Let’s Thank the Bible for Wide-Spread Literacy
There’s a narrative out there that says the Bible is harmful to society. On its best days, this narrative says the Bible is “an ancient, irrelevant book.” On its worst? It says the Bible is “harmful, bigoted, and oppressive.” But if you’re reading this post what if I told you, you have the Bible to thank for that?
A Tale of Two Individualisms (And The Sexual Revolutions They Helped Create)
There’s a difference between “individualism” and “expressive individualism.” We see the impact of these two streams of thought when we view them through the filter of the sexual revolutions they helped give birth to. Contrasting the two raise important questions about how we attain significance and meaning, understand morality, and more.
Two Views on Church Gatherings on Christmas Day
Is your church having service on Christmas Day? In a few weeks, you may find yourself in a growing heated discussion between followers of Jesus throwing judgmental glances at one another. So who’s right? The person who attends church on Christmas Day? Or the person who doesn’t attend on Christmas Day?
Christian Tribe vs. Tribal Christian. There’s a Difference.
Author and Professor Gerald L. Sittser once wrote that “Every generation of believers faces the risk of becoming a prisoner to its own myopic vision of the Christian faith, assuming that how it understands and practices faith is always the best.” It’s one thing to be part of a Christian tribe. It’s another thing to be tribal. This post is about the dangers of pursuing our “myopic vision.”
Church Ministry is Important, But Not Everything. There’s a Difference
I have an obsessive personality. While this trait helps me to do things with passion and focus, there’s a downside: I can quickly lose perspective and treat one thing as everything. But it’s important for church leaders and pastors to put church ministry in perspective: Church ministry is significant, but it should not be the singular thing.
The Elusiveness of the Asian American Faith Expression
Black Christians have the gospel choir and a responsive preaching experience, but what are the distinctive markers for Asian Americans? Is there Asian American worship? Asian American preaching? Is there an Asian American faith expression? And why is it so difficult to answer these questions?
How Should I Think About Tithing During Covid-19?
Tithing (or giving) is a sensitive subject right now. With the economy down and churches not gathering, some are wondering if this should affect their giving patterns. So how should we think about giving as it relates to the church during this season?