Note: This post is a re-purposed and expanded version of “For the Love of Books,” and commemorates my son, Timothy, and daughter, Emily’s, graduations this week: Tim from Villanova where he got two Masters, one in English Literature and one in Theology, and Emily who became a registered nurse, receiving her RN from Rowan College. Very proud of them! In … Read More
The Problem with “Church-free” Christianity
A local church defined biblically is “a group of believers banded together for worship, edification, service, fellowship, and outreach; accepting spiritual leadership; willing to minister to all segments of society through the various gifts in the body;” and regularly practicing the sacraments.[1] That’s why any celebration of a “church-free” Christianity is problematic. Although I’ve had many seasons where I didn’t … Read More
Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection
“So the other disciples told him [“Doubting Thomas], ‘We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.’” John 20:25, ESV A healthy skepticism is good but Thomas … Read More
Finding Joy in Simple Things
I’ve never had a guest blogger, however, this week I’m breaking with that tradition and sharing a piece posthumously as a tribute to the life and example of my Aunt “Rusty,” Eleanor Loper, one of my dad’s older sisters. She passed away earlier this year on January 18th and was one of the kindest and most positive people I’ve known. … Read More
Shame-based versus Grace-based Churches
In my role as Executive Director of Church Outreach and Engagement at Care Net, I’m constantly talking about the need to refer pregnancy center clients to “grace-based churches.” Often I’m asked what I mean by this term and, although there are several things I have in mind, below is the story of where I first heard the term, as well … Read More
Exclusive Prayer & Ministry Update-032019
Hi Friends! I hope you are all well and thank for being regular subscribers. As I mentioned in my last subscriber-only update in January, I set out this year with the goal of writing two books: How I Became a Christian Despite the Church The Dangers of Growing Up in a Christian Home (and how to avoid them!) Many of … Read More
Working Together Side-by-Side, Part 2 of 2
Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain [fleeting] life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might… Ecclesiastes 9:9-10a, ESV Again, in order to … Read More
Working Together Side-by-Side, Part 1 of 2
We’ve only just begun to live White lace and promises A kiss for luck and we’re on our way… Sharing horizons that are new to us Watching the signs along the way Talkin’ it over, just the two of us Workin’ together day to day Together -The Carpenters, We’ve Only Just Begun I could have added this two-part series to … Read More
A Critique of Gothardism, Part 5 of 5
As an exercise in discernment, this series critiques the teaching associated with the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP), Advanced Training Institute International (ATI), and specifically their founder, Bill Gothard. His teaching includes a myriad of distortions and this post addresses examples under the final two of six main areas (listed at the end of Part 1). Elevating the … Read More
A Critique of Gothardism, Part 4 of 5
As an exercise in discernment, this series critiques the teaching associated with the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP), Advanced Training Institute International (ATI), and specifically their founder, Bill Gothard. His teaching includes a myriad of distortions and this post addresses examples under the fourth of six main areas (listed at the end of Part 1): A misuse of “the … Read More