Check out these interesting articles from around the web:
1. “Is Sex Addiction Real? Here’s What Experts Say” by Amanda McMillan
In light of the 18 celebs who have recently been outed this question is getting more attention. The professions are divided on the validity of the label “sex addict.” The DSM does not include it in the list of diagnoses. In part, I think the answer to this issue depends on how one define’s “addiction.” If you judge it by the lived experience of individuals, then we note evidence of tolerance, an inability to stop, even with the experience of negative consequences. This points to addiction. But, on the other hand, if you define addiction as a brain disease, then the jury is still out.
2. “Friendship in Stranger Things 2 is a Buffer Against Darkness” by Mike Cosper
A wonderful look at the role of friendship is this great Netflix original show! Cosper is a both a great theologian and a great critic and I love that TGC ran this piece.
3. “The Crisis of Meaning” by Alex Pattakos
A fantastic piece that explores Victor Frankl’s “mass neurotic triad” of aggression, addiction, and depression. Since these three problems have only increased in the 60 years since Frankl first spoke of them, Pattakos believe we ought to revisit their causes. According to both Frankl and Pattakos the fundamental issue is an existential one. People have no significant meaning in their lives which leads them to fill the void with one or more of these elements. I believe Pattako is right, and I believe that Christians have an opportunity to speak into the void uniquely. Meaning is found in Christ!
4. “Why Special Revelation Trumps General Revelation” by Paul Tautges
A short summary of the distinction between Special and General revelation, and articulation of why general revelation fails to convert.
5. “Depressed with a Chronic Disease? Many Find Antidepressant are not working” by Science Daily
Newest research reveals that depression in conjunction with a chronic illness dramatically decreases the effectiveness of antidepressants. In fact, the authors of the research argue that the increased amount of research drawing the same conclusion, should lead practitioners to an immediate change in practice.
Pastor Dave Online 