The issue of alcohol has always been a controversial one within the Christian community. Did Jesus make, or advocate the use of, intoxicating wine? Is having an occasional drink really that big of a deal? These are certainly valid questions that committed Christians have asked over the years. Beliefs and practices among individuals vary. Baptists, … Continue reading Alcohol: To Imbibe Or Not To Imbibe?
Category: Social Issues
“F Word” Needs Clearer Definition
Published on The Tennessee Journalist May 27, 2009 ..no, not THAT "f-word." Rather, the f-word I refer to sometimes draws an even more negative reaction. That word is "Fundamentalism." "Fundamentalist" is a specifically Christian term. Consequentially, much modern usage in the media (i.e. referring to ISIS as "Islamic Fundamentalists") is a severe misrepresentation of both … Continue reading “F Word” Needs Clearer Definition
Jesus: Conservative or Liberal? Part 2-Jesus, Money and the Poor
Originally published on James and Dave's Bible Page "Whose side would Jesus be on, the wealthy businessman's, or the poor farmer's?" In the many discourses about Christianity and politics, questions like this one often come up in order to make the case that God cannot be tied to popular right-wing political ideologies (a point which, … Continue reading Jesus: Conservative or Liberal? Part 2-Jesus, Money and the Poor
Jesus: Conservative or Liberal? Part 3: Biblical Stewardship, Charity and Welfare
Originally published on James and Dave's Bible Page As we conclude our series on applying Jesus' teachings to the modern political arena, I would like to share an illustration from a rather unlikely source: baby sitting. I was once helping to watch two young children, a boy and a girl, for some friends. While we … Continue reading Jesus: Conservative or Liberal? Part 3: Biblical Stewardship, Charity and Welfare
“Happy Holidays,” Tolerance and Common Sense
The holidays are here, and not a moment too soon. Although the season has vastly different meanings to different people, it provides us with an opportunity to end the year on a much needed "up" note that appeals to our highest ideals. However, as usual, there is also the usual saber rattling about the proper greetings … Continue reading “Happy Holidays,” Tolerance and Common Sense
Jesus: Conservative or Liberal? Part 2-Jesus, Money and the Poor
Originally published on James and Dave's Bible Page "Whose side would Jesus be on, the wealthy businessman's, or the poor farmer's?" In the many discourses about Christianity and politics, questions like this one often come up in order to make the case that God cannot be tied to popular right-wing political ideologies (a point which, … Continue reading Jesus: Conservative or Liberal? Part 2-Jesus, Money and the Poor
A Response to “The West Wing” Bible Scene
One would think this would be old news by now, but a twenty year old television clip continues to make waves today. More specifically, this scene from the critically acclaimed TV show “The West Wing” is still frequently used in an attempt to discredit both the Bible and those who believe it: https://youtu.be/S1-ip47WYWc The second … Continue reading A Response to “The West Wing” Bible Scene
Jesus and Homosexuality
As the endless culture wars continue to escalate in our nation and around the world, much of the rhetoric centers around the issue of homosexuality. Furthermore, people on all sides of the debate clamor to make the Lord Jesus Christ a spokesman for their cause. If you are in this situation, I would like to … Continue reading Jesus and Homosexuality
Pro-Life Reasoning Not Limited to Conservatives, Religious
Updated version of an article originally published in The Daily Beacon on Friday, January 16, 2009 A problem with our modern political discourse is the tendency to rely on bumper-sticker logic as a substitute for substantive reason. Nowhere is this more evident than in the eternal war over the ethics of abortion. The clichés are … Continue reading Pro-Life Reasoning Not Limited to Conservatives, Religious
The “Conversion Therapy” Controversy Part 2
In Part 1 of our discussion, we looked at the constant calls by politicians to ban so-called "Conversion Therapy" for individuals with unwanted same-sex attraction (SSA). We also examined the fallacious nature of the accusations and how the current political climate has made it extremely difficult to have a rational discussion of these issues. Those … Continue reading The “Conversion Therapy” Controversy Part 2