"Repairing the Breach" What We Can Learn From the Methodists
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Redifining the "F" Word
...no, not THAT "f-word." Rather, the f-word I refer to sometimes draws an even more negative reaction. That word is "Fundamentalism." "Fundamentalist" is a specifically Christian term. Consequentially, much modern usage in the media (i.e. referring to ISIS as "Islamic Fundamentalists") is a severe misrepresentation of both faiths. In its purist form, Fundamentalism does not directly refer to any specific church, sect or political organization. Rather, it simply describes an inner-denominational movement tracing back to the early 20th century in which Christians responded to the challenges of modernity by codifying their most foundational beliefs. Eventually, these were cataloged in a four-volume set known as The Fundamentals: A Testimony of the Truth . Published in 1917, The Fundamentals provide a fascinating, if not somewhat paradoxical, look at the fledgling movement. While some aspects (such as the rather strident anti-Catholic overtones)...
What We Can Learn From the Lutherans
James H Boyd interviews Lutheran apologist Andy Wrasman. #jameshboyd #yourfriendjames #keepitreal
What We Can Learn From the Baptists
James H Boyd interviews Dr. Rusty Buchanan, associate pastor at Central Baptist Church in Loudon, Tennessee. Pastor Rusty also serves as a chaplain for Loudon police department and the ambulance service. He holds a doctorate in Theology from Andersonville Theological Seminary. #jameshboyd #keepitreal #yourfriendjames
Think! Loving God With Your Mind
"Wise men store up knowledge..." Proverbs 10:14a "...I do not feel obligated to believe that same God who has endowed us with senses, reason and intellect has intended to forgo their use and by some other means to give us knowledge that we can attain by them." Galileo (1) A key point in the history of western civilization was when philosopher Rene' Descartes issued his famous maxim "I think, I am." In this statement, Descartes basically founded the secular movement by stating that the sole basis for our existence is the ability to think and reason. As we shall see, the ability to think is vitally important, but it is a means to a greater end: to know and glorify the God who created us. Unfortunately, Descartes' logic has been used to create a false tension between natural reason and supernatural faith, and this tension has eroded the very foundations our society was built upon. History is loaded with examples of how Christianity, as an inte...
Confessions of a Political Independent
On occasions where my writing veers into the political arena, it is easy for some to assume that I am a Republican. The truth , however, is that I have not actively identified with any political party in well over twenty years. That decision was very deliberate and I have never, ever regretted it. At varous times in my life , I have been both a "bleeding heart liberal" and a loyal "Christian right" foot soldier. But as odd as it may sound, my core beliefs really weren't that different in either phase. Even in my most liberal phase, I still knew that abortion was wrong. At my most conservative, I was still uneasy about the callous attitude many right wing politicians took towards the poor. So after a long period of inner turmoil, I finally decided that I would look at individual issues on their own merits and do what I believed was right regardless. While it is true that my views remain right of center on most issues, I want to see an end to war, poverty and ...
Humor in the Bible
"Are Christians allowed to laugh, have fun and enjoy life?" When discussing my faith with others, this issue comes up frequently from Christians and non-Christians alike. When I was first introduced to the Gospel as a teenager, I asked it myself, and with good reason. To be sure, the call to follow Jesus is a very serious and sober one, commanding us to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him, even if it means laying down our very lives (Matthew 10:39; John 12:25). But the next question deals with how we apply this commitment to our lives on a day-to-day basis. Does Jesus' call to self-denial and holiness mean that we cannot enjoy even the legitimate pleasures of life? I don't think so. Laughter is one of the most primal responses human beings are capable of experiencing. Philosophers and psychologists have long sought to understand its complexities on emotional and physical levels. Journalist Norman Cousins credited the healing power of laughter to his rec...
Observations on "Fake News"
1. News is not necessarily "fake" because it's not what you want to hear. 2. News is not necessarily "fake" because it might make a politician you like look bad. 3. News is not necessarily "fake" because it challenges or asks hard questions of a politician you like. 4 Don't complain about "bias" if your response is equally biased in the other direction. 5. Be skeptical of anyone whose "facts" always support a particular politician or party line. 6. Have you ever considered that you may be adding to the problem by not properly researching or fact checking your own statements? Keep It Real, James #jameshboyd #keepitreal #yourfriendjames
