What if the lens we viewed politics through was the Bible? No, really! Seriously. For me, it might go something like this: The way of Christ compels me to love God with all my heart, mind, soul and strength. The…
Atheist ministers, the search for meaning and the future of the Church
This week I watched a news story from CTV in Canada that quoted “atheist minister” Gretta Vosper, who serves at a church with the word “Christ” in its name. First of all, I’m mind-blown by the phrase “atheist minister.” More…
10 reasons I’m not endorsing a presidential candidate and probably never will
It’s election season and many pastors seem to have no problem with political endorsements. We’ve recently witnessed many high-profile Christian leaders cozying up to their favorite candidate. Endorsement of candidates by pastors happens on the left and right, and as the…
Choosing between cultural-Christmas and advent
By Jonathan Davis Cultural Christmas time is full of sentimental things, like decorating the tree with the same meaningful ornaments year after year, making Christmas cookies with the family (with grandma’s secret recipe), and even singing tunes reminiscent of childhood….
God, guns, freedom, and idolatry in America
After another mass shooting last week, I watched countless conversations about mass killings unfold on social media and in the news cycle. As many Christians defended complete and total legislative inaction in the wake of wonton violence, I was literally…
Kim Davis, religious liberty, and why many Christians are getting it wrong
Religious liberty is at the core of the Kim Davis saga, just not the way most people think. As I watch the news and hear countless pundits and politicians cite concerns over religious liberty, I can’t help but think –…
The 4 dangers of relevance
In church life, it seems we always desire to be relevant. We want relevant teaching and preaching with practical application. Relevant youth and children’s programs, and even relevant music. There is, however, a danger in always trying to be relevant…
‘Are you not entertained?’ Discipleship and Pew Research findings
Have you ever claimed to be something you’re not? I once posed as a town sheriff, brandishing a gun and stopping everyone who disobeyed the law. Of course, at the age of 4, and with a plastic orange-tipped six-shooter, my…
Does God hate our sympathy? The AME massacre and social media
In the wake of the AME massacre in Charleston, S.C., I’m beginning to wonder if sympathy is a sin. Everywhere I turn I hear sympathy: “Our hearts go out to the victims and their families” or “Lord, have mercy!”