Every week I try to compile a list of interesting articles from around the web. Here’s this week’s list, check it out:
1. “Can You Start in Azusa and Still Make It to Nicea?: Engaging Christopher Holmes’s The Holy Spirit” by Marc Cortez
Cortez takes issue with Christopher Holmes new book on the Holy Spirit. In particular, he takes issue with his conclusion that a properly Trinitarian theology cannot begin with the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Cortez points out, in fact, that one of Holmes’ theological voices disagrees with his conclusion. He explores Karl Barth’s pneumatology in this brief article.
2. “Why Christians Must Speak Out Against Donald Trump’s Muslim Remarks” by Russell Moore
Donald Trump is, in my opinion, dangerous for our country. Russell Moore explores one reason why in this article from The Washington Post. Here he points out that Trump’s anti-Muslim remarks and fear mongering are bad for all of religious liberty in our country. He writes:
Make no mistake. A government that can shut down mosques simply because they are mosques can shut down Bible studies because they are Bible studies. A government that can close the borders to all Muslims simply on the basis of their religious belief can do the same thing for evangelical Christians.
This is an important reminder and caution against the dangerous rhetoric of Donald Trump.
3. “The Top 15 Biblical Counseling Books of 2015” by Robert Kellemen
Everyone is compiling their end of the year lists and Dr. Kellemen helps Biblical Counselors with his list of best books in his field from this year. This is a good list.
4. “The Big Question: Are Books Getting Longer?” by Richard Lea
Books have increased by 80 pages over the last 15 years. This piece explores some of the possible reasons. I think the suggestion that e-readers make long novels more inviting is an insufficient explanation, but our cultural bent is to cite technology as the reason for everything. Some of the other suggestions are interesting though.
5. “Mark Driscoll Starts New Church in Phoenix” by Joel Connelly
He’s back! Despite never taking responsibility and being held accountable for his past failures as a pastor Driscoll is already launching a new church. Though, I confess, I have no idea what it means to have a “church without a congregation” or how that can even remotely be called a “Bible-based Church.”
6. “Jessica Jones: The Hell of Losing Control” by Julie Ooms
This is an awesome reflection on the Netflix Original Marvel show Jessica Jones. The piece explores the show as an exposition of control. The loss of control as the great post-modern fear, and the uncertainty of our moral choices under our own influence. It’s a beautiful and thoughtful piece that Marvel CU fans will really enjoy.
7. “Bonhoeffer’s Last Advent” by Timothy George
Bonhoeffer once wrote that ““The celebration of Advent is possible only to those troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come.” Here Timothy George reflects on what the holiday season was like for Bonhoeffer from prison.
8. “What Would Cool Jesus Do?” by Taffy Brodesser-Akner
This is a fascinating article about Hillsong Church in NYC. There’s much that it says that is wonderful, encouraging, and exciting, and some of what it says that makes me curious about Hillsong’s soteriology. Nonetheless, I appreciate the tact and honesty of the author, and the intent and kindness descriptive of Pastor Carl. GQ has written a really fair piece on faith and on Hillsong in particular.
Pastor Dave Online 