What beaming a proton to space has to do with salvation. When news broke this summer that Chinese scientists had engineered the successful “teleportation” of a photon over a distance greater than 300 miles, Star Trek fans around the globe rejoiced. It was, however, a belated celebration: Teleportation has been around as a serious theory …
On his Columbia Records debut, the rapper answers his evangelical critics while staying close to his true roots. Late last month, Columbia Records released All Things Work Together, the latest offering from Christian hip-hop artist Lecrae. Popular among young evangelicals for putting theologically sound rhymes over catchy and well-composed beats, Lecrae has been working to …
We’re not surprised when people fail us. But should we be? Wickedness should not surprise us. A robust view of sin prepares us for the reality that institutions grow corrupt, politicians fudge promises, and even within the church folks gossip, cheat, and lie. Pastors fall. None of this is new. It’s important to maintain a …
How we can change the angry cultural debates online and in church. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther is said to have posted 95 theses, or “Disputation on the Power of Indulgences,” on the door of All Saints Church. The professor of moral theology at the University of Wittenberg was proposing an academic debate about …
Fox’s new A. A. Milne biopic is more Eeyore than Tigger—but maybe that’s a good thing. “Surely this is the happiest young boy on earth,” chirps the narrator of a newsreel. He is speaking of Christopher Robin, the son of A. A. Milne, subject and first recipient of the stories of the Hundred Acre Wood. …
Both traditions can appreciate Luther’s famous dictum as a recovery, not a discovery. Five hundred years ago, Martin Luther, an Augustinian monk, famously broke with the Roman Catholic Church, primarily over the doctrine of justification. Luther insisted salvation came through sola fide (faith alone), but Catholic leadership disagreed and excommunicated Luther for his views. So, …
Why many align theologically with the movement but feel left out culturally. Several weeks after Lecrae dropped his latest album, the biggest name in Christian hip-hop joined the podcast Truth’s Table. The topic of conversation: the rapper’s musical and personal transformation since his last album, a three-year period during which Lecrae become increasingly vocal in …
Lecrae’s decision has roots. And it has fruit. My response to Lecrae’s interview with the thoughtful women at Truth’s Table is mainly thankfulness and hope. Why would anyone care about my response? I don’t know that they would. But here’s why they might. This interview, along with the new album he just released (All Things …
How Frederick Buechner changed the course of Russell Moore’s life. Years ago, I found myself sitting at the dinner table of one of my literary heroes, Wendell Berry, on his farm in Henry County, Kentucky. At the end of the evening, Berry made it clear it was time for me to go by saying something …
Congregations shouldn’t go it alone when there are resources across the body of Christ they can leverage. I’ve always thought pastors have the toughest job in the world. They must shepherd their congregation to become fully devoted followers of Christ. Every week they’re expected to knock it out of the park with a powerful sermon. …