Yesterday, I wrote about values, and what I think they are — especially how our values are revealed by behavior, along with some suggestions on how to assess your own core values. So, I was asked some pointed values-questions by email from an online friend who knows my position. I thought…
On Values, Part 1
I’ve always been suspicious of the word “values” when used as anything other than a verb. As in: “Johnny values his bicycle.” I’m suspicious because it feels like a noble word that has been debased by liberal educators in order to pander “values-based” curriculum. (Remember the dreaded “values clarification” exercises?…
The Apostle: Give it to me, Lord
This is a review of The Apostle that I dashed off back in 1998, about half a year after that film was released. I wrote it for a discussion list that is now defunct. I thought, in light of the other recent movie I reviewed (Jesus Camp, it would be interesting…
Against torture
I recently received this question in an email: « Where does it say that we are not to torture others? No where in Scripture does it say “Thou shalt not torture.” » While it is true the proscription against torture can be nowhere found in the Book, we can also…
On Blogging: A Challenge to Pentecostals
I want to say a few words about the power of blogging on a personal level. And I want to challenge my fellow quiet Pentecostals and Charismatics to pick up the keyboard and begin writing. Words have ConsequencesA friend on an email message group recently asked me about the effectiveness…
Jesus Camp: One Edit Away From Propaganda?
That two unbelieving directors don’t understand Pentecostals — or Evangelicals — isn’t surprising. That they produced a film rife with ignorance and bias is also unsurprising. But that ordinary people who can normally tie their shoes and avoid bad movies like Gigli don’t see how insufferably biased this documentary is … well, that’s…
Jesus Camp and BlogRodent on MSNBC
At 2:40 PM (CST) on Tuesday, September 26, I “appeared” on MSNBC’s ‘Net review: The Most, with Alison Stewart. Alison’s producer spoke with Mark Moring, editor for the Christianity Today Movies channel, wondering if he’d be willing to answer a few questions about Jesus Camp on-air. Since I’d seen the…
Jesus Camp: Brainwashed in the Blood – or Is it Spin?
Jesus Camp , what an experience. Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady’s investigation into the hidden world of one Pentecostal kids’ camp simultaneously delighted me, fascinated me, and embarrassed me. I love…
Del.icio.us links for September 21, 2006
These are a few of the things I’ve recently found of interest, but don’t have the time to properly blog on. I don’t necessarily like or agree with the links here, I just think they’re interesting. And…
September 11 and a Terrible Joy
Marc, over at Spudlets , posted a reflection on 9/11 and its aftermath, now five years gone.
“At the very least, whether it s the day after or five years later, it comes down to how you have made…”
The A/G: Desperately Seeking Disciplers
Back at the first of the year, on January 3, I wrote a post wherein I teased out some trends from the most recent official A/G statistical report published in 2004. I concluded that: Not only are the new believers outstripping the net change in adherents, they seem to have…
Jesus Camp review coming soon, my reaction to the trailer
This week, Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady’s indie documentary, “Jesus Camp”, is set to release, and already the blogosphere is all abuzz about it. I can’t wait. I will be catching a pre-release screening of the film through the auspices of Christianity Today International, my employer, and will write my reactions to it as soon as possible. Of course, I’ll share it with you.
Del.icio.us links for September 4, 2006
These are a few of the things I’ve recently found interesting, but don’t have the time to properly blog on. I don’t necessarily like or agree with the links here, I just think they’re interesting. And…
More PneumaBloggers
Just a very quick note to say that I’ve updated the PneumaBlogs list in recent days to include some stellar new names, including:
Christoph Fischer ( My Cup of Coffee )
David Copeland ( Re…
Del.icio.us links for August 30, 2006
These are a few of the things I’ve recently found interesting, but don’t have the time to properly blog on. I don’t necessarily like or agree with the links here, I just think they’re interesting. And…
The One Book Meme. My Response.
I keep seeing these posts where memes get passed around, where one person “tags” another as an inducement to answer a list of questions. One is presumably supposed to answer the questions, post the response, and tag a handful of others. I had been secretly glad that I’d never been…
Del.icio.us links for August 26, 2006
These are a few of the things I’ve recently found interesting, but don’t have the time to properly blog on. I don’t necessarily like or agree with the links here, I just think they’re interesting. And just in case you do, too, enjoy. (You can view past Del.icio.us links here…
More on Violence In, Violence Out
The other day I reposted an article I wrote for CTLibrary.com titled, “Violence In, Violence Out.” A couple responses provided sufficient motivation to write a lengthy response–which I summarily decided should be a blog entry instead. To follow the conversation, check out the original post. Marc V. (also known under the blogonymn, “Spudlet”) wrote: I’m wrestling with…
AJ and his first day in kindergarten – a podcast interview
Update: I’ve added Jennifer’s account of AJ’s first day in the comments section, for the interested. Today we sent our little boy to school for the first time. Nobody wept. There was no gnashing of teeth, wailing, or sack-cloth and ashes. On our part, anyhow. Instead, we were excited to…
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Video Games: Violence In, Violence Out?
This is a repost of a recent article for CTLibrary.com. Enjoy, and please post your reactions. (For a related post, see, “Violence and Entertainment.”) Is mounting teen violence evidence of the effects of violent video games? CHRISTIANITY TODAY LIBRARY | RICHARD TATUM | JULY 31, 2006 On Tuesday, March 24,…
Using Windows Live Writer (beta)
Okay, so I’m trying out the Windows Live Writer — because I’m a sucker for new tools and I’m always on the lookout for the better (free) blogging tool. Besides, Amy at GentleWhisper made me do it. … Installation The install went okay … the second time. The installer wants to…
My FireFox on crack: the best extensions I could find.
Updated: On 9/12/06, I updated this list with my current active plugins. Because Amy over at GentleWhisper asked nicely, I hereby share with you my fabulous list of FireFox extensions I could not live without. This is my list of plugins at home … my work plugins differ a bit.…
Half of all Christian men hooked on porn? Oh, come on…
Okay, this is just irresponsible. ChristiaNet, billing itself as “the world’s most visited Christian website” recently offered a web-based survey asking visitors to answer “eleven questions about their personal sexual conduct.” A press release from ChistiaNet trumpeted the results. After receiving 1,000 results, ChristaNet asked Second Glance Ministries to help evaluate…
Del.icio.us links for August 12, 2006
These are a few of the things I’ve recently found interesting, but don’t have the time to properly blog on. I don’t necessarily like or agree with the links here, I just think they’re interesting. And just in case you do, too, enjoy. (You can view past Del.icio.us links here…
Blake Bergstrom, pitched tents, and the fake FCC fine
Remember the “pitch his tents” sermon by Blake Bergstrom? No, tell me you haven’t forgotten about the youth pastor who insisted that Lot pinched his bosom … several times–and then nearly passed out from embarassment. Well, then refresh your memory over at “When sermons go awry“, first, because the followup here is…