Wyatt Graham - Page 2 of 84 - Faith | Books

If Christ Reigns, He Reigns over Church and Government

October 7, 2021 by wagraham 2 Comments

Simply put, Christ reigns over church and creation through church and government offices: elder and magistrate. This one rule is distinguishable but united under Christ who reigns as Lord and Messiah.

In either case, if pastor or Premier sins, they retain the authority God gave but are accountable to God for their sin. They are also accountable to whatever body keeps them accountable (elder board, legislative assembly, etc.). Some sin obviously disqualifies too.

What Does Pentecost Mean?

October 4, 2021 by wagraham 1 Comment

The day of Pentecost signals one of the most important events in Christianity. While all together, the Spirit descends upon the apostles with signs and wonders. Tongues of fire appear, the sound of the Spirit comes, and the nations hear the apostles speak in their own language, a kind of miracle of hearing.

In the Acts of the Apostles, Luke spends an entire chapter narrating Pentecost and ties it closely to Acts 1. So what exactly is happening? What does Pentecost mean? [Read more…] about What Does Pentecost Mean?

Fearing the Loss of Freedom Enslaves

September 25, 2021 by wagraham 2 Comments

Alongside the Enlightenment, a mature understanding of the individual emerged. Freedom as a right of the sovereign individual became a pillar to understand how states ought to work. Individuals consented to be governed by a vote.

This basic liberal idea might be captured by John Locke’s affirmation of the individual’s right to life, liberty, and property; or in the USA’s declaration of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Living in Fear of Virus and of Government

September 24, 2021 by wagraham Leave a Comment

The story of fear over the past two years cuts in more than one direction: fear of the pandemic and of government overreach.

In both cases, responses unveil a sort of anxious energy which the Gospel itself can and does qualm.

I suppose that’s why I think Gospel centrality makes sense (and it’s biblical). Perfect love, the Spirit abiding in us, means I neither ultimately fear death by the virus nor death of freedom by the government.

[Read more…]

Being a Conservative in Canada

September 23, 2021 by wagraham 1 Comment

If liberalism (in its inception) emphasized individual liberty, private property, and minimal government intervention, then our friends to the south and even some parties in Canada will basically be liberal—in this first generation sense.

If conservatism (in its modern inception) countered the excessive individualism and memoricide of the past (think of the French Revolution), then we probably don’t have a traditionally conservative party in North America that stands a chance of winning office.

Five Books Conservatives Should Read

September 22, 2021 by wagraham 2 Comments

The last few years have shown us how important political thinking is to our way of life. Politics affect everything—whether that means actual policy or simply the newest political topic that spills into social media.

I have found myself in the past as a political outsider, not seeing my own face in conservative nor liberal parties in North America. And yet I assume that I am a conservative. It turns out that by receiving a whole set of traditions, assumptions, and ideas as I did, I was being a conservative.

A number of books have helped me to understand what it means to be Conservative, and they showed me why I often did not see myself or my views within the current political parties in North America. Here are five: [Read more…] about Five Books Conservatives Should Read