This Week’s Good Reads

Here are some interesting articles from around the web:

1. “Pure Pleasure 2013 Men’s Gathering” by Bethlehem Baptist Church

I haven’t yet watched all of these videos. Bethlehem Baptist Church’s annual men’s conference hosted pastor Kempton Turner as he discussed his journey from sexual bondage into the “blood-bought” freedom that Scripture reveals to all those struggle with sexual sin. Watch the videos, read the follow-up material.

2. “Buzz-Kill Batman & The Myth of the Lone Hero” by David Dunham

I know, I know, it’s a shameless plug, but here is a piece I wrote for Christ and Pop Culture this week on the value of community in the development of genuine heroism.

3. “Wendell Berry and the Poetry of Marriage: Essential Definitions” by Fred Sanders

A major theme in the writings of Berry has been that of marriage, particularly its permanence and value. Fred Sanders writers here an appreciation piece on Berry’s writing on the subject, but then calls for some clarification. In recent years Berry has come out in public support of Gay marriage and Sanders wonders “what is essential? What are the boundaries, the limits, the restrictions that he wrote so eloquently about remaining within?” It’s a very good piece from the Summer issue of The City.

4. Speaking of marriage there was quite a lot written this week on the subject of “marriage equality,” gay marriage, and the significant court cases that took place. Here is a round-up of some of the more interesting and helpful pieces I read this week. I would encourage Christians, particularly, not to live downcast and depressed. Our God is still on the throne! Prop 8, DOMA, and the Christian Response by Ed Stetzer, How Should Same-Sex Marriage Change the Church’s Witness? by Russell D. Moore, Why Gay Marriage is Good (and Bad) for the Church by Trevin Wax

5. “When is Pragmatism Prudent?” by Jamie Dunlop

I never thought I’d see the word “pragmatism” on the 9 Marks website, but that’s precisely what I saw, and I appreciated so much the perspective of this article.