Can Archaeology Deliver?
Essay by Matthew McAffee Introduction In the popular consciousness, archaeology captures the fascination of a generation that grew up with Indiana Jones and his far-flung adventures in search of ancient treasures. For them archaeology spells adventure and excitement—the exploration of real-life ancient ruins which provide a fresh rendition of days gone by. Not too long ago, the world of biblical studies experienced similar...
The Discipline Dilemma
When it comes to discipline in the Christian life, many believers feel that it is more drudgery than discipline. Prayer is seemingly lethargic. The practical value of meditation and devotional readings are reflected upon haphazardly. The real purpose of a spiritual discipline such as fasting is so far from being ‘relevant’ in today’s culture that it is often ignored. However, these spiritual disciplines are essential to the lives and...
The Importance of Being a Confessional Christian
If an analyst were to survey a number of local churches, he would find that it is comprised of Christians from various ecclesiastical backgrounds, despite the church’s denominational affiliation. For instance, one might find a Presbyterian church to have several members with a Baptist upbringing. On the other hand, some attending an Anglican church may have been reared in a Free Church Tradition [1]. These trends suggest that many...
The Danger of Answered Prayer: When Our Daily Bread Turns Into Stone
It was in a garden in Gethsemane that Jesus Christ offered one of the most desperate prayers in all of human history: “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will” (Mt. 26:39). Yet the Scriptures tell us that the cup did not pass. For millennia believers have offered prayers to God. While some requests are granted, others are denied or, in some cases, seemingly unanswered. It...
On Personal Liberty
The most basic right that persons possess is the right to personal liberty. This simply means that people are able to accomplish that which they will, without undue hindrance or obstacle. Yet through the course of history, persons through government have attempted to usurp this right. As a result, the United States of America has sought to protect it since her inception. And although America’s protection of this right is important, it...
Language Games in the Public Square
Ludwig Wittgenstein was arguably the most important philosopher of the twentieth century. He insisted that words could only be understood in the context of the activities in which they are used [1]. It is only then that their meaning and significance can be grasped. Despite some of the problems of Wittgensteinian thought, he does offer some useful insights. He regarded philosophy as a task for clarification that would prevent us from...
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