Normally I begin with a link to some interesting news story. Not today. Below is a video that caught my attention as I was searching for videos to help explain philosophical concepts. The video is only 8 minutes long but it has a strong message that I think Christians need to hear.

This is the most poignant and compelling presentation of the argument for religious syncretism I have ever seen. If you are saddened, frustrated, or angered by religious abuse and violence, then this video resonates. It just might make you want to adopt the animator’s worldview that worldviews are like cupboards. Continue reading …

“… so Absalom stole away the hearts of the men of Israel.” (2 Samuel 15:6b)

The current mid-term elections have taken over much of the media, and one can hardly go anywhere without being confronted by the claims of the perspective candidates or their supporters. Mudslinging abounds and in many cases replaces any actual debate of the relevant issues. Will conservatives capture the House or the Senate or both or will liberals retain the majority? The battles we see going on today are not new and remind me a bit of King David and his son Absalom.

King David was a good leader, certainly not perfect. He sometimes allowed Continue reading …

There has been a lot of discussion in party politics these days about R.I.N.O.s which stand for Republicans In Name Only. Sure, they are part of the Republican Party but for all intents and purposes are undeclared Democrats. R.I.N.O is an apt description. It was also helpful in titling this week’s blog.

Joy and I had the opportunity last week to watch the latest rendition of the old classic, Robin Hood. The film had a cast which included some of my favorite actors, Russell Crow, Max von Sydow, John Hurt and Cate Blanchett. I have loved the tale of Robin Hood in book, television series and various films, even the satire Robin Hood: Men in Tights. There was no pretense that this was the retelling of the story in updated form but even the title demonstrated it was satire.

I have to admit I was little prepared for the sheer revisionism and blatant politically correctness integrated into this film which for all intents and purposes renders this as Robin Hood In Name Only. Continue reading …

During the Christmas season a few years ago, the pastor of the church Joy and I were attending made a point that hadn’t really crossed my mind before. As we read the gospel narratives of the incarnation story one of the main characters in the story, doesn’t have any lines. For me it is a little dangerous when a new piece of information surfaces in church as it seems that my mind leaves the building in search of how that information might impact other things. In the midst of the flood of thoughts that raced across the landscape of my mind three men and a challenge came to rest in center stage. One man you have heard of, Joseph, two you probably have not, Allen and Bob.

The challenge that is frequently sent to me is do we always have to pick on what church leaders do wrong, can’t we ever find something positive to say? That is a good challenge for as my friend and Advisory Board member, Bill Honsberger of Haven Ministries often reminds me, Continue reading …