This Week’s Good Reads

Here’s this week’s compiled list of interesting articles from around the web. Check it out, there’s bound to be something here that interests you.

1. “Is Feminine Modesty About Sex?” by Tony Reinke

In light of my ongoing study of lust, modesty, and beauty this article caught my attention. I like a lot about the way Reinke handles the subject. He is very sensitive and careful, and far more considerate of the nuances of the issue than many other Christian authors are. I think, however, he generally assumes more than he actually proves. It is in no way evident that Revelation 17 should be an interpretive lens for the two so-called modesty passages of the New Testament. They are very different texts, with completely different intents. He would have to make a far more compelling case for the interpretive methodology he is using. Thus, I remain unconvinced of his thesis.

2. “Counseling People Struggling with Obsessions and Compulsions” by Dave Dunham

Here’s a blog I wrote for the Biblical Counseling Coalition on how to counsel those who have what is sometimes diagnosed as OCD. It urges counselors as a whole to take seriously science, sanctification, and Scripture.

3. “7 More Accurate Bible Verse Pinterest Photos” by Nathan Pyle

Philippians 4:13 is probably not about weightlifting. Pyle depicts how the verse might better be applied to life in this interesting piece from Buzzfeed…wait, did I just say that Buzzfeed had an interesting piece?!

4. “Is There A Case for Racial Reparations?” by Alan Noble

Alan gives readers here a quick survey of a recent piece in the Atlantic and urges Evangelicals not to dismiss the realities and lingering effects of systemic and institutional racism. Commenters went nuts, as they always do, but the piece is quite reasonable and sensitive.

5. “The Prodigal, the Legalist, and Grace for All” by Trillia Newbell

Trillia does a beautiful job here of reminding us that forgiving and loving legalists, though one of the more difficult things Christians are called to do, is right. It is a demonstration of the gospel of grace. Reading this one might sting a little.

6. “Know Nothing: The True History of Atheism” by Michael Robbins

Atheists used to be smarter, claims Robbins. They use to take the idea of God seriously. They understood religion rightly, even if they disagreed with it. The modern version of atheism is nothing like this, the author claims. This is a fascinating piece over at Slate that will surprise many a reader – believer and unbeliever alike.

7. “Tommy Ramone, last of the original Ramones, dies” by AP

Sad to read this news this morning. I loved the Ramones as a late high schooler and early college age kid, not because they were particularly awesome musicians (they weren’t), but because they were part of the early birthing of a movement that resonated with me. I still remember the time I was watching a Ramones cover band and Johnny Ramone made a special appearance! It was awesome. The passing of Tommy truly brings to end an era.