Critical Race Theory, Loaded Language, and an Appeal for Nuance and Charity

Critical Race Theory, Loaded Language, and an Appeal for Nuance and Charity

It would be ignorant and abusive to suggest that every democrat is an ardent supporter of late-term abortions, or that every republican is xenophobic. Might that be true of some democrats or republicans? Of course. But the sweeping partisanship and vitriolic landscape that is the present political climate need not also describe our conversations within the church. To label and dismiss anyone with whom there is an apparent disagreement is to identify more with the pharisee than it is to identify with Christ.

Editorial – More than Imago Dei

Editorial – More than Imago Dei

The truth is that race is a complex issue. And race in America—and in the American church—is surely among the most complex of issues we confront today.

Acknowledging this should be uncontroversial. For the history of race in America has been convoluted, at best. So, too, the Evangelical church’s part in that difficult story—at times courageous, at times complicit, all the while complicated.

"Humanity in Its Entirety" – Herman Bavinck and the Image of God

"Humanity in Its Entirety" – Herman Bavinck and the Image of God

Is there something about human beings considered together that communicates something more about who we are as image bearers? In other words, what if it takes more than the individual to communicate the fullness of God’s image? This is precisely Herman Bavinck’s (1854-1921) provocative suggestion: the image of God is too rich to be confined to the individual or even to the human family.

The Psychology of Temptation: A Lesson in Pastoral Wisdom from James

The Psychology of Temptation: A Lesson in Pastoral Wisdom from James

The wages of sin is death. That is apparent, if we have eyes to see. Adultery destroys marriages. Gluttony degrades one’s health—mentally, spiritually, and physically. Covetousness constricts the heart, making one increasingly unable to love. Lying destroys trust, and therefore destroys relationships. This much is plain. It is easy to see sin for what it is when we see its effects down the road, when the marriage is irrecoverable, the heart attack has occurred, or the job has been lost.

Should Churches in California Defy Government Restrictions? A Response to John MacArthur

Should Churches in California Defy Government Restrictions? A Response to John MacArthur

As a fellow minister of the gospel here in Southern California, I want to articulate why I believe cooperating with the current restrictions is not necessarily a cowardly desertion of our calling, but may instead reflect the path of wisdom, responsibility, and love. My motive in writing is not to attack MacArthur, who is my brother-in-Christ, but from sincere concern about the impact of his views on other pastors and churches.