James MacDonald has a statement clarifying the purpose of The Elephant Room and walking back his previous defense of the T. D. Jakes invitation. He writes: One of the things I have worked hardest at in my ministry is listening to and benefiting from criticism. The Elephant Room has brought a lot of it, and I have attempted to get to the bottom of what the Lord is saying to me through this criticism . . . I regret pushing back against the harshest of critics, for they were few compared to the many who have come in the best possible way with true intention and helpful correction. Further, I…
-
-
Dallas Pastor Endorses Rick Perry
David Weigel reports at Slate.com that Dallas Pastor Robert Jeffress has endorsed Rick Perry at the Values Voter Summit. Jeffress reasons that—all things being equal—Christians should favor Christian political candidates over non-Christian ones. For that reason he supports Perry over Romney. The video of the interview is above. Here’s a little piece of it transcribed: I believe we should always support a Christian over a non-Christian. The value of electing a Christian goes beyond public policies. . . . Christians are uniquely favored by God, [while] Mormons, Hindus and Muslims worship a false god. The eternal consequences outweigh political ones. It is worse to legitimize a faith that would lead…
-
Steve Jobs’ Biography on Sale Now
The publisher Simon & Schuster announced yesterday that they have moved-up the publication date of Steve Jobs’ authorized biography from November 21 to October 24 (see cover at right). It hits the shelves this month. You can pre-order a copy right now from Amazon.com. One of the last people to see Jobs before his death was his biographer, Walter Isaacson. In that meeting, Jobs explains why he authorized his biography. Here is an account of Jobs’ final meeting with Isaacson: Steve Jobs, in pain and too weak to climb stairs a few weeks before his death, wanted his children to understand why he wasn’t always there for them, according to…
-
Come Visit Boyce College’s Preview Conference
It is Fall, and high school seniors (and juniors) all over the country are already beginning to get serious about what college they want to attend after graduation. There are a lot of choices, and sometimes making a decision can be bewildering. I want you to know, however, that there is one place that I give my unqualified endorsement to: Boyce College. Boyce College offers a solid undergraduate course of study that is steeped in the Christian worldview. I think every Christian student ought to consider the benefits of a Christian education. And for those who decide to go that route, Boyce College ought to be at the top of…
-
The Legacy of Steve Jobs (1955-2011)
-
There Will Be No Republican Messiah
It is ironic that the same Republican who criticized the Democrats three years ago for having a messianic view of Obama are now casting about in search of a messiah of their own. I like how John Mark Reynolds says it: The quest by some in the Republican Party for a savior is unseemly. We have a choice between the incumbent president and a long list of good men and women with strong backgrounds. This list includes the governor of one of our largest states, a former governor and business leader, a former senator, a successful business leader, the architect of the Republican congressional majority, and a congressional firebrand. Whatever…
-
Justin Taylor on T.D. Jakes and The Elephant Room
Justin hits the nail on the head: The most controversial part of the Elephant Room inviting T.D. Jakes to participate is not whether or not it’s permissible or advisable to have a conversation with someone who cannot affirm Trinitarian orthodoxy and who preaches a prosperity gospel. Rather, the bigger problem (as I see it) is that James MacDonald defended the decision under the idea that the Elephant Room is all about “Getting brothers together who believe in salvation by grace alone through faith alone but normally don’t interact.” Further, their site explains that the motivation behind the Elephant Room is “a dual desire to challenge and unite this generation’s pastors.”…
-
Tim Hawkins on Bible Translation
Tim Hawkins gives us his take on The Message—a popular paraphrase version of the Bible: Boy, I love that Message Bible. That is a laid back Bible. You ever read that? I thought the Living Bible was laid back. The Message is like…the recipe for Rice Crispy Treats.
-
Transgender Children and Directionless Parenting
A lesbian couple in San Francisco, California has recently decided to give hormone blockers to their adopted son. Why? Because he decided at the age of three years old that he feels like a girl even though he has the biology of a little boy. Because his gender is sort of up in the air right now, the couple felt that the hormone blockers would give him more time to decide what he wants to be when he grows up—a girl or a boy.
-
Come Visit Southern Seminary’s Preview Conference
If the Lord has called you into ministry and you are wondering what seminary to attend for training, you need to know that there is no better place than The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. I’m not just saying that because I work here. I work here because I really believe it. The best way to get familiar with what we are all about is to visit. Southern Seminary will be hosting a Preview conference in a couple of weeks on October 14, and it will be the perfect time for you to come and see the campus, sit in a class, and visit with professors. The Seminary will put you…