February 26, 2009
A School Choice Argument From 1933
J. Gresham Machen:
"The only way in which a state-controlled school can be kept even relatively healthy is through the absolutely free possibility of competition by private schools and church schools; if it once becomes monopolistic, it is the most effective engine of tyranny and intellectual stagnation that has yet been devised." -- J. Gresham Machen: Selected Shorter Writings
HT: John Piper
Making Men Moral Conference
Owen Strachan is live-blogging the Making Men Moral conference currently being held at Union University.
HT: JT
Obama Wants a European Transformation
Charles Krauthammer makes the case, calling Tuesday's speech "the boldest social democratic manifesto ever issued by a U.S. president." Excerpt:
Reagan came to office to do something: shrink government, lower taxes, rebuild American defenses. Obama made clear Tuesday night that he intends to be equally transformative. His three goals: universal health care, universal education, and a new green energy economy highly funded and regulated by government.
February 24, 2009
Susan Hunt Conference: March 7 in Corona, CA
Susan Hunt, author of By Design, Spiritual Mothering and Women's Ministry in the Local Church (with Ligon Duncan), and (recently), Sammy and His Shepherd, is doing a one-day conference in Corona, CA on By Design: God's Distinctive Calling for Women. The conference runs from 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM on Saturday, March 7 at Northpoint Evangelical Free Church. Registration runs about ~$30.
8:30 am Registration
9:00 am Session 1: Our Creation Design
10:45 am Session 2: Our Redemptive Calling
Noon Lunch (boxed meal is included in registration price)
1:00 pm Session 3: Generation to Generation
2:00 pm Question & Answer
HT: CBMW
February 23, 2009
Too Wise To Be Mistaken, Too Good To Be Unkind
God shall alone the refuge be,
And comfort of my mind;
Too wise to be mistaken, He,
Too good to be unkind.
In all his holy, sovereign will,
He is, I daily find,
Too wise to be mistaken, still
Too good to be unkind.
When I the tempter's rage endure,
'Tis God supports my mind;
Too wise to be mistaken, sure,
Too good to be unkind.
When sore afflictions on me lie,
He is (though I am blind)
Too wise to mistaken, yea,
Too good to be unkind.
What though I can't his goings see,
Nor all his footsteps find?
Too wise to be mistaken, He
Too good to be unkind.
Hereafter he will make me know,
And I shall surely find,
He was too wise to err, and O,
Too good to be unkind.
(By Samuel Medley, from A Selection of Hymns for Public Worship
February 21, 2009
Biblical Discipline and Children on the Autism Spectrum
The dramatic rise in the rate of autism diagnoses represents a deep sadness for some twelve million parents and a growing challenge for society at large. Experts tell us that an astonishing 1% of the population is autistic. Is the disturbing autism trend real, or is it just the latest secular excuse for bad behavior in children? For Christians committed to building their lives and their families on the word of God, a diagnosis of autism in a child represents a particularly acute conundrum: To what extent should the world's methods (particularly behavior modification techniques) be employed, since they are essentially rooted in the work of atheistic psychologist B.F. Skinner?
Dr. Laura Hendrickson is a biblical counselor, former psychiatrist, and the mother of an adult son who (at the age of two) was diagnosed as both autistic and mentally retarded. Years later he would become an honor student at University of California-San Diego. Currently serving at the Institute for Biblical Counseling and Discipleship in San Diego County, Dr. Hendrickson is the author of Finding Your Child's Way on the Autism Spectrum: Discovering Unique Strengths, Mastering Behavior Challenges
It seems that nearly everyone knows a family with an autism spectrum child. Most recent figures suggest that the prevalence of all autism spectrum disorders in the United States is an astonishing 1% of the population in the United States, translating to twelve million parents and grandparents that are seeking answers.This recent article by Dr. Hendrickson gives a flavor of where she's coming from on autism spectrum disorders, early intervention, Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), medication, vaccines, and the role of pastoral support.There are many books available on how to “cure” an autistic preschooler, but none on how to raise one to adulthood. These promised cures raise parents’ hopes, but most parents will find that they are dealing with a lifelong challenge no matter what they do. Dr. Laura Hendrickson is a trained psychiatrist, biblical counselor¬—and the mother of an autistic child. She understands the struggles parents face as they try to communicate with their autism spectrum child and manage behavior challenges.
Building on Dr. Hendrickson’s medical background as well as her practical experience, Finding Your Child's Way on the Autism Spectrum
February 19, 2009
California Passes Budget With Tax Increase
Figure out how much your taxes went up if you are a California resident. Be warned: It is over $700 if your household earns as little as $40,000/year. Ouch!
[HT: Marni Chediak]
February 18, 2009
Interview with Susan Hunt
Ligonier Ministries posts an interview with Susan Hunt, author of the outstanding children's book Sammy and His Shepherd.
Obama: Sometimes 'Bipartisanship' Means Steamrolling the Minority
The President, writing in his best-selling book The Audacity of Hope
"Genuine bipartisanship assumes an honest process of give-and-take, and that the quality of the compromise is measured by how well it serves some agreed-upon goal, whether better schools or lower deficits. This in turn assumes that the majority will be constrained — by an exacting press corps and ultimately an informed electorate — to negotiate in good faith."If these conditions do not hold — if nobody outside Washington is really paying attention to the substance of the bill, if the true costs . . . are buried in phony accounting and understated by a trillion dollars or so — the majority party can begin every negotiation by asking for 100% of what it wants, go on to concede 10%, and then accuse any member of the minority party who fails to support this 'compromise' of being 'obstructionist.'"
"For the minority party in such circumstances, 'bipartisanship' comes to mean getting chronically steamrolled, although individual senators may enjoy certain political rewards by consistently going along with the majority and hence gaining a reputation for being 'moderate' or 'centrist.'"
February 17, 2009
Roland Burris Should Immediately Resign
Perhaps no one cares -- Illinois Governor Blagojevich is out of office and perhaps on his way to jail. But the quick-seating of Rolland Burris struck me as odd, and the recent admission by Burris that he sought to raise campaign funds for Blagojevich at the request of the governor’s brother while he was seeking the appointment to the vacated Senate seat totally unsurprising. On January 7 he testified under oath that he had contact with only one Blagojevich associate; now he admits that he in fact spoke with six different associates. But of course we are to believe that this new testimony is "completely consistent" with his previous testimony under oath. It's over. The man should have the decency to resign. Illinois deserves better representation.
Invitation to the Pain of Learning
Mortimer J. Adler, author of the classic resource How to Read a Book
Not only must we honestly announce that pain and work are the irremovable and irreducible accompaniments of genuine learning, not only must we leave entertainment to the entertainers and make education a task and not a game, but we must have no fears about what is "over the public's head." Whoever passes by what is over his head condemns his head to its present low altitude; for nothing can elevate a mind except what is over its head; and that elevation is not accomplished by capillary attraction, but only by the hard work of climbing up the ropes, with sore hands and aching muscles.Read the whole thing.
HT: JT
February 10, 2009
Closing The Deal - Christians and Negotiation
The topic of negotiation is a thorny one for everyone, perhaps especially for many Christians. We rightly feel the weight of the royal law which bids us to love our neighbor as ourselves (James 2:8). Against the grain of our natural selfishness, we must strive to see that others have interests, just like we do. We must appropriately regard their legitimacy, and seek to create solutions that bless others, even as we invariably pursue our own interests (Phil. 2:3-4).
Boundless just published a short article I wrote on this subject. Here's the opening:
It killed me to finally sell our condominium for about $10,000-$15,000 less than I was hoping for.In preparation of this article, I really appreciated Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving InFor eight months I had tried selling it by owner, then we used a half-way discount broker, and finally we had a full-time realtor known for selling similar properties in the area. I spent about seven months trying methods one and two — and never found a legitimate buyer. The last method took only one month, though the price I had to swallow was painful.
Negotiation. For some of us, the word itself sends chills down our spines. We want to run the other way. Just accept whatever they offer; avoid conflict at all cost. For others, it evokes an excessive glee: time to push someone around. I'm going to win; you're going to lose.
by Roger Fisher and William Ury, which was recommended to me by none other than the aforementioned Matt Perman. That said, all weaknesses in the essay are entirely mine!
February 09, 2009
SBTS Profiles Matt Perman of Desiring God
Southern Seminary's Towers magazine recently profiled Matt Perman, Senior Director of Strategy at Desiring God and a man I am privileged to know. He went through The Bethlehem Institute before me, then went to Southern Seminary, after which he rejoined Desiring God full-time. Matt is responsible for the look-and-feel of the Desiring God website (which features easy access to all of John Piper's sermons in audio and video format, going back to 1980 when Piper became the pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church). He maintains a blog that deals with "integrating the big picture with everyday decisions so that we can do things better in life, work, business, and society."
HT: JT
Economic "Stimulus" Tug-Of-War
I've been trying to understand why Congress is rushing to (once again) spend an incredible amount of money when the public support for such an approach is diminishing day-by-day. Scott Rasmussen, whose Rasmussen Reports is one of the most accurate poling outfits, sums it up:
"it's basically a tug-of-war between a president with high job approval ratings and a public’s generic skepticism about government spending."So while 48% of the nation’s voters say more government spending is generally bad for the economy, and 57% of voters see tax cuts as good for the economy, and 45% of voters would support a stimulus package with no new spending and a round of tax cuts while just 15% support a spending-only approach to the rescue plan, and with the country evenly divided on Obama's "failure to act will lead to an economic catastrophe" assertion, the President is hoping his rhetorical abilities (this time employed to awaken fear, not hope) will help him strong arm the bill to his desk.
Here's the bad news for the President: His approval index is down 10% in the last week. For the good of the country, I'm hoping the pork-filled bill is defeated. But I'm not holding my breath.
February 08, 2009
Worliness - C.J. Mahaney
This sounds like an excellent book for addressing how the gospel is to permeate our lives--from our entertainment choices to our clothing styles. Too often these discussions are viewed with suspicions of underlying legalism, whereas the opposite error (selfish, immature, worldliness) is at least as common in our day. John Piper writes in the foreword:
"C.J. Mahaney and his gang, as always, are in the business of applying the gospel. What does it look like when the blood of Christ governs the television and the Internet and the IPod and the checkbook and the neckline? Most people have never even asked this question, let alone answered it. The only way most folks know how to draw lines is with rules. The idea that lines might come into being freely and lovingly (and firmly) as the fruit of the gospel is rare. That's why this book is valuable."The Publisher's Description:
This resource uncovers the presence of worldliness and helps believers learn to relate to the world while resisting its influence in their lives.People today are saturated in technology and prosperity. They are bombarded with endless luxuries: clothes to wear, cars to buy, vacations to take, entertainment to enjoy. Yet this world, which offers so many pleasures, is actively opposed to God and the truth of His Word. How, then, is the believer to relate to the world in which he or she lives?
Worldliness: Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World uncovers the presence of worldliness—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes, and the boasting of what he has or does. Worldliness then reveals how Christians are to engage a fallen world and boldly preach the gospel, yet not be conformed and ultimately seduced by the system of this world.
As readers learn to identify the presence of worldliness in the areas of media, modesty, music, and material possessions, they can begin to resist its influence in their lives and instead pursue eternal godliness.
A few of the endorsements:
"This book is biblical, practical, pastoral, and wise. It is honest about the authors' own temptations, and it is so specific it will be controversial! But such a book is greatly needed as a challenge today—for all of us."
- Wayne Grudem, Research Professor of Bible and Theology, Phoenix Seminary
"In this broken world, it is not easy to promote holiness without succumbing to mere moralism; it is not easy to fight worldliness without giving in to a life that is constrained by mere rules. In these pages you find a valiant attempt at promoting holiness and combating worldliness without falling into these traps. Most of the focus is on the subtlety of individual temptations and sins rather than on the equally subtle temptations to large-scale social evils. But the strength of the work is that the authors try very hard not to let you forget the sheer God-centeredness of the gospel, the glory of the cross of Christ. We will best combat worldliness when we are most drawn to Christ. But that spectacularly wonderful truth does not mean there are no wise barriers to erect and no judgment calls to be made, such that we find ourselves pursuing excellence and refusing to be satisfied with mediocrity. If this book promotes such serious and joyful living, it will have accomplished its goal."
- D. A. Carson, Research Professor of New Testament, trinity Evangelical Divinity School
"In the word worldliness is contained one of the great problems of evangelical Christianity in our time. Here in the West, in the English-speaking world, churches and Christians have been seriously compromised by worldliness. This danger and diagnosis is critical for us to understand. In worldliness, our mind, will and affections, our thinking, living and desiring become captive to a lesser joy than the real and true joy that is only found in treasuring God and His glory in Jesus Christ. Worldliness is thus soul-destroying and joy-robbing because it tricks our hearts into seeking satisfaction in what can never satisfy and thus slowly strangles us of the experience of being fully alive to God. That's why John Newton (who knew this from experience) wrote in one of his great hymns: 'Fading is the worldling's pleasure, all his boasted pomp and show; Solid joys and lasting treasure none but Zion's children know.' Because this spiritual malady is one of epic proportions, because it is destroying churches and Christians on every side, because it stalks me and my own congregation, I am deeply grateful that my dear friend C.J. Mahaney (along with Dave Harvey, Bob Kauflin, Jeff Purswell and Craig Cabaniss) has tackled this vital pastoral issue. These wise shepherds have a way of getting to your heart in this book (I know this because in reading it, they got to mine). And in Christianity, as J.C. Ryle liked to say, 'The heart of the matter is the matter of the heart.' These skillful soul-surgeons are brilliant at diagnosis and treatment, and will help you see yourself, see your sin and see your Savior. I now know that first book I am going to reach for when a Christian is wrestling with worldliness, or isn't but should be! The questions they offer for self-examination are, in and of themselves, of strategic value in our fight of faith for joy. This is a book I will make use of, by God's grace, again and again."
- Ligon Duncan , Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, Mississippi; President, Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals
February 07, 2009
Michael Phelps's Bong
On the occasion of superstar swimmer Michael Phelp's recent marijuana bong photograph, C.J. Mahaney offers a timely reflection on the emptiness of worldly success and accolades.
Once again we are reminded that athletic gifting, championship trophies, gold medals, and million dollar endorsement deals cannot satisfy the soul.Mahaney concludes:
Last year, in the wake of his third Super Bowl championship, disillusioned Patriots quarterback Tom Brady admitted on 60 Minutes,Why do I have three Super Bowl rings and still think there’s something greater out there for me? I mean, maybe a lot of people would say, “Hey man, this is what is.” I reached my goal, my dream, my life. I think, “God, it’s got to be more than this.” I mean this isn’t, this can’t be, what it’s all cracked up to be.
I commend Brady for his honesty.
And no doubt some Pittsburgh Steelers players are beginning to have similar thoughts.
Study the unflattering picture of Michael Phelps to be reminded of the deceitfulness of sin and the superficiality of fame and money. But also study the picture to be reminded of the message of Christ and him crucified for restless sinners like you, and me, and Michael Phelps.Read the whole thing.
Doctor Loses License In Live Birth Abortion Case
Even CNN has picked up this story, so it must be real, though it is unimaginably barbaric: A woman scheduled to have an abortion gives birth to a live child because the abortionist was running late. So the clinic gathers up the baby, with the placenta and afterbirth, into a biohazard bag and throws it in a trash can. The baby dies. The mother sues the clinic for murder.
On Tuesday, January 27, 2009, the Thomas More Society in Miami filed a lawsuit on behalf of Shanice Denise Osbourne, an infant girl who was allegedly murdered in July, 2006. A teenage woman (Sycloria Williams) was pregnant and sought an abortion. Abortionist Dr. Pierre Jean-Jacques Renelique "inserted laminaria sticks to dilate the cervix and prescribed additional medication to be taken that night in preparation for the procedure the next morning at a Hialeah clinic." Then:
Williams arrived at the Hialeah clinic on the morning of July 20, 2006, feeling ill and in severe pain from the medication the night before. Despite the fact that the doctor nor any other licensed health practitioners were present, the abortion center’s receptionist gave Williams Cytotec, which induces labor and also dilates the cervix. Williams, however, began to feel even worse with nausea and cramping. According to testimony, the staff had her sit in the clinic’s recovery room area where she waited for hours in severe and increasing abdominal pain without medical staff available.The woman gave birth without the abortionist present. Pandemonium ensued, and one of the clinic's co-owners used a pair of shears to cut the baby's umbilical cord. The lawsuit notes that the co-owner "then scooped up the baby and placed the live baby, placenta and afterbirth in a red plastic biohazard bag, which she sealed, and then threw bag and the baby in a trash can." The Miami-Dade County medical examiner's autopsy confirmed that the baby was born alive (lungs filled with air), but (inexplicably) the examiner blamed the death on “extreme prematurity," setting off a controversy and eventually a lawsuit. The AP News broke the story nationwide yesterday, and today CNN reports that the doctor in question, Dr. Pierre Jean-Jacques Renelique, has had his medical license revoked in the state of Florida. No criminal charges have yet been filed in the case, but AP reports that the state attorney's office is investigating.
It is remarkable that the mother (who had wanted to abort her child)--she herself pursued the lawsuit (via the Thomas More Society). I'd guess she's pro-life now. And I suppose this is why Planned Parenthood is no fan of the ultrasound machine. This case is a vivid reminder that the Born Alive Infant Protection Act is anything but a mere academic matter.
HT: Jill Stanek
February 01, 2009
Kurt Warner and Super Bowl History
Before the Super Bowl tonight, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner received the Walter Payton Man of the Year award (which is given annually to an NFL player in recognition of charity work off the field and excellence on the field). Warner is widely regarded as a strong Christian man, so it was disappointing to see him lose. James Grant observes that:
* Warner has the three top passing games in Super Bowl history
* Warner has the most yards in Super Bowl history (1164)
That's pretty impressive. In fact, if he hadn't thrown that interception near the Steelers goal line, leading to the 100 yard return for a touchdown, Warner may have wound up not only with another Super Bowl win, but with another Super Bowl MVP award.
After a diverse and accomplished football career, Warner will now be contemplating retirement. His Wikipedia bio notes that "Behind Steve Young and Peyton Manning, Warner is ranked third all-time in career passing rating with a 93.8 (min. 1500 attempts). Statistically, he is also the second-most accurate quarterback in NFL history (trailing only Chad Pennington), with a career completion percentage of 65.7%."
John MacArthur
Today Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, CA celebrated 40 years of John MacArthur's pastoral ministry in her midst. As a young Christian, I found MacArthur's expository preaching and writing to be very helpful, especially on the exclusivity of Jesus Christ and the importance of faith being worked out in practical obedience to Christ's teaching. MacArthur has been particularly helpful to many pastors with his emphasis on faithfulness to God rather than concern for worldly reputation or numerical markers. MacArthur has said many times that if the pastor focuses on the depth of the ministry, God will take care of the breadth. And that there are healthy churches in all sizes (small, medium, and large). I am glad God has expanded the impact of John MacArthur for the good of the church and the glory of His Son.
(HT: Challies)
Bethlehem College and Seminary Update
In case you haven't heard, there have been some exciting updates at The Bethlehem College and Seminary. Dr. Tim Tomlinson, 25 year veteran with Northwestern College, has been named President. Beginning this Fall, Dr. Jason DeRouchie will serve as an Associate Professor of Old Testament. Dr. John Piper is the Chanellor.
Along with the start date of Dr. DeRouchie comes the official launch of Bethlehem College and Seminary. The first cohort of M.Div. students begin their coursework in Fall 2009. And as of Fall 2010, Bethlehem College and Seminary will, Lord willing, launch a 4-year bachelor of arts program. Their hope is to offer two B.A. degrees: a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies, and possibly a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities.
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Recent Posts
- A School Choice Argument From 1933
- Making Men Moral Conference
- Obama Wants a European Transformation
- Susan Hunt Conference: March 7 in Corona, CA
- Too Wise To Be Mistaken, Too Good To Be Unkind
- Biblical Discipline and Children on the Autism Spectrum
- California Passes Budget With Tax Increase
- Interview with Susan Hunt
- Obama: Sometimes 'Bipartisanship' Means Steamrolling the Minority
- Roland Burris Should Immediately Resign