Psalm 2 at Christmas
I was given the privilege of preaching briefly this morning at my church after our annual Christmas program, and I chose what might seem an odd passage for Christmas: Psalm 2. During the time of year at which we are celebrating what is in one sense the beginning of Jesus’ story, the birth of the Lord’s Anointed, the Messiah, it is appropriate for us to look to the end of Jesus’ story, too. And, interestingly enough, the end was predicted before the beginning. This psalm, written probably at...
Condoms and Consent
Mark Regnerus in Public Discourse: Saying that it’s all on men to change their behavior may signal progressive virtue online, but it will do little to diminish real-life grief. The realities of sexual exchange will not disappear and cannot be eviscerated by fiat or reformed by speech rules. And eventually, the social media shaming will come to an end. Then what? Regnerus suggests establishing and/or reinforcing cultural norms, clear “no-fly” zones in which men know not to make a pass and women...
Authorized on Lexicon Valley
Check out my interview with John McWhorter on his Lexicon Valley podcast! McWhorter actually read the book, and I concur with him when he says in the piece, "I get it, Mark." He does, he clearly does. I'm praying that a lot of Christians join him in getting it. And for you faithful blog readers, here's a small bonus part of the interview that got cut from the final product: Image of John McWhorter from CNN.com. Pre-order Authorized now at Amazon or Lexham/Logos; the price may change after the...
The Labels “Republican” and “Evangelical” for a Christian Pilgrim
A top-rated relative asked me what I thought of Peter Wehner's piece in the New York Times, "Why I Can No Longer Call Myself An Evangelical Republican." This was my reply: *** I kept saying "Amen" the whole time. I feel the pain of anyone who is sick, sick, sick of being "evangelical" and "Republican" in the Trump era. Republican But as for formal voter registration, I remain registered as a Republican and will continue to do so as long as 1) there are effectively only two political parties in...
Thanks for Praying
I talked with John McWhorter this morning for about 45 minutes to record an episode of Lexicon Valley focused on my new book, Authorized: The Use and Misuse of the King James Bible. I'm an even bigger fan of the guy after this experience; I'm still both shocked and over the moon that he'd pick up a book by a no-name Christian author and actually read it. He did, as his interview questions prove, and he totally got it, as I knew he would. I encourage you to sign up for his podcast, as I have...