles and the Radio |
Yesterday Dr. Moore kicked off his month of guest-hosting the Albert Mohler Program by speaking with Drs. Denny Burk and Jim Hamilton about gender roles in the home and the local church. You can listen to the show here. (Robert E. Sagers) |
