To say  God is a Warrior, is like raising a red banner in the midst of  the cross currents of angry voices wanting to get rid of patriarchy.  A warrior God is viewed with deep suspicion in our day when all the structures of patriarchy are being questions.  For some, warrior gives them confidence that…

Recently Judy and I celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary with our immediate family.  Almost two years ago, we began signaling our desire to celebrate with our three adult children and their spouses. The grandkids would be a extra blessing.  Four of our eight grandkids joined us.  As the event neared, we both became aware of…

Seth Troutt, a young pastor in Arizona, articulates masculine issues in an insightful manner.  In a recent article entitled, “A dearth of vital virtues,” he contends that our society has a masculinity shortage.  In our culture, the description of masculinity as “toxic” is a binary word, being an either-or reality; either a man is too toxic,…

I have been enduring some storm tossed days in my soul life  It has been dark and cloudy.  I struggle with conflicting thoughts about who I am and what I am doing with my life.  I want to be a light for Jesus in my present surroundings, but I am haunted with doubts about my…

Ralph Martin is president of Renewal Ministries, a movement among conservative Catholics.  I have followed Ralph since the early days of the Charismatic Movement in the early 70’s.  I call Ralph a “prophetic straight shooter.”  He is a catholic theologian, who is a faithful orthodox author.  He dares to say things that many evangelical authors…

Luke Simon had an interesting article about masculinity in Mere Orthodoxy.  He ponders the question, asked by Barb Weiss, “How do we bring back heroic masculinity without bringing back toxic masculinity?” Weiss was in discussion with Louise Perry, author of “The Case Against the Sexual Revolution,” in which Perry suggests, “the sexual revolution has largely…

I have become, at my age, more unsteady on my feet.  My balance is off and I don’t walk as confidently as a senior man.  It is hard to admit.  It seemed therefore, appropriate for me to write a blog about spiritually stumbling.  Hebrews 12:12-3 give us this exhortation.  “So stop letting your hands go…

Anthony Bradley writes how pop music “cries out” regarding fatherlessness in our culture.  “For decades, popular music has served as a powerful medium for artists to grapple with personal trauma, none more resonant than the wounds inflicted by bad fathers.  From abandonment to emotional neglect, musicians have transformed their pain into melody, offering listeners both…

I ‘ve read Ch.9 of Isaiah often,  especially during the Advent season.  Recently I was struck with the sheer force of verses 4-5, when I consider the yoke and emotional burden our nation is under.   “For you will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders.  You will break…

Carl Trueman, wrote an enlightening article about Phillip Rieff’s distinction between first, second and third worlds.  Rieff is know for his emphasis on the therapeutic self; a concept of happiness resulting from an inner, psychological happiness.  “Everything else,” notes Trueman, “must conform to my inward desires and pander to my personal needs.  There’s no need…