Shaping Not Shielding Our Students
by Dr. Ian Hawkins I recently had an interesting conversation with some friends from graduate school. One of them is a lesbian, and the other a Mormon. The lesbian mentioned that she does not believe that science is as objective as she once thought. However, the Mormon began asking me why I didn’t believe in evolution. I found this ironic: the lesbian seemed more sympathetic to my perspective on science than the Mormon. What was most...
Revisiting the Scopes Monkey Trial
by John Carter Particular events have a way of describing certain decades, or defining certain eras. The Scopes Trial is one such example. The “Scopes Monkey Trial” reinforced a movement in the country away from its moorings. It isn’t the only event, but it was advertised as confirmation that the U. S. was systematically inching its way into the scientific and technological modern world. Any vestiges of a religious or theological past...
Christianity and Science: Shall the Twain Meet?
The relationship between the Christian faith and science stands at a fascinating place in the early years of the 21st century. Much of the last century found the two in a rather awkward relationship. At their worst moments, the two were seen as wholly antithetical to one another. At best, they were seen as authorities feuding over their share of cultural real estate. For many, science got the best of that battle. Sadly, this grim...
Preachers and Preaching Books: 12 Essential Books
Because of the immense importance of Christian preaching, this week we have closely examined a couple of modern classics on preaching. Today’s post is a list of twelve books written to aid pastors in their preaching. Some of the books are modern classics while others are newer texts on preaching. We’ve asked a variety of faithful, trustworthy pastors to tell us something about each book, and how it can aid you in your preaching...
The Meaning of Free Will
Few ideas are freighted with more baggage than free will. Though the debate between determinists and libertarians is often an intellectual struggle among philosophers, the question of whether human choices are free or determined influences countless everyday issues [1]. Robert Kane surmises this well as he names the following issues that hinge upon the “free will versus determinism” debate: (1) Moral agency and responsibility,...
The Narcissism of Now
“Is that the iPhone 5?” “No,” I reply, “It’s just an iPhone 4S.” This is just one of countless questions I answer when making small talk with the teenagers I minister to. It seems that every time I turn around there is a new phone, new gadget, or new app that the teenagers are conversing about. I reveal my magnitude of un-coolness when I inquire about new fads (if that’s what they even call them anymore). With few exceptions, the...
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