Being “born this way” is a hot phrase for LGBT advocates, especially as they confront Christian objections to LGBT behavior. It seems like a perfect defense because it blames the Creator. The argument is simply: If God exists and created me, then it’s His will or fault that I am this way. It’s a catchy marketing slogan, but it’s a bullshit argument.
Read More“Love is love” is a cornerstone LGBT argument. It is said that we ought to encourage love regardless of the biological and social context. At best, it’s a pointless argument. At its worst, it reinforces a dangerous abandonment of responsibility and sexual morality.
Read MoreThe true test of whether or not one is living up to fifth commandment is not the degree to which parental figures are happy. Nor is it inherently tied to even a desirable relationship. To keep the fifth commandment, we need to understand what it means to honor our fathers and mothers.
Read MoreLife hurts. We suffer. All of this causes logical minds to question how a loving God could forge or permit such a harsh world. This question is rational and healthy. Fortunately, there is an answer.
Read MoreI've found one thing to be almost universally true: People no longer know how to have conversations. Because this stuff isn't taught in schools, I've put together a few basic points to keep in mind next time you're talking with someone.
Read MoreAs you collect the pieces of your life, a question will haunt you: Why did this happen? It's the same question I've asked countless times. In our divinely complex and ordered world, it's impossible not to question why senseless, unmerited suffering occurs. The answer won't be simple, but don't fear the question. The question is for your good — not your torment.
Read MoreUnder normal circumstances, a megachurch pastor isn't able to eclipse the media's focus on a catastrophic natural disaster. However, instead of following our usual path (blaming the government), the public seems to have decided that Mr. Osteen is the true villain of Houston's massive flooding. Indeed, these are not normal circumstances...
Read MoreWhat about divorce? Divorce is obviously mentioned throughout the Bible. God Himself even experienced a divorce. So while we strive to live according to our "'til death do I part" vows, are there other Biblical reasons (aside from death) for a marriage to end? Is it possible to terminate a marriage covenant without sinning in the process?
Read MoreDue to the amplifying (or exacerbating) effects of marriage, it's utterly important that you attempt to understand what's at play and what you're working with before you get married. Here are a handful of questions that I think everyone should find answers to before they enter into the lifelong marital commitment.
Read MoreHusbands and wives generally don't appreciate unsolicited marriage advice. Even when facing high-risk situations, most people don't want someone else telling them what to do — they just want affirmation. But sometimes affirmation isn't healthy, just, nor deserved. Sometimes people need to be held accountable and asked to change. Sometimes unrelenting truth is the most merciful thing one can offer. And that's a bitter pill to swallow.
Read MoreMyers-Briggs, Love Languages, The Birkman, Rorschach, DISC, Buzzfeed surveys, True Colors, Five Factors — they're all crap. Personality profiles don't matter.
Read MoreIf the goal is to produce humans with the best possible opportunities for success, we're not achieving our goal. We've tried the fire-and-brimstone approach, and we've tried the more "flexible" approach, but neither seems to make much of a difference. Which begs the question: What's missing?
Read MoreThey often didn't see it coming...
As it turns out, the signs of adultery are often glaringly obvious. Here are a few warning signs to consider when evaluating the strength of your marriage.
Read MoreI've talked to many couples facing seemingly doomed marriages. More often than not, the root cause isn't infidelity or addictions or crimes. Usually, the heart of a maritally disengaged spouse is summed up in a single statement: "I don't love my wife/husband anymore." It's tragic and heartbreaking. Mostly because it's based on a lie.
Read MoreMarriages end with all sorts of excuses. The reality though is that marriages only end for ten reasons. If you've already read The Marriage Commandments, you know what those reasons are. You know the 10 principles you have to keep to keep your marriage strong. But most don't know. So, based somewhat on those 10 principles, here is a quick rundown of 10 ways you might be ruining your marriage.
Read MoreInstead of drawing close to our nine friends and excluding everyone else, we should pour out our lives for those who will be reconciled to God — especially when they may not share our beliefs. If we are truly the Body of Christ, we have to be willing to endure pain, discomfort, and disappointments. Self-preservation, whether it be of body, reputation, or ideas, should never be a deciding factor. As the Church, we must lay down our lives.
Read MoreThroughout the Bible, we can see God's purposeful inclusion of women. When we are inclusive of women, we're acting in the character of God. At many of Scripture's most pivotal moments, and at many of the first expressions of our theology, God granted women the honor of being the forerunners and standard-bearers. Moreover, we often see God granting revelation to women first.
Read MoreThere are many third rails in Church traditions. Among the most hotly contested over the last 2,000+ years pertains to what women should (or most often, should not) do within the Church. The feelings run so strong that the functions of women within churches often becomes the single most defining issue in many congregations.
Read MoreDo we really have to go to church? It's becoming increasingly unpopular, but let's re-examine what the Bible says about our obligation toward church involvement and let's address some of the ridiculous arguments made against going to church.
Read MoreIn Christianity, there are many traditions and taboos related to sexual activity. We have been taught that certain acts are inherently sinful. We've been taught that "Christian marriages" don't involve certain sexual expressions. "Good" men and women just don't do "that" ...
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