Episode1: Introduction

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

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...
Read more

Calvinism vs Arminianism

Calvinism or Arminianism?</b></A><p> The debate between <A HREF=" http://gbgm-umc.org/umhistory/wesley/arminian.stm "target="_blank"><b>Arminianism</a></b> <A HREF=""target="_blank"><b></a></b> and <A HREF=" http://www.spurgeon.org/calvinis.htm "target="_blank"><b>Calvinism</a></b> , which concerns God's soverienty and man's free will, is one of the most devisive in the church today. Rather than being an honest, respectful dialogue among brethren, this debate has led to an unhealthy compartmentalization within the Body of Christ. Sadly, this has resulted in much vital truth being buried and neglected. <p> The Calvinist understanding of predestination stems from their emphasis on God's sovereignty, and the fact that He alone is the basis for our salvation. A key text in Calvinist doctrine is "Salvation is of the Lord...
Read more

Compassionate Conservativism Revisited

Regardless of what one believes about the presidency of George W. Bush, he does deserve credit for introducing a new concept into the American political conscience, one which politicians today would do well to revisit. That concept is known as  "Compassionate Conservativism."   In the president's own words: "I call my philosophy and approach 'Compassionate Conservativism.' It is compassionate to actively help our fellow citizens in need. It is conservative to insist on responsibility and results. And with this hopeful approach, we will make a real difference in people's lives." While the origin of the term "Compassionate Conservatism"  is debated,  World  Magazine editor Marvin Olasky is widely credited for popularizing its usage. In his book  Compassionate Conservatism: What It Is, What It Does, and How It Can Transform America,    Olasky gives an alphabetized list of seven characteristics of Compassionate Conservativism: 1. Assertiv...
Read more