Christmas Fun Facts

December 20, 2010

Some fun facts to ponder from Allan Bevere: -In 1836, Alabama became the first state in the USA to declare Christmas a legal holiday. In 1907, Oklahoma became the last USA state to declare Christmas a legal holiday. -Oliver Cromwell, in England banned Christmas Carols between 1649 and 1660. Cromwell thought that Christmas should be … More Christmas Fun Facts

Share Your Writing at Daily Illumination

December 12, 2010

Wanna write for Daily Illumination?  Do you have something you’ve already written elsewhere and want to share with the DI audience? Consider becoming a Luminary today! What’s that?  Webster defines it this way: lu•mi•nar•y |ˈloōməˌnerē noun ( pl. -naries) 1 a person who inspires or influences others Daily Illumination welcomes guest contributors, or luminaries, to submit writings to be featured at DI on occasion.  We welcome a … More Share Your Writing at Daily Illumination

200 Years of Improvement in Health & Wealth

December 9, 2010

I found this very interesting.  (Thanks Martin Luff.) After viewing the progress and positive trajectory of our global health and wealth, I asked myself, “Now I wish I could see a similar study gauging the direction of global morality and happiness over the past 200 years.” I’m wondering: Does increased health and wealth produce a … More 200 Years of Improvement in Health & Wealth

20 Most Influential Christian Scholars – Congrats Greg!

December 8, 2010

Look who’s #4 on this preeminent list of scholars!  Greg Boyd was a college professor of mine, and his teaching ministry has had an enormous influence on my faith. Seeing his name on this list both overjoys and concerns me. Greg Boyd is one of the purist Jesus-shaped, robustly biblical thinkers I know and his … More 20 Most Influential Christian Scholars – Congrats Greg!

Ben Franklin’s God in a So-called Christian America

December 7, 2010

As I type this, I’m listening to nationally syndicated conservative talk show host Dennis Prager.  I’ve been a regular listener of his for about 10 years. He’s one of my favorite conservatives, and I’ve always enjoyed his show for it’s focus on clarifying the Left-Right political divide, and the character he shows in his interactions … More Ben Franklin’s God in a So-called Christian America

Christmas Manna

December 6, 2010

The commercialized Christmas of our culture has become a celebration of excess.  A plump santa full of cookies, Christmas trees full of gifts, little elves full of cheer, and credit cards full of charges. But as we reflect upon the true meaning of Christmas, survey the long unfolding story preparing the way for the Christ, … More Christmas Manna

Q&A: Is the OT essential for understanding Jesus?

November 30, 2010

Here’s a great answer from Sandy Richter. Is understanding the context of the Old Testament essential to understanding the meaning of what Jesus taught? I certainly believe with all the campus ministries and Four Spiritual Laws and tracts … the simplest presentation of the Gospel message can bring someone into the Kingdom–but … that is … More Q&A: Is the OT essential for understanding Jesus?

Black Friday Reflections (B. Witherington)

November 27, 2010

Some good thoughts from Ben Witherington on Black Friday: I was minding my business drinking my morning coffee, and looking out on the unexpected snowfall on Black Friday which made it white Friday here in Lexington when ‘what to my wondering eyes did appear,  then a plane load of Irish, seeking out reindeer’.    Yes, that’s … More Black Friday Reflections (B. Witherington)