Commentary, Culture, society

Harvard’s war on fraternities

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From the Harvard Crimson,

A faculty committee has recommended that the College forbid students from joining all “fraternities, sororities, and similar organizations”—including co-ed groups—with the goal of phasing out the organizations entirely by May 2022.

In a 22-page report released Wednesday morning, the committee proposed that the policy—which would replace existing penalties for members of the social groups that are set to go into place in the fall—apply to students entering in the fall of 2018.

In the committees report they say that “In order to move beyond the gendered and exclusive club system that has persisted — and even expanded — over time, a new paradigm is needed…one that is rooted in an appreciation of diversity, commitment to inclusivity and positive contributions to the social experience for all students.” Continue reading “Harvard’s war on fraternities” →

Bible, Christian living, Church, Commentary, Culture, Gospel

Hypocrites in church isn’t the issue. Faithless pseudo-Christians are the issue.
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A lot of people don’t want to be in a church because?

Because the church is full of?

Hypocrites.

Churches are filled with hypocrites. Continue reading “Hypocrites in church isn’t the issue. Faithless pseudo-Christians are the issue.” →

Commentary, Culture, History

JFK at 100
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John F. Kennedy was the Steve McQueen of presidents. His family were the reality stars before the Kardashians.

He would have turned 100 years old today. But he’s forever frozen in time as the vibrant, handsome president of the early 60s.

Ever since I was a kid, the presidency has fascinated me and JFK has been part of that fasciation. He’s often considered to be one of our ten best presidents. He continues to have one of the highest favorability ratings among former presidents. Kennedy biographer Robert Dallek Continue reading “JFK at 100” →

Bible, Christian living, Church, Commentary, Gospel, Theology

Jesus and the Last Supper: more than just a meal

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As part of Holy Week, Maundy Thursday is recognized this evening. It was the night in which Jesus ate the Last Supper with his disciples. The time in which Jesus died corresponded with the Jewish holiday of Passover. And the Last Supper was the first night of Passover. An annual dinner for Passover is held, called a Seder, which is the Hebrew word for “order.” In 3,500 years, rabbinical tradition and teaching helped to form the ceremony of the Seder.

Some of these pieces were traced back to the original Passover. Others came in Jewish history from rabbinical traditions. Continue reading “Jesus and the Last Supper: more than just a meal” →

Bible, Christian living, Church, Commentary, Gospel, Theology

Sunday to Friday: Save us! To Crucify!
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Photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons – Ben Stassen

Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey. It’s a festive scene. Passover week, one of the most significant holidays in the Jewish calendar. Jesus has been preaching throughout the region of Galilee. He has built up quite the following: teaching on the kingdom of heaven and performing miracles.

And here he enters the holy city, the crowds shouting “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9). Palm branches had become a Jewish symbol of victory and the crowds bring these branches out as they chant. The processional they created was somewhat makeshift, but it had kingly overtones. They’re treating him like someone who was returning to Jerusalem after having conquered an enemy. Ironically, he was coming into Jerusalem to conquer sin. Continue reading “Sunday to Friday: Save us! To Crucify!” →

Bible, Christian living, Church, Commentary, Faith, Gospel, Theology

Murders, mobs, dictators and the gospel

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(originally posted March 7, 2016)

In the gospel of Matthew, when Jesus was before the ruling Jewish council, he made a reference to his divine status. To the ruling council, this was taken as blasphemy. Within Rome, they didn’t have the authority to execute Jesus for his action, so they took him to Pontius Pilate, who was the governor of Judea

Pilate questions Jesus: “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.” But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?” But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed. (Matthew 27:11-14). Continue reading “Murders, mobs, dictators and the gospel” →

Bible, Christian living, Church, Commentary, Ethics, Faith, Gospel, Theology

A Sinner’s Guide to Repentance

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Repentance is sincere remorse or regret for an action. Theologically, repentance is associated with the idea of turning away from sin and turning to God.

James 4:7-10 gives what’s almost like a “how to” guide for repentance. It’s not exhaustive, but he says five things that are important to repentance.

1. Repentance involve submission to God

Repentance isn’t just about moralism. It’s about an actual desire for God.

It’s not “well I’ll just drink less” or “get control my temper better.” It’s not just “don’t do that,” but it’s a turning to God. It’s recognizing that God is greater than your sin, that he is better. That his ways are better. That turning from sin is turning to a better way. Continue reading “A Sinner’s Guide to Repentance” →