Reformation21

The tiff over Pope Benedict's anti-Islam remarks, and his subsequent quasi-apology, presented an interesting interplay between supposed papal infallibility and political pragmatism. Of course, Benedict was not speaking ex cathedra during his visit to the University of Regensburg, but that...

Another op ed piece in the Wasthington Post today (I'm visiting my mother in D. C. this week) was written by Eugene Robinson . This one was titled "Torture Is Torture." He first gives practical reasons why America should not sanction torture of our enemies. But then he says, "We shouldn't have to...

Rick, if you and others are interested, Joe Carter (of the Evangelical Outpost) blog and I sponsored an online symposium last year on the issue of torture. It can be found here. The responses appear in alphabetical order: Darrell Cole :: John Jefferson Davis :: Daniel Heimbach :: Mark Liederbach...

Jason, Thanks for linking to that excellent symposium. I attached a long comment to the original blog site that presents my full argument against torture, which readers can find here . Also, I had the great privilege a month or so ago of preaching at a conference on the Christian view of war held...

Tony Reinke’s “The Puritan Study” series over at The Shepherd’s Scrapbook is an excellent help for pastors wanting to incorporate Puritan literature into their devotional diet and ministry preparation.

Last week I received the latest issue of The Messenger , which is a newsletter published by Mission Mississippi. Under the leadership of Dr. Dolphus Weary, Mission Mississippi seeks "to encourage and demonstrate unity in the body of Christ across racial and denominational lines." I believe that...

In response to Justin Taylor's recent rejoinder ("Race and Responsibility"), I agree that the concept of covenant should not be applied to relationships beyond the proper biblical boundaries. One thinks, for example, of the destructive ways that covenant was allied to nationalism in South Africa,...

Phil, thinks for the helpful exchange and helping me (and others!) think through these things. BTW, our friend Thabiti Anyabwile has a thoughtful post this morning on what "race" does not explain .

[NOTE: PAUL HELM SENT ALONG THIS COMMENT FOR THE BLOG. IT IS POSTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR UNDER DEREK'S NAME FOR SIMPLICITY'S SAKE] Derek Thomas's excellent piece on the emotional life of Christians reminded me of this bit of Augustine, who is often (but quite mistakenly) thought to be a fully paid-...

Well, it's not the first time a lot of dust got kicked up in Regensburg (church history anyone?), but the Pope has surely done it this time. John Piper offers these helpful remarks and suggestions .