Wayne Slater of the Dallas Morning News argues that Rudy Giuliani’s strength on national security may override concerns that evangelicals have about his liberal social views: “The Republican Party’s staunchest supporters of the war on terrorism . . . may be motivated by a candidate they believe will protect them against terrorism. In particular, that could help Mr. Giuliani overcome the conventional wisdom that a GOP dominated by Christian conservatives won’t nominate a social liberal for president. “‘The national security issues appeal to a number of evangelicals,’ said John Green, senior fellow at the Pew Forum for Religion and Public Life, who has long studied how religion motivates voters. ‘They…
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Drs. Patterson Defend Homemaking Degree
You may have heard that the trustees at Southwestern Seminary approved a new homemaking degree for the College at Southwestern. The move has resulted in some controversy and a considerable amount of media attention (e.g., Baptist Press, AP story). Last week, Dr. Jerry Johnson interviewed the President of Southwestern Dr. Paige Patterson and his wife Dr. Dorothy Patterson about the new program. Drs. Patterson defended the program based on the Bible’s teaching about gender roles in the home. It’s an informative interview, and I think you should hear it. It’s available for download here: “Teaching the Biblical Model of the Home” – Jerry Johnson Live. Frankly, I don’t see what…
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Billy Graham Update
Perhaps you have heard that Billy Graham was recently hospitalized for intestinal bleeding. According to a newspaper in North Carolina, his condition is improving. (HT: Bruce Tomaso)
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High School Musical (please forgive frivolous post)
This is a frivolous post. But I’m doing it anyway. Is there anyone out there willing to admit that they are fans of “High School Musical”? Granted, the basketball “players” look like they can hardly even dribble, much less actually play basketball [Note to central casting: Next time you need to cast a realistic looking basketball player, try not to hire a Justin Guarini look-alike]. Talking about this movie is a capitulation to a cheesy pop culture phenomenon. But I’m still wondering who will fess up to making plans to watch “High School Musical 2” tonight? “To answer your question, it’s even better than the first one.” –Los Angeles Times…
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Another Misleading Headline about Abortion
Did you read the big news that a new study has found that the abortion drug RU-486 is safe? TIME magazine’s title says it all: “Study Finds Abortion Pill Safe.” It helps to read the fine print because in this case the title by itself is misleading. The study actually only addressed certain long-term effects of the drug. The article goes on to say that many doctors continue to question the drug’s safety in the short term. Here’s the relevant section from the TIME article:
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Piper Pounds Prosperity Preachers
I hate the prosperity “gospel.” The main problem with the prosperity “gospel” is that it is not true and will lead you to hell if you believe it. If you understand the Bible, you know that it is really no gospel at all. Paul said it this way:
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“. . . until another comes and examines him.â€
Proverbs 18:17 says that “The first one to plead his cause seems right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him.” This is wisdom for all of us in how we treat one another in the body of Christ. If I hear a bad report about a brother, I always assume that there’s another side to the story and that the one I’m hearing may be wrong or ill-motivated.
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Does Jesus Support Universal Healthcare?
Would Jesus have supported universal healthcare? According to J. P. Moreland, Jesus would not have favored such a thing: “Two central features of Jesus’ ethical views imply that Jesus urged compassionate care for the poor but not by the state. In short, he would never have supported universal healthcare.” Moreland’s argument is based on a certain view of the separation of church and state. It’s a short little piece and worth your time to read the whole thing.
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Greg Boyd Responds to John Piper
Greg Boyd has responded to John Piper’s reflections on the collapsed bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After summarizing what Piper wrote (which was discussed extensively on this blog), Boyd writes this about Piper: “I respect this pastor as a man of God, but this teaching honestly concerns me.” It turns out that his “concern” is an understatement. Boyd contests the entire theological foundation of Piper’s essay.
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Karl Rove, the “Architect,†To Resign
President Bush called Karl Rove the “architect” of his electoral victory in 2004. Rove has been much more than that. He has also been a top advisor to President Bush in both of his administrations, and now he is resigning. Reports say that his departure is unrelated to congressional investigations concerning the firings of U.S. attorneys. “The Mark of Rove” – by Paul A. Gigot (Wall Street Journal) “Karl Rove, Adviser to President Bush, to Resign” – by Peter Baker and Debbi Wilgoren (Washington Post)