Discernment bloggers have contributed to the end of discernment because they have damaged the reputation of the idea itself. In today’s climate, we almost cannot engage in true discernment without being associated with cynical and pugnacious modes of argument.
Life
Should I Start a Blog Or Write for Edited Websites?
Are personal blogs dead? And are edited ministry websites like Desiring God or The Gospel Coalition the only way forward? We might be tempted to the issue an either-or matter when in reality it’s not. Personal blogs and edited websites have different and complementary purposes.
I have a column at TGC Canada and a personal blog. I do different things on each platform for different reasons. If you are asking the question of whether you should start a blog or write for an edited site, I’d recommend doing both if possible. If not possible, then consider the following purposes for each kind of platform to figure out which fits best for you.
Why Complementarians Sometimes Disagree with Each Other (Or Why Some May Disagree with the Desiring God Review of Captain Marvel)
Greg Morse from Desiring God recently criticized the new Captain Marvel movie for its feminist ideology. In the review, Morse argues that men should protect women and not celebrate their male characteristics as Captain Marvel does.
Yet not all complementarians see things like Morse does. All complementarians agree that men and women differ. The question is how. Morse, for example, sees super-hero like actions as masculine, implying that the ideology of Captain Marvel makes men cowardly: “Should we so cowardly send our women to protect our children and us?”
Is he right? Before answering that question, we need to consider how and why women and men differ.
Be Gentle So That God May Grant Repentance
Paul writes to Timothy, encouraging him and explaining how Timothy ought to defend his flock against false teachers (2 Tim 2:14–19). Two particularly troublesome men, Hymenaeus and Philetus, had wrongly claimed that the resurrection already happened (2 Tim 2:18).
His advice to Timothy, however, is somewhat counter-cultural for us today. Paul tells Timothy to pursue virtue, gentleness, and patience so that God may grant Timothy’s opponents repentance.
[Read more…] about Be Gentle So That God May Grant RepentanceDon’t Wear Uninterpreted Christian Symbols
In my opinion, we should not wear uninterpreted Christian symbols or even have them in our houses like crosses. Or at least, we should not have them visible when non-Christian friends visit. The reason why is that Christian symbols have largely lost their meaning to the world apart from our interpretation. And we do not want to spoil an evangelistic opportunity by setting someone against us because they misunderstand what our symbols mean.
Why Marie Kondo and Minimalism Are So Popular
Marie Kondo sparks joy in millions who have decluttered and organized their homes. In her recent Netflix series, Kondo teaches her clients how to let go of possessions they do not need and to keep items that spark their joy. Kondo’s appeal goes far beyond the minimalist movement that seems more suited to spartan men than the average person.
Instead of only getting rid of items, Kondo teaches people to manage possessions. She shows them how to order their clothing, dishes, and
And the effect seems to be pervasive. San Francisco thrift stores have had to limit donations largely due to people minimizing their households. Netflix hosts not only a documentary on minimalism but also a whole season of Marie Kondo doing what she does best.
So why are Marie Kondo and minimalism so popular? Why do so many people feel oppressed by their households and need the freedom that comes by tidying up?