Episode 310: Many Christians not only today but throughout history have believed that in certain circumstances it is morally permissible if not morally imperative to wage war. So what are the guiding principles which should inform Christians if they do engage in conflict? Tune in as I unpack the just war theory and the necessary elements of a just war. ALSO, what are some of the implications for just war and ISIS. PLUS, why American Christians make terrible martyrs…in my opinion.
Tag Archives: Christian
The Christian & War, p.1
Episode 309: Some Christians hold to a strict non-violent pacifist view. Other Christians believe that Christians can engage in war. Some are idealists; others are realists. Who is right? What does the Bible say? Are either of these positions Biblical? Tune in as I take a look at what the Bible says about the Christian’s view of war.
Today in Church History: John Bright makes his eloquent speech against the Crimean War (1855)
The Crusades, pt.3
Episode 308: Having reviewed the history of the Crusades, is it right to compare the Crusaders to present day ISIS terrorists as some do, the President included? Tune and let’s see what the (real) causes & consequences of the Crusades were.
Question of the Day: Should Christians be pro-war?
The Crusades, pt.2
Episode 307: Once more I take up the history lesson concerning the Crusades. Was it really “in the name of Christ” that the Crusaders did “horrible deeds”? Or is history much more complicated than how our President makes it out to be? Tune in as I unpack the history & consequences of the Crusades.
Today in Church History: (On or around today) Defeat and captivity of the King Louis IX of France, “St. Louis,” in a crusade (1250).
The Crusades, pt.1
Episode 306: Recently, our fearless leader President Barak Obama gave a speech at the National Prayer Breakfast and made some remarks concerning the Crusades that has rankled the hair on the back of some Christians necks. “Lest we get on our high horse and think this is unique to some other place, remember that during the Crusades and the Inquisition, people committed terrible deeds in the name of Christ.” But is that really the case? Is history really that simplistic? Tune in as I give a history lesson on the crusades and what really drove the Crusaders into battle.
Sources:
Gonzales, Justo. The Story of Christianity. Vol. 1. New York: Harper One, 1984. Print.
Shelley, Bruce L. Church History in Plain Language. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2008. Print.
Deflate-gate
Episode 305: So the New England Patriots are going to the Super Bowl, but only because they cheated. 11 of the 12 footballs they played with were underinflated. Tune in as I work to find the spiritual perspective on this current event.
Today in Church History: Pope Clement VI issues papal bull Unigenitus (1343)
Question of the Day: Is cheating a sin?
Abortion III
Episode 304: 42 years ago Roe V. Wade legalized abortion in the United States. Since then, some 57 million America babies have been systematically slaughtered by the abortion industry. Recently, I went to a pro-life rally and in today’s episode I share some of my experiences from that excursion.
Today in (Church) History: Roe v. Wade legalized abortion (1973)
Question of the Day: Is having an abortion a sin?
Drought
Episode 303: Elijah the prophet once prayed for a drought. California is in the middle of a drought. So what are some connections which might be helpful or at least worth consideration given what we know about droughts in Scripture? Tune in as I “think aloud” some of these helpful considerations and how they may be relevant today.
Today in Church History: Martyrdom of 13 year old Agnes (304) AND Orthodox priest Peter Alexeyevich Bulgakov in the USSR (1931)
Question of the Day: Is America under the judgment of God?
Deeper
Episode 302: If spiritual growth were likened unto a swimming, too many Christians would be hanging out, splashing around in the shallow end. God expects & desires for His people to learn to swim and go out into the deep end. Tune in as we see God’s rebuke of shallowness and His request for us to go deeper from Hebrews 5.11-6.3.
Today in Church History: Hilary of Poitiers dies (368)
Question of the Day: What is an Arian?
Praying to Jesus
Episode 300: Wow! The 300th episode of the podcast. And for this episode I will do what I do best and that is break down a controversy with eloquence & clarity: Can we pray to Jesus? May we pray to Jesus? Tune in as I unpack a little background on this controversy and provide a Biblical answer.
Music Credit: Led Zeppelin. “When the Levee Breaks.” Led Zeppelin IV. Atlantic, 1971.
Live from the Pulpit 