Every week I try to compile a list of interesting articles from around the web. Here’s this week’s list:
1. “Groaning Versus Grumbling” by Joel Leavell
A good word on the difference between these two responses to difficult circumstances. The “leads to worship” the other “leads to despair.” The one looks to God for hope, the other becomes embittered towards God. Knowing the difference helps us to respond rightly.
2. “10 Losses of Trauma Victims” by Brad Hambrick
Brad’s list reminds us that most of the losses people suffer because of trauma are intangible, and therefore require sensitivity and compassion for church members and care takers.
3. “The Year of Living Hopelessly” by Richard Clark
Rich writes with his usual insight in this post, offering readers a means of navigating the “existential angst” that has become our “national posture” this year. A good piece, but will require a CT membership to read.
4. “Should we be for or against Psychology?: A Conversation Continued” by Brad Hambrick
Brad interacts with a video interview, embedded in the post, in which David Powlison attempts to answer that question. Brad continues the conversations by expounding on Powlison’s six meanings of the term “psychology.” This is a good discussion and one worthy of our attention.
5. “Love Your Neighbor Enough to Speak the Truth” by Rosaria Butterfield
“If this were 1999—the year that I was converted and walked away from the woman and lesbian community I loved—instead of 2016, Jen Hatmaker’s words about the holiness of LGBT relationships would have flooded into my world like a balm of Gilead.” That’s how Rosaria begins her response to the popular Christian author/speaker, who recently came out in support of Gay Marriage. Rosaria describes how this news at the point of her wrestling with the faith would have been exactly what she wanted and would have kept her from actually surrendering to Jesus. Her challenge to Jen Hatmaker, and all progressives, is that their support of gay marriage is doing more harm than whatever good they think it accomplishes, and she can speak to this issue from experience.
6. “Nicholas Wolterstorff’s Cheap Shots” by Wesley Hill
Nicholas Wolterstorff, the respected Christian philosopher, came out recently in his own address asserting the validity of gay marriage. The presentation he gave, however, was of the most reductionist, simplistic, and facile form it could have taken. It was, quite honestly, the most poorly argued presentation of the issue that anyone bearing the name “philosopher” could come up with. Hill soundly dismantles the argument, calling it full of “cheap shots” that do nothing to further discussion on the subject.
7. “Doctor Strange Director Owns Up to Whitewashing Controversy” by Jen Yamato
I am super geeked about Doctor Strange and I really like Scott Derrickson as director of this film. Derrickson responds to critics who were upset with his choice to replace the Ancient One in the story of Strange with a caucasion actress, essentially erasing the Asian influence in her character. Derrickson responds by agree with his critics, asserting his failure, noting his best intentions, but willing to take responsibility for it. That’s a breath of fresh air from a major film director for a major studio, on a major project. It’s another reason to really appreciate Derrickson.
Pastor Dave Online 