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Weekend A La Carte (December 14)

Weekend A La Carte

Today’s Kindle deals include two classics as well as one newer work that, though I’ve not read it, is said to be excellent.

Why Was Baby Jesus Laid in a Manger?

“This time of year, the words roll right off the tongue. And every child’s first question is: What is a manger? When the teacher explains that it is a feeding trough for animals, the astute youth then wonders: Why was the baby laid there?” The question is well worth asking.

Ten Ways Materialism Brings Us to Ruin

“Materialism begins with our beliefs. Not merely what we say we believe—not our doctrinal statement—but the philosophy of life by which we actually live. So even though true Christians would deny belief in the philosophical underpinnings of materialism (they couldn’t be Christians if they didn’t), they may nonetheless be preoccupied with material things. Materialism is first and foremost a matter of the heart.”

The Moral Universe of Timothy Keller

Here’s a long and interesting article on Tim Keller from The Atlantic.

Carving Out a Niche for Micro-Congregations

This just seems like such a bad idea. Isn’t the point of church that it draws together people who are different, thus proving the power of the gospel in giving unity?

What Facial Recognition Steals From Us (Video)

“There’s a massive bait-and-switch at the center of facial recognition technology.” There is, indeed. And we need to be awfully careful about what we’re wading into here.

An Embarrassment of Love

This is a beautiful tribute to the love of a husband for his wife.

A Global Look at Complementarianism

“Complementarianism is currently a hot issue in North American evangelicalism. North American culture is strongly egalitarian, and cultural pressure affects our theology whether we want to admit it or not. This cultural influence cuts both ways. Some of what passes for complementarian thinking owes more to American cultural conservatism than it does to the biblical theology of men and women. Similarly, some narrower expressions of complementarianism—as well as outright egalitarianism—may owe more to our secular culture’s current conversations. Be that as it may, complementarianism remains a significant feature of much of American evangelical life.”

“In 2019, Bible readers were looking for reminders not to worry and comfort from traditional places.”

Flashback: Moroni From the Realms of Glory

You’ve got to be careful what you share online. What looks good at a glance may harbor some deep concerns.

A rightly oriented Christianity causes us to care not only about ourselves and our families but also about our communities, cities, and society generally.

—Matt Perman

  • The Humility Project

    The Humility Project for Men

    I have lots of good memories from the various conferences I have been to through the years, but there is one that often stands out. I was one of many speakers at a counseling conference and, at some point, the speakers were invited to join together for a group activity. We were given the option:…

  • A La Carte Friday 2

    A La Carte (January 23)

    A La Carte: Escaping the touchscreen trap / A censorious spirit / John Piper on the best religion / The evil of envy / The men God uses / Managing email well / Kindle deals / and more.

  • A La Carte Thursday 1

    A La Carte (January 22)

    A La Carte: Suffering as spiritual formation / Save the humanities from the slop / Dying to give / Someone is getting played / Using gifts or burning out? / Preparing to pray / and more.

  • Robert wolgemuth

    Robert Wolgemuth Was a Kind Man

    I don’t remember the first time I met Robert Wolgemuth, but I know it was when I was much younger and just beginning to get my bearings as a writer. At the time, I was beginning to consider whether it would be useful to retain a literary agent who would represent me to publishers. I…

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (January 21)

    A La Carte: The great Christian reset / Artists who refuse the hot take / A ministry of small things / The sin that so easily ensnares / The strict dietary laws / and more.

  • A Special Offer On Ten Great Books

    A Special Offer On Ten Great Books

    Reformation Heritage Books is offering Challies readers an exclusive 15% discount on their top ten recent releases. Use code CHALLIES at checkout. This offer is valid until January 27.