“Hey Christian, don't be on the wrong side of history.” It’s a common warning nowadays, especially around topics like same-sex marriage and transgender issues. Don’t get stuck in the past! Stop holding on to your archaic views on marriage and gender. Get with the times, history is progressing, and you don’t want to get left… Continue reading Hey Christian, Don’t Be On The Wrong Side Of History
Category: Culture
The Age of Netflix: Lying on the Couch to the Glory of God
We live in the age of Netflix. We have unprecedented access to media on demand, not just in our living rooms but in our pockets as well. This is (potentially) a good thing, and it comes with many opportunities. But it also comes with many dangers. So how do we think through our approach to… Continue reading The Age of Netflix: Lying on the Couch to the Glory of God
Why ‘Freedom of Speech’ vs. ‘Freedom from Consequences’ Doesn’t Make Sense
In recent debates about freedom of speech and censorship, it is often claimed that "freedom of speech does not mean freedom from consequences." You can say what you want, it is argued, but that doesn't protect you from facing the consequences of your actions. As George Takei put it a few years ago: "'Freedom of speech'… Continue reading Why ‘Freedom of Speech’ vs. ‘Freedom from Consequences’ Doesn’t Make Sense
Burning Widows: A Case Study Against Cultural Relativism
What right does a person in one culture have to tell someone else that their cultural practices are 'wrong'? In our modern Western society, anyone who tries to do so would surely be shouted down as arrogant and ethnocentric. This is because of a popular idea called 'cultural relativism', which says each culture should be… Continue reading Burning Widows: A Case Study Against Cultural Relativism
If You’re Going to Appeal to Science on Climate Change, Be Consistent
I believe climate change is real. Those who argue for the reality of climate change often – and rightly – appeal to the vast body of scientific evidence that shows human activity is at the very least a hugely significant causative factor in climate change. I believe we should follow this scientific evidence where it… Continue reading If You’re Going to Appeal to Science on Climate Change, Be Consistent
Christians Should Be the First to Check Their Privilege
I am a white upper middle class tertiary-educated able-bodied married Christian heterosexual man living in one of the wealthiest, highest HDI-rated countries in the world. That puts me in about every category possible for having 'privilege'. In the last few years, the phrase 'check your privilege' has gained a lot of traction in some circles as… Continue reading Christians Should Be the First to Check Their Privilege
Is Christianity Intolerant?
The objection that Christianity is intolerant is increasingly common. "Christians don't accept the views of other people as equally valid. They think that they have a monopoly on truth. They think that they are 'right' and other people are 'wrong'. How bigoted and intolerant!" The Resurgence released a report recently, based on thousands of interviews on… Continue reading Is Christianity Intolerant?
Why Christians Should Watch Noah
Aronofsky's Noah has been out for just over a week, and it's already stirred up a lot of controversy. Even amongst Christians, there's been a wide range of responses. I've read a bunch of different articles from different perspectives, but really wanted to wait until I'd seen the movie before I could make my own judgement. My wife and I… Continue reading Why Christians Should Watch Noah
Pray for Egypt
Today I came across a blog post from an Egyptian man who is a Christian and has some involvement with the Bible Society over there. If you've been following the situation in Egypt at all in the last two years, you'll know what a volatile place it is right now. This post was about two… Continue reading Pray for Egypt