Relationships

The 'R' Word Christians Need Now to Overcome Cultural Challenges

Thursday, July 16, 2020

Throughout the years, many have turned to H. Richard Niebuhr, who classically outlined the various responses that could be made in light of the interplay between Christ and culture, with such famous typologies as “Christ Against Culture,” “Christ of Culture” and “Christ Above Culture.” Yet what Niebuhr actually explained is how two authorities—namely Christ and culture—compete with each another.

Woke: Why Pastors Need to Address Racism Now

Thursday, September 5, 2019

If you are a teaching pastor of a church, or in leadership of a church, this blog is for you. Everyone else can eavesdrop. You need to do a series on race and racism. And you need to do it soon—as soon as you can. Racial division is our culture’s most pressing concern, and it is a deeply biblical and spiritual issue.

How to Experience the Blessing of Community: Shalom

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Shalom is commonly understood to mean “peace” or “health” or “prosperity.” It carries within it the idea of completeness. Cornelius Plantinga writes that the word shalom is “the webbing together of God, humans, and all creation in justice, fulfillment and delight.” Shalom is the vision of community; it is what community strives to be.

The Bedroom and the Pew: Religious Couples Are the Most Satisfied

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

One of our world’s most persistent myths is that religion is the enemy of good sex. The idea of Christians as repressed Puritan prudes—as historically inaccurate as that is—still exerts enormous power over our imaginations.

10 Ways to Celebrate Thanksgiving without the Usual Big Meal

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

We North Americans tend to have a difficult time breaking with tradition when it comes to Thanksgiving but sometimes the image of the elaborate turkey presentation and the polished silverware and the gleaming crystal just doesn’t make sense. I love Norman Rockwell paintings as much as the next red-blooded American, but there are years when gathering around a fancy table just doesn’t work.

In honor of good ol’ American ingenuity and creativity, here are 10 ways to celebrate Thanksgiving without the usual big meal.

Photo courtesy: ©Thinkstock/romrodinka

#Relationships

Valentine's Day and True Love: When Feelings Fizzle

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

The thoughts of many will turn to love, true love, tomorrow on Valentine’s Day. But what does true love look like? Well, don’t look to Hollywood for an answer.

Why You Should Stop Living by Your Love Language

Thursday, November 16, 2017

There are actually some subtle flaws lurking beneath what looks like a foolproof approach.

Is There a 'Right' Age to Get Married?

Friday, September 29, 2017

Is there a “right” age at which to get married? Although there is no magic number, if you pose this question to anyone, you will likely get a strong opinion.

Is Your Spouse Really “The One”?

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

The idea of “The One” is a cultural cliche, but the simplicity of the phrase keeps us coming back. Even for single believers ardently seeking God’s will in their lives, their prayer for marriage often begins with “Lord, bring me the One.” But is it true?

Only in the Lord: Dating Unbelievers Deadens Faith

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Now why am I talking about all this? Because sex has the power to shape our beliefs, and participating in the romantic and sexual practices of unbelievers can eventually wear down even the strongest faith.