The non-judgmental Christian
Wednesday, 26 October 2005
“Never before in history has the absence of judgment been glorified as a virtue—the virtue of non-judgmentalism.” So says Thomas Sowell, a man I admire for his economic and political philosophy. I must confess, though, that while it might make a punchy political bumper sticker, it’s rather lacking in judgment when it come to spiritual
- Published in Commentary
The Christian Yom Kippur
Sunday, 16 October 2005
I stumbled upon an interesting newspaper article about the Jewish holiday Yom Kippur this week. I was surprised to find that there are still some traditions in modern Judaism that offer a bird as a sacrifice for their sins—a chicken, to be exact. I was under the impression that all animal sacrifices had ceased since
- Published in Commentary
Blessed are the peacemakers
Thursday, 01 September 2005
“Blessed are the peacemakers,” Jesus said. But do we Christians really take that to heart as a call to action, or is it just an abstract beatitude that we have our kids memorize? I never thought I’d identify in the slightest with the “peace movement.” When it comes to politics, I’m a law and order
- Published in Commentary
Non-denominationalism
Wednesday, 10 August 2005
I have, for all of my Christian life, considered myself non-denominational–maybe even un-denominational or anti-denominational. I still do, actually. I never believed (and I still don’t) that Jesus meant for his disciples to be divided up into this or that faction or “flavor” of Christianity. What has evolved is my understanding of the word “denominationalism.”
- Published in Commentary
Forgiveness is divine
Sunday, 31 July 2005
Whenever I feel I’ve been wronged or somehow offended, I try to remember to ask myself how it compares to the wrongs inflicted on Jesus Christ. If we are to be truly Christlike, we have to ask this question, because it puts forgiveness in a whole new perspective. Has someone hurt my feelings? How much
- Published in Commentary
The command to love – a Scripture study
Thursday, 09 June 2005
These verses have been very meaningful in my studies. I thought others might benefit from them in this form with as few editorial remarks as possible. Studying the Scriptures brings eternal life because they tell us about Jesus Christ: John 5:39-42 – You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess
- Published in Commentary
Squandering freedom
Sunday, 29 May 2005
Freedom is one of the blessings we most take for granted in America. Our forefathers and many servicemen have died for it—for us. By not appreciating their sacrifice and doing something valuable with that freedom, we do the unthinkable. We squander it. In that sense, freedom for us can be a little like old money.
- Published in Commentary
Too good to be true
Thursday, 26 May 2005
Are you skeptical of those who talk about Christian liberty? To many of us, freedom in Christ seems too good to be true. It just doesn’t seem possible that the same God who struck down Uzzah, Nadab, and Abihu for breaking rules and regulations under the Old Law could shake heaven and earth with a
- Published in Commentary
Joining the party