Month: January 2019

How Should the Church Address Singleness?

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Singleness is a growing trend. The United States Census Bureau shows that the median age of first marriage has risen drastically over the last several decades.[1] Looking at the figure below, it can be observed that men and women are marrying nearly 8 years later today (about age 30 for men, 28 for women) than they did at the lowest median age in 1956 (22.5 for men, 20.1 for women). This change has not left the church unaffected, nor has it gone unnoticed by church leaders. It's not uncommon to hear the word 'epidemic' used as a means to describe this increase in singleness.[2] In response, many churches created "singles" ministries as a way to help young men and women to meet one another and establish relationships that could lead to marriage. Church leaders elevated marriage [Read more...]

1 Corinthians 6:12-20 – A Call to Elevate Our View of the Human Body

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1 Corinthians 6:12-20 contains some of Paul's most difficult writing. Two primary reasons why this is the case is because of: 1) The uncertainty of which words that can be attributed to Paul or to the Corinthians, and 2) The uncertainty regarding the circumstances and cultural influences of the Corinthian church. Much of what we think we know can only be deduced from how Paul responds in his letter. At the same time, it also includes one of the most important passages in Scripture on the theology of the body and the importance of the physical body in our relationship with Christ and our fellow human beings. As Nancy Pearcey notes in her book Love Thy Body, this has a myriad of applications to many contemporary issues in our culture today. The key to understanding all the [Read more...]

The Double-Edged Sword of Authenticity

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One of the characteristics of my generation (the Millennials) is the desire for authenticity. We love seeing someone who is genuinely passionate about what they do and is truly committed to it. We yearn for close friendships where we can be "real" with each other and fully known. This is especially true in Christian circles. We also loathe hypocrisy. If we even get the slightest whiff that someone is being disingenuous (especially religious or political leaders), then we will probably not listen to what they have to say. There are certainly many benefits to having such instincts and desires, especially when it comes to forming close and intimate friendships. But I often find that it can be a double-edged sword when it comes to our spiritual lives. I Want to Want... Because we [Read more...]