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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

  • Helping Your Kids

    Helping Your Kids Know God’s Good Design

    Despite the temptation to think otherwise, I am certain there has never been a time or a context in which it has been easy to raise children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Rather, every set of parents of every era and place has had to face challenges.

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (October 31)

    A La Carte: God’s witness in true myths / Kevin DeYoung and the search for chivalry / While you sleep, Jesus prays for you / John Piper on spiritual assurance / Speaking to children about abortion / and more.

  • New-and-Notable

    New and Notable Christian Books for October 2025

    As October draws to its close, I wanted to ensure you know about at least some of the most notable books it brought our way. For each, I’ve provided the publisher’s description to give you a sense of what it’s all about. I hope there is something here that’s of interest to you!

  • A La Carte Collection cover image

    A La Carte (October 30)

    A La Carte: Problem gambling / A very Scottish “All Creatures” / Staying with the same person / Kept / Aslan is on the move / The victims of gender ideology / and more.

  • Parents

    You’re Their Mom or Dad, Not Their Pastor or Evangelist

    One of the most difficult circumstances any family will face is when some love the Lord and others reject him. Sometimes it is Christian parents whose child knowingly rejects and turns away from the faith their parents had taught and modeled. Sometimes it is a Christian spouse who watches their husband or wife reject Christ…