Don Quixote is evidently the origin of the adage: “The proof of the pudding is in the eating.” That is, the true quality of something can only be determined by using it. The meticulously prepared dessert dish may look delectable, but one only knows for sure by tasting it.
Similarly, Jesus declared that people would recognize true Christianity only as they observed His followers practicing it in their daily lives: “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Sermons of flawless logic, impeccable organizational structure, highly charged worship services, and a large budget are not cited as evidences of genuine Christianity in action. Instead, Jesus points to the practical outworking of loving relationships.
This dimension is the means by which Christianity must be proclaimed to a skeptical world. And, indeed, praise is coming from some unexpected quarters.
Matthew Parris writes for the U.K. Times Online, being twice honored as “Columnist of the Year.” He is also an outspoken atheist. Yet he has high praise for Christianity’s impact in Africa. “[A] confirmed atheist, I’ve become convinced of the enormous contribution that Christian evangelism makes in Africa: sharply distinct from the work of secular NGOs, government projects, and international aid efforts.”
Parris used to wish that faith could simply be divorced from all the good things that Christians do and build. But he now appreciates how the Christian faith has transformed the hearts of people from the Africa he knew as a boy. “[S]omething changed in the faces of the people … something in their eyes … the way they approached you direct, man-to-man, without looking down or away.”
Parris has not (yet) embraced Christianity himself, but he has taken a giant step in the right direction by observing the genuine fruits of conversion. The characteristics of honesty, diligence, and optimism he attributes to “a conception of man’s place in the universe that Christianity had taught.”
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Marriage in Trouble
It’s not often that a cover story in Time reinforces the Bible. But in the July 13th issue, Caitlin Flanagan eloquently did just that. Lambasting adulterous politicians Gov. Mark Sanford and Sen. John Ensign, Mrs. Flanagan exposed their self-centered hypocrisy for the destructive behavior that it is. Both men built reputations as conservative and family-friendly. But their actions belie their professions.
Their sorry narcissism adds fuel to the fire of those who argue that conservative, pro-family leaders are hypocrites who spout idealistic principles in an effort to curry the favor of a certain segment of the voting population.
Numerous observers have documented the schizophrenia of American culture with respect to marriage. Society continues to uphold the ideal of a permanent, child-bearing marriage broken only by death. Yet, in practice, the decisions to marry and stay married have been declining for decades. Increasingly, people are choosing cohabitation, nonmarital childbearing, or having no children.
Utilizing the hard facts of social science, Flanagan concludes: “There is no other single force causing as much measurable hardship and human misery in this country as the collapse of marriage.” Even feminist sociologist Maria Kefalas is forced to concede that growing up without a father has a deep psychological impact on a child: “The mom may not need that man, but her children still do.”
The weakened state of American marriage is due to an unrealistic, romantic view of marriage setting impossible expectations that no relationship can achieve, and the myopic failure to account for the devastating consequences of marital breakup.
Flanagan wonders who is left to ensure that the next generation will appreciate the stability and blessings found only in enduring marriage. Her biting answer strikes at the heart of much marital failure: “the ones who are willing to sacrifice the thrill of a love letter for the betterment of their children.”
The bedrock of an enduring society, stable homes require hard work and regular maintenance. But unless present trends are reversed, cultural deterioration will only intensify.
Their sorry narcissism adds fuel to the fire of those who argue that conservative, pro-family leaders are hypocrites who spout idealistic principles in an effort to curry the favor of a certain segment of the voting population.
Numerous observers have documented the schizophrenia of American culture with respect to marriage. Society continues to uphold the ideal of a permanent, child-bearing marriage broken only by death. Yet, in practice, the decisions to marry and stay married have been declining for decades. Increasingly, people are choosing cohabitation, nonmarital childbearing, or having no children.
Utilizing the hard facts of social science, Flanagan concludes: “There is no other single force causing as much measurable hardship and human misery in this country as the collapse of marriage.” Even feminist sociologist Maria Kefalas is forced to concede that growing up without a father has a deep psychological impact on a child: “The mom may not need that man, but her children still do.”
The weakened state of American marriage is due to an unrealistic, romantic view of marriage setting impossible expectations that no relationship can achieve, and the myopic failure to account for the devastating consequences of marital breakup.
Flanagan wonders who is left to ensure that the next generation will appreciate the stability and blessings found only in enduring marriage. Her biting answer strikes at the heart of much marital failure: “the ones who are willing to sacrifice the thrill of a love letter for the betterment of their children.”
The bedrock of an enduring society, stable homes require hard work and regular maintenance. But unless present trends are reversed, cultural deterioration will only intensify.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Consequences of Conflicting Visions
This year the world remembers two men whose impacts upon society are beyond measure. July 10th marks the 500th birthday of John Calvin. Charles Darwin was born 200 years ago on February 12th.
By any reckoning, both men are giants of history. But it would be difficult to find two men with more contrasting visions of life and its significance. Darwin wrote that the laws of nature, apart from God, can explain “the beneficent arrangement of the world.” Rejecting a sovereign Creator, Darwin argued that an evolutionary process in which the fittest survive produced the human race.
Calvin taught the existence of God and that all men are accountable to Him. A product of God’s creative work, humans are obligated to worship God their Creator, seeking forgiveness for their sins that are an offence to His holiness.
The consequences of a Darwinian worldview are abundant and devastating. If men are the products of time and chance, ultimately life has no meaning. There can be no moral absolutes because God doesn’t exist. People are free to follow their own whims, biases, and perversions. No one is in a position to condemn the lifestyle of others. Darwinian thinking thus leads to moral and spiritual chaos.
Conversely, Calvin emphasized that the moral absolutes of God’s character must be the standards of human society. We can condemn certain lifestyle choices because God does. As Creator, He sets the standard for His universe. Moreover, there is such a thing as sin that must be recognized and restrained by society. Our own republican representative government grew out of a Calvinistic mindset. Darwin’s followers became proponents of Marxism and totalitarianism.
Calvin has left a legacy of respect for human life, the family as defined by the Bible, and the necessity of society operating under the law of God. The fruit of Darwinism is moral relativism, leading to abortion on demand, racism, eugenics, and oppression of the helpless.
Thank God for Calvin!
By any reckoning, both men are giants of history. But it would be difficult to find two men with more contrasting visions of life and its significance. Darwin wrote that the laws of nature, apart from God, can explain “the beneficent arrangement of the world.” Rejecting a sovereign Creator, Darwin argued that an evolutionary process in which the fittest survive produced the human race.
Calvin taught the existence of God and that all men are accountable to Him. A product of God’s creative work, humans are obligated to worship God their Creator, seeking forgiveness for their sins that are an offence to His holiness.
The consequences of a Darwinian worldview are abundant and devastating. If men are the products of time and chance, ultimately life has no meaning. There can be no moral absolutes because God doesn’t exist. People are free to follow their own whims, biases, and perversions. No one is in a position to condemn the lifestyle of others. Darwinian thinking thus leads to moral and spiritual chaos.
Conversely, Calvin emphasized that the moral absolutes of God’s character must be the standards of human society. We can condemn certain lifestyle choices because God does. As Creator, He sets the standard for His universe. Moreover, there is such a thing as sin that must be recognized and restrained by society. Our own republican representative government grew out of a Calvinistic mindset. Darwin’s followers became proponents of Marxism and totalitarianism.
Calvin has left a legacy of respect for human life, the family as defined by the Bible, and the necessity of society operating under the law of God. The fruit of Darwinism is moral relativism, leading to abortion on demand, racism, eugenics, and oppression of the helpless.
Thank God for Calvin!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Bending God
Years ago I knew of a prisoner who was devoutly following his religion. Asked why he faithfully engaged in various rituals, he replied that he was “bending God.” He was saying prayers and reading from his holy book in an effort to induce his god to respond as he wanted.
This man was not a Christian. But his worldview is sometimes found among those who profess to follow Christ. The question that must be answered is this: Is God a means to an end, or the end for which all exists? In other words, does God exist to make our lives comfortable, safe, and prosperous? Or is our existence ordained so that we may glorify His name through all of life, whether it is peaceful or turbulent, prosperous or penniless?
Popular preachers sometimes suggest the former; the Bible teaches the latter. Some of God’s choicest servants, in biblical times and since, have suffered tremendously and died in poverty—simply because they were faithful to their calling. The Christian experience is much deeper than mere material and financial well being
British writer C. S. Lewis said it well: “I haven’t always been a Christian. I didn’t go to religion to make me happy. I always knew a bottle of Port would do that. If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable, I certainly don’t recommend Christianity.”
No, the Christian life is a ceaseless struggle against sin and temptation as we journey toward eternity. Sometimes the Christian identity brings tremendous peril, even death. We grieve over our lack of faithfulness to our God. But we understand that our guilt was born by the Savior. So we rejoice in that forgiveness, striving to serve God in a spirit of gratitude and faithfulness.
God’s purpose is not to be a “genie in the bottle” waiting to grant our next wish.
We humans exist for the glory and praise of God, the Creator. Make that your chief end.
This man was not a Christian. But his worldview is sometimes found among those who profess to follow Christ. The question that must be answered is this: Is God a means to an end, or the end for which all exists? In other words, does God exist to make our lives comfortable, safe, and prosperous? Or is our existence ordained so that we may glorify His name through all of life, whether it is peaceful or turbulent, prosperous or penniless?
Popular preachers sometimes suggest the former; the Bible teaches the latter. Some of God’s choicest servants, in biblical times and since, have suffered tremendously and died in poverty—simply because they were faithful to their calling. The Christian experience is much deeper than mere material and financial well being
British writer C. S. Lewis said it well: “I haven’t always been a Christian. I didn’t go to religion to make me happy. I always knew a bottle of Port would do that. If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable, I certainly don’t recommend Christianity.”
No, the Christian life is a ceaseless struggle against sin and temptation as we journey toward eternity. Sometimes the Christian identity brings tremendous peril, even death. We grieve over our lack of faithfulness to our God. But we understand that our guilt was born by the Savior. So we rejoice in that forgiveness, striving to serve God in a spirit of gratitude and faithfulness.
God’s purpose is not to be a “genie in the bottle” waiting to grant our next wish.
We humans exist for the glory and praise of God, the Creator. Make that your chief end.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Patrick Henry: Fatherhood Personified
Patrick Henry is famous for his eloquent statesmanship, a powerful force in the founding of our nation. His “give me liberty or give me death” speech is one of the best known in American history; his fiery oratory was one of the factors God used to fan the flames of liberty.
But Henry was more than a zealot for freedom. He understood his God-given responsibilities as a father and strove to fulfill them with excellence. Indeed, as the father of seventeen children and grandfather of seventy, some have humorously suggested that he, not George Washington, should be considered the father of our country!
Beyond the bearing of sons and daughters, Patrick Henry took upon himself the task of preparing them for life and eternity to come. It was his habit to devote Sunday evenings to a time of family worship. He would read portions from the Bible or favorite sermons, along with accompanying the family in singing sacred music as he played the violin.
Henry served as the principal teacher for his school-age children, inspiring them to learn and apply themselves for life. He further tutored his sons in law, one of them becoming a lawyer like himself while another served as a county sheriff.
Beyond academics, he counseled his children for marital success: “My Dear Daughter: You have just entered into that state which is replete with happiness or misery. The issue depends upon that prudent, amiable, uniform conduct which wisdom and virtue so strongly recommend on the one hand, or on that imprudence which a want of reflection or passion may prompt on the other.”
Patrick Henry knew that a stable society must rest upon the foundation of strong homes. He sought to lead by example, understanding that the authority a man “exercised within the larger society was rooted in the authority exercised at home.”
There is a dearth of engaged fathers today. As you celebrate Father’s Day 2009, be inspired by the actions of Patrick Henry.
But Henry was more than a zealot for freedom. He understood his God-given responsibilities as a father and strove to fulfill them with excellence. Indeed, as the father of seventeen children and grandfather of seventy, some have humorously suggested that he, not George Washington, should be considered the father of our country!
Beyond the bearing of sons and daughters, Patrick Henry took upon himself the task of preparing them for life and eternity to come. It was his habit to devote Sunday evenings to a time of family worship. He would read portions from the Bible or favorite sermons, along with accompanying the family in singing sacred music as he played the violin.
Henry served as the principal teacher for his school-age children, inspiring them to learn and apply themselves for life. He further tutored his sons in law, one of them becoming a lawyer like himself while another served as a county sheriff.
Beyond academics, he counseled his children for marital success: “My Dear Daughter: You have just entered into that state which is replete with happiness or misery. The issue depends upon that prudent, amiable, uniform conduct which wisdom and virtue so strongly recommend on the one hand, or on that imprudence which a want of reflection or passion may prompt on the other.”
Patrick Henry knew that a stable society must rest upon the foundation of strong homes. He sought to lead by example, understanding that the authority a man “exercised within the larger society was rooted in the authority exercised at home.”
There is a dearth of engaged fathers today. As you celebrate Father’s Day 2009, be inspired by the actions of Patrick Henry.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Dr. Spock vs. the Bible
The seventh best-selling book of all time was published by Dr. Spock in 1946, The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care. Having sold over 50 million copies and been translated into more than 40 languages, it is hard to overestimate the profound influence his theories have had on our civilization.
Dr. Spock advocated a permissive style of parenting catering to children’s whims and preferences instead of a more directive approach requiring adherence to established standards of behavior. Indulgence, rather than discipline, was the methodology he promoted, ultimately producing defiance toward authority and a self-centered “me-first” approach to life in general.
The fruit of the Spock influence is painfully apparent. The violent crime rate has tripled since 1960. The sexual revolution rages unabated. Today 25% of teenage girls are infected with a sexually transmitted disease. There has been a 318 % increase in sexual assault. Lack of self-control and restraint of passions is the unmistakable consequence of indulgent parenting.
The Bible, in stark contrast, warns parents of the need to deal firmly with the sinful inclinations of their children. Proverbs 22:15 declares, “Foolish is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction will drive it far from him.” Elsewhere, Proverbs argues that a parent who refuses to exercise proper correction actually “hates” his son, whereas the “loving” parent “disciplines him promptly.”
Too frequently we are shocked by news stories of violence perpetrated by children and youth. Ever since Cain murdered Abel there has always been a violent minority in society. But one cannot miss the overwhelming tide of brutality and profligacy sweeping our society today in a manner unheard of 50 years ago.
While we cannot lay all of the blame at the feet of Dr. Spock, it is inarguable that his seminal book started a revolution that has been promoted by countless other “experts.”
Consistent discipline through the loving enforcement of established boundaries and standards is God’s method. It works.
Dr. Spock advocated a permissive style of parenting catering to children’s whims and preferences instead of a more directive approach requiring adherence to established standards of behavior. Indulgence, rather than discipline, was the methodology he promoted, ultimately producing defiance toward authority and a self-centered “me-first” approach to life in general.
The fruit of the Spock influence is painfully apparent. The violent crime rate has tripled since 1960. The sexual revolution rages unabated. Today 25% of teenage girls are infected with a sexually transmitted disease. There has been a 318 % increase in sexual assault. Lack of self-control and restraint of passions is the unmistakable consequence of indulgent parenting.
The Bible, in stark contrast, warns parents of the need to deal firmly with the sinful inclinations of their children. Proverbs 22:15 declares, “Foolish is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction will drive it far from him.” Elsewhere, Proverbs argues that a parent who refuses to exercise proper correction actually “hates” his son, whereas the “loving” parent “disciplines him promptly.”
Too frequently we are shocked by news stories of violence perpetrated by children and youth. Ever since Cain murdered Abel there has always been a violent minority in society. But one cannot miss the overwhelming tide of brutality and profligacy sweeping our society today in a manner unheard of 50 years ago.
While we cannot lay all of the blame at the feet of Dr. Spock, it is inarguable that his seminal book started a revolution that has been promoted by countless other “experts.”
Consistent discipline through the loving enforcement of established boundaries and standards is God’s method. It works.
Friday, April 24, 2009
The End of Christian America?
The April 13th issue of Newsweek featured a cover with the blaring headline: “The End of Christian America.” The title was not a question but a declaration. A subheading for the story stated, “The percentage of self-identified Christians has fallen 10 points in the past two decades.”
An old axiom reminds us that he who defines the terms wins the debate. Whether the article represents reality is entirely predicated upon how one understands the descriptive “Christian nation.” If the predominant religious make-up of a nation determines its label, then assuredly we remain a Christian nation.
76% of Americans still identify themselves as Christians, rendering comparatively insignificant the 1.2% Jewish and 0.6 % Muslim segments. India’s identity as a Hindu nation is never questioned, despite Hindus comprising just over 80% of the population.
One cannot escape the sense that Newsweek made its case with some relish. Indeed, many in the secular media choose to portray conservative Christians as being out-of-touch with the sophisticated worldview of 21st century humanity, one which assumes that there is no such thing as absolute truth. Christianity’s exclusive claims are abhorrent to those who relativize all beliefs and lifestyles.
There is no denying that the influence of the Christian worldview, so formative in the founding of our nation, has been in decline. If present patterns continue, we will follow in the footsteps of Western Europe where Christianity has dwindled to merely a sideshow to the dominant secularism.
But the sleeping giant of American Christianity is slowly awakening. The theme for a major national conference this summer is “The Great Reversal: How Christians Will Change the Future”—the third such annual event in this series (see Americanvision.org). Despite the prognosis that the impact of Christianity in the U.S. has been relegated to the dustbin of history, a groundswell of revival is calling our nation back to her spiritual roots. It remains but wishful thinking for the enemies of the faith to declare the era of Christian influence in America over.
An old axiom reminds us that he who defines the terms wins the debate. Whether the article represents reality is entirely predicated upon how one understands the descriptive “Christian nation.” If the predominant religious make-up of a nation determines its label, then assuredly we remain a Christian nation.
76% of Americans still identify themselves as Christians, rendering comparatively insignificant the 1.2% Jewish and 0.6 % Muslim segments. India’s identity as a Hindu nation is never questioned, despite Hindus comprising just over 80% of the population.
One cannot escape the sense that Newsweek made its case with some relish. Indeed, many in the secular media choose to portray conservative Christians as being out-of-touch with the sophisticated worldview of 21st century humanity, one which assumes that there is no such thing as absolute truth. Christianity’s exclusive claims are abhorrent to those who relativize all beliefs and lifestyles.
There is no denying that the influence of the Christian worldview, so formative in the founding of our nation, has been in decline. If present patterns continue, we will follow in the footsteps of Western Europe where Christianity has dwindled to merely a sideshow to the dominant secularism.
But the sleeping giant of American Christianity is slowly awakening. The theme for a major national conference this summer is “The Great Reversal: How Christians Will Change the Future”—the third such annual event in this series (see Americanvision.org). Despite the prognosis that the impact of Christianity in the U.S. has been relegated to the dustbin of history, a groundswell of revival is calling our nation back to her spiritual roots. It remains but wishful thinking for the enemies of the faith to declare the era of Christian influence in America over.
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