Expositor’s Conference Audio Available
September 30, 2010
Expositor’s Conference 2010 was held in Mobile, Alabama at Christ Fellowship Baptist Church, September 27th and 28th. It was an excellent conference focused on the Holiness of God in preaching and featured the teaching of R.C. Sproul and Steve Lawson. The audio is now available on SermonAudio.com, simply click on a link below. (For those of you that do not yet follow us on Twitter we have included the live conference Twitter feed just below the audio links.)
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- “Human nature has never changed and God has never changed. ” Lawson 7:52 PM Sep 28th
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Lawson – “Al Mohler’s library in the basement of his home is the 8th wonder of the world.” 6:57 PM Sep 28th
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Last session about to begin – Preaching the Immutability of God by Dr. Steve Lawson. Tune in LIVE on sermonaudio.com. 6:31 PM Sep 28th
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We have a tendency to think of God being glorified only in the manifestation of His mercy – He is just as glorified by His justice. Sproul 4:15 PM Sep 28th
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RC Sproul – “If you really want to know the will of God it’s your sanctification.” 3:42 PM Sep 28th
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Afternoon break now, back at 3:30 for Q&A with RC Sproul and Steve Lawson. Watch on sermonaudio.com Expositors conference. 2:42 PM Sep 28th
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“The gravity of our preaching is in the gravity of God.” Lawson 2:41 PM Sep 28th
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“Even the smallest sin is an act of cosmic treason… I elevate my will over the will of God.” Sproul 2:39 PM Sep 28th
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Regarding church Sproul says “We’ve lost the sense of transition… from the common to the uncommon, between the profane and the holy. 2:37 PM Sep 28th
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Starting afternoon session, Sproul on The Wrath of God. Tune in Live on sermonaudio.com 1:29 PM Sep 28th
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In true southern hospitality style, we head to lunch here at Christ Fellowship Baptist Church. 12:20 PM Sep 28th
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“The one question on the table, ‘What can a dead man do?’…Answer: ’stink’. We cannot birth ourselves” Lawson 12:18 PM Sep 28th
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“How intentional, individual and eternal is His love for us” Lawson 12:16 PM Sep 28th
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“The higher we set the holiness of God and the lowness of man’s condition the greater we manifest God’s grace.” Lawson 11:59 AM Sep 28th
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“The thunder and lightening of our ministry is ‘Thus says the Lord.’ ” Lawson 11:56 AM Sep 28th
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Eph 1, Preaching the grace of God – Lawson. Watch LIVE on sermonaudio.com, search for Expositor’s Conference. 10:48 AM Sep 28th
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“The most neglected attribute of God is the simplicity of God. God IS His attributes. You can’t take one attribute against another” Sproul 10:35 AM Sep 28th
- Expositors Conf day 2 – Sproul about to preach on holiness of God. We’ll send u a highlight or two.
- Sproul – “Don’t poison my sheep, feed my sheep. Care about the sheep enough to give them what they need not what they want.” 11:04 PM Sep 27th
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RC Sproul was asked what he felt were his most important books – Answer: Holiness of God, Chosen by God, and The Priest with Dirty Clothes 11:00 PM Sep 27th
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Q&A with RC Sproul & Steve Lawson. Webcasting available LIVE on sermonaudio.com. Search for Expositor’s Conference. 8:07 PM Sep 27th
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“We are but messengers… God is the author.” 8:02 PM Sep 27th
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Lawson – 1 Peter 4:10-11; the gift, gravity and goal of preaching. 7:44 PM Sep 27th
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We’re at Expositor’s Conference in Mobile, AL featuring RC Sproul & Steve Lawson on the Holiness of God – stay tuned for highlights. 4:28 PM Sep 27th
Divorce — The Scandal of the Evangelical Conscience
September 30, 2010
Evangelical Christians are gravely concerned about the family, and this is good and necessary. But our credibility on the issue of marriage is significantly discounted by our acceptance of divorce. To our shame, the culture war is not the only place that an honest confrontation with the divorce culture is missing. Divorce is now the scandal of the evangelical conscience.
Mark A. Smith, who teaches political science at the University of Washington, pays close attention to what is now commonly called the “culture war” in America. Though the roots of this cultural conflict reach back to the 1960s, the deep divide over social and moral issues became almost impossible to deny during the late 1970s and ever since. It is now common wisdom to speak of “red” states and “blue” states, and to expect familiar lines of division over questions such as abortion and homosexuality.
In the most general sense, the culture war refers to the struggle to determine laws and customs on a host of moral and political issues that separate Americans into two opposing camps, often presented as the religious right and the secular left. Though the truth is never so simple, the reality of the culture war is almost impossible to deny.
And yet, as Professor Smith surveyed the front lines of the culture war, he was surprised, not so much by the issues of hot debate and controversy, but by an issue that was obvious for its absence — divorce.
“From the standpoint of simple logic, divorce fits cleanly within the category of ‘family values’ and hence hypothetically could represent a driving force in the larger culture war,” he notes. “If ‘family values’ refers to ethics and behavior that affect, well, families, then divorce obviously should qualify. Indeed, divorce seems to carry a more direct connection to the daily realities of families than do the bellwether culture war issues of abortion and homosexuality.”
That logic is an indictment of evangelical failure and a monumental scandal of the evangelical conscience. When faced with this indictment, many evangelicals quickly point to the adoption of so-called “no fault” divorce laws in the 1970s. Yet, while those laws have been devastating to families (and especially to children), Smith makes a compelling case that evangelicals began their accommodation to divorce even before those laws took effect. No fault divorce laws simply reflected an acknowledgment of what had already taken place. As he explains, American evangelicals, along with other Christians, began to shift opinion on divorce when divorce became more common and when it hit close to home.
When the Christian right was organized in the 1970s and galvanized in the 1980s, the issues of abortion and homosexuality were front and center. Where was divorce? Smith documents the fact that groups such as the “pro-traditional family” Moral Majority led by the late Jerry Falwell generally failed even to mention divorce in their publications or platforms.
“During the 10 years of its existence, Falwell’s organization mobilized and lobbied on many political issues, including abortion, pornography, gay rights, school prayer, the Equal Rights Amendment, and sex education in schools,” he recalls. Where is divorce — a tragedy that affects far more families than the more “hot button” issues? “Divorce failed to achieve that exalted status, ranking so low on the group’s agenda that books on the Moral Majority do not even give the issue an entry in the index.”
But the real scandal is far deeper than missing listings in an index. The real scandal is the fact that evangelical Protestants divorce at rates at least as high as the rest of the public. Needless to say, this creates a significant credibility crisis when evangelicals then rise to speak in defense of marriage.
As for the question of divorce and public law, Smith traces a huge transition in the law and in the larger cultural context. In times past, he explains, both divorce and marriage were considered matters of intense public interest. But at some point, the culture was transformed, and divorce was reclassified as a purely private matter.
Tragically, the church largely followed the lead of its members and accepted what might be called the “privatization” of divorce. Churches simply allowed a secular culture to determine that divorce is no big deal, and that it is a purely private matter.
As Smith argues, the Bible is emphatic in condemning divorce. For this reason, you would expect to find evangelical Christians demanding the inclusion of divorce on a list of central concerns and aims. But this seldom happened. Evangelical Christians rightly demanded laws that would defend the sanctity of human life. Not so for marriage. Smith explains that the inclusion of divorce on the agenda of the Christian right would have risked a massive alienation of members. In summary, evangelicals allowed culture to trump Scripture.
An even greater tragedy is the collapse of church discipline within congregations. A perceived “zone of privacy” is simply assumed by most church members, and divorce is considered only a private concern.
Professor Smith is concerned with this question as a political scientist. Why did American evangelicals surrender so quickly as divorce gathered momentum in America? We must ask this same question with even greater urgency. How did divorce, so clearly identified as a grievous sin in the Bible, become so commonplace and accepted in our midst?
The sanctity of human life is a cause that demands our priority and sacrifice. The challenge represented by the possibility (or probability) of legalized same-sex marriage demands our attention and involvement, as well.
But divorce harms many more lives than will be touched by homosexual marriage. Children are left without fathers, wives without husbands, and homes are forever broken. Fathers are separated from their children, and marriage is irreparably undermined as divorce becomes routine and accepted. Divorce is not the unpardonable sin, but it is sin, and it is a sin that is condemned in no uncertain terms.
Evangelical Christians are gravely concerned about the family, and this is good and necessary. But our credibility on the issue of marriage is significantly discounted by our acceptance of divorce. To our shame, the culture war is not the only place that an honest confrontation with the divorce culture is missing.
Divorce is now the scandal of the evangelical conscience.
Mark A. Smith, “Religion, Divorce, and the Missing Culture War in America,” Political Science Quarterly, 125:1 (Spring 2010). [pdf file]
I interviewed Professor Smith on this week’s edition of “Thinking in Public.” Listen here.
An unusually honest and eloquent statement of evangelical concern and repentance on the scandal of divorce was adopted as a resolution at the 2010 Southern Baptist Convention, meeting in Orlando, Florida. The chairman of the Committee on Resolutions was Dr. Russell D. Moore. The text of the resolution, “On the Scandal of Southern Baptist Divorce,” can be found here.
God’s Blessing for Separation from Unbelievers?
September 25, 2010
Podcast: Download (Duration: 50:35 — 8.7MB)
“Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate, says the Lord. And do not touch what is unclean; and I will welcome you. And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:17-18).
The last two weeks on The Christian Worldview, we have discussed a growing movement to “restore honor” in America, led by conservative radio and television commentator and Mormon, Glenn Beck.
Beck gets much right: America is moving away from the values of its Founders (which were largely based on Christianity) towards a big-government socialistic system and that politician and policy changes will not be the answer to turn things around but rather individual citizens “seeking God.” In other words, when people’s hearts change, the country will then change for the better. Agree, agree, agree.
But the Devil is literally in the details. In his large listening and viewing audience and through major multi-faith events in late August like “Divine Destiny” and “Restoring Honor”, Beck is advocating that Americans seek God in their own church, synagogue, or mosque, implying that there are many viable ways to approach God.
Should a true, biblical Christian take part in this movement? Are there examples in Scripture where believers united with those who preach a different gospel (i.e. unbelievers) in a social or political movement? Under what circumstances can believers be involved with unbelievers? How does God bless a Christian who follows the biblical model of separation from unbelievers?
This weekend on The Christian Worldview, we’ll answer these questions and take your phone calls as we conclude our three-week series on this topic.
Former Arafat and Netanyahu Aides To Discuss Mideast Crisis:
September 24, 2010
>> Tune into the Epicenter Conference Radio Special on the Moody Radio Network, Friday, Sept. 24, at 9pm eastern/8pm central (www.MoodyRadio.org ). Check your local Moody affiliate for details.Here are several items I wanted to bring to your attention:
1. AHMADINEJAD CALLS NETANYAHU A “SKILLED KILLER” – Despite growing evidence that Iran is rapidly developing nuclear weapons, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told CNN’s Larry King last night that, “We are not seeking the Bomb.” He also denounced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him a “skilled killer” who “should be put on trial for killing women and children.” This from a man who has publicly and repeatedly called for genocide against the U.S. and Israel. Ahmadinejad is scheduled to address the U.N. General Assembly today and pray for Allah to hasten the coming of the Shia Islamic messiah, known as The Twelfth Imam. Yet the world’s leaders are asleep. They do not seeing the gathering storm. They do not see the evil that is rising.
2. FORMER ENEMIES DISCUSS THE MIDEAST CRISIS – The world is desperately trying to find a solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict before it erupts into another war. But how often do two former enemies – a one-time aide to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aide and a former aide to PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat – share the stage at a conference and say that Jesus is the only hope for peace? We will next week. On October 1st and 2nd, at the historic Moody Church in downtown Chicago, I will speaking at the “Inside The Middle East Crisis Conference: Finding Peace In A Troubled World,” along with Tass Saada, former PLO terrorist and advisor to Arafat. Joining us will be renowned Bible teachers and Mideast experts Dr. Erwin Lutzer, Dr. Charles Dyer, Dr. Michael Rydelnik, and Dr. Mitch Glaser. Together, we will examine the very dangerous trends in motion in the epicenter right now. We will also talk from personal experience about how powerfully Jesus Christ is drawing men, women and children in the Middle East to Himself and supernaturally transforming lives and reconciling Jews and Arabs as never before in history. I really hope you will register today and join us for this fascinating event. It will open your eyes to the events that are unfolding in the Middle East from a biblical perspective and provide practical insight on how to love Israel and her neighbors, come what may. To register for the conference, please click here.
3. ADVANCING THE GOSPEL IN THE MIDWEST – My friend Greg Laurie is leading an evangelistic campaign in Chicago this weekend, September 24-26, 2010. This is a great opportunity fo invite friends, family members, neighbors, co-workers, and others who don’t know Jesus Christ personally to hear the life-changing message of the gospel in a clear and compelling way and in a non-threatening environment. Two hundred local Chicagoland churches are participating and a full house is expected all three nights. Hopefully you can attend in person, but if you can’t, you can view the campaign on-line at www.harvest.org/crusades/2010/chicago. For more information about the featured musicians, Greg Laurie, or event details, visit Chicago.harvest.org. All three nights of the event are free and open to the public.
4. CHURCHES SHUT DOWN IN SYRIA — I received this email from a dear Arab pastor friend of mine: “Our brethren and Churches in Syria need urgent prayers. The government closed about eight evangelical Churches in the last two weeks. All these churches are in North Syria mainly in Lattakia, Tartous, Homs, and wadi Al-Nasara. Some of the Churches in Damascus and Aleppo know that their turn will come soon. They are closing some of the Baptist and Alliance Churches. It is apparently by the approval of the High Counsel representative in Syria and some other beloved Brothers of the named Churches. I do not have lot much more information. I will update you when receiving additional news.” Please pray for courage for the believers in Syria. Please pray that the Lord would turn the hearts of the Syrian leaders and allow these churches to be reopened. Please also pray that no matter what happens, the gospel would be spread powerfully through all of Syria and the Islamic world before the next war comes.
5. AN ISRAELI FAMILY NEEDS YOUR HELP TO RECEIVE JUSTICE — Ami Ortiz is the son of an Israeli pastor and his wife. Ami was nearly killed in March 2008 by a bomb sent to his home in the Israeli town of Ariel. Many of you have prayed for him and the Lord has heard your prayers. By God’s grace, Ami is recovering miraculously, is playing basketball, and is enjoying life with his family and friends. But the man who has reportedly confessed to sending the bomb to the Ortiz’s home may not go to prison. Ami and his family need your help now to receive justice. Please click here to learn more about the very serious problem, and how you can help.
Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)
What Would Luther Say? — A Church Apologizes for Church Discipline
September 24, 2010
The great moral revolution on the issue of homosexuality collides with the total surrender of a liberal denomination, and the result is the church’s apology for having once stood on biblical grounds. That was the picture just a few days ago, when the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America welcomed three lesbian ministers into the clergy roster through a “Rite of Reception” ceremony held last Saturday at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in St. Paul, Minnesota.
As the Star Tribune reported: “In a ceremony that started with a public mea culpa and ended with a prolonged standing ovation, three lesbian ministers were officially embraced Saturday by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.”
This comes in the wake of the denomination’s vote this past summer to rescind a policy that prevented clergy in homosexual relationships from being listed on the church’s official clergy roster. Since then, conservatives have moved to organize a new Lutheran denomination.
The most interesting part of the “Rite of Reception” was a confession voiced by the congregation. Look closely at this:
We have fallen short in honoring all people of God and being an instrument for that grace. . . .We have disciplined, censured and expelled when we should have listened, learned and included.
That’s right — the church actually confessed the “sin” of having once stood on biblical ground and the “sin” of exercising church discipline.
Given their new policy on homosexuality, it is the one who affirms the Bible’s teaching on homosexuality that is called to repent, rather than the unrepentant homosexual.
What would Martin Luther say? It would doubtless be colorful and thunderous. But here is something he did say that fits the situation perfectly:
“You should not believe your conscience and your feelings more than the word which the Lord who receives sinners preaches to you.”
Jeff Strickler, “Anita Hill, Two Other Lesbians in Committed Relationships Welcomed as ELCA Pastors,” The Star Tribune [Minneapolis, MN], Sunday, September 19, 2010.
Man Up or Man Down? Newsweek Redefines Masculinity
September 24, 2010
“We’ve arrived at another crossroads,” declares Newsweek — and this one represents a crisis for masculinity. As the magazine’s current cover story asserts, “The prevailing codes of manhood have yet to adjust to the changing demands on men.” With this cover story dedicated to “rethinking” masculinity, Newsweek launches itself into a very relevant cultural conversation.
“Man Up!” is the message the magazine conveys on its cover, though by the time a reader actually reads the article, he or she may be forgiven for having little idea of what this means. If, indeed, the traditional male is “an endangered species,” where does this leave men?
Writers Andrew Romano and Tony Dokoupil get right to the heart of that matter when they ask, “What’s the matter with men?” They point to the recent recession, which we now know has led to a significant and seemingly permanent change in the workforce — and largely at the expense of men. By some estimates, eight out of ten jobs lost in the recession were in sectors of the economy that are traditionally dominated by men, such as construction and manufacturing. In 1945, the male share of the labor force was 70 percent. Now it is less than 50 percent. In the nation’s largest cities, women often make more than men on average do. Women now outnumber men at virtually every level of higher education, starting with a six to four advantage in undergraduate registrations. The list goes on.
So, how do men recover? By reasserting masculinity? Here is a warning from Romano and Dokoupil:
But suggesting that men should stick to some musty script of masculinity only perpetuates the problem. For starters, it encourages them to confront new challenges the same way they dealt with earlier upheavals: by blaming women, retreating into the woods, or burying their anxieties beneath machismo. And it does nothing to help them succeed in school, secure sustainable jobs, or be better fathers in an economy that’s rapidly outgrowing Marlboro Manliness.
Well, men will certainly not recover a healthy manhood by aping crude stereotypes or cultural constructions of “Marlboro Manliness.” At the same time, the path to recovery doesn’t lie in denying the truth about gender differences or roles.
The authors point to a “New Macho,” a redefined masculinity that is shaped around what Newsweek sees as the new realities in both the economy and the home. The new man is a nurturing man, they argue, as ready to change a diaper as to change a tire. And as for work, even as jobs in the traditionally male sectors of the society disappear, men must find new roles in sectors previously associated primarily with women. These are also concentrated in nurturing roles or positions in the information economy.
The new jobs are to be found in health care and education, for example. Future projections call for over 500,000 new teaching jobs in the next decade, along with 582,000 new nurses. Newsweek predicts that 6.9 million new jobs will appear in the social sector of the economy, where men have often been thin on the ground.
Men, Romano and Dokoupil argue, are ill equipped for this new economy, under-educated and often unemployed. Men will adjust to the new reality or be left behind.
The most interesting portion of the Newsweek cover story concerns the home front. The authors admit that the “New Macho” is “a path to masculinity paved with girly jobs and dirty diapers.”
American readers of the magazine are likely to note very quickly that Romano and Dokoupil seem quite enamored with Europe and its welfare and social policies. They highlight Sweden’s liberal parental leave policy as evidence of how government can act to redefine a reality as basic and ingrained as gender roles. In Sweden, “men are expected to work less and father more” and to see themselves as equally competent at child-rearing.
The message is plain — men will have to redefine masculinity as they take on “girly” jobs, transform themselves into nurturers, and celebrate a fully egalitarian society in terms of gender. Working for a female boss will become standard, as will the expectation that a stay-at-home father is as common as a stay-at-home mom.
On that point, Newsweek confidently points to a future that is not likely to happen quite as described. Americans may say that they are for services like paid parental leave, but when it comes to any tangible policy, economic factors are likely to scuttle the plan.
Of course, the call for men to be more engaged with their children is never wrong. Indeed, in this case, the political Left is picking up on themes long driven by the Right, and by conservative Christians in particular. The difference is that the Christian concern for asserting a man’s responsibility and fulfillment in fatherhood is not about social egalitarianism. Rather, it is driven by a biblical conception of true manhood as defined through the roles of husband and father.
Still, as much as we might complain about Newsweek’s rather predictable tip of the hat to the welfare state and the end of many gender distinctions, there is a sense in which the writers come very close to getting a big point just right.
They explain:
The truth is, it’s not how men style themselves that will make them whole again—it’s what they do with their days. The riggers, welders, and boilermakers of generations past weren’t wearing overalls to feel like men, as Susan Faludi, the author of books on both sexes, has pointed out. Instead, “their sense of their own manhood flowed out of their utility in a society, not the other way around,” she writes. “Conceiving of masculinity as something to be”—a part to play—“turns manliness into [something] ornamental, and about as ‘masculine’ as fake eyelashes are inherently ‘feminine.’?”
We may be surprised to find ourselves in agreement with Susan Faludi here, but she is absolutely right. Our fathers and grandfathers did not put on overalls to play dress up. They were headed for work. Faludi is profoundly right when she writes that “their sense of their own manhood flowed out of their utility in a society, not the other way around.”
A true masculinity is grounded in a man’s determination to fulfill his manhood in being a good husband, father, citizen, worker, leader, and friend — one who makes a difference, fulfills a role for others, and devotes his life to these tasks. Most of our fathers went to work early and toiled all day because they knew it was their duty to put bread on the table, a roof over our heads, and a future in front of us. They made their way to ball games and school events dead tired, went home and took care of things, and then got up and did it all over again the next day.
Today’s men are likely to be more nurturing, but they are also statistically less faithful. They may be changing more diapers, but they are also more likely to change spouses. Men must be encouraged and expected to be both faithful fathers and faithful husbands. Otherwise, any society is in big trouble.
The Newsweek cover story is an undisguised alert that the world is changing. A healthy masculinity should motivate men to find their way in this new world of changed economic realities and work opportunities, and to do this while remaining men. The unanswered question from Newsweek’s analysis is this: Will men change the new work of work, or will the new social realities change men?
Though barely mentioned in the article, the most haunting question is about today’s boys. The magazine’s cover features a shirtless man holding a young boy. It is the boy’s face that looks at the reader. We had better hope that the “new masculinity” of the uncharted future is one that leads that boy and his generation to become authentic and faithful men.
I am always glad to hear from readers. Write me at mail@albertmohler.com. Follow regular updates on Twitter at www.twitter.com/AlbertMohler.
Andrew Romano and Tony Dokoupil, “Men’s Lib,” from the “Man Up” cover story in Newsweek, September 27, 2010
The Day of Noah
September 19, 2010
S. Lewis Johnson Message of the Week
THE DAY OF NOAH
Dr. S. Lewis Johnson described the wickedness of the world in which Noah was called to build the ark.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 6:1-8
Click here to listen: The Day of Noah
Transcript Excerpt:
Just by way of review, remember that in the fourth Chapter of the Book of Genesis, Moses has recounted the struggle between Cain and Abel, the murder of Abel, and then he discussed briefly the Cainatic civilization. At the conclusion of the Chapter, he mentioned the birth of Seth and the fact that men then began to call on the name of the Lord. In the 5th Chapter, he discussed this long line of men from the line of Seth, later a little bit of stress upon Enoch and Noah.
Now in Chapter 6, we come to the description of the days they just preceded the flood.
“Now it came about when men began to multiply on the face of the land and daughters were born to them that the sons of God saw the daughters of men were beautiful. And they took wives for themselves whomever they chose. Then the Lord said, ‘My Spirit will not strive with man for ever, because he also was flesh, nevertheless his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.’
…. you can read the full transcript here.
Welcome to the United Faiths of America
September 18, 2010
Podcast: Download (Duration: 50:48 — 8.7MB)
“Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14)
There was much impassioned response to last week’s program on “Patriotism, Ecumenism, and the Glenn Beck Movement“. We’ll go further with the topic this weekend.
In an era where Christians see the economic and moral foundations of America being dismantled brick by brick before their eyes — government-run and -mandated health care, redistribution of income, huge debt spending, socialistic leaders, discrimination towards those with Christian beliefs, promotion of sexual immorality — the natural response is to form a coalition to push back against the machine by uniting with those of other faiths who share similar values and objectives.
But is that the Biblical response? Even with a worthy-sounding goal of “restoring honor in America”, what are the consequences of joining with Mormons, Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Jews, and Muslims in an attempt to do so? On the other hand, aren’t we all going to lose our freedom of religion unless we stand together at this time?
Join us this weekend on The Christian Worldview as we analyze the growing call to form a “United Faiths of America.”
Say it Ain’t Seu!
September 17, 2010
I have long admired the writing of World Magazine’s Andrée Seu. She is clever, funny, provocative, and a delight to read. She also has a habit of making eminently good sense.
This is why it was so surprising and disappointing to read her latest piece on Glenn Beck. She calls the conservative commentator and professed Mormon “a new creation in Christ.” Later she adds, “I can say without hesitation that I have not heard the essentials of the gospel more clearly and boldly in any church than on his program.”
This is her conclusion:
I have heard all the criticisms, and I can find sympathy for them—about the Mormonism, about the dangers of religious syncretism, etc. But regarding the Mormon thing, I think we should regard Beck as an Apollos and pray for a Priscilla and Aquila in his life, to steer him better (Acts 18). I just don’t see how anyone can listen to the man for a solid week and not be as blessed as I am by his courage, his utter lack of fear of man, and his sharp and personal testimony of Christ’s transforming power.
Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) I don’t have time today to say much about Seu’s article or Glenn Beck. But I have to register my dismay at the creeping syncretism (see, ironically enough, Marvin Olasky’s latest piece for the same warning). At the absolute best, perhaps Beck knows so little theology that he is a Mormon in name only and all he cares about (spiritually speaking) is that “Christ died for my sins.” But even if this were the case (and I have to believe he means something Mormon by Mormon), it is still unwise to liken him to a great, but slightly off, evangelist like Apollos. It is equally dangerous to assume a new passion for God equals a new creation in Christ.
All this Glenn Beck-Dinesh D’Souza at King’s College-restoring honor rally in D.C. business has exposed the temptation we all face to sacrifice theological precision at the altar of political likemindedness. It’s fine to agree with D’Souza’s economic philosophy or Beck’s approach to the Constitution and limited government, but there is a deep theological divide (or there should be) between a Reformation evangelical and a Roman Catholic or a Mormon. Many evangelicals may be thankful for Beck’s courage on certain social or economic issues, but the courage we really need, to borrow from a David Wells title, is the courage to be Protestant.
Not to mention the discernment to know who is and who isn’t.
Ahmadinejad Coming To U.S. Next Week: Netanyahu may be in U.S., too
September 16, 2010
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad plans to come to New York City next week for his annual pilgrimmage to the opening of the U.N. General Assembly’s fall session. He is expected to once again pray for Allah to ”hasten” the coming of the “Twelfth Imam” or the “Promised One.” He may also call for a “new world order,” after making such a call during a summit this week with African leaders.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister may also be in the U.S. next, according to an Israeli media account, though it is not likely the two will cross paths. “Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu will fly to Washington DC Sunday, in a surprising development reported by Channel 1 national television Tuesday evening. The station’s political reporter Ayala Hasson said the trip is ’90% certain’ to take place and that it seems to reflect some kind of political development, but that the nature of the development is not known.”
Netanyahu and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas met met in the resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt Tuesday for round two of their direct peace talks. They are expected to meet again in Jerusalem on Wednesday.
The two leaders “discussed ‘core issues’ of a possible solution to the decades-long conflict over the Land of Israel,” reported Israel National News. “The term ‘core issues’ usually refers to Israeli concessions, including the status of Jerusalem and the holy sites within it, as well as final borders and the Arab demand that descendants of Arab residents who fled decades ago be allowed into Israel. Before the meeting, Netanyahu had insisted that recognition of Israel as a Jewish state and addressing security issues were the primary issues for Israel.”
I’ll post some analysis tomorrow.
- Ahmadinejad to visit NY for UN meeting
- Ahmadinejad says Iran, Africa wants new world order
- Ahmadinejad won’t attend disarmament meeting
- Ahmadinejad: Quran burning Zionist plot
- Ahmadinejad: Koran burning will bring about Israel’s annihilation
- American woman freed by Iran after bail deal
- Netanyahu to Abbas: Don’t let end of settlement freeze foil peace talks: Prime Minister considering trip to U.S. on Saturday for summit organized by Bill Clinton at which Abbas will also be present; Netanyahu would meet with Obama after summit.
- Netanyahu hints at settlement construction limits
- Abbas to meet with Netanyahu in Jerusalem
- (interesting): Abbas to Ahmadinejad: Mind Your Own Business – “After Iran’s Mahmoud Ahmadinejad took the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to task for participating in peace talks with Israel, Abbas had a message for Iran: Butt out. The Palestinian president went even further in a statement released by his spokesman, essentially calling Ahmadinejad an illegitimate leader who oppresses his own people….”
