Here is a fascinating article by Dr. Russell Moore grappling with the issue of the Christian citizen’s responsibility to God and (or?) government. When do we submit? When do we refuse? The Bible is pretty loud on the subject.
Dr. Moore addresses the question raised by a young pastor about the ethics of his decision to be a “conscientious objector” to paying Social Security taxes. In doing so, Moore slices like a razor through the ethical dilemma with Yoda-like mastery and raises a lot more ethical (and biblical) issues that speak directly to believers and their relationship to ordained human institutions.
I think this article will be a particular interest to political junkies.
Are preachers too silent on the topic of sexuality? That’s the question posed in this article by Dr. Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Mohler begins by describing a report from the Religious Institute celebrating the changing landscape of attitudes toward sexuality in liberal “mainline Protestant” denominations (contrasted with evangelical ones.) Specifically, he identifies the inroads and gains made by advocacy groups such as the Religious Institute in championing the causes of gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender persons in religious organizations and churches.
But the real value of this article is actually found in the concluding remarks:
The Religious Institute wants liberal preachers to talk more about sex. My guess is that they will. But what about evangelical pastors? Where is the teaching about God’s gift of sexuality and the glory of God in marriage? Where is the teaching about the Bible’s grace in telling us what is sin? Where is the acknowledgment of human brokenness? Where is the honesty about the struggle to bring all things under submission to Christ? Where is the preaching about how the Gospel lays claim on every dimension of our lives? Where is the teaching about how sex relates to sanctification and holiness?
Here is one of the prized works in my library that I have found myself returning to many times over the past several years. I first met Millard Erickson in New Orleans when I was working on my masters program in the late 90′s. He was a guest lecturer at the seminary, facilitating a week-long seminar on postmodernism and faith. He is one of the most regarded and renowned theologians of our day. But this little book (159 pages) doesn’t read like it was written by a dusty theologian. It is approachable and understandable and actually very enjoyable. When I begin discipling a young believer, there are only about three books I strongly recommend along with the Bible, and this is one of them.
Does It Matter That I’m Saved takes the treasure chest of soteriology (doctrine of salvation) and breaks it down and unpacks it in a way that not only illuminates, but inspires. When someone really begins to wrap their heart and soul around the truths inside this book, they are building their faith on solid biblical ground. That sure foundation will prove invaluable when the inevitable difficulties and storms rise and beat against the house that faith built.
Erickson uses winsome and plain language to explain conversion, faith, justification, regeneration, adoption, sanctification, assurance and glorification. The major themes of the New Testament letters. One glaring omission from his treatment of salvation is the issue of predestination. He leaves that complicated little gem for another place and time.
The book is no longer in print, but you can still find it on Amazon. Get it. Read it. Give it away. You will not be disappointed. Enjoy.
UPDATED Tim Keller also weighs in on “The Shack.” See his assessment, or “impressions” on his blog. Particularly interesting is Keller’s contrast of C.S. Lewis’ treatment of fiction in Narnia with Young’s in the shack.
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ORIGINAL POST
Dr. Al Mohler, president of Southern Seminary, has written a comprehensive and fair critique of the blockbuster book “The Shack.” In his review, he points out some of the key theological underpinnings of this highly controversial book and explains their importance.
The footnotes alone are worth your time in reading this review. His blog and radio show can be found at http://www.albertmohler.com.
Here is an update on our friend Matt Chandler, pastor of the Village. Thank you for your continued prayers from him and Lauren and their three children. In addition to full recovery, please specifically pray regarding the side effects of the chemo and radiation treatments. Keep up with Matt on Twitter @mattchandler74.
Are preachers too silent on the topic of sexuality? That’s the question posed 
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