Few studies have been more timely and pin-point accurate in it’s findings than the research of Christian Smith in “Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers” concerning the religious beliefs of American teenagers. I would argue that many of these teens have learned their faith from parents with similar Christian convictions and … More American Faith: “Moralistic Therapeutic Deism”
Don’t excite love, don’t stir it up, until the time is ripe—and you’re ready” (Song of Solomon 2:7). “How far is too far?” That’s the most often asked question every youth pastor receives during those annual “Purity Month” talk series and Q & A time. Every (responsible) youth pastor is poised with the standard response: “That’s … More Virgin Lips: Another Sexual Revolution
This is a big deal for those like me who find themselves, as the Internet Monk used to say, “wandering about in the Evangelical wilderness in search of a more Jesus-shaped Christianity.” I think Scot McKnight is spot on in his analysis of the recent Albert Mohler cover story in Christianity Today and I stand … More McKnight on Al Mohler & the ‘Evangelical Shift’
So far I have resisted the alluring convenience of the Amazon Kindle. I consider myself a book “purist” and am in love with the feel, look, smell and aesthetic beauty of physical books in my hands and on my book shelves. Part of me says, “I love technological advancement in almost every arena, but please … More The Amazon Kindle
The following post is featured at Jesus Creed today. Join the lively conversation THERE. “And when you come before God, don’t turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat? Here’s what I want you … More Does God Have Season Tickets? (Jesus Creed)
A recent USA Today story discusses well-known Christian Brian McLaren and a small group of Christians who are joining with Muslims in their observance of Ramadan fasts. Here’s an excerpt from the article: In announcing his Ramadan fast plans on his blog last month, McLaren wrote, “We are not doing so in order to become … More Christians Fasting for Ramadan
Last time we looked at the delay of marriage and its challenge for sexual purity among unmarrieds. Today I want to look at its impact on church attendance. Did you notice a demographic missing from your pews this past Sunday morning? If your church is like most in America you would find very few 20-somethings … More Empty Pews and the Delay of Marriage
If you care about the current and future state of Christianity in America and evangelicalism in particular, there has been a storm of articles and debates popping up all over the place as of late. I commented briefly upon Michael Spencer’s “Coming Evangelical Collapse” posts a couple months back. His bleak predictions were subsequently picked … More The Demise of American Christianity: Good or Bad?
Jeremy L. Berg 