Month: September 2012

Politics & CultureLeave a comment

Some Questions about President Obama’s New Ad

georgepwood

In this video, President Obama calls for a “new economic patriotism” and outlines his 4-step plan “to get people back to work and make the middle class secure again.” Several questions: (1) Is it unpatriotic to oppose his plan? (2) Is thisa new plan or the same plan he’s been offering the last 4 years? (3) If a new plan, then isn’t Obama admitting that what he’s been doing the last 4 years didn’t work? (4) If the same plan, then isn’t he just “doubling down” on the same policies that haven’t worked to date? Inquiring minds want to know… … Continue reading Some Questions about President Obama’s New Ad

Interesting, Politics & CultureLeave a comment

Happy 238th Birthday, Johnny Appleseed!

georgepwood

Today marks the 238th anniversary of the birthday of Jonathan Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed. Like many people my age, I first became aware of Johnny Appleseed through the Disney film, which included this song: The song is evidently a Swedenborgian hymn. Here are the complete lyrics: Oh, the Lord’s been good to me. And so I thank the Lord For giving me the things I need: The sun, the rain and the appleseed; Oh, the Lord’s been good to me. Oh, and every seed I sow Will grow into a tree. And someday there’ll be apples there For … Continue reading Happy 238th Birthday, Johnny Appleseed!

Assemblies of God, Current Events, Politics & Culture4 Comments

Against Pulpit Freedom Sunday*

georgepwood

Pulpit Freedom Sunday is October 7, 2012. On that day, the sermons of participating pastors will provide specific guidance about how to vote on issues and candidates. This is, of course, their First Amendment right. However, doing so may endanger the tax-exempt status of their churches and ministries. That’s precisely the point, of course: to initiate a legal challenge to limits on the political speech of the leaders of tax-exempt, non-profit institutions, including churches and ministries, with the hope of seeing those limits overturned. Personally, I think Pulpit Freedom Sunday is a terrible idea, regardless of the merit of the … Continue reading Against Pulpit Freedom Sunday*

Assemblies of God, Current Events, Podcasts, Politics & Culture, The Global Church, Theology1 Comment

9/11 and the Mission of the American Church

georgepwood

Today is the 11th anniversary of 9/11. As America remembers the enormities of that day and reflects on the State’s response to acts of terrorism, it is appropriate American Christians to reflect on the mission Jesus Christ gave his Church to make disciples of all nations. America’s response to 9/11 and American Christians’ response to 9/11 may not be the same. Dr. Mark Hausfeld, my professor at Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, delivered a challenging message today on the Church’s mission. I encourage you to watch it. Continue reading 9/11 and the Mission of the American Church

Politics & CultureLeave a comment

The irony of playing politics with the global war on Christians even as you criticize those who play politics with the global war on Christians

georgepwood

In a recent article, John Allen criticizes those who “play politics” with the global war on Christians. As an example, he cites the relative silence of American Christians about the so-called “price tag” campaign of radical Israeli settlers. Every time the Israeli government closes a settlement, these radicals deface a Christian or Muslim holy site in retaliation. In addition, he mentions a broader streak of animus against Christians among some Orthodox Jews in Israel. Now, clearly these acts of radical Jewish vandalism of Christian holy sites are worrisome, although rare. (Acts of vandalism against Palestinian property by Israeli radicals is … Continue reading The irony of playing politics with the global war on Christians even as you criticize those who play politics with the global war on Christians

Apologetics, Assemblies of God, Enrichment Journal, Interesting, TheologyLeave a comment

A Pentecostal Way Forward Through the Challenges of Science*

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Every day, it seems, scientists uncover new wonders — both large and small — in our world. These wonders redound to God’s glory, for He created them all. And among those wonders, surely the human mind ranks high. Aside from the angels, only humans are able to perceive God’s handiwork and praise Him for it. Yet many humans do not. Instead, they “suppress the truth by their wickedness” (Romans 1:18). Consequently, “although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened” (1:21). By they, … Continue reading A Pentecostal Way Forward Through the Challenges of Science*