December 31, 2007
Jonathan Edwards' Resolutions
Worth pondering, particularly as we enter the New Year. A few of my favorites:
5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.
6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.
7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.
15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger towards irrational beings.
25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.
(HT: JT)
December 30, 2007
ReThink - An Engaging Reflection on Student Ministry
Over Christmas I was able to finish reading reThink
"This book was born out of deciding to rethink student ministry. We started by asking some tough questions, searching the Bible for its framework for ministry, looking at the latest research and being honest about the problems of student ministry."Though the book is written primarily for other student pastors, I found the book helpful as a young father, a college professor and an involved church member. It probably helps that I've given some thought to the extended adolescence problem and have reflected a bit on the youth ministry issue (thanks in part to books like Family Driven Faith by Voddie Baucham).
It is beyond dispute that much of student ministry today, over the long haul, bears little fruit. Wright cites numerous sources in painting a bleak picture: 58-84% of children from evangelical families are leaving the church as they enter adulthood (in their college years). The Southern Baptist Convention has seen a 6.5% reduction in baptisms from 1976-1990 to 1991-2005. Over the same period to time, the SBC saw a 35-40% reduction in baptisms among teens aged 12-17. With regard to biblical literacy, the data are equally perplexing: In a study of teenagers of which 70% were active in church youth groups, and 82% identified themselves as Christians, Barna found that 63% believe Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, Jews and all other people pray to the same god. While 87% believe Jesus was a real person who came to earth and 78% believe He was born of a virgin, 46% believe He committed sins and 51% believe He did not rise from the dead. 58% believe that all religious faiths teach equally valid truth.
Why the lack of biblical clarity? Wright notes,
"Student ministry in many cases has become the local YMCA or teen amusement park; students check in and out, but mostly out. After all, once they have experienced years of fun-and-games, all-you-can-eat, no-responsibility, free-from-parents amusement, then we have helped train their appetites for pleasure to find more alluring fulfillment in the adult world."Yet students hunger for strong teaching. The Barna Group found the most common reason students gave for attending church was "to better understand what I believe."
In response to these results, Wright laments the fact that some parents see spiritual formation as the exclusive job of the youth pastor, who in turn too quickly accept the responsibility. Instead, Wright argues (from Deuteronomy 6 and elsewhere) that parents have a primary responsibility for the discipleship of their children, both prior to and during the pivotal teen years. He calls upon youth pastors to come alongside parents in this venture, equipping both the students and their parents.
Here, Steve Wright voices a respectful disagreement with those who call for teaching children through the engagement of fathers and through the preaching of the Word, without a role for age-graded ministries. Wright notes that in biblical times rabbis would teach in the synagogues in Talmud and Mishnah schooling, which was age-graded. In short, Wright's message is:
"Both the church and its student ministries have biblically assigned purposes: namely, exaltation, edification, and evangelism. It is interesting in passages concerning the early church...we see these three purposes functioning in perfect unison. These purposes of the church are different than the purposes of the family, which is why God ordained two institutions rather than one. We cannot listen to the extremists who are attempting to push us to one or the other institution. It's time for the two institutions to step closer together and become partners to rescue this generation."
Wright notes that churches (and their student ministries) are needed to reach out and model Christianity to teens without Christian parents, to reinforce a biblical worldview to teens, to serve as an impartial advisor to parents and teens, to connect young people with other Christian teens for support, encouragement and accountability, and to provide opportunities for corporate service to the body of Christ.
All in all, I think Wright does a good job at valuing the roles of both nuclear families (parents being the primary disciple-makers of their children) and church-based student ministries which come alongside parents. He avoids the pitfalls of an entertainment-oriented youth ministry approach (which tends to value "fun" over biblical training and serious worldview formation) and the call for abolishing youth ministry altogether. Many churches that once approached youth ministry with the former model are coming to the realization that while God genuinely converts some teenagers in this context, many (if not the majority) are not being equipped for the challenges presented in the college and post-college years, with disastrous consequences. Yet youth ministry can (and should) be a part of a healthy local church's equipping of both Christian parents and their teens, and for the advancement of the gospel among unbelieving teens. It really can be a both/and. I highly commend this book to youth pastors and parents alike. I believe it will help many churches establish fruitful high school ministries with a view toward multi-generational faithfulness.
Tapping into God's Mercy
I was blessed this morning by a good word from Life as a Vapor: Thirty-One Meditations for Your Faith
"In Luke 17:5, the apostles pleaded with the Lord, 'Increase our faith!' And the Lord said, 'If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you' (v. 6). In other words, the issue in your Christian life and ministry is not the strength or quantity of your faith, because that is not what uproots trees. God does. Therefore, the smallest faith that truly connects you with Christ will engage enough of His power for all you need. Moving trees is a small thing for Christ. The issue is not perfection for Christ, but connection to Christ. So take heart, the smallest seed of faith connects with all of Christ's mercy."I think it was in this spirit that a man once cried to Jesus, "I believe; help my unbelief!" We can do the same.
December 27, 2007
The Rising Popularity of Plastic Surgery: A Concerning Trend
In an article entitled Mommy Wants Her Body Back, Newsweek magazine recently reported that "More older women are getting breast surgery than ever before, in the hopes of reclaiming their pre-pregnancy figures." But the phenomenon is also growing among younger women, with some parents willing to provide cosmetic surgery as a graduation or prom gift, as Dr. Albert Mohler and a Today's Christian Woman roundtable have noted.
That reminded me of a concerning story I just heard the other day: a group of women in their 40's, 50's, and 60's chose to pose immodestly for a 2008 calendar whose proceeds would be dedicated to the American Cancer Society. Initially, many of the women were understandably reticent. They had grown children, and a reputation to maintain. But upon consideration, "they ventured out of their comfort zone for a good cause."
Seems like a twisted, utilitarian exploitation of our culture's fascination with skin. Men are tacitly (if not overtly) encouraged to objectify women by TV, movies, and images on the Internet. One result is higher levels of image-consciousness (if not anxiety) among women. But it works the other way, too. Showing skin can be, for women, a form of power over men. And that, too, can apparently be extended through mid-life and beyond.
(HT: Collin Hansen)
December 21, 2007
Albert Mohler on "The Kite Runner" movie
Dr. Mohler pens an excellent review and synopsis of the movie The Kite Runner, based on the the best-selling novel
The background worldview of the film and the novel is, of course, Islam. Given that fact, several thoughts have been framed in my mind since reading the novel several years ago and seeing the movie just recently. The thoughts concern the contrast between Islam and Christianity brought into focus by the story. These differences are not that Christians are better people than Muslims, that brutality is limited to the Islamic world, or that the Christians and Muslims would understand the theme of betrayal in starkly different terms. Both Christians and Muslims would agree that Amir's betrayal of Hassan is an evil and sinful act.No, the big difference is that The Kite Runner is based on a false promise and a heart-breaking need. The false promise is that offered to the adult Amir: "There is a way to be good again."
The whole plot suggests that Amir can redeem himself for his sordid betrayal of a young friend by his brave act of rescuing the friend's son, Sohrab. The Christian gospel reminds us that there is no act, however brave, virtuous, or sacrificial, that can make us "good again." Christians understand that our redemption is nothing we can accomplish at all. Instead, our redemption is accomplished by God through the atonement achieved by the obedience of the Son -- obedience even unto death on the cross. Furthermore, the gospel never promises us that sinners are made "good" as we are saved by grace through faith. Instead, sinners who come to Christ by faith receive the imputed righteousness of Christ by the declaration of the Father.
Go ahead and read the whole thing. Though Mohler does reveal the story line, I doubt that would spoil any future enjoyment of reading the book or watching the movie -- neither of which I have yet done. [However, be warned: the movie is rated PG-13 due to thematic material, which includes the sexual assault of a child.]
December 20, 2007
Romney Attacks Huckabee with False, Misleading Claims
I'm trying not to blog too much on Romney vs. Huckabee. This is the Christmas season, and there are plenty of other things going on besides Republican primary politics. But I find the recent Newsweek article on Romney's false and misleading attack ads compelling. Let me explain.
For better or for worse, negative attacks are effective in political battles, particularly when used in the latter stages of a tight race. The key, it seems, is to identify your opponent with weakness on a certain issue: Willy Horton effectively eliminated Michael Dukakis in 1988, who was thereby branded as being soft on crime. The problem with negative attacks is that even if they are accurate, they allow a candidate to rise in the polls not on their own merits, but on the demerits of the other candidate. And it is even worse if the attacks are false and/or misleading.
In Iowa, Huckabee was ahead of Romney by as many as 22 points according to a Newsweek poll as recently as two weeks ago. Now, Rasmussen has them in a statistical deadheat. Likewise, Huckabee had been seven points ahead in South Carolina, but now he is tied for the lead with Romney in that early voting state. Why? Rasmussen notes:
Over the past week, Iowa voters have learned a lot about Mike Huckabee and not all of it has been flattering. Favorable opinions of Huckabee have dropped from 81% to 67% over the past week and the Huckabee tide has receded a bit.Romney has been running two negative ads on TV, one labeling Huckabee as soft on illegal immigration, and the latest labeling him as soft on crime. Both contain false and misleading claims. On illegal immigration, it was said that Huckabee supported benefits for illegals immigrants. In fact, Governor Huckabee never supported benefits for illegal immigrants. In Arkansas, illegal immigrants do not receive welfare benefits or food stamps. On the issue of crime, Romney suggests that Huckabee is too lenient on distributors and manufacturers of the illegal drug methamphetamine (a.k.a. "meth"). That prompted Newsweek to republish a factcheck.org study.
Here are the details of the state laws: In Arkansas, offenders found guilty of intent to distribute or manufacture while in possession of less than an ounce of meth face a minimum sentence of "not less than ten (10) years nor more than forty (40) years, or life" and a fine "not exceeding twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000)." In Massachusetts, the penalty for a person convicted of manufacturing, distributing or possessing with intent to manufacture or distribute a substance that contains any quantity of methamphetamine is "a term of imprisonment in the state prison for not less than two and one-half nor more than ten years." A fine of no more than $10,000 may be imposed as well. The legislation Romney backed [but did not pass] would not have increased the mandatory minimum, even if it had passed.Read the whole thing, which contains numerous links to original source documents.
December 19, 2007
Vladamir Putin - TIME Magazine Person of the Year
Time Magazine has named Vladamir Putin, Russia's President for almost eight years, Person of the Year for 2007:
"No one is born with a stare like Vladimir Putin's. The Russian President's pale blue eyes are so cool, so devoid of emotion that the stare must have begun as an affect, the gesture of someone who understood that power might be achieved by the suppression of ordinary needs, like blinking. The affect is now seamless, which makes talking to the Russian President not just exhausting but often chilling. It's a gaze that says, I'm in charge."
I won't be able to read the whole thing until later this week.
December 18, 2007
Not Like The Others - T4G Ad
Amazing Grace - The Musical
The classic story of John Newton, marvelously converted from African slave-trader to slave of Christ, has been published in various formats, short and long
Read more from Marvin Olasky.
December 16, 2007
ESV Bibles at 45% Off
Westminster Bookstore announces that all ESV Bibles are now available at 45% off the list price. This includes the new ESV One Year Bible which breaks up the entire Bible into 15-minute daily readings, each with a portion from the OT, the NT, Psalms & Proverbs.
Sinclair Ferguson - In Christ Alone
Sinclair Ferguson's latest book is entitled In Christ Alone: Reflections on the Heart of the Gospel. In addition to unfolding aspects of the person and work of Christ, Ferguson explains how our understanding of Christ's finished work relates to our day-by-day living. Ferguson also grounds the coming of Christ in the broader scope of redemptive history, beginning in the Old Testament. The Old Testament, says Ferguson, is "In time past, multifaceted revelation through the prophets given to the fathers." The New Testament is "Now, in the last days, focused revelation, expressed in Christ the Son, given to us."
Ferguson's In Christ Alone is a compilation of fifty short chapters divided into six sections:
1. The Word Became Flesh
2. The Heart of the Matter
3. The Spirit of Christ
4. The Privileges of Grace
5. A Life of Wisdom
6. Faithful to the End
From the Publisher's description:
Dr. Ferguson shows that Christ, who is fully God, took on humanity that He might be the Great High Priest of His people as well as the once-for-all sacrifice; that He now ministers to His people through His Spirit, crowning them with great and precious blessings; and that believers are called to duty, from cultivating contentment to mortifying sin.
Read the first three chapters.
The blurbs:
“The title In Christ Alone is enough to make hearts brave and souls stand at attention. And Sinclair Ferguson, the consummate teacher, takes great pains to explain the supreme sufficiency of Jesus Christ and why He is 'enough.’”
—Joni Eareckson Tada, Founder, Joni and Friends International Disability Center
“In Christ Alone is a basic systematic theology in the form of a very readable book. Whether you are a new Christian looking for basic Christian doctrine or a more mature one wanting a refresher, this book will both instruct you and delight you. I warmly commend it to all Christians who want to grow in their faith.”
—Jerry Bridges
"Sinclair Ferguson is one of my favorite authors, and he’s done all of us a great favor by pulling together these writings penned over a long, faithful, and fruitful ministry (may it continue for many years!). This book is a feast that will satisfy both mind and heart, sharpening your thinking and deepening your devotion to Christ Alone.”
—C. J. Mahaney, President, Sovereign Grace Ministries
Doug Wilson on The Future of Justification
Doug Wilson chimes in on John Piper's latest book The Future of Justification:
I really appreciate how careful John Piper has sought to be in the process of writing this book. I was asked to give feedback on the earlier draft as someone who likes a lot of what Wright is doing, but also as a sometime critic of Wright's. In the acknowledgments, I am listed as one of eleven people who were asked to give their feedback, which I was glad to do. N.T. Wright was also asked to respond, which he did in 11,000 words. Piper says, "The book is twice the size it was before all that criticism arrived. If it is not a better book now, it is my fault, not theirs" (p. 10).Wilson plans to blog through the book chapter-by-chapter.
I am currently about half way through the book, and finding it to be an outstanding read. I previously offered this primer.
(HT: JT)
December 15, 2007
Mike Huckabee on Foreign Policy
Gov. Huckabee pens a lengthy, articulate, nuanced essay on foreign policy. The article discusses challenges such as Iraq, al Qaeda, Pakistan, Iran, and more with a high level of sophistication. Huckabee is critical of Bush's handling of Iraq, but clearly supports the surge led by General David Petraeus (and which by all accounts is going very well). Excerpt:
"If I ever have to undertake a large invasion, I will follow the Powell Doctrine and use overwhelming force. The notion of an occupation with a "light footprint," which was our model for Iraq, is a contradiction in terms. Liberating a country and occupying it are two different missions. Our invasion of Iraq went well militarily, but the occupation has destroyed the country politically, economically, and socially. In the former Yugoslavia, we sent 20 peacekeeping soldiers for every thousand civilians. In Iraq, an equivalent ratio would have meant sending a force of 450,000 U.S. troops. Unlike President George W. Bush, who marginalized General Eric Shinseki, the former army chief of staff, when he recommended sending several hundred thousand troops to Iraq, I would have met with Shinseki privately and carefully weighed his advice. Our generals must be independent advisers, always free to speak without fear of retribution or dismissal."
Not surprisingly, Romney has criticized the essay, suggesting it "sounded like it was written by a Democrat." The content of the article, however, belies Romney's claim. Huckabee takes a very tough stance against al Qaeda and displays a determination to persevere militarily in Iraq. Huckabee wisely advocates for growing the U.S. Army and the Marine Corps by about 92,000 troop in 2-3 years (the Bush Administration plans to do this in 5 years). He also calls for increasing the military budget from its current level (3.9% of the GDP) closer to what it was in 1986 under President Reagan (about 6% of the GDP). On Iran, Huckabee (like President Bush) does not take military action off the table. In fact, Huckabee is tougher on Pakistan than Bush has proven. Perhaps Romney did not read the article, or somehow failed to catch any of these points.
But Romney's charge is also suspect because he (not Huckabee) was calling for secret timetables for U.S. troop withdrawals from Iraq as recently as April 2007. That drew this remark from ABC News at the time:
Gov. Mitt Romney's, R-Mass., call this morning for a set of timetables for withdrawal from Iraq -- private timetables unknown to the public -- bears some striking similarities to an idea hatched and endorsed by Democratic Senator Mark Pryor, D-Arkansas.Pryor has been alone in his calls for a classified timetable and has drawn skepticism from the reporters who wrote about them, as well as his Democratic and Republican colleagues who would not support them.
Considering the size of Huckabee's staff, I continue to be impressed at the level of output in terms of important statements on major policy issues. I think they need to keep doing that in the weeks to come, not only to answer (and preempt) negative attacks, but to positively establish the strength of Huckabee's common-sense conservatism in the minds of more voters as we head into the primaries, where I expect Huckabee to do quite well.
December 12, 2007
Albert Mohler's New Book: Culture Shift
Dr. Albert Mohler runs one of the most respected Christians blogs, featuring substantive daily posts on theological and cultural matters. Among Dr. Mohler's many gifts is an ability to interpret societal and cultural trends from a distinctively Christian framework.
However, do an Amazon search on "Albert Mohler" and you are not likely to find too much with just his name on it. Yes, Dr. Mohler has edited about a dozen books, and he often submits chapters to larger volumes. But in terms of regular output as an author, his primary outlet appears to be his blog. That is why I was very excited when I saw that Multnomah publishers (now owned by Random House) is releasing a book by Dr. Mohler entitled Culture Shift: Engaging Current Issues with Timeless Truth (Today's Critical Concerns)
The world in which you live is in the midst of a major cultural transformation–one leading to a widespread lack of faith, an increase in moral relativism, and a rejection of absolute truth. How are we to remain faithful followers of Christ as we live in this ever-shifting culture? How should we think about–and respond to–the crucial moral questions of our day? How can we stand up for the truth?Some of the topics addressed by Culture Shift include:
•Christian faith and politics •The Supreme Court and religion •The truth about terrorism •Christian parents and public schools •The abortion debate •Christian response to global tragedies
The blurbs:
“From grade inflation to global calamities, Albert Mohler is a steady guide. From the psychological coddling of the American ego to the hollowing of the American conscience, Mohler is unremittingly clear-headed. From Nineveh to New Orleans, Mohler holds the mirror at a blazing forty-five degree angle between heaven and earth. The burning light of divine wisdom illumines a hundred shadows of our human folly. And at the center of the blaze is the mighty cross of Jesus Christ defining the final meaning of everything. I thank God for Albert Mohler.”
—JOHN PIPER, pastor for preaching and vision, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, MN
“Al Mohler is a unique gift to the church. His writing combines penetrating theological discernment and insightful cultural analysis with a passion to faithfully proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. I’m delighted that Al’s wisdom is now available in this book. May it be the first of many.”
—C. J. MAHANEY, Sovereign Grace Ministries
“We all know, as Dorothy said to Toto, that ‘we are not in Kansas anymore.’ But how to apply the deep truths of our Christian faith to a culture that seems to be transmogrifying before our very eyes, well, that’s perhaps the most difficult question facing the church today. In this well-written book, Al Mohler surveys the landscape and offers insight and wisdom that helps us do just this. A manifesto for responsible Christian engagement!”
—TIMOTHY GEORGE, founding dean of Beeson Divinity School of Samford University and senior editor of Christianity Today
“Thoughtful Christians seeking to engage the culture from a well-informed and thoroughly bibilical perspective will find an impressive resource in this new work by R. Albert Mohler. Culture Shift is an outstanding contribution, which I heartily recommend.”
—DAVID S. DOCKERY, president, Union University
“Dr. Albert Mohler brings his intellectual brilliance, moral wisdom, and theological insight together in a book that belongs on the shelf of anyone who is interested in both understanding the shifting sands of morality in our culture and how to deal with it. If you are in that category this is a must read.”
—JAMES MERRITT, pastor of Cross Pointe Church, Duluth, GA, and host of Touching Lives media ministry
“Understanding our culture is a matter of Christian responsibility. Culture Shift helps us to do that and do it well.”
—DANIEL L. AKIN, president, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, NC
December 10, 2007
Early Draft of Romney "Faith in America" Speech
Ever resourceful, Justin Taylor has uncovered this early draft of Gov. Romney's recent speech.
T4G - Thabiti Ad
December 09, 2007
The Reason of God - Tim Keller
Tim Keller adds his voice in response to the recent prominent books advancing atheism. A veteran pastor in the Manhattan area of New York, Keller has been compiling of list of most frequently voiced "doubts" skeptics bring to his church. His forthcoming The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism is written with atheists, agnostics, and skeptics in mind, but it also seeks to strengthen the hope of Christians everywhere as they seek to stand firm against the backlash of secularism. From the Westminster Bookstore's description:
Why is there suffering in the world? How could a loving God send people to Hell? Why isn't Christianity more inclusive? Shouldn't the Christian God be a god of love? How can one religion be "right" and the rest "wrong"? Why have so many wars been fought in the name of God? These are just a few of the questions even ardent believers wrestle with today. In this book, Tim Keller uses literature, philosophy, real-life conversations and reasoning, and even pop culture to explain how faith in a Christian God is a soundly rational belief, held by thoughtful people of intellectual integrity with a deep compassion for those who truly want to know the truth.
(HT: Jonathan Dodson)
December 08, 2007
How Should We Then Work?
Jonathan Dodson gives a theologically balanced framework for work, and for the place of the Christian in the workforce. It is an excellent read.
Savior: Celebrating the Mystery of God Become Man
It is fitting that the Advent season be accompanied by Christ-exalting, doctrinally-rich music--songs that are both stylistically engaging and lyrically edifying. That is why I am pleased to recommend Savior: Celebrating the Mystery of God Become Man, a newly released Christmas album by Sovereign Grace Music. The songs are composed by Mark and Stephen Altrogge, Gregory Tulenko, Todd Twining, Doug Plank, Rich Dalmas, and Bob Kauflin.
I am especially blessed by the song "Hope Has Come", whose first verse reads:
Let us join with the angel voices
Let us join their happy song
All of heaven and earth rejoices
For the Lamb of God has come
He has come to rescue sinners
Come to met our desperate need
He was born to bring forgiveness
Born for Calvary
The musical style of the album is pleasantly balanced: a few slower songs (e.g., "Sleep, Jesus, Sleep"), some that are more upbeat (e.g., "Hope Has Come"), and some that are in between (e.g., "Glory to God in the Highest"). I was grateful that the album jacket contains the lyrics for every song, as I find it fosters personal reflection. Also helpful is the brief meditation on the Incarnation found on the inside of the album jacket. It gives a simple, 3-step explanation of the gospel: (1) How can we get to God? (2) God resolves this dilemma through the Incarnation. (3) How can we get to God?
I hope this album blesses many toward a greater appreciation of the Greatest Gift of Christmas: Jesus Christ, who took on flesh and blood to suffer and die, to bring us to God (I Peter 3:18).
December 07, 2007
Analysis of Romney - My Own Reflections
Mitt Romney is an accomplished businessman who has experienced widespread success. His conservative instincts serve him well and I regard him as an intelligent and competent man. Everywhere he goes, good things seem to happen. However, with all due respect, winning one election (on a socially liberal platform in a socially liberal state) in a year that his party did very well nationally is not evidence of a high degree of political skill. On the stump, he seems overly careful, as if speaking in code, self-conscious about his appearance. Romney's speech on his Mormon faith, coming not (as a preemptive measure) at the kick-off of his campaign nor at the climax of winning the GOP nomination, but rather as an obvious reaction to Huckabee's rise in the polls, seems ill-advised. Though parts of it resonated (the idea that doctrinal differences ought to matter less in the public sphere, the sense of obligation to the common good imparted by religion, and the error of overweening secularism), other parts went too far. His volunteering an assessment on the identity of Jesus Christ seemed to imply that a President ought to have such a belief. But then what will he say (as he will surely be asked in days to come) about the "peculiarities" of Mormon faith regarding Jesus Christ?
Romney lacks the authenticity and warmth of Huckabee. If conservatives embrace Huckabee, Romney's campaign would soon collapse (his strategy depends heavily upon victory in the early states), decisively advancing Huckabee ahead of Giuliani en route to the nomination. Huckabee's compassion for the needy and nuanced positions will resonate--are resonating--with a diverse populace. Although some in the media may remain recalcitrant, Huckabee's charisma, down-to-earth style, and compelling personal story can win even them over. (Remember, the man won several elections as a Republican in Arkansas, carrying 48% of the African American vote.)
Though I am a political nobody, I say Huckabee carries Iowa, competes vigorously in New Hampshire, does well in the South, and forces an end to Romney's campaign sometime around Super Tuesday (Feb 5). We shall see.
Yes, I will return to blogging about non-political topics....
December 06, 2007
Analysis of Romney Speech - Ambinder & Douthat
Examine these consecutive paragraphs in Romney's speech:
"There is one fundamental question about which I often am asked. What do I believe about Jesus Christ? I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of mankind. My church's beliefs about Christ may not all be the same as those of other faiths. Each religion has its own unique doctrines and history. These are not bases for criticism but rather a test of our tolerance. Religious tolerance would be a shallow principle indeed if it were reserved only for faiths with which we agree."There are some who would have a presidential candidate describe and explain his church's distinctive doctrines. To do so would enable the very religious test the founders prohibited in the Constitution. No candidate should become the spokesman for his faith. For if he becomes President he will need the prayers of the people of all faiths."
Marc Ambinder, writing for The Atlantic.com, finds it odd that Romney makes a claim that a presidential candidate ought not to be the spokesman of his faith immediately after....making a specific statement about his faith. In a sense, the second paragraph is invalidated by the first. (I previously posted David Frum's astute observation.)
I agree with Ross Douthat: "....for Romney to say that candidates shouldn't have to answer theological questions just moments before declaring 'I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of mankind' seems like something of a contradiction."
Analysis of Romney Speech - David Frum
Romney's depiction of Jesus Christ:
"There is one fundamental question about which I often am asked. What do I believe about Jesus Christ? I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of mankind. My church's beliefs about Christ may not all be the same as those of other faiths. Each religion has its own unique doctrines and history. These are not bases for criticism but rather a test of our tolerance."
David Frum's spot-on reflection:
To be blunt, Romney is saying:It is legitimate to ask a candidate, "Is Jesus the son of God?"
But it is illegitimate to ask a candidate, "Is Jesus the brother of Lucifer?"
It is hard for me to see a principled difference between these two questions, and I think on reflection that the audiences to whom Romney is trying to appeal will also fail to see such a difference. Once Romney answered any question about the content of his religious faith, he opened the door to every question about the content of his religious faith. This speech for all its eloquence will not stanch the flow of such questions.
Read the whole thing.
Huckabee Immigration Enforcement and Border Security Plan
First-place Republican Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee announces a 9-Point Strategy for Immigration Enforcement and Border Security:
1. Build the Fence
2. Increase Border Patrol
3. Prevent Amnesty
4. Enforce the Law on Employers
5. Establish an Economic Border
6. Empower Local Authorities
7. Ensure Document Security
8. Discourage Dual Citizenship
9. Modernize the Process of Legal Immigration
Read the whole thing.
Gov. Romney's "Faith in America" Speech Tonight
Prepared remarks have been made available. Apparently, the former President George H.W. Bush will introduce Gov. Romney at The George Bush Presidential Library in College Station, TX. A few excerpts:
"Over the last year, we have embarked on a national debate on how best to preserve American leadership. Today, I wish to address a topic which I believe is fundamental to America's greatness: our religious liberty. I will also offer perspectives on how my own faith would inform my Presidency, if I were elected."There are some who may feel that religion is not a matter to be seriously considered in the context of the weighty threats that face us. If so, they are at odds with the nation's founders, for they, when our nation faced its greatest peril, sought the blessings of the Creator. And further, they discovered the essential connection between the survival of a free land and the protection of religious freedom. In John Adams' words: 'We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion... Our constitution was made for a moral and religious people.'
"Freedom requires religion just as religion requires freedom. Freedom opens the windows of the soul so that man can discover his most profound beliefs and commune with God. Freedom and religion endure together, or perish alone.
"Given our grand tradition of religious tolerance and liberty, some wonder whether there are any questions regarding an aspiring candidate's religion that are appropriate. I believe there are. And I will answer them today.
Further into the speech:
"It is important to recognize that while differences in theology exist between the churches in America, we share a common creed of moral convictions. And where the affairs of our nation are concerned, it's usually a sound rule to focus on the latter - on the great moral principles that urge us all on a common course. Whether it was the cause of abolition, or civil rights, or the right to life itself, no movement of conscience can succeed in America that cannot speak to the convictions of religious people."We separate church and state affairs in this country, and for good reason. No religion should dictate to the state nor should the state interfere with the free practice of religion. But in recent years, the notion of the separation of church and state has been taken by some well beyond its original meaning. They seek to remove from the public domain any acknowledgment of God. Religion is seen as merely a private affair with no place in public life. It is as if they are intent on establishing a new religion in America - the religion of secularism. They are wrong.
"The founders proscribed the establishment of a state religion, but they did not countenance the elimination of religion from the public square. We are a nation 'Under God' and in God, we do indeed trust.
"We should acknowledge the Creator as did the Founders - in ceremony and word. He should remain on our currency, in our pledge, in the teaching of our history, and during the holiday season, nativity scenes and menorahs should be welcome in our public places. Our greatness would not long endure without judges who respect the foundation of faith upon which our constitution rests. I will take care to separate the affairs of government from any religion, but I will not separate us from 'the God who gave us liberty.'
Read the whole thing. I hope to return and comment later.
December 05, 2007
The Bethlehem Institute
The Bethlehem Institute represents the adult Christian education/discipleship/training vehicle of Bethlehem Baptist Church, where I had the privilege of spending a few years with Pastors John Piper, Tom Steller, and many other wonderful leaders. They have launched a new website, which gives a helpful overview of the ministry and highlights the three training tracks offered. (I was a part of this one.)
Also, churches will soon be able to purchase curricula for their own use.
December 04, 2007
David Frum on the Upcoming Romney Speech
David Frum contrasts the challenge Romney faces with Kennedy's situation in 1960:
Nobody expected Kennedy to defend the Catholic understanding of the Eucharist, or the idea of intercession by saints, or the use of images in Catholic places of worship. He spoke in Houston as a politician, explaining his understanding of the boundaries between religion and politics.Romney faces a very different problem - and a very different set of questions. Nobody doubts that Mormons as a community and as individuals honor and respect the rules of the American constitutional system. But precisely because nobody does doubt it, Romney will get nowhere by explaining that Mormons do.
Romney rather faces much more purely religious questions - and any attempt to respond to them must draw him into a purely religious answer that will almost certainly do him more harm than good. Is Mormonism a Christian faith? Is it a plausible system of belief? What does it say about you that you accept as true something that most Americans regard as blatantly false?
These are the questions that lurk about the Romney candidacy. In my opinion, they are not appropriate questions to ask - and so they are not questions it is possible to answer. But if Romney does answer them, he is going to have to answer them all the way. Evasive tactics will buy him nothing. Yes, he can give a speech about how Mormons are good citizens. Or that stresses the commonalities between the Church of Latter Day Saints and the more established denominations. But those responses will not satisfy anybody for very long. He will have opened the door to the question: "Is it OK for somebody who believes what you believe to be president?" And he will not find that door so easy to shut.
Read the whole thing, which ends with some wise advise for Romney.
Romney's Upcoming Speech on His Mormon Faith
Daniel Larison explains the inherent difficulty:
The impossible balancing act is stressing the political irrelevance of the theological differences Mormonism really does have with Christianity while simultaneously claiming that this very same religion, whose distinctive substance is supposed to be irrelevant, informs and shapes his “values” that he will rely on to make judgements about policy. Another part of the balancing act (which is where it becomes really dangerous politically) is to declare that it is “un-American” to judge a candidate based on his religion without insulting the millions of voters who consider a candidate’s religion an important part of selecting their preferred candidate, while also paying homage to the “separation of church and state” without actually endorsing the idea that the separation of church and state has any constitutional basis (which a fairly large number of religious conservatives doesn’t accept). His speech will have to go something like this: “My faith, which is very important to me and has made me who I am, should not be important to you, but it is important that we have a person of faith leading this country, and that person happens to be me.”
Larison's conclusion:
In the end, Romney has always been in an impossible position: a sizeable percentage of his own party will never vote for someone of his religion, and these are the same people he needed to win over to become the unchallenged social conservative consensus candidate, which is why Romney’s campaign has always been a fool’s errand as I’ve said from the beginning. My guess is that Romney gives the speech on Thursday and his campaign in Iowa begins to implode, as his shallow support there evaporates.
Read the whole thing.
(HT: JT)
December 03, 2007
The Tax Policies of Mike Huckabee
Mike Huckabee is surging in the polls: He is in first place in Iowa (5 points ahead of Romney), virtually tied for second place in New Hampshire, and in second place nationwide (within just 3 points of Giuliani).
Of course, this has resulted in a spike of attack ads, on issues such as Huckabee's tax policies as Governor of Arkansas (1996-2007). Joe Carter, Director of Research for the Huckabee Campaign, pens a rebuttal to these attacks (read Joe's lengthy comment below the actual post) and points to a balanced piece in the NY Times (of all places).
Update: Dick Morris argues that Governor Mike Huckabee is a fiscal conservative.
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