Hays gives his thoughts on Prince Caspian. The review is mostly negative [and I tend to agree with him]. "Indeed, the character of Aslan is a central problem. For Lewis, he represents Christ. But in this movie, I’m struck by how un-Christlike he is. In what respect does he correspond, even symbolically, to the Christ of the Gospels? He’s more like Yoda in a lion suit. A big stuffed animal with a fund of fortune-cookie platitudes. Just pull the string." Tubs & tortoise-shells!
Clint cautions against investing our best efforts and voice in non-Gospel matters, . Clarifying the Christian Voice
Clint reminds us that, while we have certain rights as citizens in a democracy that may be exercised, the experience of Christians in our nations is relatively modern, as most have been oppressed, and while exercising our democratic rights is good and fine, we must not lose our distinctive voice for the Gospel call. The Season For Cynicism
In case we needed yet another reason why the Roman Catholic church isn't exactly the One True Church (TM) she would like to be, leaders are calling for Muslim prayer rooms in Catholic schools. http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/news/article-1091218/Muslim-prayer-rooms-opened-Catholic-schools-say-church-leaders.html
Phillips reviews Unpacking Forgiveness: The book reckons with the complex biblical data on the subject, in a very engaging way. The author, Brauns, points out that God's forgiveness is conditioned somehow on ours, and that this is an eternal issue. He also highlights that forgiveness doesn't eradicate horizontal consequences. Our forgiveness for other should be patterned on God's and therefore conditioned on repentance. The offer is unconditional, but the granting is not. Forgiveness is defines as a commitment by the offended to graciously pardon the repentant from moral liability and be reconciled, although not all consequences are necessarily eliminated. Book review — Unpacking Forgiveness, by Chris Brauns
Hays has some interesting comments on film and in particular Clint Eastwood. One of note: "I think libertarianism is the default setting of fallen men. Do your own thing, as long as you don’t impose your values on someone else. (Of course, that’s impossible in practice.)" He writes about the secular/atheistic outlook intrinsic in Eastwood's films. Do you feel lucky-
While the cult of Bart Ehrman may think that he does well enough in debate, it should be noted that Evangelicals keeps setting up these debates and publishing the materials and recordings. Perhaps the critics would do well to understand why we do that. The Cult Of Saint Bart
"There is both growing public reluctance to make personal sacrifices and a distinct lack of enthusiasm for the major international efforts now underway to battle climate change, according to findings of a poll of 12,000 citizens in 11 countries." Sacrificing for the Environment (HT:1))
Turns out senator Clinton is going to be secretary of state. Why this is good for Obama
David VanDrunen and Tom Schreiner debated paedo/credobaptism. The audio is here: Paedo-Credo Baptism Debate
A roundup of the posts done for SBL 2008. There is some really interesting stuff in the area of textual criticism here. SBL 2008 BOSTON ROUND UP
As it turns out, atheists think that "Why doesn't God heal amputees?" passes as good argumentation against the faith. Why Won’t God Heal Amputees-
Phillips writes a parable about gay marriage advocacy, illustrating some of its absurdities by comparing it to calling someone 'fat' being turned into a hate crime. Gay marriage - a parable
Here's two good questions Phillips would like to see someone ask Barrack Obama: Two questions I'd like to see President-elect Obama asked
John Ensor writes about how there are better things to do with your life than retirement. http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/TasteAndSee/ByDate/2008/3443_Kissing_Retirement_Goodbye/
Mathis has an interview with Burk Parsons on The Heart of John Calvin. It sounds like a great read. The Heart of John Calvin
Piper: Mephibosheth gives a remarkable example in demonstrating joy in the return of his king alone, even though his inheritance was being divided to go to a scoundrel. We should feel this way about Christ: "Would not this all-satisfying love for Christ silence many disputes over inheritances? "Oh, let them take it all, since my lord the king has come safely home."" How to Avoid Inheritance Disputes
The new Capitol Visitor Center in Washington DC has revised history to be politically correct by writing religion out of it. Writing Religion Out of Our History
Piper: Daniel saw a horrible vision. He was appalled by the destruction. Nevertheless, he was productive, though he didn't understand what he saw. So too, we must be appalled at the world, but productive in it. Appalled but Productive
Feminists erupt over Michelle Obama opting to be a stay-at-home mom in the White House. "To use a phrase provided by feminist author Linda Hirshman, Michelle Obama is now accused of "letting down the team" by choosing motherhood over career at this point in her life. Hirshman famously argues that women who choose motherhood at the expense of career and professional development are robbing themselves and, by extension, all women of status and progress. Childrearing, Hirshman was bold to write, should be considered as demeaning to any educated adult." [I find it ironic that feminists were accusing Palin of not being able to take care of her family if she took office!] http://www.albertmohler.com/blog_read.php?id=2839
White comments on a timeline on the John 3:16 conference and a comment by Tony Byrne on how he provided a chart to help people at the conference understand the differences between Calvinism and Arminianism. A Timeline on the J316C Discussion
JT recommends The Writings of John Calvin. The Writings of John Calvin
Kostenberger has provided a list of the best book in Biblical/Theological studies for this past year (2008) Kostenberger- The Best Books in Biblical and Theological Studies in 2008
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