I have been listening to a recent podcast series through Christianity Today entitled, “The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill”. The premise and proposition of the podcast is to analyze the collapse of the Mars Hill Church (Seattle) in 2014, as well as dissect the leadership style and problems of it’s (then) pastor, Mark Driscoll. The stated promise was to be “balanced” and “fair” in its presentation. Much could be said regarding the accuracy or fulfillment of that promise without even hearing the last several episodes. For me, it gave the vibe of numerous unstated, perhaps even unnecessary, agendas. However, let me set that dynamic of “unbiased journalism”, or as they call it “story-telling”, aside to address the context of the podcasts, which appear to be a smash hit in the eyes of many. The producers are attempting to deal with the concept of church abuse, hurt and woundedness, as well as pastoral authoritarianism. The entire series is not yet completed, but after 7 segments into it, along with a couple of excurses into somewhat similar disconnected themes, I feel I can safely say that I get where this is going.
Media Review
Power of the Creed (A Pre-release book review)
In recent months I have been asked to review an unusual number of soon to be released books. Most of these requests have come from friends who are aspiring to be authors. I am honored that they would think so much of my opinion. I know it’s not due to my grammatical acumen. I am also asked on occasion as to what books I am reading or have read that are impactful or thought provoking which I might recommend. Again, I am humbled to think my endorsement would be of that kind of value. All that being said, I thought I would use this blog site on occasion to review books I am currently reading. I usually have a stack on my desk which I am working through and I know if I were to take the time and write some reviews, my retention levels may actually skyrocket. So, to begin this new aspect of blog writing I want to start with an excellent book which I was asked to review in pre-publication form entitled, Power of the Creed.
Continue ReadingA Defense of “Enemies Within the Church” (A Pre-Review)
An important documentary/movie is scheduled for release in the near future entitled, Enemies Within the Church, conceived by a good friend, Pastor Cary Gordon of Cornerstone World Outreach in Sioux City, Iowa. To understand the purpose of the film in greater detail you may wish to watch a sneak peek at http://enemieswithinthechurch.com . The synopsis of the film is to produce the evidence which will expose and critique the burgeoning problem of heresy, false teaching, and error being disseminated through the Church. It will bring “light” to an agenda which should be of concern to every faithful Christian. This evidence, by its very nature, will expose teachers, pastors, and ministries which have embraced this heterodoxy, many of whom are incredibly popular and influential. It’s a documentary that needs to be done.
My Thoughts On The MacArthur-Shapiro Interview
I listened, with no small sense of interest, to the recent interview of Grace Community Church Senior Pastor and author, John MacArthur, by equally notable conservative media analyst and apologist, Ben Shapiro. The interview revolved around MacArthur’s views concerning Western Civilization, American culture, Christian Worldview, and political engagement. The responses from the interview have ranged anywhere from excited affirmation to disappointed denouncement. For me, I found segments deeply troubling especially concerning his views of pastors and churches engaging the civic arena, while simultaneously appreciating his clear articulation of the Gospel. The last few minutes of MacArthur explaining the differences of Christianity to Judaism to a practicing Jew (Ben Shapiro) by using the Old Testament was powerful. I can’t help but think that this presentation made Shapiro think and potentially opened the door for God’s grace to reach his heart. That being said, the earlier interview segments were clearly out of his scope of understanding.
Introducing The TrueDisciples Podcast
I wanted to take a moment and introduce to blog followers my latest attempt at influencing culture and offering a fresh perspective on civic reformation and biblical worldview. It’s called The TrueDisciples Podcast.
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