Category: Politics & Culture

Book Reviews, Politics & CultureLeave a comment

The Creed of Abraham Lincoln in His Own Words

georgepwood

Today is Abraham Lincoln’s 209th birthday, in honor of which, according to the custom of my blog, I re-post this post about Lincoln’s religious beliefs, such as they were. Enjoy! ***** In 1920, William E. Barton published The Soul of Abraham Lincoln, a now classic study of the development of Lincoln’s faith. “Lincoln’s religious was an evolution,” Barton wrote, “both in its intellectual and spiritual qualities.” Lincoln’s religious identity seems to have moved through three stages: (1) a Calvinist Baptist in childhood; (2) a skeptical, freethinker in young adulthood; and (3) and a not-altogether-orthodox Christian in mature adulthood. “Too much of … Continue reading The Creed of Abraham Lincoln in His Own Words

Current Events, Politics & CultureLeave a comment

“I Have a Dream”

georgepwood

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose birthday we celebrate on this national holiday, I encourage you to watch (or watch again) his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC on August 28, 1963. Continue reading “I Have a Dream”

Current Events, Politics & Culture, religious freedomLeave a comment

Video of ‘Debating Religious Liberty and Discrimination’ at The Heritage Foundation

georgepwood

American public discourse, especially about controversial issues, is often conducted at a very low level. More heat than light, one might say. In this video from The Heritage Foundation, John Corvino, Sherif Girgis, and Ryan Anderson show how to have an informative, civil, and pointed debate about the legal conflict between religious liberty protections and LGBT nondiscrimination laws. Continue reading Video of ‘Debating Religious Liberty and Discrimination’ at The Heritage Foundation

Ministry, Politics & CultureLeave a comment

Leading the Church in a Polarized Era

georgepwood

Yesterday, I published an essay on InfluenceMagazine.com entitled, “Leading the Church in a Polarized Era.” Here is the introduction: Regardless of who wins the presidential election on November 8, you can be sure of one thing: Half of America will be disappointed with, if not outraged by, the results. In nearly 30 years of voting, I have never seen the electorate so polarized about candidates and issues. It has been said that war is the continuation of politics by other means. This year, reversing the terms of that statement seems truer: Politics is the continuation of war by other means. … Continue reading Leading the Church in a Polarized Era

Book Reviews, Politics & CultureLeave a comment

Review of ‘Was America Founded as a Christian Nation?’ (revised edition) by John Fea

georgepwood

John Fea, Was America Founded as a Christian Nation? A Historical Introduction, rev. ed. (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 2016). Few questions in American politics generate as much controversy as the relationship between church and state. On one side are … Continue reading Review of ‘Was America Founded as a Christian Nation?’ (revised edition) by John Fea

1 Corinthians, Politics & Culture, The Daily WordLeave a comment

The Radical Impermanence of the World and the Permanence of Christian Love

georgepwood

Today is the fifteenth anniversary of 9/11. The Friday after 9/11, I wrote this devotional for my church. Providentially, in this devotional, I was working my way through 1 Corinthians 13 that week, Scripture’s “love chapter.” I’m reposting that devotional today because, fifteen years later, it still expresses my heart and mind in the light of that horrific event. OPENING PRAYER This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! O God, grant us a vision of this city, fair as it might be: a city of justice, where none shall prey upon the other; … Continue reading The Radical Impermanence of the World and the Permanence of Christian Love