Author Archives: Chaplainmike

Question: Is Evangelism Child Abuse?

My last post has stirred up some, uh….”interesting” commentary and email. To the point: in the view of some people, evangelism of teenagers is abusive and unethical. Since I’m a preacher who preaches the Gospel to teenagers with an appeal for their conversion, I’m engaged in abusive behavior. This especially seems to to apply, toContinue reading “Question: Is Evangelism Child Abuse?”

Dr. Mike Wittmer: Heaven Is A Place On Earth: The IM Interview

As we were discussing the subject of “Can We Be Too God-Centered?,” I remembered an excellent book I’d read a couple of years ago: Heaven Is A Place On Earth: Why Everything You Do Matters To God by Dr. Michael Wittmer. I contacted Dr. Wittmer and he graciously agreed to a blog interview here atContinue reading “Dr. Mike Wittmer: Heaven Is A Place On Earth: The IM Interview”

Internet Monk Radio 143

This week: A few stories from Advance 09. Friendship. Answers to the “Too God-Centered” Objection. Support the IM sponsors: New Reformation Press. New products available: New music and DVDs. Emmaus Retreat Center. A great place for your next group or individual retreat. The Devotional Christian. All the best online devotional resources in one place. E3Continue reading “Internet Monk Radio 143”

The Shepherd of These Hills

Other IM essays on Appalachia. The Gospel and Appalachia The Gospel and Appalachia: Can The Culture Change? The Gospel and Appalachia: Four Christian Responses Most IM readers know that I live in southeastern Kentucky, in a particularly poverty and crime affected area of Appalachia. In economic and social studies of crime and poverty, our countyContinue reading “The Shepherd of These Hills”

iMonk 101: Credible Christianity for the Cultural Atheist

This November ’07 piece, Credible Christianity for the Cultural Atheist, was a follow up to some of what I had written reflecting on my experiences teaching students from China. It discusses those aspects of Christian practice and ministry that seems to me to hold the most interest to those who have been raised in culturalContinue reading “iMonk 101: Credible Christianity for the Cultural Atheist”

Another One Gets Off the Evangelical Bus: Thoughts on A De-Conversion

BeAttitude gives his reasons for Why He Walked Away From Christianity. Don’t skip this. Read it carefully and don’t start talking. Just listen. 1. I always want to commend anyone who moves to a position of authenticity for themselves. If you don’t believe the claims of your own Christian community, then by all means pleaseContinue reading “Another One Gets Off the Evangelical Bus: Thoughts on A De-Conversion”

What God Has Joined Together: A Study of Grace and Discipleship In The Teaching of Jesus

Galatians 5:5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. (ESV) Galatians 5:5 But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God hasContinue reading “What God Has Joined Together: A Study of Grace and Discipleship In The Teaching of Jesus”

Ten Guidelines for Interpreting the Gospels

MODERATION is on. 1. Don’t harmonize the Gospels. That’s like taking four paintings and combining them into one. You come up with something no one painted and no one intended to paint. Let each Gospel author be an artist in his own right. However, a Gospel synopsis, such as those available from UBS, are veryContinue reading “Ten Guidelines for Interpreting the Gospels”