Here’s a collection of some interesting articles compiled from around the web. Check it out, there’s bound to be something here that interests you.
1. “Conversations Through 95 Theses for Biblical Counseling” by Brad Hambrick
Several weeks ago now, Heath Lambert, Director of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors, wrote a document entitled The 95 Theses for Biblical Counseling. In it, Dr. Lambert uses strong language to define the boundaries of what he deems as true Biblical counseling. There is much in this document that can be commended, and yet I found myself largely frustrated by its tone and its simplicity. More nuance and clarification was needed, and far more grace too. Brad Hambrick has been taking his time to work through the document and interact with it from both an appreciative and critical standpoint. I commend this series to all Biblical Counselors. It’s important that we have this ongoing conversation about the philosophical foundations and practical methodology of Biblical Counseling, but it’s important to do it in a way that cultivates unity, not stirs up counseling wars.
2. “Biblical Preaching and Biblical Counseling: What Makes Them Biblical?” by Bob Kellemen
An example of gracious and thoughtful interaction on counseling differences is this article by Bob. By interacting with a David Murray post at TGC, Kellemen demonstrates some of the important foundational issues that distinguish Biblical Counseling from other approaches. This is a very important distinction and it is well articulated by Dr. Kellemen.
3. “On the Myth of the Chemical Imbalance” by Mark Ruffalo
Continuing with my theme of important counseling articles, here is one from Psychology Today which explodes the myth of chemical imbalance as the cause of mental disorders. While this theory has reached peak acceptance at the popular level, Ruffalo indicates that it was never more than “urban legend” among professional psychiatrists. There is absolutely nothing to substantiate the claim of chemical imbalance and we should stop using it as an explanatory cause of mental health problems. This is a shocking article because it supports so much of what Biblical counselors are saying, but it comes from an entirely secular source. I highly recommend this article, even if you have nothing to do with counseling.
4. “Former NPR CEO Opens Up About Liberal Media Bias” by Ken Stern
The title of this New York Post piece speaks for itself. There is, in my opinion, plenty of confirmation bias that works on both sides of the political divide, but this is a bold admission and will hopefully encourage some reform among a broad stream of journalists in America.
5. “5 Myths About Martin Luther” by Herman Selderhuis
The popular conception of Luther is a lot fiction mixed in with some key facts. The results are that people often confuse early Luther with the totality of Luther, or they make up a partially true Luther in place of the real one. This wonderful short article from Crossway is worthy of reading simply to deny some of the common misconceptions about the German Reformer.
6. “Martin Luther’s Parasite” by Trevin Wax
In light of all the Reformation Celebrations happening this month it is important to remember that Luther was a seriously flawed man with big sins. We do not serve the church or history well by ignoring those sins. Trevin Wax reminds us of Luther’s anti-Semitism and encourages us that while we can praise God for flawed saints, we should never allow hagiography to minimize sin.
7. “Of Old Testament Haircuts and New Testament Head Coverings” by Wendy Alsup
A fascinating look at the role of head coverings in 1 Corinthians 11. Wendy proposes an interpretation of the text that argues head coverings were a means of protecting vulnerable women in ancient Corinth. An interesting read and a compelling interpretation.
Pastor Dave Online 