Holiday Culture Wars

Beliefnet has setup a "Holiday Culture Wars Blog" that makes for some interesting reading. From a Christian perspective, they've highlighted television shows with sexually-explicit lyrics set to Christmas music, obscene art that is "rife with Christmas-themed debauchery," and how Christmas has become so secularized to the point where atheists "unhesitatingly wish everyone a Merry Christmas." … Continue reading Holiday Culture Wars

Mechanical Investing for December 2006

This was a good month again for Mechanical Investing; I'm catching up to the market, though still lagging behind. Let's check the numbers - Last 4 weeks: +4.3% Last 3 months: +3.2% Year to date: +1.0% (Dow is +14.7% ytd from 10,718) Last 12 months:+0.9% Holding for another month: Ticker Bought Now Months Return   … Continue reading Mechanical Investing for December 2006

Christ is Missing

A manger scene without baby Jesus? ST. ALBANS, W.Va. - Christ is missing from Christmas in this small town. The community's holiday display has a manger with shepherds, a guiding star, camels and a palm tree, but no baby Jesus, Mary or Joseph. The parks superintendent said Jesus was left out because of concerns about … Continue reading Christ is Missing

Boycotting "Winter Holiday" Again

I'm boycotting "Winter Holiday" again. If you want to celebrate some sort of pagan winter thingy, you just go right ahead. But if a retailer can't acknowledge that I'm celebrating Christmas, then I'm not going to shop there. I did this last year, too. Some changes from last year, though - Wal-Mart firmly has the … Continue reading Boycotting "Winter Holiday" Again

Elton John Would Ban Religion Completely

From Drudge: Sir Elton John wants religion banned completely -- because he believes it promotes hatred of gays. Speaking to the Observer Music Monthly Magazine the singer said religion lacked compassion and turned people into "hateful lemmings". The PRESS ASSOCIATION reports: In a candid interview for a dedicated Gay issue of the magazine he shared … Continue reading Elton John Would Ban Religion Completely

Exercise Confidence

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can. Do you recognize those words? The Little Engine That Could, carrying a trainload of toys over the mountain. The load was so heavy and the journey was so long, the Little Engine was ready to give up. Defeated. I can’t do this, the … Continue reading Exercise Confidence

Domestic Evangelism

When I hear of mission groups reaching out to Americans, I know there's a need. While most people believe in God, I don't think most believe know why they believe in God or why that should be important to them. This latest poll on American's views on God show what I mean. Among the various … Continue reading Domestic Evangelism

So Much Liberal Media Today

I've never seen so many news stories trumpeting the Democrats winning one or both seats of congress. Tonight, CNN was saying how great it was to have a divided Congress, or a President in one party and the Congress in another. The media is trying to brainwash the American people into believing this is a … Continue reading So Much Liberal Media Today

Living in Hope

Once upon a time, a very long time ago, in Genesis 14, five kings joined forces. The king of Sodom, the king of Gomorrah, the kings of Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela. For years, the five kings had been pushed around by four other kings, the kings of Shinar, Ellasar, Elam, and Goiim. Because it makes … Continue reading Living in Hope

Which Theologian Are You?

Actually, I confess I wasn't even sure of a couple of the questions. I'm surprised I wasn't closest to Martin Luther, though. I've never heard of Anselm before today. You scored as Anselm. Anselm is the outstanding theologian of the medieval period.He sees man's primary problem as having failed to render unto God what we … Continue reading Which Theologian Are You?

Facing the Giants

Facing the Giants was a wonderful surprise movie this afternoon. I just don't know why I hadn't heard of it before this week. It's the story of a small Christian school's football team, and their triumph over defeat by placing their trust in God instead of man. So many wonderful Christian examples of how to … Continue reading Facing the Giants

Be Obedient

This is our 4th week in the book of Hebrews. The first week we learned how awesome angels are, learned about our own guardian angel, and that no matter how awesome angels are, Jesus is better than angels. If I recall, Jesus was also better than a Polish hotel, though I might have some wires … Continue reading Be Obedient

The Prayers of the Sinner

I had dinner with some friends from church last night, and one of the more learned friends made a statement that at first I objected to, but the more I think about it, the more validity it seems to have. My question: Does God hear the prayers of the unrepentant sinner? In my own walk … Continue reading The Prayers of the Sinner

Pay Attention

For the rest of this year, our bible class will be deep into the Book of Hebrews. Most scholars believe the Book of Hebrews was written by Paul to the early Christians who had converted from Judaism, and we'll find excellent instruction these next few months on what Christian living is all about. So, let's … Continue reading Pay Attention

Psalms, Irish bogs, Protestants and Israel

Yesterday, the news reports that medieval copy of the partial Psalms was found in an Irish bog. Interestingly, : "The book was found open to a page describing, in Latin script, Psalm 83, in which God hears complaints of other nations' attempts to wipe out the name of Israel." - (hat tip Atlasshrugs) Lets read … Continue reading Psalms, Irish bogs, Protestants and Israel

Review: House

Sort of like combining Stephen King and C.S. Lewis. "House: The Only Way Out is In" (WestBow Press) is a very suspenseful and intense novel by Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker. In fact, it's so intense, I cannot in good conscience recommend this to kids or to the squeamish. The entire first half of the … Continue reading Review: House

Superman Returns

Did you see Superman Returns? I saw it twice; I had read little snippets that there was significant Christian symbology in it, but it was much more obvious to me when I saw the movie. Warning, spoilers below, so don't click if you don't want to know: Jur-El telling his son Kal-El that he's sending … Continue reading Superman Returns

Review: The Da Vinci Codebreaker

This book is a companion guide to The DaVinci Code trash that Dan Brown inflicted upon us. Dan Brown claims simultaneously that his book is both factual and fiction, enabling him to attack the Catholic Church and Christians and hide behind the "fiction" when the heat is on. Many don't know that even many of … Continue reading Review: The Da Vinci Codebreaker

Review: Presumed Guilty

Sex. Mystery. Intrigue. When fiction includes topic like sex, you just know it's going to be good. Presumed Guilty by author James Scott Bell and published by Zondervan tracks the fall of a minister, Ron Hamilton, as his good works switch from glorifying God to glorifying himself. His own self of self-esteem and his own … Continue reading Review: Presumed Guilty

Kenya Mission, Day 7

January 2, 2006 Today's Swahili phrase: hakuna matada, which means "Disney marketing phrase." No wait, it means "no worries." I've received a lot of encouragement to continue this series - we're about halfway through - but this next day was a very important day, full of eye-opening experiences, and frankly, just hard to get a … Continue reading Kenya Mission, Day 7

Upon These Rockies I Will Build My Church

Spotlight today on the Colorado Rockies, and a thanks to USA Today for portraying Christianity in sports in a positive light. DENVER — No copies of Playboy or Penthouse are in the clubhouse of baseball's Colorado Rockies. There's not even a Maxim. The only reading materials are daily newspapers, sports and car magazines and the … Continue reading Upon These Rockies I Will Build My Church

Boycotting and Protesting "The Da Vinci Code"

The protests are getting louder. Christians aren't yet rioting in the street a la the Muslim cartoon jihad, but if they were, would mainstream media be more sympathetic to Christians? Meanwhile, controversy is raging worldwide. Legislators in the Philippines have petitioned for the film to be banned from that country; hundreds of protesters took to … Continue reading Boycotting and Protesting "The Da Vinci Code"

What the Enemy is Doing

Beheading Christian schoolgirls. Jakarta - Seven suspected Islamic terrorists have confessed to beheading three Christian schoolgirls on Indonesia's Sulawesi Island, police said on Wednesday. The seven detained suspects confessed under questioning that they planned and carried out the October 29 beheadings in the Sulawesi town of Poso, police chief Lieutenant Colonel Rudi Sufahriadi told The … Continue reading What the Enemy is Doing

The Da Vinci Code is Anti-Christian

North American Mission Board (NAMB) commissioned Zogby to poll the effects of that piece of blasphemous anti-Christian trash, The Da Vinci Code. Among the key findings - The more familiar a person was with the book, the more likely they would consider the claims of The Da Vinci Code to be true. The more familiar … Continue reading The Da Vinci Code is Anti-Christian

Boycotting "Da Vinci Code"

Am I boycotting the "Da Vinci Code" movie? Or am I just refusing to go see it? The nuance is hard to discern. Christians Plan Boycott of 'Da Vinci Code' by Robert B. Bluey Posted May 04, 2006 Christian activists are planning a boycott of the soon-to-be-released Da Vinci Code movie, which one influential pro-family … Continue reading Boycotting "Da Vinci Code"

Yes, Jesus loves me….

Jesus loves me this I know, For the Bible tells me so. But the Dems all grind an axe Shut God up with higher tax. Yes Jesus Loves MEEEE. Yes Jesus Loves MEEEE Yes Jesus Loves MEEEE. The Bible tells me so. Mr. Dean can go pound sand. He and his little angry band. Makes … Continue reading Yes, Jesus loves me….

Review: The Witness

I recently finished "The Witness" by Dee Henderson, and enjoyed it a lot. I can't tell you how much pleasure it was to read about characters that treat each other with respect, look out for each other unselfishly and sacrificially, then go to the Lord in prayer before making major decisions. In this book, the … Continue reading Review: The Witness

Liberty Legal Institute

A recent comment indicates that some people are under the impression... well, I'll let the comment speak for itself: Characterizing the court battles of religious symbols in public as “prohibiting the free expression of Christianity” is highly disingenuous, however. The court battles have been about government sponsorship of such expressions, not about individual expression of … Continue reading Liberty Legal Institute

Tolerance, San Francisco Style

Evangelical teens rally in S.F. More than 25,000 evangelical Christian youth landed Friday in San Francisco for a two-day rally at AT&T Park against "the virtue terrorism" of popular culture, and they were greeted by an official city condemnation and a clutch of protesters who said their event amounted to a "fascist mega-pep rally." "Battle … Continue reading Tolerance, San Francisco Style

Kenya Mission, Day 6

January 1, 2006 Today's Swahili phrase: Jambo, which means "Howdy" in Texan. We used this word more than any other, I think, and it was so easy to pronounce. I meant to write these faster and closer together, but the work load skyrocketed on me the last couple of weeks. Several of you have encouraged … Continue reading Kenya Mission, Day 6

Death to Afghan Christians

While the newly freed Afghanistan says they respct freedom of religion as long as that religion is Islam. Abdul Rahman converted to Christianity 16 years ago and is in jail facing the death penalty because of it. Michelle Malkin has full details here and here, including petition drives and embassy contacts to write to encourage … Continue reading Death to Afghan Christians

Sola Scriptura

I confess the first time I'd ever heard this term was about a year ago in an email with Sean. As I was raised Catholic, accepted Christ while attending a lesser-known evangelistic church and have since joined a Baptist church, I lean toward the "bible is sufficient" philosophy. I am open, however, to additional teachings, … Continue reading Sola Scriptura

LULAC, NAACP got nothin' on me.

Welcome to St. Patrick's day in America. The oldest traditional Irish holiday in the new world (1762 by some accounts). We were celebrating our differences in the melting pot of America long before other immigrant groups. Given for the Scottish son of the Roman Calphurnius and his wife, Conchessa. Padraig, at 15 became a cowherd … Continue reading LULAC, NAACP got nothin' on me.

Spotlight: Jennifer Sands

When I read an encouraging story about someone who has overcome tremendous struggles by leaning on Christ, I want to shine a spotlight. Here's Jennifer Sands in the Agape Press: Author and 9/11 Widow's Second Book Shares Ongoing Faith Journey By Allie Martin March 15, 2006 (AgapePress) - A woman whose husband was killed in … Continue reading Spotlight: Jennifer Sands

The Meaning of Christianity

The Houston Chronicle ran an article on Sunday, of all things, about an atheist who does not believe in God but belives Christians are good. He's joined his local church and claims to be a Christian, all the while denying the existance of God. I myself think this of a corruption of Christianity from the … Continue reading The Meaning of Christianity

Kenya Mission, Day 5

December 31, 2005 Today's Swahili phrase: Mungu aku bariki, meaning "God bless you." Woke up this morning and fixed a group breakfast. Staying in a compound with very considerate Christians is a blessing - every helped with breakfast preparation and cleanup almost to the point where were were tripping over each other. We were almost … Continue reading Kenya Mission, Day 5

Coming Out of Denial and Discovering Our Sin

21st Century Reformation has a beautiful article on Sanctification, what it is and what it isn't. Go read the article, reflect on it, then come back. Or stay there, that's ok. 😛 Just before Part 1, the author writes about the problems with a "therapeutic approach" to Christianity, that somehow one's expression of love is … Continue reading Coming Out of Denial and Discovering Our Sin

Do You Ever Shower?

If you ever shower, expect to be sued. Many people find the sound of running water soothing and peaceful. Not Marvin and Goldie Smith, who have sued their neighbor over her 5 a.m. baths. The couple, 83 and 78 respectively, live on the eighth floor of the Polo Club Condominiums near the Cherry Creek Shopping … Continue reading Do You Ever Shower?

Cartoons of Blasphemy

The decision to publish (or not publish) the Dreaded Cartoons of Blasphemy that have the Islam "Religion of Peace" so riled up isn't such a clear cut decision. Let's look at the options: Let's say you're a Boston Globe and you happily publish pictures of the Virgin Mary covered with dung. Publishing the Muslim cartoons … Continue reading Cartoons of Blasphemy

Colossians 3:15-17

Today's Daily Manna verse is beautiful reminder of the joy of Christian living. In Colossians 3:15-17, Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another … Continue reading Colossians 3:15-17

Question On Sin

Ok, two newsletters in the last two days are prompting me to ask a question. I know there are some very knowledgeable Christians here, even an occasional pastor, that can answer this question. I've always been taught that part of growing closer to God is acknowledging that I am a sinner. And by golly, hard … Continue reading Question On Sin

Presbyterian Church Membership Losses

The Presbyterian Church USA has lost over 2 million members since 1967. They project to lose another 85,000 members this year, accelerating the loss from 65,000 last year. Why? Albert Mohler suggests it is because of the embrace of theological liberalism. As these researchers demonstrated, the embrace of what they called "lay liberalism" led massive … Continue reading Presbyterian Church Membership Losses

Kenya Mission, Day 1

December 27, 2005 I've been remiss in my blogging duties; oddly, I actually crossed "blog about Kenya" off my todo list accidentally, and it wasn't until a friend email yesterday that I realized I had not written about this trip. Let me preface this whole adventure by saying that I thank God for the opportunity … Continue reading Kenya Mission, Day 1

Democrats Misplay "God Card"

I wrote last July that I fully expected the liberal Democrat party to try and claim Christianity for themselves under the name of "progressive Christianity." A prime example is in USAToday recently that tries to show that "playing the God card" isn't working for George Bush and the Republicans. Even if, as the author admits, … Continue reading Democrats Misplay "God Card"

Where They Stand

I've been playing with this idea for a while, and I'm giving it a shot today. If it turns out I don't like this idea, I can always delete it later. 😛 (I'm going to edit this post as necessary to clarify the intent, so don't be surprised when the wording changes.) I want to … Continue reading Where They Stand

Cartoon Violence Continues

I'm amazed at the violence from the Muslim world. I don't think they're convincing me they're not a violent religion. I certainly understand their anger. When Christians get upset, we write letters. Storming an embassy looking for infidels to kill? I don't recall Christians doing that. But for goodness sake, they're cartoons. There is hypocrasy … Continue reading Cartoon Violence Continues

Offending the Religious

NBC aired "The Book of Daniel" against the objections of Christian conservatives. Poorly written, appealing to few people, too controversial for advertisers, the "Book of Daniel" was dropped. European newspapers have published cartoons depicting Mohamed with a bomb for a turban. Muslims rioted, kidnapped Europeans, burned effigies. Both freedom of speech examples. Both examples of … Continue reading Offending the Religious

Cruci-Fixin's

I suppose NBC didn't get their fill of offending Christians with the cancelled "Book of Daniel." Their next insult comes from an upcoming "Will and Grace" show on April 13. Britney Spears will play a host on a Christian cooking show called "Cruci-fixin's". Britney will be the "conservative Christian" on a talk show with a … Continue reading Cruci-Fixin's

Parking Lot Angst

Preface: obviously, it's a slow news day. I haven't actually spent a lot of time thinking about this, but it beats that news item about Splash, the Amazing Swimming Dog That Can Do Things Mary Jo Can't. For those inclined to commiserate, instruct, condemn, console, well, here's your chance to do all of that. I … Continue reading Parking Lot Angst

"Book of Daniel" Cancelled

Good riddance to bad rubbish. Axed because of low ratings, high criticism, and advertisers withdrawing ads. When the people most upset about the cancellation are gays and lesbians, then there's little mystery why conservative Christians were offended. I have an idea: why not produce a Christian series that portrays Christians in a positive light? Say, … Continue reading "Book of Daniel" Cancelled

Another Station Drops "Book of Daniel"

I already blasted this television show as being offensive to Christians. Apparently it started airing this week, and NBC affiliates are dropping "Book of Daniel." This Nashville station was the 7th to drop it this week. NASHVILLE, Tenn. - NBC's Nashville affiliate has closed "The Book of Daniel" after the show, whose main character is … Continue reading Another Station Drops "Book of Daniel"

A Sword Will Pierce Your Heart

Amy Wellborn reminds us all of the dark side of Christmas. A must read. Here's a snippet: The really traditional Christian remembrance of the Nativity is not about sweetness. It is about awe, fear, and trembling, and it is shot through with hints of suffering to come. Mary, with a scandalous pregnancy. Joseph, courageous enough … Continue reading A Sword Will Pierce Your Heart

Christmas for Engineers and Drafters

For some, decorating for Christmas doesn't come easily. I refer, of course, to color blind engineers like myself. Here are some handy Christmas plans for Engineers and Drafters to make sure your Christmas decorations are prepared properly according to specifications.

Separation of Church and State

Here's an early Christmas present; thanks to CADRE Comments for the tip. The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Mercer County's right to display in a court house the Ten Commandments along with the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence, the Magna Carta, and the National Motto ("In God We Trust"). American Civil Liberties Union … Continue reading Separation of Church and State

Banning Christmas

An administrator, Patricia Sonntag, at California State University, has banned Christmas. "Time has come to recognize that religious discrimination, as well as ethnic insensitivity to certain holidays, is forbidden," Patricia Sonntag, director of the Office of Services to Students with Disabilities, stated in the directive she e-mailed to members of her staff on Dec. 9. … Continue reading Banning Christmas

Still Boycotting Winter Holiday

I'm still boycotting the neopagan Winter Holiday, whatever that is. For this next year, I'm taking it one step further. Listen up schools, businesses, and retail stores: Christmas is a federal holiday, an official United States holiday. If you can't acknowledge that it's Christmas, I want nothing to do with you. I will assume that … Continue reading Still Boycotting Winter Holiday

Review: What's the Deal with Wicca?

What's the Deal with Wicca by Steve Russ is a "deeper look into the dark side of today's witchcraft." The author gives a quite detailed picture of Wicca and why it appeals to teenagers expecially, and compares it to Christianity. If you are a teenager or know a teenage considering Wicca, knowing about this religion … Continue reading Review: What's the Deal with Wicca?

Little Linkage

Short topics, small commentary today. I have a book review I'll try to do at lunch, but this should hold you till then. An oddity I've noticed: the more I post, the less you comment. There were over 400 visitors yesterday to Chasing the Wind and only 1 comment (and that one appeared to be … Continue reading Little Linkage

A Non-Christian Narna

People that hate Christians should not go see "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." The Guardian Unlimited, England's ultra liberal rag, says "Narnia represents everything that is most hateful about religion." Exceprts: The Christian radio station Premier is urging churches to hold services on the theme of The Gospel According to Narnia. Even the … Continue reading A Non-Christian Narna

More on Narnia

More Narnia links, I'll update this list today if I run into more later today. Narnia, by the way, is the land from "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" in case you've been living under a rock. 😛 Are you a lion or a witch? I'm not upset with being linked to Lucy. Aslan … Continue reading More on Narnia

Narnia Symbolism

My beautiful wife and I joined Sean and his family for the Narnia movie this weekend. Even though I have not (yet) read the book, the movie was positively delightful. Chock full of good wholesome family values. But what about those Christian values the secularists have been condemning in the news? One opinion said the … Continue reading Narnia Symbolism

More "Christmas," Less "Holiday"

As some of you know, I'm boycotting "Winter Holiday" again this year. I'm not even sure what that holiday is, but I'm pretty sure it's some sort of pagan / atheist thing. Whatever it is, I want none of it. For me, it's Christmas. And for many, it's Christmas. Why is so terrible to acknowledge … Continue reading More "Christmas," Less "Holiday"

A Simple Light

"In all of this haste, all of this shopping, all of this worrying about budgets and finding the right thing for that difficult-to-shop-for friend, amidst the travel and houses full of family, the grumpy uncles and the weepy aunts, it’s hard to remember this time of year offers some beautiful opportunities."

Hallelujah!

The politically correct Handel's Messiah, right here in my hometown: Both an awe-inspiring holiday tradition and a memorable religious experience, Handel's Messiah returns this holiday season. Guest conductor Christopher Seaman leads Houston’s premier performance of Handel’s choral masterwork, which includes the timeless Hallelujah Chorus. Would it be so bad to actually say that the music's … Continue reading Hallelujah!

Wishing the ACLU a Merry Christmas

Kevin McCullough at Crosswalk is organizing a Christmas Card campaign to cheer up those folks at the ACLU: Go get as "Christmas" a Christmas card as you can find... something that says.. "Joy To The World", "For Unto Us A Child Is Born", but at least "Merry Christmas", put some of your own thoughts into … Continue reading Wishing the ACLU a Merry Christmas

Christian Carnival Blogroll and RSS Feed

I've created a Christian Carnival Blogroll; you can see it in my sidebar. I'm setting this up to make it easier to find past Carnivals and always have the latest post available; there's also an RSS Feed so when a new Christian Carnival is up, you'll know it and where to find it. Some things … Continue reading Christian Carnival Blogroll and RSS Feed

Oh Christmas Tree

Some time in the 1990s, the annual spruce placed on the Washington Capitol grounds started being called the "Holiday Tree" instead of "Christmas Tree." Nobody seems to know why it was changed, but it was at about the same time Bill Clinton was in the same city and struggling to keep his pants up. Coincidence? … Continue reading Oh Christmas Tree

Mechanical Investing for December 2005

Yeah, yeah, I know I said I'd be trading next Monday, not today. Next week though I'll be busy in meetings through lunchtime and I won't have access, so I moved it up a week. So solly cholly. The Dow surged ahead this month and some problem stocks had the hiccups, so the Dow beat … Continue reading Mechanical Investing for December 2005

Inviting the Illegal Aliens

At Sand in the Gears, Tony first opined that enforcing immigration laws is not a Christian thing to do. After taking some heat for that statement, he addressed their comments and challenged Christians to rethink their position on illegal immigration. On his latter post I took the position that although I agreed with his sentiment, … Continue reading Inviting the Illegal Aliens

When the Holy Spirit Moves You

During a study last night, we studied how to tell the Holy Spirit is moving in a Christian's life. When the bible doesn't give us a specific answer to a question in life - what college do I choose, when to have a baby, what career should I begin - listening to the Holy Spirit … Continue reading When the Holy Spirit Moves You

The Left Hates Inequality

On the surface, that doesn't sound so bad. The Left hates inequality. Nobody need be better or worse than anybody else. Trouble is, enforced equality is socialism, communism. Instead of bringing people up from the bottom, equality is enforced by shackling the achievers. When you see a special tax on oil profits, opposition to school … Continue reading The Left Hates Inequality

The Christian Threat

Jay over at Wizbang was challenged by a reader who asserted that he couldn't condemn the links between Islam and terrorism because Christians are pretty hideous, too. Aside from the fact that even if Christianity was bad, that doesn't mean you shouldn't condemn terrorist links anyway, Jay challenged him to find some examples of Christian … Continue reading The Christian Threat

Spiritual Gifts

I was reading a post from Messy Christian who expressed frustration with a call of evangelism. That's understandable, especially if evangelism is not your "spiritual gift." While all Christians are called to spread the gospel and to exemplify a Christian lifestyle, evangelism is one of a dozen or so gifts mentioned in scripture. Others are … Continue reading Spiritual Gifts