It has been nearly thirty years since the beginning of the first Gulf War (which I supported. I also supported the second Gulf War and the war in Afghanistan.) Over that period, Christianity in the Middle East has largely disappeared.  At least a thousand churches have been destroyed in the region.  Tens of thousands of … Continue reading The Disappearance of Christianity from the Middle East

I first published this in 2015. I'm updating it to add Game of Thrones, Mad Men, Justified, Battlestar Galactica, and The Shield. Game of Thrones: I gave the finale a B-. Neither great nor awful, just logical & inevitable. Basically, once they killed Littlefinger there were no more wildcards in play, no more unpredictability in … Continue reading Ranking the Series Finales, GoT Update

Here are a few theology- and ministry-related posts from last week that I found most interesting. Beth Allison Barr: "Christian Patriarchy Isn't Christian" Beth Allison Barr makes several great points (and also cites my doctor-father, Charles Talbert) in an excellent post at the Anxious Bench.  She draws contrasts between Paul's treatment of women and their … Continue reading Best of the Blogs from Last Week

Have you ever thought about the interrelationship between: WHAT the Bible is, WHY we read the Bible, and HOW we read the Bible? Granted: the Bible is the word of God, meaning God communicates himself to us through the Bible in unique ways.  But beyond that, what is the Bible? To illustrate: which of the … Continue reading Different Ways to Read the Bible

I prayed the following prayer this morning at the meeting of the Lausanne Conference in Croatia. Our Father God, I am thankful for many things this morning. I am thankful for the beautiful day you have given us. I am thankful for life and the many blessings you give. I am thankful for this fellowship … Continue reading Prayer for the Lausanne Conference in Croatia

(A tip of the hat to the great Marg Mowczko, who reminded me of the holiday today.) Today (17 May), the Orthodox Church celebrates Andronicus and Junia (hereafter A&J).  This couple, probably husband and wife, are mentioned in Romans 16.7. There is debate over their role in the earliest church: Paul seems to refer to … Continue reading Andronicus & Junia

Still more about how we read the Bible: I have been fascinated with hermeneutics since I read Fee & Stuart's How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth during my MA work at Lubbock Christian University. I LOVED that book.  I taught a Sunday School class on it at DeSoto Christian Church.  I required it … Continue reading Hermeneutics and Me

[I first published the following over two years ago.  I am reposting it as part of my current series on corporate repentance.] A former student of mine emailed me a series of questions about race and racial reconciliation for a class she's taking.  I thought it worth posting parts of it here. (Is it narcissistic … Continue reading Corporate Sin, Corporate Repentance, pt 4: “Race”

I believe now, and have always believed, that women should be free to use the gifts the Holy Spirit gives them as the Holy Spirit guides them. The governing principle isn't gender, it's "use your freedom in ways that build up the body." "Your sons & daughters will prophesy" doesn't have a caveat: "Unless it's … Continue reading Wade Burleson: Women Teaching the Bible