Month: April 2014

Book Reviews4 Comments

Review of ‘Menachem Begin’ by Daniel Gordis

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 Daniel Gordis, Menachem Begin: The Battle for Israel’s Soul (New York: Schocken Books, 2014). Hardback “The state begins in violence. However lofty the ideals of a new country or a new regime, if it encounters opposition, as most new regimes and countries do, it must fight. If it loses, its ideals join the long catalogue of unfulfilled aspirations.” Richard Brookhiser wrote those words at the outset of Founding Father, his study of George Washington. I thought of them often as I read Menachem Begin, Daniel Gordis’ new book on the life and character of Israel’s sixth prime minister. The history … Continue reading Review of ‘Menachem Begin’ by Daniel Gordis

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Bad Religion vs. Good Religion (James 1:26-27)

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This past weekend, I had the privilege of speaking at SeaCoast Grace Church–my home church–in Cypress, California. My text was James 1:26-27, and my title was “Bad Religion vs. Good Religion.” Take a look! Continue reading Bad Religion vs. Good Religion (James 1:26-27)

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Review of ‘Preaching in an Age of Distraction’ by J. Ellsworth Kalas

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 J. Ellsworth Kalas, Preaching in an Age of Distraction (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2014). Paperback / Kindle Ours is an Age of Distraction. The ubiquity of smart phones and social media, together with the crush of the 24/7 news cycle, creates an overload of information that renders concentration difficult. The proliferation of options regarding household necessities, entertainment options, and extracurricular activities renders even the best decision-makers anxious. Should I buy oatmeal or cream of wheat? A specific brand or generic? Instant or… Wait, my cell phone is ringing. My wife wants me to pick up our son from his … Continue reading Review of ‘Preaching in an Age of Distraction’ by J. Ellsworth Kalas

Book Reviews6 Comments

Review of ‘Seeing Black and White in a Gray World’ by Bill T. Arnold

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 Bill T. Arnold, Seeing Black and White in a Gray World: The Need for Theological Reasoning in the Church’s Debate Over Sexuality (Franklin, TN: Seedbed Publishing, 2014). Paperback / Kindle Few topics generate as much heated conflict among Christians as homosexuality does. Should pastors solemnize and churches recognize same-sex marriages? Should denominations ordain non-celibate gays and lesbians for ministry? The conflict over these questions has been evident among mainline Protestant churches for some time now, but it is increasingly appearing among evangelical Protestant churches too. In 2008, Adam Hamilton—who pastors America’s largest United Methodist church in Leawood, Kansas—published Seeing Gray … Continue reading Review of ‘Seeing Black and White in a Gray World’ by Bill T. Arnold

Current Events2 Comments

Mozilla’s Orwellian Announcement about Brendan Eich’s Resignation

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In 2008, Brendan Eich donated $1,000 to a group that supported Prop 8, which amended California’s constitution to define marriage as the union of a man and a woman. Voters passed the ballot initiative by 52 percent to 48 percent. In 2014, Eich–who created JavaScript and cofounded the Mozilla Foundation–became CEO of Mozilla Corporation. Because of his support for Prop 8, OkCupid (an online dating service), several Mozilla board members and employees, and Mozilla users called for him to step down. Yesterday, he did that. My purpose in this post is not to argue about same-sex marriage. For the record, … Continue reading Mozilla’s Orwellian Announcement about Brendan Eich’s Resignation