Church Growth and Our Hard Times

by | Dec 15, 2008 | Culture, Uncategorized

Do hard times prove religion to be a crutch for those hardest hit? You might think that listening to some of the new research being publicized as of late as to why evangelical churches tend to grow during times of economic crises. In a December 13 article in the New York Times, Paul Vitello declares in his headline that “Bad Times Draw Bigger Crowds to Churches.” . . . Since September, pastors nationwide say they have seen such a burst of new interest that they find themselves contending with powerful conflicting emotions “” deep empathy and quiet excitement “” as they re-encounter an old piece of religious lore: Bad times are good for evangelical churches. I don’t doubt the trend. I can remember a swell in attendance after the tragedies of September 11, 2001. I also remember the return to normalcy. I don’t doubt that those who are hardest hit by the current economic issues in our country will begin to question themselves, their values and the trajectory of their life. I say to that, “Amen.” It’s not that I have a sense of “quiet excitement” in people’s pains. As an ordinary pastor, I’m not praying for economic disaster, political upheaval, or any increase in natural disasters. But I well know that when people place their hopes, security, joy and future in the economy, politics or the stability of our world in general, they are setting themselves up for a time of inward instability that may just make them rethink what they are ultimately living for. Mr. Vitello’s article notes some interesting issues in American history regarding evangelical churches...

The President’s Christianity

by | Dec 10, 2008 | Presidential History

How does President Bush define his faith in Christ?  What is his take on a literal interpretation of Scripture?  What about pluralism in America and the exclusive claims of Christ?  Is Allah of Islam the same God as YHWH of the Bible?  The President has given an interview that will no doubt make just about everyone of every religious (or irreligious) stripe shake their heads affirmatively and negatively. HT: Thabiti...

Proclamation of Thanksgiving

by | Nov 27, 2008 | Culture

How did we get “Thanksgiving” as a national Holiday? Washington, D.C. October 3, 1863 This is the proclamation which set the precedent for America’s national day of Thanksgiving. During his administration, President Lincoln issued many orders like this. For example, on November 28, 1861, he ordered government departments closed for a local day of thanksgiving. Sarah Josepha Hale, a prominent magazine editor, wrote a letter to Lincoln on 28, 1863, urging him to have the “day of our annual Thanksgiving made a National and fixed Union Festival.” She wrote, “You may have observed that, for some years past, there has been an increasing interest felt in our land to have the Thanksgiving held on the same day, in all the States; it now needs National recognition and authoritive fixation, only, to become permanently, an American custom and institution.” The document below sets apart the last Thursday of November “as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise.” According to an April 1, 1864, letter from John Nicolay, one of President Lincoln’s secretaries, this document was written by Secretary of State William Seward, and the original was in his handwriting. On October 3, 1863, fellow Cabinet member Gideon Welles recorded in his diary that he complimented Seward on his work. A year later the manuscript was sold to benefit Union troops. By the President of the United States of America. A Proclamation. The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come,...

Piper Clarifies Stance on a Woman Vice President

by | Nov 2, 2008 | Culture, Politics, Presidential History

A few days ago, I linked to John Piper’s video that, among other issues, stated his concerns about a mother pursuing public office.  Today, Dr. Piper clarifies his position in light of some who would assume it may be worse to vote for a woman to be Vice President than a man who supports abortion. Why a Woman Shouldn’t Run for Vice President, but Wise People May Still Vote for Her :: Desiring...