The Top Blog Posts of the Week

by the Contributing Editors of SBC Today

This is a list of recent blog posts which we found interesting.  That we found them interesting doesn’t mean we necessarily agree with or endorse the ideas presented in the posts, but that we found them to be intriguing and thought-provoking.  (They are listed in no particular order of interest). Please post your comments to discuss  any article that strikes your interest. If you have recent blog posts to nominate, please send the link to sbctoday@gmail.com.

About Theology

• “The Root of Angry and Divisive Calvinists, Part 1,” and “Part 2,” by Mike Leake in the Borrowed Light blog, with what he projects as possible causes for the common phenomenon of young Calvinist ministers who exhibit angry and divisive behavior.
• “Calvinist, Arminian, Biblicist?” by Bart Barber in the PraiseGod Barebones blog, explaining why the descriptors “Calvinist” and “Arminian” do not adequately describe him, and why he prefers the description “Biblicist.”
• “A Brief Argument for Libertarian Freedom,” by Randy Everist in the Possible Worlds blog, outlining a brief but coherent argument for libertarian freedom.
• “The Archaeological Evidence for Jesus,” by Craig A. Evans in the Huffington Post Religion blog, citing some of the archaeological evidence for events in the life of Jesus.
• “Are You Equipped to Deal with the Prosperity Gospel?” by Trevin Wax in the Kingdom People blog, with a review of Health, Wealth, and Happiness by David W. Jones and Russell S. Woodbridge.
• “What Are the Distinctive Elements of the Doctrine of Creation,” by Ken Keathley in the Theology for the Church blog, identifying eight principles foundational in a doctrine of creation.
• “The Gospel According to the Hunger Games,” by Alvin Reed in the Christian Post Missional Students blog, with a review of the popular new movie.
  

About Issues in the SBC

• “Acts 29 and Bad Science Fiction Movies,” by Rick Patrick in SBC Voices, with concerns about the continued viability and desirability of Acts 29 remaining within the SBC.
• “Power Plays and Moves to Oppress Dissent in the SBC!” by Howell Scott in the From Law to Grace blog, voicing concerns about a perceived effort to suppress dissenting opinions in the SBC.
• “An Humbling Time for Georgia Baptists,” by William Thornton in the SBC Plodder blog, with a common sense understanding from the perspective of real estate that few people in 2006 foresaw the real estate crash and recession that has so negatively impacted Georgia Baptists.
• “Is a National Network the Right Way to Go?” by Dan Barnes in the SBC Voices blog, raising the possibility that regional church planting organizations may be more effective than a single national church planting organization.

About Ministry and Worship

• “Run a Rescue Shop within a Yard of Hell,” by Owen Strachan in his blog, reflecting on this famous quote by C. T. Studd and its application to our lives and ministries.
• “Pastoral Idolatry: 10 Common Forms of False Righteousness in Ministry,” by Eric McKiddie in the Pastoralized blog, with a list of ten idols in which ministers can put their confidence and self-justification.
• “The Black Church and the Black Community: A Conversation with Anthony Bradley,” by Trevin Wax in the Kingdom People blog, addressing a number of issues confronting the Black church.
• “Thank God for Smaller Churches and Their Leaders,” by Thom Rainer in his blog, with appreciation for the leadership of most Southern Baptist churches.
• “The Subtle Art of Sabotaging a Pastor,” by Jared Wilson in the Desiring God blog, with a note from “Wormwood” (the “Wormwood Letters: Designs against a Pastor,” imitating Lewis’ Screwtape Letters). Wormwood instructs his minions in how to undermine a pastor.

About the Personal Devotional Life

• “How to Be Holy,” by Brad Whitt in his blog, with a devotional thought on holiness flowing from Hosea 6:3.
• “Gossip and Slander: Poison in the Lifeblood of the Church,” by Andy Davis in the Between the Times blog, warning against the pernicious affects of gossip in a church.
• “Divorcing the Local Church,” by Jonathan Akin in the B21 blog, as a part of his “How to Stay Christian in Seminary” series, advocating why seminarians should stay engaged in the local church.
• “How Should We Feel When We Sin,” by Mike Bergen in SBC Voices, reminding us of things to keep in mind as we deal with our own sinfulness.
• “Not I, But Christ,” by Waylon Bailey in his blog, with reflections about how to live the life of Christ through us.
• “Poisoned by Bitterness,” by Ed Steele in the WorshipCries blog, with reflections on the dangerous fruit of bitterness.

About Christians and Society

• “Gallup Releases New Research on American Religion,” by Ed Stetzer in his blog, citing evidence from the Gallup Poll about the religiosity of various regions of America.
• “Vandy Catholic to Leave Campus over All Comers Rule,” by Bradley George in the WPLN Nashville Public Radio News, with a report  that  the Catholic student organization on campus is moving off campus to avoid the Vanderbilt University policy which suppressed free expression of religious groups on campus.
• “The Spirit and Purpose of this Blog,” by the new InterVarsity at Vanderbilt blog, which will be providing their rationale why their three Vanderbilt chapters (Asian American Christian Fellowship, Graduate Christian Fellowship, and Medical Christian Fellowship) cannot in good conscience remain as a registered student organization according to the new stipulations made by the Vanderbilt administration. More articles will follow addressing their perspective on this issue.
• “The Satanic Ideology of Photoshop,” by Mike Cosper in the Gender blog of the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, warning against allowing the hyperrealistic images from enhanced photos of attractive people to destroy our contentment.
• “The Most Overlooked Tax Break for Ministers,” by Jared Moore in SBC Voices, with pointers about how ministers can apply educational expenses as income tax deductions.
• “Some Folks . . . Can’t Be Friends,” by Hariette Peterson in the SelahV Today blog, reflecting on friendship and relationships.
• “‘Kony 2012’ Video Draws Support and Criticism,” by Jordan Lee and Angela Lu in Baptist Press, with perspective about this controversial “Invisible Children” effort targeting atrocities in Uganda.