The New York Times has just published a feature on the resurgence of Calvinism among evangelicals. The story features Mark Dever and Collin Hansen as well as remarks from Arminian critic Roger Olsen. That fact that this story even made it into the nation’s paper of record is significant all by itself. For that reason alone, you don’t want to miss this one. The end of the article asks whether the reformed resurgence is a fad—a movement that is here and then gone like the emergent church. I think that comparison misses the point. There are many important differences between the two movements that render them apples and oranges. The…
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Van Neste critiques Joel Green’s ethics dictionary
In the Fall issue of JBMW, Ray Van Neste has a hard-hitting review of Joel Green’s Dictionary of Scripture and Ethics (Baker, 2011). He observes that the volume is weak on biblical authority and biblical sexuality. In his conclusion, Van Neste writes, The volume as a whole is alarming and disappointing. I’ve focused primarily on entries concerning sexual ethics since they illustrate the dictionary’s general approach to scripture and since these issues are some of the most significant ethical issues facing the church today. The value of a tool is seen in how it works at the point of greatest pressure. At such points, Dictionary of Scripture and Ethics fails.
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The transgender revolution marches forward
A new law goes into effect in California today that allows new “privileges” for transgender children. The Washington Times reports: [The law] is intended to permit transgender students to choose by themselves which bathrooms and locker rooms they will use, and which sports teams they will join. California schools are already required not to discriminate against transgender students, and they currently work with students and their families to address pertinent issues. However, gay-rights groups and some transgender students said the old policy was not sensitive enough.
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Dude Perfect drains it from 500 feet
Dude Perfect took their mad skills atop Reunion Tower in downtown Dallas and drained the nuclear three from 500 feet. Neato!
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Goodbye to the old year
I’ve been a fan of Eric Peters since 1995, but thanks to the Rabbit Room for reminding me of his more recent single “The Old Year.” Very apropos for tonight. Listen to the song below, but be sure to go and download it here. [audio:http://www.rabbitroom.com/audio/TheOldYearofDenial.mp3]
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Tim Tebow signs with ESPN
It was announced today that Tim Tebow is joining ESPN to be an analyst for its SEC Network. While he still wishes to play professional football, this is his gig for now. In a statement, Tebow says this: I am so excited that ESPN has given me this incredible opportunity… When I was 6 years old, I fell in love with the game of football, and while I continue to pursue my dream of playing quarterback in the NFL, this is an amazing opportunity to be part of the unparalleled passion of college football and the SEC. I know nobody wants to hear this, but I just thought I remind…
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Man gets disability benefits for heavy metal addiction
A 42-year old Swedish man named Roger Tullgren has successfully lobbied his government to get his obsession with heavy metal music classified as a disability. You’re going to have to read this to believe it: Because heavy metal dominates so many aspects of his life, the Employment Service has agreed to pay part of Tullgren’s salary. His new boss meanwhile has given him a special dispensation to play loud music at work. “I have been trying for ten years to get this classified as a handicap,” Tullgren told The Local.
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Fox News panel turns into evangelical small group
The video above is a remarkable discussion about “religion”–even for Fox News. The panelists are predominantly Christian–as far as I can tell–and their conversation ends up sounding like an evangelical “prayer and share.” This kind of conversation on cable news is really rare, so I thought it was worth noting. (HT: Eric Metaxas)
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A Plan To Read the Greek New Testament in One Year
Someone just asked me on Facebook if I knew of any plans to read the Greek New Testament in a year. Well as a matter of fact, I do. I created such a plan a couple of years ago. For the most part, it tracks pretty closely with Lee Irons’ excellent schedule for reading the Greek New Testament in a year. My plan, however, varies a little bit. Because John’s writing is simpler Greek, my schedule goes through John’s Gospel at a faster pace than Irons’. As a result, there are no readings scheduled at the end of the year from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Eve. These open dates…
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Owen Strachan talks to Hugh Hewitt on “Risky Gospel”
Hugh Hewitt interviewed Owen Strachan on Thursday about Strachan’s new book Risky Gospel: Abandon Fear and Build Something Awesome. The interview was wide-ranging, addressing issues from Duck Dynasty to Pope Francis. You can download audio of the interview here or you can listen to it below. [audio:http://s3.amazonaws.com/stitcher32.e/31253118.mp3] If you haven’t gotten Owen’s book yet, you can do so here or click the image at right.