Political Popular Science
A hundred years ago, prominent elements of the Western World’s political and intellectual elite embraced a new and exciting scientific theory. Leaders …
My First Parachute Jump … and My Last
As a young boy, my weekends were filled with imaginary World War II battles. Nearby parks fielded the Battle of the Bulge, and the skeleton of a local …
When God Seems Silent
Of all the ways God speaks, the one I like least (and fear most) is his silence. The absence of his voice seems to come at the moments I most …
Fearing Go(o)d
During my sophomore year at the University of Michigan, I heard of a summer job repairing the U of M stadium, the Big House. I showed up the Monday …
Why Can’t We Admit Hidden Evils?
Several months ago, a woman admitted to me some secrets about her inner life. She is beginning to acknowledge her past and present sinfulness. [Click …
Why Do Our Children Leave Christianity?
Why do so many people—with incredible conversions—parent children who leave Christianity? History overflows with great saints whose offspring lose …
Insidious Creep
When I was in ninth grade, I attended a weekly prayer group. After a meeting one Friday evening, a young woman asked for prayer to address her extreme …
Fear of Fruitlessness
Last week God shocked me with two verses spoken to one of his prophets: “You shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you. You …
The Fear of Risk
Years ago, I went scuba diving into a shark-feeding frenzy with two of my kids. We descended sixty feet to the ocean floor, knelt in a large circle, …
Practicing Godless Faith
I once met an elder who was in deep distress because of his faith. Six years ago, his small but growing church received tithes that exceeded two …
The Cowardice of Christian Niceness
Many years ago, a young man was transferred to my department. During his first annual review with me, he asked why his raises had been consistently …
Try Confession Without Repentance
Several years ago, I repented to God for something small. I hadn’t stolen candy from a baby, oppressed a widow, or coveted a neighbor’s cow. I had …