Fear and Trembling

This is officially the 500 th post on “Fear and Trembling.”   I just want to share some random thoughts on blogging and the Christian life. Preparing blog posts has been a serious pastime, and the research and thought I have put into this blog have changed me for the better.   I have a deeper understanding of theology and apologetics than I had when I started.   However, when I blog it is easy to think I have done my duty in evangelism / apologetics or teaching.   This is a dangerous thing.   It is much easier to sit in front of a computer and research and type than it is to be actively involved in the ministry of a local church as it confronts an increasingly pagan culture.   My blog has had some impact (over 42,000 page views since 2007 according to Google Analytics and Blogger), but that impact is not easily measurable because few people leave comments.   By contrast, I can clearly see the impact of personal relationships and personal inv...

I have carefully avoided involving this blog in politics, but when a sitting U. S. President makes religious comments at a National Prayer Breakfast, then I consider them ‘fair game.’   The Crusades Several teachers I respect have made solid cases that the Crusades were a defensive action undertaken to take back lands conquered by Muslims and to prevent their further conquests (see Kevin DeYoung at this link ).   But, even if they are wrong, the immoral actions associated with the crusades were against the will of Christ.   There was a time in the life of Christ when Jesus and His teachings had just been rejected by the inhabitants of a Samaritan village.   His disciples James and John said, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven and consume them?”   Jesus “turned and rebuked them.” (Luke 9:51-56, ESV)   Jesus’ followers should ‘take His lead’ and not engage in religious wars of conquest in this era.   It is safe to say tha...