While discussing current events at dinner, my 20-year-old son slapped his hand against his forehead. “I just don’t get how that politician thinks that way,” he exclaims after hearing about her most recent comment reported by the news media. Looking at how our culture's values and worldview have morphed through my lifetime of 52 years, … Continue reading What Has Happened to American Culture?
Christianity
Dusty Pages or Divine Word? Part 5
Transformed Lives: God’s word has changed the lives of millions throughout the centuries.
Dusty Pages or Divine Word? Part 1
I would like to encourage the nonbeliever to take another look at the Good Book by considering the following reasons to believe that the Bible is the Word of God. I also want to help believers develop a stronger faith and increase their ability to communicate what they believe to others.
What Is the Bible?
Translated in more languages than any other book, the Bible has been the best-selling book of all time. It has also been the most attacked book of all time. Yet, it endures, crossing cultures and changing people’s lives. But what is the Bible? Just an ancient artifact from the eastern Mediterranean? An outmoded religious rule … Continue reading What Is the Bible?
Reading Response: The Book That Made Your World by Vishal Mangalwadi
In fall 2017, a missionary couple we support in east Africa recommended this book: The Book That Made Your World: How the Bible Created the Soul of Western Civilization by Vishal Mangalwadi. Noticing that the first endorsement was by author and apologist Ravi Zacharias and another by our former pastor, Jan D. Hettinga, I eagerly … Continue reading Reading Response: The Book That Made Your World by Vishal Mangalwadi
Christian or Follower of Christ
Why I use terms such as “follower of Christ” or “believer” more often than “Christian.” The term Christian was first used in the Bible in the city of Antioch (Acts 11:25) and meant that the followers of Jesus were “Christ-like.” But over the centuries, the term has developed a cultural meaning, and as a result, … Continue reading Christian or Follower of Christ
Reading About the Great Conversation
In preparation for teaching 12th-grade literature to Nate (and some to Sombai), I’ve been reviewing my collection of books on the Great Books of Western Civilization. This process has reacquainted me with the thoughts and discussions of my college days as an English major. This reunion with literature and analytical thought brings me joy as … Continue reading Reading About the Great Conversation
