There are two kinds of conservatism: a living one by which the faith is passed on intact and unchanged, always being kindled anew by the power of the Word and of the Holy Spirit; and a conservatism without life, that makes outward formalism the exclusive evidence of faith, with no reference to the condition of … Continue reading PIETY / PIETISM / PHARISAISM
Bible
Allergies – to peanuts and to doctrine
Some years ago an alarm was raised over the drastic increase in the number of people suffering from peanut allergies. Mothers panicked at the threat posed by peanuts, which led to peanuts being banned from airline flights and from many schools. What is going on here? Peanuts are a healthy and nutritious food. In recent … Continue reading Allergies – to peanuts and to doctrine
Christian doctrine is the most exciting story
Somehow or other, and with the best intentions, we have shown the world the typical Christian in the likeness of a crashing and rather ill-natured bore–and this in the Name of One who assuredly never bored a soul in those thirty-three years during which He passed through this world like a flame. Let us, in … Continue reading Christian doctrine is the most exciting story
Why does it matter?
After announcing my intention to write a book entitled Wells Without Water, I have posted a number of articles that might be called the raw material for the book. Which is to say that most of them will need a major rewrite before I am satisfied that I have said what I want to say, … Continue reading Why does it matter?
Echoes of invention
[First posted 10 years ago.] The Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) gradually began to downplay some of the distinctive teachings of Daniel Warner, leading some of those who believed strongly in those teachings to leave the church. In 1980, Daniel Layne left the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) and assumed the leadership of those who … Continue reading Echoes of invention
Humanism versus humanity
[First posted in August 2013.] If anyone is wondering what is happening to our society, a little time spent reading the Humanist Manifesto of 1933 will provide considerable illumination. Here are some excerpts: Religious humanism maintains that all associations and institutions exist for the fulfillment of human life. The intelligent evaluation, transformation, control, and direction … Continue reading Humanism versus humanity
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy
Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy … Continue reading Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy
Cultural Amnesia
[First posted nine years ago.] One hundred years ago, when the Social Gospel was well on the way to infiltrating and taking control of many of the major Christian denominations of North America, my father was already 24 years old. It has lately dawned on me that because I was born when he was 50 … Continue reading Cultural Amnesia
Strange Gospel
[First posted 10 years ago.] Approximately 300 years ago there arose a line of thought in pietistic Protestantism that God’s reign would progressively manifest itself through human action cooperating with God’s action. The belief that the gospel will gradually Christianize the world, bringing a reign of peace and harmony preceding the return of Christ, is … Continue reading Strange Gospel
Wells Without Water
For the past few days most of the posts on this blog have been articles that will find a place in a book I plan to call Wells Without Water, a title taken from 2 Peter 2:17. The book arises out of a concern that many people who are converted in their youth haven’t taken … Continue reading Wells Without Water
Flatlander Faith 