But For The Good Decisions I've Made, There Go I

I enjoyed seeing the movie "The Grace Card" this week.  It sparked a lot of good discussion that night, and even more reflection since.  It may be easier to find on Netflix than in the theater, but I certainly recommend it for an evening spent with family or friends.  Just make sure to plan time to talk about it together when the lights come back on.

I'll jump to my main question: Does the movie effectively portray the grace of the gospel or not?

Is This Judgment?

"God is judging Japan" said the woman in a brief interview on the evening news.  She was a Japanese national of Shinto faith.  My first feeling was relief that it was not an American speaking or representing some expression of Christianity.  But just as quickly it struck me: Hers is the only conclusion that performance-based world views - whether Shinto, Muslim or "Churchianity" - can come to when trying to come to grips with the unfolding national crisis in Japan.  The Gospel is very, very different.

Times of Refreshing: Thoughts on Authentic Revival

I'm looking forward to time with the InterVarsity chapter at the University of Mary Washington this Thursday, 3/10.  I'll be speaking to these students about something close to my heart: Authentic Revival.

I use the term "Authentic Revival" to distinguish between an outpouring of the Spirit and the practices associated with "Revivalism."  There is a difference between a season of God's renewing work and a series of meetings in a local church aimed at "getting people saved."  The one can be transforming for people and community, the other is prone to manipulation and dysfunctional excesses.  One I pray for daily, the other I resist.

I'll have more to say at the meeting, but I want to use this post to make several resources available to everyone.

A Silent Exit For the Dr Behind The Silent Scream

February 21 marked the passing of Dr. Bernard Nathanson.  Don't feel bad if you weren't aware.  The 84 year-old doctor who changed his mind, then collaborated on the 1984 film called The Silent Scream" passed on with remarkable silence.

Nathanson was trained as an obstetrician, but by the 1960's he became deeply involved with the debate over and practice of abortion.  He helped establish NARAL - the National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws.  After Roe v. Wade legalized abortion - he testified in favor of it - he established in New York City the largest free-standing abortion clinic in the world.  He estimates that he personally performed 75,000 abortions, including abortions on women pregnant by him.

Then came the ultra-sound.  The doctor watched an abortion as it was being performed.  The new technology of ultra-sound allowed him to observe the "fetus" as it was being pursued in the womb and then suctioned limb by limb to it's death.