Culture

Many argue that Jesus’ disciples were unlearned peasants. Some might conclude that these disciples could not have written the Gospels consequently. Others might conclude that we should have a simple faith like the disciples did (or what we overcomplicate things). But the argument and its implications are wrong.

Jesus’ disciples came from all parts of life (from peasant to learned person), and these same disciples did, in fact, write New Testament books, a feat that shows not only some of the early disciples’ ability to read and to write but their ability to create art (i.e., literature).

To be clear, I am not arguing that all of the early disciples’ could read and write nor that they were all learned people. I am arguing that some were and that many learned how to read and to write (or made use of people who could write). [Read more…] about Were Jesus’ Disciples Unlearned Peasants?

We love movies. Since the advent of Hollywood, Western people (and now the world) have watched and enjoyed thousands of films. Some movies mark a high point of art (Citizen Kane), while others mark the need for a business executive’s desire to make money (The Emoji Movie).

Despite the possibility of a film becoming an artifact of human ingenuity, a genuine piece of art, many films in the 21st century do not attain to the status of “good art.” Most films come from the executive’s office and their aim is merely to entertain without also informing and transforming. [Read more…] about 4 Reasons Why Books Are Better Than Movies

Wars rage. The vote south of the border has wounded evangelicalism (but hope for reformation lives). The reformed (and broadly) churches battle over the Trinity, Simplicity, Gender, Gender Roles, Social Justice, and more. From an outsiders point of view, the situation looks dire.

But from the throne room of God, the situation looks far different. In heaven, God sits enthroned and his will will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Rev 4–22).

Something new is happening. While cultural Christianity declines, conservative Christianity is on the rise. While battles over doctrine rage, people are nevertheless thinking about doctrine. 

Is this the beginning of the end? Or the start of something new? [Read more…] about Is There Hope for Christianity in the Twenty-First Century?