Cedarville University recently hosted Marvin Olasky and Jim Wallis for a dialog entitled A Critical Evaluation of Christian Responses to Poverty and Affluence. Each gave a roughly 50 minute presentation, followed by a moderated discussion. Olasky presented a conservative approach and Wallis presented a progressive approach. Social justice is a hot topic these days, and one in which there is often more heat than light. Hats off to Cedarville for organizing a civil discussion on the subject. In my view, this is exactly the sort of event that Christian higher education institutions should be … [Read more...] about Marvin Olasky & Jim Wallis at Cedarville University
Archives for April 2010
Martin Luther at Diet of Worms: 489 years ago, today
On April 18, 1517, Martin Luther reappeared before the Diet of Worms, having spent the previous night agonizing over how to respond, and had this exchange with his examiner, Johann Eck: ECK: Martin, how can you assume that you are the only one to understand the sense of Scripture? Would you put your judgment above that of so many famous men and claim that you know more than they all? You have no right to call into question the most holy orthodox faith, instituted by Christ the perfect law-giver, proclaimed throughout the world by the apostles, sealed by the red blood of the martyrs, confirmed … [Read more...] about Martin Luther at Diet of Worms: 489 years ago, today
Tim Keller on Proverbs 3
Speaking of Proverbs, here are some great nuggets from Tim Keller on Proverbs 3: 1. Put your heart's deepest trust in God and his grace. Every day remind yourself of his unconditioned, covenantal love for you. Do not instead put your hopes in idols or in your own performance. (from Prov. 3:3-5a) 2. Submit your whole mind to the Scripture. Don't think you know better than God's word. Bring it to bear on every area of life. Become a person under authority. (from Prov. 3:5b-6) 3. Be humble and teachable toward others. Be forgiving and understanding when you want to be critical of them; be ready … [Read more...] about Tim Keller on Proverbs 3
Derek Kidner on Wisdom and Folly in Proverbs
I'm finding the subject-studies at the beginning of Kidner's Proverbs commentary to be helpful. Kidner examines God and man, wisdom, the fool, the sluggard, the friend, words, the family, life, and death. Here's an excerpt: If we could analyze the influences that build up a godly character to maturity, we might well find that the agencies which we call natural vastly outweighed those that we call supernatural. The book of Proverbs reassures us that this, if it is true, is no reflection on the efficacy of God's grace; for the hard facts of life, which knock some of the nonsense out of us, are … [Read more...] about Derek Kidner on Wisdom and Folly in Proverbs
An Interview with Gina Welch
Trevin Wax interviews Gina Welch, author of In the Land of Believers: An Outsider's Extraordinary Journey into the Heart of the Evangelical Church. It is a book about her experience feigning conversion and joining Thomas Road church (where Jerry Falwell was pastor at the time). Denny Burk reviewed it awhile ago. It sounds absolutely fascinating, though she really only examines one sector of evangelicalism (and comes away thinking Christians are less intellectual, etc.). Interestingly, it seems that Welch hails from Berkeley, CA. I wonder what her favorite restaurant in Berkeley is. In my … [Read more...] about An Interview with Gina Welch
John Piper at Together For The Gospel
The title that Piper chose for his Together For the Gospel message (which he gave at its beginning) was this: Did Jesus Preach Paul's Gospel? Here is the video: T4G 2010 -- Session 6 -- John Piper from Together for the Gospel (T4G) on Vimeo. … [Read more...] about John Piper at Together For The Gospel