Category: Cultural Issues
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The Word Snatchers
Among the more foolish and frustrating consequences of the cancel culture phenomena is the misuse and abuse of certain words – words which, of themselves, are perfectly good and useful, but which for any number of reasons are hijacked from their actual meanings and used as weapons of cultural warfare. My old friend, Randy Nabors,…
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Exposing Injustice & Creative Non-Violence
In light of the seeming incessant increase of social and political tension, acrimony, and even violence, I find this thought from the folks at The Bible Project on how Jesus wants his followers to respond to injustice and injustices – both real and perceived – to be a worthwhile reminder: “Jesus invites his followers to…
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Resources for Racial Reconciliation
Since February is designated as Black History Month in the USA, I wanted to take the opportunity to post something that might be helpful in the ongoing discussions about Racial Divides and Racial Reconciliation. Racial tension and racial division are major issues in our culture – and, sadly, still issues in the American Church. This…
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The One Maxim That Comforts My Soul in the Midst of Social & Political Storms
On this Election Day, wearied by the rancor that too much permeates our culture – and that has infested the Church – these words from slave-trader-turned-pastor/poet John Newton are at the forefront of my mind: I meddle not with the disputes of party, nor concern myself with any political maxims, but such as are laid…
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The 10 Commandments in American Culture
While reading through The Art of Pastoring: Ministry Without All the Answers, by David Hansen, (a book recently recommended to me that I find myself wishing I had read years ago,) I came across this convicting assessment of American culture – an indictment that sadly is also widely applicable to a wide swath of American…
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4 Admonitions For (Christian) Justice Seekers
In his preface to Thaddeus Williams‘ excellent Confronting Injustice Without Compromising Truth, the widely esteemed John Perkins writes a two-page Foreword that itself is worthy of the price of the book. In his Foreword Perkins writes: “Through my sixty years of working for justice, I offer four admonishments to the next generation of justice seekers.”…
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What’s Wrong With Our World?
According to legend, The London Times once sent out an inquiry to famous authors, asking the question: “What’s wrong with the world today?” Among those asked to write up short essays in reply was the noted G.K. Chesterton. Chesterton’s reported reply: Dear Sir, I am. Yours, G.K. Chesterton [Whether or not this story is factual…
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To Those “Born Again” in the USA
My good friend, Fred Liggin, recently posted a contextualized paraphrase of John 8.30-37 on his blog, Long Way Here, and on his Facebook page. “As He was saying these things, many believed in Him. So Jesus said to the Christians living in the USA who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you…
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What’s the Problem?
Writing in 1974, Francis Schaeffer suggested: “The central problem of our age is not liberalism or modernism, nor the old Roman Catholicism or the new Roman Catholicism, nor the threat of communism, nor even the threat of rationalism and the monolithic consensus which surrounds us. All these are dangerous but not the primary threat. The…
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Race in America: Some Thoughts About the Existence of Systemic Racism
Though it should not be, the issue of Racial Reconciliation is complex. It should not be simply because all people are created in the image of God, and therefore are worthy of dignity. This fundamental reality puts all of us, regardless of race, on the same common ground. However, we live in a world broken…
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Race & Racism from a White Guy’s Perspective
A few days ago I posted the video of an interview done with Bryan Stevenson, of Just Mercy fame, and Timothy Keller, discussing grace, race, and justice. As a follow up, I thought I’d post this message by Keller. In this video Tim Keller tackles the tough subjects of Race and systemic racism. While these…
