If you’re depressed, sin may be part of the reason. (But, sin is not the only reason – — see also Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Cure) John Owen: Sin darkens the soul. It is a cloud, a thick cloud,…
Christian Smith helps us understand our teens and young adults
Sociologist Christian Smith’s studies of youth and young adults is arguably the most important Christian sociology work in recent years. His books are required reading for youth pastors or others who wish to think deeply about what is going on…
So many people carry such deep wounds
Mrs. Laura Bush recently released an autobiography. In it, she tells the story of a terrible car accident she was involved in when she was 17 years old. Reading this reminded me again that so many people have so much…
How to die
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was hung naked by the Nazis when he was 39 years old. Below is a clip from the final scene of a movie about him. Soon enough, Nazis or not, it will be our turn. Because Christ has…
Two of the most important books written in the last 5 years (And they’re both by sociologists)
If you are looking to broaden your reading in the area of non-fiction, then read either James Davison Hunter or Christian Smith. ************** On the one hand, we should not be surprised that two of the most important recent books…
Not too early to plan summer reading
One of the authors I plan to read this summer on my sabbatical is Marilynne Robinson. Regarding her Gilead: A Novel, John Piper posts: “ continues to move me, months after I read it. I have waited to comment on…
Looking for devotional reading? Here is an ideal choice.
If you are looking for devotional reading, then I heartily commend to you Sam Storms, A Sincere and Pure Devotion to Christ: 100 Daily Meditations on 2 Corinthians Here is the endorsement I wrote for this book. With A Sincere…
"What counts in making a happy marriage is not so much how compatible you are . . ."
Paul Tripp shares this Leo Tolstoy quote in What Did You Expect?: Redeeming the Realities of Marriage. It will be out soon . . . I highly recommend it. Leo Tolstoy: What counts in making a happy marriage is not…
A prayer for those in the midst of conflict
If you are in the midst of a conflict, Molly Friesen has posted an excellent prayer on the Peacemakers web site. Maybe if you are in the midst of a conflict, you could print this out, get on your knees…
“The most exciting drama that ever staggered the imagination of man”
Dorothy Sayers in Letters to a Diminished Church: Passionate Arguments for the Relevance of Christian Doctrine : Official Christianity, of late years has been having what is known as a bad press. We are constantly assured that the churches are…