This Week’s Good Read

Here’s some interesting pieces from around the web that you might be interested in reading:

1) “10 Things Every Man Should Own – Spring Edition”  by Man Made

I don’t own a pocket knife or multi-tool, and don’t want one, but everything else on this list is good.

2) “Why I Pray Publically for Other Churches” by Greg Gilbert

My former pastor, and dear friend, offers a good defense for praying for other churches, it’s a good challenge to all of us to think about the greater kingdom and the universal church.

3) “A Nation of Wimps” by Hara Estroff Marano

A fascinating piece from Psychology Today which explores the ways in which parenting has over-protected and over-stressed their children today. It is absolutely worth a read!

4) “Why I Don’t Give Writing Tips” by William Zinsser

I enjoyed Zinsser’s book and appreciate now his approach to coaching writers. “I don’t do tips,” he says. Tips may make people a better writer, but he insists that they do not make people good writers.

5) “I Did Wrong. You Can’t See Me” by Ed Welch

Welch explores not simply the ways we hide from our sin, but the value of having our sin exposed.

6) “Pope Francis Says Atheists Who Do Good Are Redeemed, Not Just Catholics” by Huffington Post

There’s been the suggestion that this misrepresents what the Pope actually said, but if in fact this is legit it is surprising and disappointing.

7) “Scientists Study Rare Dinosaur Skin Fossil at CLS” by Canadian Light Source Inc.

We found Dinosaur skin! What an awesome and exciting discovery. This certainly opens lots of questions, and I am excited to see the answers explored.

8) “Al Mohler Responds to Peter Lumpkins” by aSouthernBaptist

This YouTube video presents one of the most profound responses I have ever heard to the questioning of Mohler’s attitude towards homosexuality. It ought to represent the attitude of all Christians regarding the morality and grace related to the subject.

9) “Why are People in Malawi So Hungry?” by Karen Swallow Prior

This piece in the Atlantic explores the multi-faceted reasons that this country’s people are starving.

10) “Suffering in the Service of Theology” by Dave Dunham

Here’s a piece I wrote for the blog of the Southern Ohio Pastor’s Coalition. It reflects some of the general ways that ministering to hurting people has helped to shape my theology and why such ministry is crucial for good theology.