What to Learn from the Decline of Young Earth Creationism

‘I want to argue that the decline in young-earth creationism is a symptom of external cultural pressures (without), but also due to missteps on the part of young-earth advocates (within). If you are happy with the decline of the creationist perspective, the first point is for you. If you are galled by the ascendancy of Intelligent Design, the second point is for you. My aim in this article isn’t to advocate for one view over the other, but to show that there are important influences behind the rise of Intelligent Design that both sides should seriously consider.’

Not That Neighbor

This is a very relatable one about the neighbours we are called to love and how that might work it’s way out practically.

A little theology can be dangerous

‘Theological educators—pastors in the church and scholars in the academy alike—must be on guard against theological education that outruns character formation. Someone once remarked to me that a person holding a particular theological view couldn’t possibly be a “mature Christian.” What struck me was both the presumption (the certainty about someone’s spiritual condition) and the assumption (that Christian maturity can be measured by doctrinal precision). No. It isn’t true. I’ve known Christians with only a rudimentary understanding of theology, yet their spiritual depth put many seminary-trained believers to shame. The widow with her mite beats the seminarian with his degree. To miss this, or worse—to be unable to see it—is already a sign of malformation.’

Forgotten, and That’s Good

As somebody currently on the way out of his current ministry post, I co-sign this one.

What Happened to Our Pastor?

This one is excellent by Dan Doriani on the root causes for pastoral failure. 

Overcoming Comparison: Finding Christ-Centered Contentment

‘It has never been easier to compare our lives with others. With a few swipes of a screen we can peer into the homes, holidays, achievements, ministries, bodies, wardrobes, and successes of countless people. Whether through social media, advertising, or the subtle pressures of modern life, we are constantly told that what we have is not enough and perhaps that we are not enough. The result is predictable: discontentment.’

From the archive: Identity, personal narratives and the church

‘The ultimate answer to these questions of identity – however real they might be for some of us; however overstated they are for other of us – is to turn our eyes away from whatever identity we are creating for ourselves and instead focus on the one Jesus has given to us. Whether we are part of the dominant culture or not, whether we have settled into church culture easily or not, whatever class, ethnic or national background we have come from, our primary identity must surely be in Christ.’