Gambling has long been taboo in Christian circles. The issue, however, is not addressed very often in our day, except maybe under the category of addictions. But what of the occasional gambler? Can Christians go to Vegas and play the slots with a clear conscience?

Suicide is a big issue, both theologically and emotionally.

In our county, suicides are breaking records, but, fortunately, have not affected our church or family at this time. But how about you? Comments welcome, including what churches can do better. Some of this will be hard for some of you, so do not feel like you must comment. On the other hand, sharing may help deal with grief.

Poll Results

Has suicide affected you or your church?

Some parables are allegories, as is obviously the case in the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 in the Matthew account). Not everyone, it seems, agrees as to who is truly saved when interpreting this parable. What is your view? Has your view changed over the years?

Poll Results

Who is saved/elect in the Parable of the Sower?

With the popularity of kindle becoming a major player over a dozen years ago (and e-books in general) and with the preponderance of programs and services like Logos and website commentaries, etc., have you book purchases been significantly altered?

Feel free to comment on the resources you do use, buy, or subscribe to.

Poll Results

Have your book habits changed over the past decade or two?

Some Christians has simplistic answers for everything. What we need to do is evangelize more, etc. and then that would solve all our woes. To my way of thinking, that is not true at all. Our churches are filled with evangelized people and pastors, and look at the messes we see!

But should we simply passively watch gun violence with mass shootings and say, “The problem is the human heart. Regeneration will fix it:?” Or will we address the fact that most people will never get saved and that some behaviors need to be contained?

We have seen some self-designated “evangelical” leaders change their position on LGBTQ issue, and very many — for a very long time — on the issue of women pastors/elders. The last conviction standing in the moral/social realm, it seems, is abortion.

Now with the clamor because of the potential supreme court ruling, will many cave-in on this last hold out of Biblical morality?

Poll Results

Will More Mainstream “Evangelical” Leaders Change Their Position on Abortion?

We have long heard of clergy shortages among Roman Catholics and liberal mainline churches. Now, it seems, conservative churches are sharing the problem. It is referred to as “The Great American Clergy Shortage.”

I am in the process of retiring after having been in pastoral ministry for 43 years. I will be retiring by November 1; for months now, I have been trying to work with a pastoral selection committee to find a new pastor. The pickings are very, very slim.

Mental problems. Mental illness. Chemical imbalances. Environmental concerns affecting the brain and body chemistry. Human responsibility. Sin. Societal norms. Dysfunctional people from dysfunctional families. Seasonal depression. Anxiety. Bi-polar. Borderline personality disorder. Wisdom/foolishness. Schizophrenia. Co-dependency. Heredity. Environment. DNA altering foods and chemicals. Autism. Side effects. Chemical dependency. Addiction. Social anxiety. Brain injuries. Genetic (race) memory. Trauma. Phobias.

Most Old Testament translations rely on the Masoretic Text. Some sometimes modify that text based upon the Dead Sea Scrolls and even the Septuagint. Although I think most of us favor the Masoretic Text (MT), can the other traditions be of textual value?

We know there are many principles involved in Biblical criticism, so we are painting with a broad brush.

There seems to be a renewed movement toward respecting the LXX text as a tradition to be reckoned with.

A recent Filings article (link from SI is here: https://sharperiron.org/filings/022222/41022) discusses how a “high up” cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church (who is good friends with the pope) is suggesting that the church is wrong to condemn LGBTQ practices.

So, in your opinion, do you think the RCC will cave into the culture on this issue? And if so, when?

Poll Results