If you’re reformed, you have likely heard the expression semper reformanda (always reforming). This phrase was meant as a rally cry for the church to be continually reevaluating traditions and beliefs to ensure accordance with the Word of God. At the heart of the sentiment is an emphasis on purifying both doctrine and practice (theology…
Self-Excommunication in American Evangelicalism
During the pandemic and quarantine, there has been a lot of discussion about the nature of church, where and how it should be held, and if online services are consistent with scriptural commandments. While these discussions have been useful in evaluating our obedience to the command in Hebrews 10:24-25 not to forsake the assembly, there…
BYU Changes Policy on “Homosexual Behavior”
Last week, Brigham Young University, which is owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, announced they were changing their honor code policy to remove the ban on “homosexual behavior.” While the details are still being ironed out in terms of practical application, staff at the Honor Code Office stated that LGBTQ students…
Are You Ready to Die?
Four Strings of the Violin by Edward Okun Is there a more sobering question...are you ready to die? Living in an era where death is far removed from social conscious, where there's no threat of plague or persecution looming over us as it did in ages past (and still does in some parts of the…
‘1917’ Movie: A Message Worth Dying For (No Spoilers)
This past week I went to see ‘1917,’ a movie I would highly recommend to anyone who, like me, is fascinated by the history of the First World War. The film follows two British soldiers on a mission to deliver a life-saving message to a battalion walking into a German trap. They must travel across…
The False Religion of Yogi Tea
In case you needed yet another reason to believe that our culture is vapidly self-absorbed, look no further than the tea tags of Yogi Tea. Trust me. I’ve been collecting them over the past week, shaking my head at the absurdity of the messaging. It’s not enough that this mentality of “I’m not religious, I’m…
You Don’t Understand Frost’s Poem, “The Road Not Taken”
Chances are you’ve heard the oft-repeated last lines of Frost’s famous poem, “The Road Not Taken.” Maybe you’ve repeated those words as a life motto or a boost to morale in the midst of a pivotal life change. Perhaps you’ve even internalized them as a New Year’s resolution of sorts, a reminder to live off-the-beaten…
Ebenezer Scrooge & the Bitter Christian
Photo Credit: Harry Furniss "The cold within him froze his old features, nipped his pointed nose, shrivelled his cheek, stiffened his gait; made his eyes red, his thin lips blue; and spoke out shrewdly in his grating voice." A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens In deciding what to write to kick off the month of December, I couldn’t…
Here’s Why You Need a Biblical Theology of Suffering
Throughout the course of history, the question of suffering has been at the forefront of philosophy. Why do we suffer? Why disease, famine, and death? Why rape and murder? Why me? I don’t think I go too far in saying that our perspective on suffering is intimately tied to our understanding of God.
Man Convinced He’s the Prophet Elijah After Personal Bible Study
A man who sat down to have a personal Bible study was shocked when he received divine revelation from God that he was the long-awaited Prophet Elijah. Robert Allan Chaff (A.K.A., the Prophet Elijah), a former member of Revelation Church in Matthews, NC, had given up on organized religion opting instead for “spirit-led” quiet times…
