Belonging to the Body

Cameron Shaffer
Jul 27, 2021
People who are part of a particular Christian congregation are often called church “members.” This language is profoundly biblical, and is a visible manifestation of the believer’s union with Christ and the communion of saints. The Greek word used to describe the individual parts of a body is melos...

Nigeria’s Grief

Simonetta Carr
Jul 23, 2021
On Sunday, May 30th, cries of terror filled the scattered homes that make up the rural community of Nwori Nduobashi, Nigeria. It was around 3 in the morning, and people were still asleep when an armed band broke into their homes, flashing light in their eyes to confuse them while they swung their...

Surviving the Fishbowl

Mortification of Spin
Jul 21, 2021
Carl publicly concedes that he’s no match for our special guest’s husband after losing their “mustard-colored trouser” Facebook contest a few years ago. That guest is Catherine Stewart, and she’s the editor of Surviving the Fishbowl: Letters to Pastor’s Kids. Catherine reveals what motivated her to...
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Mortification of Spin

Church Membership: Why Bother?

Adam Parker
Jul 20, 2021
Last year I changed pastorates from a church in the southeastern United States to a church in the Pacific Northwest. Of course there are cultural changes that come along with geographic shifts, but one of the biggest differences I noticed was the attitude toward church membership. I am painting...

Courageous Christian Sexuality

William Boekestein
Jul 16, 2021
Popular opinion concerning sexuality is changing rapidly. “It took more than a century for the homosexual movement to win cultural affirmation. Transgenderism’s acceptance happened much more speedily, partly due to the path carved out by the homosexuality movement.” [1] The traditional boundaries...

Gay and the Gay Christian

Calvin Goligher
Jul 15, 2021
Note: This article is part of a series on terminology related to homosexuality. The word “gay” can refer to: A pattern of male sexual attraction for other men. An identity rooted in such a pattern of attraction. More broadly, a variety of identities and practices that depart from the norm of male-...
A portrait of your very Owen.

(In)Justice and Truth

Mortification of Spin
Jul 14, 2021
While Todd laments knowing Carl far too long, the professor tries to boost his brand by mentioning that he was recently referred to as “one of God’s gifts to humanity.” With egos finally in check, the pair introduce today’s guest. Proving they can’t resist a good squabble, our dynamic duo welcomes...
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Mortification of Spin

False Worship and the World

Justin Poythress
Jul 12, 2021
“You shall not make for yourself an image…” Don’t be a "person of faith." It’s a meaningless statement, like saying “I like food” or “I like to sleep.” Be a person who admits he doesn’t know what he believes, or a devout Buddhist or Muslim. Then, at least, you stand in well-defined ignorance or...

A Friendly Correspondence

Carl Trueman
Jul 9, 2021
Note: The following is adapted from a letter sent in response to a gracious correspondent who was concerned about Dr. Trueman’s representation of the words of Rev. Greg Johnson . It is published here rather than First Things due to the intramural nature of the matter involved. Dear Friend, Thank...

The Attributes of God

Jim Cassidy
Jul 8, 2021
Gerald Bray, The Attributes of God: An Introduction (Crossway, 2021), 160 pp., Paperback, $15.99. Orientation to the Book This is the first volume in the new Short Studies in Systematic Theology series by Crossway. The series editors, Graham Cole and Oren Martin, aim to get at the essence of each...