Is Our Morality An Obstacle To Christianity?
Ten years ago, a Christian friend described how he was beginning to bring the gospel to his softball team. He had just joined the local league, partly …
Grace, Morality, and Moralism
The Ugliness Of Religious-Righteousness
Hurricane Sandy was the second most devastating hurricane in United States history. On October 29th, 2012 it stormed ashore in New Jersey, leaving a …
“I’d Never Do That” – Or Would We?
I used to work for a company that created software for publishers. It handled mail orders accompanied by checks, cash, or credit card information. It …
What Can Westboro Baptist Teach Us about Grace?
Have you heard of Westboro Baptist? They picket military funerals to protest gays. Their website is, “god hates fags dot com”. (I can’t bring myself …
Are We Teaching Selfishness?
When I was nine years old, I hit my sister. (I’m sure she deserved it). My parents were not happy. They sat me on the sofa. They told me that my …
Was Esther A Sex Slave or A Collaborator?
Why do we paint biblical heroes more virtuous than Scripture does? Hiding their faults robs us of grace, and it robs God of glory. That’s why the …
The Pimps and the Prostitutes Are Closer to Heaven Than We Are
Immanuel Kant was arguably the leading architect of the Enlightenment. He was raised in a pietistic family that embraced devotion to God, Scripture, …
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 …
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 …
Dishonest Faith
Last September I shared about being diagnosed with kidney cancer. I waited more than a month before posting, mostly to avoid anyone’s pity. (Come on, …
Forgiving Betrayers
A couple of years ago, I shared a story of betrayal. I ended the article with a faint desire to forgive. But wanting to forgive doesn’t doesn’t …