Heaven, Hell & Rob Bell

John H. Armstrong March 8th, 2011

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The evangelical world was rocked a bit last week by a debate created by Rob Bell's forthcoming book, Love Wins (Harper/Collins, 2011). I read the posts attacking the book, written by Reformed writers who speak with deep certitude about everything they seem to talk about in opinion pieces. Some even went so far as to condemn Bell as a heretic. (Where have I heard this before?)

Into the fray came Mark Galli, senior managing editor of Christianity Today. Galli offers … (Read More)

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On Delivering the Truth in Love

John H. Armstrong February 8th, 2011

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For as long as I can remember I have found that few Christians know how to deliver reproof to their brothers and sisters in a way that is effective and humane. We have turned "speaking the truth in love" into a virtual blank check to correct others at any time and in any form we think permissible.

Our reasoning seems simple enough. The Scripture speaks of loving reproof and the wounds of a friend. We then take these kinds of wisdom texts and immerse them in ou … (Read More)

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Why Are Young Christians Leaving the Church in Such Large Numbers?

John H. Armstrong December 27th, 2010

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In a recent provocative article by Drew Dyck, a manager in the Church Ministry Media Group at Christianity Today, there are alarming indications that young adults are leaving the church in record numbers. Some question this type of data but increasingly it seems to be beyond dispute. (I have rarely heard discussion of the fact that only 10% of the population attended church in 1800 before the campus revivals of New England and the Second Great Awakening!)

There are some … (Read More)

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Why Christians (Don’t) Give

John H. Armstrong November 22nd, 2010

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It was the title that initially captured my interest. One of the authors, Dr. Christian Smith, is a noteworthy teacher at Notre Dame whose previous books have caught my attention. His newest book, Passing the Plate: Why American Christian's Don't Give Away More Money, co-written with Michael O. Emerson and Patricia Snell, is truly worthy of the interest of all church leaders. After the book was released Christian Smith did an interview with Ministry & Lea … (Read More)

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How Other Worldly Should I Be?

John H. Armstrong October 18th, 2010

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It seems to me that much of the emphasis of evangelicals on piety and Christian living is rooted in a false dichotomy, or dualism. Spirituality, at least the way I learned about it, meant to withdraw from the world. And devotional life, or quiet time as we call it, means to get my battery charged so I can function in the world without being overwhelmed by it. The image is much like that of a modern battery-powered car. You plug it in overnight and then it runs for so ma … (Read More)

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What’s the Big Deal About Porn?

John H. Armstrong September 21st, 2010

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No subject makes me quite as uncomfortable to speak or write about as pornography. I suppose this is because I know the problem is so profoundly difficult yet I actually know so little about it. I have read very little on the subject and never attempted to counsel porn addicts. I have, rightly I think, preferred allowing those more skilled to help men in the grip of this mind-numbing, soul-destroying sin. I have known a few friends who've had serious struggles with … (Read More)

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