One month ago yesterday I walked the stage to pick up a diploma in Religious Studies at a secular institution. And I'm a stronger Christian than ever. In the Religious Studies department at the University of Montana I learned how to study history with careful eyes, how to debate subtle philosophy with gentleness and confidence, how to respect professors and peers with opposing views on foundational beliefs, and, perhaps most importantly, I learned how to critically examine my place in and beliefs about the story that … [Read more...] about Becoming a Thoughtful Christian in the Secular Academy
atheism
Science in Review — February 2013
One of my favorite Scripture passages is the parable of the sower. It's botany! It's metaphor! And it's a rare parable to include an explanation... sort of. Sure, Jesus decodes the allegory for his disciples, but what is the application? Is it a call to sow our seeds lavishly because we are not responsible for the condition of the soil, or is it a lesson on how to use our time and energy efficiently? Are we being encouraged to prepare the soil before we go about sowing? Are we being asked to reflect on the condition of … [Read more...] about Science in Review — February 2013
How Should Students Respond to Anti-Christian Professors?
A friend who works in campus ministry asked me for advice recently. He had heard about a difficult situation at another university and was wondering what I would say to the student: There is a student in a philosophy class here, where the professor is incredibly disrespectful towards Christians. How do you usually encourage your students to respond, and what advice do you usually give them? It appears there are not many Christians in the class, and if there are, they all laugh at the professor and go along with … [Read more...] about How Should Students Respond to Anti-Christian Professors?
Jim Sire Addresses: Is Atheism a Worldview?
I've had the privilege of knowing James W. Sire, Ph.D., since my college days. Sire served as a senior editor at InterVarsity Press and authored a number of books published by InterVarsity Press including The Universe Next Door: A Basic Worldview Catalog, Habits of the Mind: Intellectual Life as a Christian Calling, Learning to Pray Through the Psalms, and Naming the Elephant: Worldview as a Concept. Our paths crossed several times during my years as a student at Grove City College. I heard him speak not only at … [Read more...] about Jim Sire Addresses: Is Atheism a Worldview?
Why I’m (Still) A Christian — Part II
Last time around, I wrote about some conditions which I would consider necessary to a Christian faith, but that are not sufficient for me to be satisfied with one. If you're not familiar with the notion of necessary and sufficient conditions, let's think about what you need to start a campfire. Generally speaking, kindling and firewood are both necessary elements; it's very hard to start a fire by lighting firewood directly, and kindling alone won't burn long enough. However, those two things alone are not sufficient … [Read more...] about Why I’m (Still) A Christian — Part II