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A La Carte (November 24)

friday

Today’s Kindle deals include quite a list for Black Friday. (See also this list of general market deals.)

Don’t miss my annual Black Friday 2017 Deals for Christians roundup. It’s being updated all day.

Complicating Manhood and Womanhood

This is an important and challenging one. “Christian men are routinely warned of the danger of finding their identity in their careers, and are exhorted to treat their other callings in life (such as their role as husbands, fathers, and church members) as worthy of their attention. However, the overemphasis of the familial responsibilities for women has given the impression that women are defined primarily based on what on what they do. In other words, Christian men are admonished not to be workaholics in their careers (outside the home), but Christian women are generally encouraged to devote their energy and talents solely in the home. This raises some honest questions: Are women useful outside the home? Are women useful after the season of childrearing is over? Are women actually needed in the functioning and edification of the church (beyond nursery and potluck meals)?”

Disagreeing with George Muller Is Not a Sin

Josh Buice says it: That though George Muller is worth of our honor, perhaps he isn’t always worthy of imitation.

How the Kindle was Designed

“The Kindle has become one of the most ubiquitous pieces of specialty electronics in the world since it launched 10 years ago today, but the device has changed so much since its debut that one can hardly believe the oldest and newest models are meant to do the same thing.”

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Contagion

Thabiti Anyabwile has a good one today: “Emotion may be the most contagious ‘substance’ in creation. We pass it along with as little as a look. Touch may spread it even faster. Words evoke multiple emotions all at once. Feelings may lie dormant for long periods only to emerge at unexpected and inconvenient times. Attempts to stop the contagion sometimes aggravate the pandemic all the more.”

People Are Going to Hell. Do I Really Need Seminary Training?

“If the world is lost and going to hell, why spend precious years in seminary getting theological education?” It’s a valid question and one may have asked.

Artificial ‘Intelligence’ Turning Brains to Mush on YouTube

“Stories about the horrors of YouTube’s algorithm-generated childrens videos are beginning to make the rounds, and they’re just as frightening as everyone contends.” Or just as weird, anyway.

The Visual Cliff

I appreciate Darryl’s application here. “It began with a simple question: are babies born with depth perception? To test this, scientists placed a baby on one end of a plexiglass surface. On the other side, they placed a toy and the child’s mother. Halfway across, the baby encountered what looked like a sudden drop. What would the baby do?”

Flashback: When Was the Last Time You Just Enjoyed Your Money?

I want to ask you the question: When was the last time you just enjoyed your money? It’s okay, you know. You are allowed to enjoy your money. Let’s think it through.

A dog barks when his master is attacked. I would be a coward if I saw that God’s truth is attacked and yet would remain silent.

—John Calvin

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    A La Carte (April 24)

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    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…