Let’s Get this Show on the Road

It’s true – once you stop, it’s hard to start again. Blogging is supposed to be fun, and I believe it is, but it can be labor-some as well. It’s hard to imagine I’d feel that way knowing that this little blog isn’t that popular, but I guess once you’re on the web you heap to yourself an obligation to keep it up. Though it’s a personal blog, I’ve had the promise of an after-new-years-relaunch looming over my head since December. So I think it’s about time I update a bit.

First, thank you to those who read. I started this thing in November of 2007 (“No More Decaf Theology!”), then TJ joined me in May 2008 and it became Return to Biblicism. Since it started, we’ve had about 140 posts, 330 comments, and 23,000 total views. I realize that’s nothing. But it’s something. So thank you.

As you can tell, the blog is solely mine again. (I might add more contributers in the future. Tony from Free From the Box and I have become good friends, and I considered a merge. But neither “Return to the Box” nor “Free from Biblicism” sound too good.) I’ve dropped my anonymity since I really have nothing to hide. Of course, I didn’t have anything to hide when I went under the name DT (couldn’t I be more clever?), but since we were saying some things that we know ruffled the feathers of fundamentalists, and both still involved in the IFB movement, it was probably better for us to go a bit incognito. Whether that was right or not, I really don’t know. But I have personally left the IFB world, never to return, and have no problem letting the world (those 5 people who read this blog) know who I am. It should also keep me from saying stupid things. I’m sure I will anyway, and it will be held against me. But I could always legally change my name.

My perspectives on some things have changed a bit over the last few months. Well, they’ve been fine tuned I guess. More on that later. Just realize that some of the things I’ve written in 2007 and early 2008 may not be how I feel now. Not much difference really – back then I was hesitant about Calvinism, still TR/KJV preferred, and defended the wearing of suits to church. Now I can confidently say I am a Calvinist, prefer the Critical Text over the TR, and, praise the Lord, haven’t worn a suit to church in two months! (Just for the record – I really don’t care what you do.) And I think the main difference between then and now is this: I no longer feel the need to rescue fundamentalism from its errors. I couldn’t do it if I tried.

So I am in the process of updating some links, the About and Gospel sections, and other stuff. I should have the first real blog post on Monday. (random thought: I find it weird that the WordPress spell check underlines the word “blog.”) Until then, here’s a quick topic on which I hope to get some feedback.

Most of us saw Rick Warren’s prayer at the Inauguration. I know we all had mixed feelings. I personally am not a big fan of Warren. I find his theology to be watered down, and the acceptance of him by the media (donning him “America’s Pastor) is a telltale sign of his compromise. He’s been under some fire, though, lately because of his stand on gay marriage as well as whether or not he’d pray in Jesus’ name at the Inauguration. He did, thankfully. But it came not without its critics.

Now I love Todd Friel, Way of the Master Radio, and the show Wretched. But I can’t help but think he went a little too far picking apart Warren’s prayer. What do you think?

The prayer: 

The criticism

Keep Staying Tuned

Boy, time surely does fly! It’s almost February and I’m still not ready for the re-launch. But I’m close. So, in the meantime, I’ve got a semi-re-launch here, with a a bit of a new look and the riddance of some dead weight (TJ). Don’t worry, TJ and I are still friends! This was a mutual agreement and he’ll be back periodically as a contributor. 

Here’s a video that’s probably already made its rounds in the blogosphere, but provides some strong commentary by John Piper:

Fighting the Real Battle

II Timothy 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

There’s a battle raging in America today. While some seek to “unite” the country, many are becoming increasingly polarized from one another. The battle of the worldviews is culminating in a head-on collision. Debates about abortion, stem-cell research, and especially gay marriage are bringing out the fight in everyone from all sides. 

While Christians are called to stand for the truth at all times, it seems we sometimes get too carried away with fighting the wrong battle. I sympathize for the churches that have been attacked and mocked. I am for this moment even on Rick Warren’s side. As a matter of fact, the Mormons have my pity at this time as well.

But, Christians – this is not the real battle! A friend pointed this out to me recently: there’s nothing wrong with taking a stand in society or voting for a referendum that would promote morality. But many of the Christians who are pouring their energy into these social issues have never personally shared the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, which is the power of God unto salvation.

While it seems this “fight” is noble and godly, it is really the social gospel repackaged, and an outward expression of worldliness.

Various Thoughts on the Election from Around the Web

Some encouraging, some not so much, but all challenging thoughts given to us concerning this historic election:

James White posted a video with a sharp but biblically discerning view of society, and a challenge for Christians, including the exhortation to pray for Obama’s conversion.

Al Mohler writes that this election is indeed a hallmark for America, but reminds us of some of the issues as stake.

Dan Burrell gives us two lists: Ten Things to Expect from an Obama Administration and Don’t Worry, Be Happy.

Bob Bixby’s post about why Evangelicals trust in Obama is worth a read.

Voddie Bachman says of the racial issues involved – It’s not over.

Ligon Duncan offers suggestions about praying for Obama.

Between Two Worlds has an incredible guest post by Eric Redmond, “Living Soli Deo Gloria Under Obama” in which he describes his struggle to choose between voting Christocentrically or Afrocentrically.

Finally, the first hour transcript of Rush Limbaugh’s program is available, and he rightfully criticizes the Republican party and beckons them back to true conservatism.

Cherishing America

After the historic election of Barack Obama to the presidency, I’m sure most of the Christian blogs will be reminding the conservative-minded that God is in control and urging us all to obey the Bible’s commands to render unto Caesar, obey the authority in the name of God, and pray for our leaders. I hope we will take heed to those things.

That kind of reaction is still too melancholy for me. Sure, the liberal one won. Actually, I should say the more liberal one won. But does that mean we should all collectively sigh and mumble, “well at least God is still in control?” God is in control no matter what! So why should this change anything?

Instead of dwelling on the negative, why not remind ourselves of the tremendous country that is the United States of America? I think it’s an amazing thing to have an African American president. It’s great that the voice of the people was actually heard. It’s thrilling to know that there is no caste system in America. Obama’s story is a true American success story, and although I strongly disagree with his political positions, it is such a wonderful tribute to our great country to see his story reach this climax. May God bless him, and God bless America.

Vote!

Man, I waited too long to post this.

Good, honest Christians debate about whether or not we should vote. I’ve heard both sides, and think both have good arguments based on scripture. While I agree with some principles espoused by the side abstaining from voting, such as not being entangled with this world’s affairs, I am more persuaded that we ought to exercise our right.

Question: if you lived in a country that treated a certain ethnic group with cruelty, keeping them as slaves, taking away their rights, even killing them for not complying, and an opportunity presented itself to you, in the form of legislation, for you to vote in order to liberate such a group, would you vote, knowing that you as a Christian are the salt and light of this world?

If yes, then why not take part in liberating the unborn from the creulty of abortion? It doesn’t mean our vote will necessarily change things, but I’d hate to know that Christians, of all people, didn’t even try.

Please vote today.

Encouraging Sunday Video, 11.2.08

This is the last Encouraging Sunday Video before this historic election. Let not your heart be troubled. Here, Piper reminds us of our priority as Christians in this world:

Evangelistic Fraud

The general consensus from conversation on this blog about Election’08 seems to be looking more towards hope for 2012 than towards next month. And now, the issue of voter fraud recently surfacing is just one more item on the long list of things that make this year’s presidential race uniquely complex. It only makes us hold tight to the passage suggested by our brother:

(Proverbs 16:33) “The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.”

Recently, I was thinking about the ramifications of fraudulent voter registration in the election, when I stumbled across a thought. Persuading people to commit to something by pretense – sounds a lot like some fundamentalists’ idea of evangelism. I realize that it’s not a perfect comparison, but hear me out.

Things that Should Not Matter in this Election

This is in no way intended to be a political blog. But, let’s face it, the election is on everyone’s mind. However, there are a number of things that are making a big difference in this year’s election that really should not matter at all. I think it would be profitable to mention a few of those things. The last one is particularly pertinent considering tonight’s debate.

Celebrating America

This year’s presidential race has, perhaps as much as any in our nation’s history, greatly stirred the emotions of a variety of groups. Everyone declaring their opinion as to who should be whose running mate, lifelong democrats declaring their support for the republican candidate, and Protesters marching on Invesco Field all remind us of a wonderful catchphrase – only in America!

So many people say so many things about what they disagree with and even hate about America. Nevertheless, at the end of the day they must recognize the fact that the only reason they are able to say what they say is because they are in America.

Even though it was written a whole presidential term ago, an article written by Dinesh D’Souza titled “10 things to celebrate: Why I’m an anti-anti-American” is as relevant as it was four years ago.
D’Souza candidly admits:

“As an immigrant who has chosen to become an American citizen, I feel especially qualified to say what is special about America. Having grown up in a different society — in my case, Bombay, India — I am not only able to identify aspects of America that are invisible to the natives, but I am acutely conscious of the daily blessings that I enjoy in America.”

This article is something we “natives” need to hear.

Just Shoot Straight With Me

We’ve been pretty silent for over a week, and didn’t put an “out to lunch” sign on our page. Sorry about that. Hopefully, we’ll be posting consistently once again. For now, I think everyone should be aware of this video, and see just how straight talk sticks out like a sore thumb these days, in light of the beat-around-the-bush tactics of today’s politicians. This is not an endorsement of a particular candidate, although let’s be honest – we can’t support Obama, and we’re pro-life. My point in posting this, though, is the fact that honesty is not just the best policy, it’s the only policy.

Good Things Can Lead to the Wrong Place

“The biggest failures in life are successes outside of the will of God.” So went one of the oft-quoted sayings of my Bible college. How true it is: oftentimes, we are distanced from God by good things. A good job, a good friend, a good education, or a good reputation can all be things God does not want us to have, yet in the quest for bettering ourselves, and in ignorance of all the counsel of God, we sometimes quickly accept these things on the basis of being good.

There are some good things we share with Catholicism. But we must never forget that there is a great divide for a reason. The Reformation happened for a reason. Throughout the centuries, Christians were martyred as they called the pope Antichrist for a reason. Yet we as Bible believing Christians can agree, for the most part, with conservative Catholic politics in America, at least when it comes to moral issues. Like us, Rome is opposed to abortion, stem cell research, and gay marriage. This has caused many in the evangelical/fundamentalist circle to join hands with Rome to campaign for traditional values. It may also be a determining factor in President Bush’s rumored conversion to Catholicism, which may come true after his presidency.

Faith-Based Initiatives and Initiative-Based Faith

There has not been much said on our blog about this year’s presidential race. I suspect that will change as the race draws to an end. Until then, I just have a thought.

There is a term being thrown around a lot in recent days conscerning not only the two leading presidential candidates but also the current president. “Faith-based initiatives” are being discussed by both McCain and Obama, and usually both candidates somehow reference President Bush’s proposals for these initiatives.

Here in the U.S., the term faith-based is often used to describe religious organizations and distinguish those organizations from government, public or private secular organizations. The truth is, in this context “faith-based” is only used as a euphemism for “religious” in order to avoid the sticky issue of whether such funding is permissible by the Constitution.

Double Standards in Fundamentalism Today, #5: Me

Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

Galatians 4:16 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?

True friends tell you what you need to hear. As much as I covet those comments in which people say, “great website!”, I need much more to hear about the things I need to change. Those things have been brought to my attention, and it seems like I’ve been one of the biggest Double Standards all along. I hope now to articulate some of the problems, and offer some possible solutions.

(No, that’s not really me in the picture.)

Liberalism and the Dignity of Life

Maybe It’s the Change We Need

There’s a lot of talk about change from the Democratic side of the Presidential election, and it’s literally making conservative sick. Presumptive Democratic nominee Barak Obama is running his campaign on such an idea, but political pundits are rightly pointing out, “where’s the substance behind the claims?” As most Bible believing Christians tend to be political conservatives, we are saying the same thing. The only “change” we could imagine a very liberal political leader bringing to the White House is an agenda that is more socialistic than ever, and more secular than ever.

As we have made clear, and will continue to do so, on this blog, we believe that Christianity thrives on challenge. You and I may not want someone in the oval office who is all talk and no walk. We may not want someone who will make the government even bigger than it is now and fund more unnecessary projects and unmotivated people with our money. We may not want someone who says he’s a Christian, but his liberal leaning only seems to pave way for more religious regulation in this country. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find a conservative evangelical who is going to vote for Obama. Yet with all that said, maybe a victory for the liberals is what we need. Not what America needs, but what the church in America needs for a wake-up call.

Book Review: Culture Shift by R. Albert Mohler Jr.

Despite the avoidance and in some cases blatant rejection he has received from many fundamentalists, there is perhaps no greater figure in present day evangelicalism with a more thorough grasp on current issues than Dr. R. Albert Mohler Jr. He is currently the president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and thereby a prominent leader in the Southern Baptist convention. He is a regular contributor to such nationally acclaimed periodicals as The New York Times, USA Today, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. The unique thing about Dr. Mohler, however, is that despite such an involvement on a national level, he is the figurehead of the conservative movement in evangelicalism as well as a fountainhead of conservative evangelical thought. Dr. Mohler’s blog and radio show are for many a standard for interpreting today’s most pressing issues in the light of Biblical thinking.

In the first book with him as the lone author, Culture Shift: Engaging Current Issues with Timeless Truth, Dr. Mohler does exactly what its subtitle advertises.

Daylight Savings Chaos

I haven’t posted in a long time, and I will make this brief. Have you ever noticed that people spend more time talking about how we’re going to lose an hour of sleep than the actual time lost?

I’d write more but I’m going to lose an hour of sleep. Good thing I took the time to write about it, though.

Bill Richardson is a Genius!

Sorry to admit, but I was watching the Democratic debate last night.

Man, I could say so much about it. But, I want to point out one thing that made me laugh the most. When asked about immigration, one of Bill Richardson’s (Governor of New Mexico) solutions would be to “tell the Mexican government to give jobs to its people.”