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A La Carte (July 22)

thursday

I wanted to again thank all those who donated to the Nick Challies Memorial Scholarship. The first scholarships will be awarded to 10 Boyce College or Southern Seminary students beginning in the coming semester. The fund remains open for those who would like to continue donating to it.

There is a little list of Kindle deals for the collectors.

(Yesterday on the blog: Have You Tasted Heaven?)

Call it Racism, Not ‘White Supremacy’

Samuel James says that with “All variables equal, I think it’s a mistake for Christian social justice advocates to adopt the mainstream practice of talking about ‘white supremacy’ and ‘whiteness’ instead of sticking with ‘racism’.”

Two Cheers for Civil Religion

Carl Trueman: “The old civil religion has not fallen to orthodox religion, to a vibrant Christianity; no, it has fallen to an anti-culture where anything goes and anyone who objects is villainized. In fact, I would argue that it is even worse than that: We have a new civil religion, that of the therapeutic, and it is rapidly colonizing Christianity.”

Homeschool to Public School … and (Sometimes) Back Again

Rebekah Matt provides some counsel, based on experience, for those transitioning between homeschool and public school.

The ‘It’s Just a Movie’ Mistake

“I used to think everyone was wooed by the characters and qualities they admired onscreen. Turns out, many aren’t even aware of the ways movies subtly impress upon us visions of character, virtue, and vice.” The article includes some useful insights into films and television shows.

Can Our Loved Ones in Heaven See Us During Important Times in Our Lives?

I feel a little less certain of the answer to this than Randy Alcorn does, but his answer is well worth reading.

Context Matters: In the World, but Not of the World

“This phrase is common in Christian circles, but many may not know where it comes from. Is this a biblical saying? If so, are we using it correctly? If we read the Bible as a whole and not as an inspirational-motto jukebox, we’ll see that some familiar expressions take on a deeper meaning than we originally thought.”

Flashback: White Fragility and the Bible’s Big Story

I want to turn to the Bible to suggest how it might help us understand issues of race and racism, for it also contains a narrative structure.

He that has his trust set upon God does not need to dread anything except the weakening or the paralyzing of that trust.

—Alexander Maclaren

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    A La Carte (April 24)

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  • Francis

    Did Francis Prove To Be “The Humble Pope?”

    Francis’ time as pope has come to an end and already many are attempting to define his legacy. Was he a reformer? Was he a progressive? Was he an apostate? Perspectives are wildly varied with some honoring him as the greatest pope of modern times and some dishonoring him as a disgrace to the office.

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    A La Carte (April 23)

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    A La Carte (April 22)

    A La Carte: Pope Francis / Yes, Jesus was crucified with nails / The mystery of “the call” / Just a little bit / The last of the four / John outran Peter / Kindle deals / and more.

  • Will You Be a Pillar?

    How do we lead in a culture shaped by performance, individualism, and platform? Platforms to Pillars by cultural commentator Mark Sayers offers a biblical alternative to the platform mentality that dominates our society. Drawing from the ancient world, Sayers challenges Christians to become pillars—people who provide strength and support for others, who live with character…

  • The Tallest Trees

    The Winds Blow Hardest Against the Tallest Trees

    Through the weekend had many questions about Christian leaders who fall. And I expressed that just as the winds blow hardest against the tallest trees, so temptations may press hardest against the leaders who rise the highest. Just as floods press against shallow roots, so seductive desires rise up against those whose fall would bring…