July 2005 Archive
Book Review - Bad Ground (07/31/05 - 0 Comments)
Deep in the earth, brilliant clusters of quartz crystals lie hidden in fissures and crevices—"pyramid-tipped spires huddled together like a miniature city, cracking the light into a thousand rainbow shards...salted with pinpoints of iron pyrite, glittering like tiny stars." But such treasures can only be found in fractured, unstable, dangerous earth—places miners simply call "bad ground."
Rick Warren Must Have A Great Editor (07/31/05 - 0 Comments)
This morning I received an email from Rick Warren. Yup. Rick took time out of his Sunday morning, which I assume is quite busy, to send me an email. I would have thought he'd be busy putting the final touches on his sermon or perhaps praying, but no, he emailed me to ask if I can help him with a very special project.
I noticed that his style of writing is a little bit different in this email than in his books. All I can conclude is that he must have a really good editor - one he did not consult prior to sending me this email.
The Faith of our Fathers (07/31/05 - 0 Comments)
The most enduring memories I have of my grandfather involve sitting with him at the Legion Hall while he and I at a big plate of brown beans and he recounted some of his memories of the war. He was always so proud to take me along and show me off to the other Veterans who seemed to spend so much time at that Hall. At one point I even interviewed him for a high school project in which we were asked to find some primary sources from the Second World War.
Tim Challies: Hired Hand of the Devil? (Updated) (07/30/05 - 0 Comments)
I suddenly find myself in a most strange position. After years of trying to provide rational discourse on Rick Warren and his Purpose Driven teachings; after posting discerning reviews of his books and even going through The Purpose Driven Life day-by-day; after expressing concerns with 40 Days of Purpose and 40 Days of Community; after posting an article just a week ago showing how Rick Warren seems to be involved in abusing his position to suppress a book; after having these articles read by hundreds of thousands of readers; after all of this people are accusing me of waffling on the issues. Why? Because I interviewed Richard Abanes.
Summer Interview Series: Richard Abanes (Part 2) (07/30/05 - 0 Comments)
This is the first interview in the Challies Dot Com Summer Interview Series. The series will feature interviews with authors, musicians and other Christian personalities.
The first interview in this series is with Richard Abanes. Richard is known around these parts as author of the newly-released book Rick Warren and the Purpose That Drives Him and as a regular defender of Warren and his teachings within the comments section within this site. This is the second part of the interview in which we deal with issues specific to The Purpose Driven Life.
Friday Frivolity (07/29/05 - 0 Comments)
It's four in the afternoon and I am only just getting to the Friday Frivolity. My most profuse apologies go to everyone, but Amy in particular.
This is completely non-frivolous but some have asked me about the heart issues I was having a couple of weeks ago. I finally got the call-back from the doctor who told me I have two conditions. The first was Bipolar Cheddarprolapse Valvelobotomy and the second Microvalve Discumbobulatory Oranganeck. Or something like that. I knew I should have paid more attention in biology classes.
Summer Interview Series: Richard Abanes (Part 1) (07/29/05 - 0 Comments)
This is the first interview in the Challies Dot Com Summer Interview Series. The series will feature interviews with authors, musicians and other Christian personalities.
The first interview in this series is with Richard Abanes. Richard is known around these parts as author of the newly-released book Rick Warren and the Purpose That Drives Him and as a regular defender of Warren and his teachings within the comments section within this site. This is the first part of the interview in which we get to know Richard. Part two deals more specifically with Rick Warren and will be posted tomorrow.
Thursday Ramblings (07/28/05 - 0 Comments)
I feel completely disorganized. My usual workweek involves sitting at my desk for the full 40 hours. From Monday to Friday I sit at my desk from 9 AM to 5 PM with very few exceptions. I have developed a nice little routine. The past two days I have spent very little time at my desk. Yesterday I drove into Niagara-on-the-Lake for meetings with two sets of friends and clients and then had more meetings that took up most of this morning. While all the meetings were great, and it was especially nice to meet Kevin (an occasional reader and all-around nice guy), I am now officially out of sorts. I have prepared nothing to post today, so am going to do little more than provide some links you a little bit of this and that. Mostly ramblings.
The Proper Use of Scripture in Books (07/27/05 - 0 Comments)
As you may well know if you spend much time around these parts, I read a lot. A whole lot. In my reading I have noticed a disturbing trend in the way authors use the Bible to prooftext their books. This concern has led me to write this article in which I will suggest some guidelines for the proper use of Scripture in Christian books.
Book Review - Levi's Will (07/27/05 - 0 Comments)
In 1943, Levi Mullet escapes his farm, his father, and his Amish heritage. He leaves behind family, scandal and beliefs in order to set out on his own. Defying his pacifist upbringing he enlists and fights in the Second World War. After the war he marries and settles down with his family. But even when living in the Deep South, far from Ohio, he cannot shake the memories of his family. He cannot fully and finally uproot himself. His prodigal heart beats for home.
Good Enough For Now (07/26/05 - 0 Comments)
Last week I bookmarked an article I found on FoxNews. The article, entitled "''Til Death Do Us Part' Is Dying Out" says that "'Til death do us part" is going the way of "to honor and obey." That is to say, of course, that it is going the way of the dinosaur. It's dying out. It's disappearing. Buh-bye.
Reformation21 Blog (07/26/05 - 0 Comments)
I wanted to make you aware of a new blog that you may just want to make part of your regular reading. Reformation21, the online magazine of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, has recently added a blog to their site. It will feature writing by such notables as Ligon Duncan (Senior Pastor, First Presbyterian Church), Derek Thomas (John E. Richards Professor of Systematic and Practical Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary), Philip Ryken (Senior Minister of Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadephia), Rick Phillips (Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church in Coral Springs/Margate, Florida)and Carl Trueman (Associate Professor of Church History and Historical Theology, Westminster Theological Seminary). And Justin Taylor. Don't feel bad, I haven't heard of him either, though I'm sure he's a nice guy. He must also be a brave guy to take on the role of being the sole Baptist among a group of Presbyterians!
CD Review - Songs For The Cross Centered Life (07/26/05 - 0 Comments)
For many believers, and especially those who are conservative in their theology, contemporary worship music has become nearly synonymous with theologically-shallow, emotion-filled content. These Christians may look to the great hymns of the past and see in them a depth of content that escapes most modern music. Much of the music that does exist is simply inconsistent with Reformed theology or talks far more about personal experience than the transcendent truths of God's Word.
Purposeful Interference (07/25/05 - 0 Comments)
Time Magazine recently listed the "The 25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America." Predictably, topping that list was Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Community Church in Saddleback Valley, California, and author of the bestseller, The Purpose Driven Life. The Purpose Driven Life is a phenomenon that defies comparison. In two years it sold over 22 million copies and easily became the best-selling hardcover book in American history. Hundreds of thousands of pastors have been trained in Warren's Purpose Driven seminars and tens of thousands of churches have participated in his programs. Time gets it right when they say, "Although Franklin Graham is heir to the throne of the Billy Graham organization, many believe that Warren, 51, is the successor to the elder Graham for the role of America's minister."
The Progression of Truth (07/25/05 - 0 Comments)
Hang on to your hats, because I am about to spiritualize (and very possibly trivialize) one of the great laws of physics. Newton’s Third Law of Motion states, in its simplest form, that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Take a look around and you will see this law in action every day.
Have you ever seen a slow-motion replay of a big boxing match where the broadcasters show the punch that finished the match?
Book Review - The Cross Centered Life (07/25/05 - 0 Comments)
I have had the mixed blessing of reading several of the titles in the LifeChange series. Some have been good, some have been awful. But I guess that is to be expected when the authors represented range from C.J. Mahaney to Pat Robertson; from John Piper to Bill Gothard. Of the titles I have read, none has been better than The Cross Centered Life.
Book Review - University of Destruction (07/24/05 - 0 Comments)
It is a tragic fact that many, and perhaps even the majority of students who proclaim to be Christians when they begin college, no longer make such a claim when they have finished. Four years of college, four years of being away from the presence of parents and church, leads many to abandon the faith they once professed. To combat this ongoing problem, David Wheaton, radio host and one-time tennis professional, has written University of Destruction. This book is targetted squarely at the teenager who is about to depart the comfort and safety of home to set out on his own, beginning with a college education.
Book Review - Hook Line and Sinker (07/24/05 - 0 Comments)
Hook Line and Sinker is a book based on what the author, Michael Bresciani, calls "refutation preaching." "Refutation preaching as its name implies serves to refute some doctrine or teaching that has previously been established and generally accepted. Often these previously established teachings have been based on the scriptures themselves. Still other teachings have gained acceptance through oral communication" (page 9). Refutation preaching, says the author, is as old as the Bible's record of human history. The prophets of the Old Testament were called to refute what had become accepted theology, but went against God's Word. In this book, Bresciani seeks to refute some of the cliches and theology that have become accepted within the church. He does so with mixed results.
DVD Review - History of Christianity (07/23/05 - 0 Comments)
It takes a brave man to attempt to encapsulate 2000 years of church history in six 30-minute segments. Three hours is barely enough time to adequately explain the background information necessary to understand the rise of Christianity, to say nothing of its long and storied history. Anyone attempting to create a survey of Christian history must be able to choose and concentrate on only the most critical events and only the most important historical figures. History of Christianity, written and hosted by Dr. Timothy George, attempts to do just this. The results are mixed at times, but generally quite positive.
The Greatest Sinner I Know (07/22/05 - 0 Comments)
I am going to pose a question and ask you to think for a minute or two before answering. Stop for a moment before you continue reading this article and answer this simple question. Who is the worst sinner you know? Chances are that you know hundreds of people. Perhaps a thousand. Think of all those people and ponder which one is the worst sinner of all.
I'll wait.
Public Service Announcements (07/22/05 - 0 Comments)
Everybody's friend John, proprietor of Monergismbooks, has asked me to let you know that he is having a big ol' Summer Sale. All of the Banner of Truth titles he stocks are 40% off, but only until July 28, so there isn't time to hesitate. Visit this link to get the details. This is your opportunity to stock up on some of those excellent but often-expensive titles by Iain Murray, as well as Puritan classics and all sorts of other great books.
DVD Review - Drive Thru History (07/21/05 - 0 Comments)
The cover of this DVD proclaims, "This isn't your typical tour of ruins and dusty artifacts. It's history as exciting today as it was 2,000 years ago." This is history for the modern American: fast-paced, funny and quietly educational. Did I mention that it's also a lot of fun?
The DVD contains three episodes of what promises to be a great series:
How To Be Like Tim (In 10 Easy Steps) (07/21/05 - 0 Comments)
Before we go any further I'd like to point out that the title of this article is meant entirely in jest. I can't imagine why anyone would want to be like me, nor do I encourage anyone to walk down that road. The title just seemed so much more interesting than "10 Really Swell Books I Liked A Heap" or something of that nature. You understand, I'm sure.
What I would like to do is list ten of the books that have been foundational in my development as a Christian. I've only read nine of them.
Desiring God National Conference (07/21/05 - 0 Comments)
Well how is this for an opportunity? I have been asked by Desiring God if I would be willing to live-blog the upcoming Desiring God National Conference which will be held in Minneapolis from the 7th to the 9th of October. This year's theme is "Suffering and the Sovereignty of God." I thought about it for less time than it takes to type "of course!" and have committed to doing it. I am awfully excited about the opportunity. I'll have the privilege of enjoying the teaching of people like Joni Eareckson Tada, Mark Talbot, David Powlison, Steve Saint, Carl Ellis, and of course John Piper.
Server Issues (07/21/05 - 0 Comments)
Update (5:43 AM) - I am experiencing occasional issues with phpbb errors. If you get one of these please let me know. I think if you refresh your screen it will go away.
As you may have noticed, the web server that hosts this site crashed last night somewhere around 6 PM EST. It was still down when I turned in at around 10 (early to bed, early to rise, don't you know). As of 5 AM this morning it was alive, but showing all sorts of errors. A quick call to technical support resolved it, so I think as of 5:25 AM things are back to normal. Looks like they had to restore a backup from the night before which means that the server probably lost a hard drive. So, if you posted comments of any sort yesterday, they are lost forever. I do apologize, but it truly isn't my fault! Hopefully things remain stable today.
Pious and Reclusive for Christ (07/21/05 - 0 Comments)
Susanna, over at Letter' Rip, has just posted a stimulating article she entitled "Pious and Reclusive for Christ" which discusses Christian children who attend public schools. I'd like to point out that Susanna, who is a particularly intelligent and beautiful blogger, just so happens to be one of my three little sisters. At this point she is the only one who blogs.
A Compendium of Wonderful Clicks (07/21/05 - 0 Comments)
I couldn't find a word beginning with "C" that would make a more illiterative title. Any suggestions are welcome. "Wonderful" just doesn't seem to cut it.
Today marks the anniversary of the very first moon landing, which took place on this date in 1969. Google marks the occasion by creating a special logo and by providing a map of the moon (or maybe it's the map of a Hollywood studio). You can see it at http://moon.google.com/. Zooming in all the way will solve one of humanities' greatest questions.
Book Review - What Is Reformed Theology? (07/19/05 - 0 Comments)
Most Christians have heard of Reformed theology. Most think they have a good handle on it. But experience has shown me that few really know it as well as they think they do. And that goes for people who claim to be Reformed as much as those who do not. This cannot be said of R.C. Sproul. Not only does Sproul have an amazingly broad but detailed grasp of Reformed theology, but he has also been gifted with the ability to explain complex theology in a way that is both interesting and understandable. That is no common gift.
DVD Review - Incredible Creatures That Defy Evolution II (07/19/05 - 0 Comments)
Three weeks ago I reviewed the first DVD in a series produced by Reel Productions. I very much enjoyed Incredible Creatures That Defy Evolution I and was eager to see the sequel. I was glad to see that volume II is every bit the quality production of its predecessor. In fact, it is probably just a little bit better.
My only complaint about the first volume is that there was perhaps a little too much still photography and not enough video. This was resolved in volume 2.
The Edge of Creation (07/19/05 - 0 Comments)
For some reason the whole family woke up early this morning. By 7 AM we were all out of bed and sitting in the living room, waiting for something to happen. Naturally nothing did happen, so I decided I'd catch up on some DVD reviews. After watching an episode in a 6-part history of Christianity, I put in the second disc of the two-disc series Journeys to the Edge of Creation which is produced by Moody. This episode is entitled "The Milky Way & Beyond."
The Worst of Times: Evangelicalism in Crisis (07/18/05 - 0 Comments)
Phil Johnson posted an article on Saturday called "The worst of times: Evangelicalism in critical condition." He wrote, "...evangelicalism's spiritual condition at the beginning of the twenty-first century is reminiscent of the medieval church just prior to the Protestant Reformation." Then he retracted that statement. "No, I take it back. Things are much worse among evangelicals today than they were in the Catholic Church in those days. Modern and postmodern evangelicalism is just like medieval Catholicism was—only more superficial."
DVD Review - Icons of Evolution (07/17/05 - 0 Comments)
In 2002, Jonathan Wells published a book entitled Icons of Evolution. This book was subtitled, Science or Myth? Why Much of What We Teach About Evolution is Wrong. Wells, formerly a firm believer in evolution, had come to realize that much of what is taught about evolution is just plain wrong. Many "icons of evolution," such as Darwin's "Tree of Life," Haeckel's drawings of embryoes that look remarkably similar to each other, and the ever-famous Galapagos Finch had long since been proven to be mere myth. That these are myths is widely accepted in the scientific community, even by advocates of evolution. And yet these icons live on, taught as fact in science texts used in grade schools and in colleges.
DVD Review - City of the Bees (07/17/05 - 0 Comments)
They don't make 'em like this anymore! City of the Bees is a Moody Science Classic that was first released in 1962, quite a long while before my time. A half-hour presentation on - you guessed it - bees, it includes everything we'd expect to find in a Moody video produced in the 60's - cutting-edge video work (that is still impressive even by today's standards), a significant explanation of how the video applies to the life of the viewer, and a cheap-shot at the Commies.
Pastor Jim Preaches To Bloggers (07/17/05 - 0 Comments)
This morning we had a "guest" pastor. I put guest in quotations because he was one of the founding pastors at our church, but recently moved to a neighboring town to help stabilize a floundering daughter church. So he was only a guest insofar as we have not seen him for a while. He preached a sermon called "The Myth of Popularity" which is the final installment in a series on the Beatitudes. Each Beatitude has been examined as the answer to a common myth. The myth of popularity, according to Pastor Jim, is that popularity gives me value. He applied this to Jesus' words, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me" (Matthew 5:10-11 NIV). Of course the reality of the Christian life is that popularity is not what gives us value before God. God desires that we pursue righteousness.
Final Thoughts On Church Advertising (07/16/05 - 0 Comments)
This will be the final article in which I address advertising and the church. Since posting the first two articles I have received many comments about what I wrote. Today I'd like to add a little bit of clarity, especially to the questions of pastorruss who wrote "As you attempt to advertise your church via web, newspaper, etc. you will obviously be trying not only to attract a specific group of people (non-believers) but by your very choice of styles, colors, wording, etc. you will also be attempting to attract a specific demographic (I'm sure you realize that you will not be able in one site design, layout, etc. be able to attract all demographics). How is this different than the Saddleback Sam approach?"
Friday Frivolity (07/15/05 - 0 Comments)
It is a little late in the day to be publishing this, I admit, but I've been otherwise-occupied. I've been having some trouble with my ticker lately, so yesterday I went to the doctor to get fitted with a little gadget that would record every beat of my heart for a full 24 hours. This required, of course, sticking seven or eight little electrodes to my upper body. While they even went so far as to shave necessary bits of chest hair, this did not make the gadget any more comfortable to wear. It itched constantly and pretty well drove me to distraction. Rolling over in bed is just about impossible when you're attached to a box with all sorts of wires.
Further Thoughts On Church Advertising (07/15/05 - 0 Comments)
Yesterday I posted an article about church web sites that turned out to be a little bit controversial. I was quite sure in advance of the direction the discussion would take and intended to address the controversy today. So here goes.
In the article I pointed to the fact that many, if not most, church web sites contain words and information that suggest they are primarily targetted more to believers than to unbelievers.
Bringing Good News by Being Good News (07/14/05 - 0 Comments)
My church has asked me (once again) to redesign our web site. This is going to be the fourth redesign of the site in the four years I've been at the church. Some of the previous changes have been initiated by myself, while others were at the bequest of the staff. This time it is mutual. In speaking to new members and to visitors we have found that nearly 100% of people who come to the church for the first time have first visited our web site. It is that important. It is the first or second point of contact for almost every person that walks through the doors. Before we have a chance to shake a hand or introduce ourselves, people have already met us via the web. So we want to be sure we are giving people the right message.
Congratulations to Nancy Pearcey (07/13/05 - 0 Comments)
Nancy just sent me the following press release:
NANCY PEARCEY’S TOTAL TRUTH WINS TOP AWARD
Wednesday, July 13, 2005 -- As America continues its heated debates on the role of religion in public life, Nancy Pearcey's highly acclaimed book TOTAL TRUTH: Liberating Christianity From Its Cultural Captivity (Crossway) has won the 2005 ECPA Gold Medallion Award for best book in the category of "Christianity and Society."
Further Lessons of Another Recovering Statistics-Addicted Influence Seeker (07/13/05 - 0 Comments)
Joe Carter, of Evangelical Outpost fame, posted an article yesterday entitled "Lessons of a Recovering Statistics-Addicted Influence Seeker." It was a very good article and if you are a blogger or spend a bit of time reading blogs, you would probably enjoy it. Go ahead and give it a read. I'll wait.
