There are many reasons someone might give for why we should NOT go to another country to share the gospel. One of those reasons is that it is often dangerous, especially in some parts of the world where Christianity is strongly opposed. Isn't it foolish to risk our lives like that? Why not share the gospel… Continue reading Isn’t It Too Dangerous To Go?
Does Christianity Breed Arrogance?
One of the many things that puts people off about Christianity is that they see Christians as arrogant. Christians think they are morally superior to those around them, they think that they are righteous, part of God's "in-crowd." In fact, some go further: it's not that just some Christians happen to be arrogant. Rather, Christianity by… Continue reading Does Christianity Breed Arrogance?
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
Spiritual Disciplines and the Central Strategy for Fighting Guilt
For many of us, spiritual disciplines and guilt go together like chicken and garlic (it's a thing, trust me). As soon as someone even mentions having a daily quiet time our guilt radar gets a ping. We feel bad that we don't read the Bible enough, pray enough, and we can often feel that in… Continue reading Spiritual Disciplines and the Central Strategy for Fighting Guilt
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?
God Doesn’t Care If You ‘Feel Called’ Or Not
This is a bit of a pet peeve of mine. The language of 'feeling called' seems to be ubiquitous in Christian circles. "I really feel called to say this..."; "I've just never really felt called to missions"; "Ever since that point I've just really felt called into the ministry." Why do we talk like that? The language of 'feeling… Continue reading God Doesn’t Care If You ‘Feel Called’ Or Not