People aren’t yes-or-no answers
‘Simple questions about massive issues are like weeds with a root that runs incredibly deep. The questions themselves are connected to things much deeper and more profound happening in a person’s life. Giving a simple answer is like plucking the weed without dealing with the root. It doesn’t solve the issue.’
The crime of spiritual abuse: one of the most dangerous ideas in decades
David Robertson tackles the recent move to introduce a crime of ‘spiritual abuse’ and explains why the move is authoritarian, anti-freedom and potentially abusive.
When pain comes knocking at your door
This is excellent. ‘What am I saying, then – that a disease can be a calling? I believe it can be! Callings are not just for missionaries and pastors.’
What does a mission agency do?
In response to a couple of articles I wrote on the primacy of the local church in mission (see here and here), Eddie Arthur has, once again, responded to some of my comments. He is in broad agreement but wants to offer a bit more nuance, which given his position he is much better placed to do than I am.
3 things you are really saying when you bash your predecessor
‘Change always entails creating some dissatisfaction with the status quo. But wisely and skillfully creating dissatisfaction with the status quo is very different than subtly or overtly trashing and bashing the leaders who led before you. Sadly, it is common for leaders to bash those who led before them. Instead of honoring their contributions, they take shots.’ Needless to say, this isn’t a good look on anybody.
JK Rowling created an army of liberals – now they’re turning against her
This was fascinating. I loathe Harry Potter and everything associated with it. I don’t think Rowling is a good writer nor a standard-bearer for anything remotely left-wing. Bearing all the hallmarks of a selfish progressivism that is quite happy to retain money for oneself and insist on virtue signalling on issues that will in no way affect her, it is little wonder her readers are no beginning to behave the same way.
From the archive: 3 doctrines to which we assent in word but not always in practice
‘There are several key doctrines to which confessional evangelical churches subscribe and to which the entirety of the membership assent upon joining the church. Yet, very often, though the membership claim assent to what is written in the doctrinal basis/statement of faith, it is apparent many do not in practice really believe such things.’