Reading through Luke, I was struck by a dimension to Luke’s portrayal of Jesus I hadn’t noticed before. I also think, in these times where more people are able to have more platforms to speak their mind on issues, it’s an important dimension to take into account. In Luke chapter 4, we see Jesus officially … Continue reading How to wear your theological offensiveness (conservative, liberal, & atheist)
I had the privilege over the past couple of weeks of engaging in a spirited back-and-forth with a good friend of mine, Daniel Bastian. Unfortunately, in the speed with which this exchange occurred, I know it was hard for people to keep track of the writings, the arguments, and the comments. And so, I’m writing … Continue reading A Christian & An Atheist: A Discussion [a table of contents]
(Note: These exchanges are now complete. There is a Table of Contents to the discussion now available.) In this series of exchanges with my friend Daniel, I’ve tried to argue that his Facebook post on why he is an Atheist expressed an overall view of the world that is too small and too simplistic. I think … Continue reading Simplistic Atheism {4}: What could make me an Atheist?
(Note: These exchanges are now complete. There is a Table of Contents to the discussion now available.) Earlier today, I posted an introductory post in response to a Facebook note by my friend Daniel. Before I posted it, I had a few friends read the post to see if they thought it would be taken especially … Continue reading Simplistic Christianity; Simplistic Atheist: a response [GUEST POST]
Update: Part 2 is up. In the religious circles I walk in, I hear about injustice and suffering quite a bit. Theology friends constantly muse about how to view these things in light of biblical revelation. Atheist and skeptic friends constantly point to these things as the inherent illogical inconsistencies that undermine religious faith. And … Continue reading Listen to the Hurting {i}: why Suffering is a silly reason to be an Atheist
This is an original fiction piece posted for StoryADay September. It’s a long one, so for your convenience, you can also read this story in PDF, Kindle, or EPUB formats. Read more about StoryADay & follow here. ________________________________ Luke was born into a moderately religious household. His family spent each Sunday morning rushing around the house amid a flurry of curses … Continue reading Atheist: A Biography | {story#18}
Recently, a friend sent me a link inviting me to a debate between a prominent evangelical intellectual and a prominent atheist thinker. It made me remember how I used to eat those sorts of things up when I was in college, and I really appreciated this friend sending it, but at this point in my … Continue reading Debates with Atheists (And Good News for Them)
Even back in my hyper-Calvinist days–assured that I was chosen, secure, and Elected unto salvation–I recognized the reality that if I were not a Christian, I’d certainly be an Atheist. If there was some way that I could be convinced that Christianity was a fraud (and here are some ways), I would not face any … Continue reading Going Medieval on my Atheist Self (on art & assurance)
By the time I finished the next article in the series, it was substantive enough and socially-oriented enough to warrant being posted on my webzine Reform & Revive. The previous post was on on how secular Philosophy can inform our view of ethics and contribute to the discussion of Slavery, Atheism, and the Bible. This … Continue reading The Bible, Slavery, & Atheists{2b}: Theology & Ethics | Reform & Revive
As I’ve looked at and read the various articulations about this issue put forward by my atheist friends, I’ve noticed a few philosophical assumptions about ethics that are driving many people’s perspective on how the Bible does/should talk about these things. In this post, I’d like to highlight those things and show how they are … Continue reading The Bible, Slavery, & Atheists{2a}: Philosophy & Ethics
[First off, this is a long one, and only part 1 of 6, so beware before you start reading.] On Facebook, there appeared a status by an old atheist friend of mine from undergrad named Larry (supported by another friend Christopher). Here was the thesis of the post: Regarding moral relativism the christians are hypocritical. … Continue reading An Open Response to Some Atheist Friends Regarding Slavery & Biblical Ethics (pt. 1)
In the TimesOnline, a European Online Magazine, prominent Atheist Matthew Parris wrote the following thought provoking article a few days ago. Please read the article and leave your thoughts. Hopefully this will spurn some meaningful conversation. Below are my favorite excerpts. Here’s the article. ——————————– As an atheist, I truly believe Africa needs God Missionaries, … Continue reading An Atheist, Africa, and Missions vs. NGOs
I thought this was poignant. Thoughts, anyone? For all those on reading this on facebook, there’s a video here that doesn’t import to facebook. Click here to watch it on the blog. more about “Atheistmas & Stephen Colbert“, posted with vodpod
Forgive how disconnected my thoughts are. I’m taking a break from all my reading for Grad school to write this and I’m really tired. Anyway, I’m really frustrated right now. For all those still in Richmond, the United Secular Alliance (U.S.A.) of VCU (the atheist “campus ministry”) is bringing in Christopher Hitchens, one of the … Continue reading If it weren’t for God, I’d be an Atheist
My wife will tell you I have a “both sides” problem. I reflexively think through hard things by trying to see them from all sides and treating them equally. But inevitably, while this makes me think I’m acting “enlightened” and “objective”, that’s largely an illusion–and quite often, it does more harm than good. At least … Continue reading Race, Liturgy, & My Great Awokening
the long way home 