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

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.