Don Veinot's Blog, page 16

Halloween: Facts, Myths and Marketing

Halloween has mixed origins that are disputed and not clearly based on historical facts. “Halloween” comes from the eve of all Hallows Day (or All Saints Day), which is November 1st. Although it occurs at a time of seasonal change called by some “Samhain” (the Celtic name for October 31, pronounced ‘sow-ain’), Halloween and Samhain […]

They Came from the Smoky Abyss

The title may sound a bit like a cheesy 1950s sci-fi movie, but it is truly a biblical concept. One does not have to read much of Watchtower Society material to realize they are a group that abandons anything approaching the historical-grammatical context of Scripture. They do, however, have a systematic theology. That is, the […]

Ruth Haley Barton & Contemplative Corruption – Part 2

In this second installment of a two-part series, we continue looking at two of Ruth Haley Barton’s books, Invitation to Silence and Solitude (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press Books; 2nd ed, 2010) and Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press Books, 2006). They are two key books in the […]

Ruth Haley Barton & Contemplative Corruption – Part 1

In this first installment of a two-part series, we will look at two of Ruth Haley Barton’s books, Invitation to Silence and Solitude (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press Books; 2nd ed, 2010) and Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press Books, 2006). They are two key books in the […]

Culture Transforming the Church

The First Century Roman Empire was pluralistic, relativistic, and very spiritual.  The Greeks and Romans shared about 15 or 16 gods and goddesses, worshipped under different names.1See “Greek Gods and their Roman Counterparts” for listing, descriptions, and comparisons In addition to their own deities, Rome would incorporate into their belief system the deities worshipped in […]

Joe Scarborough, Heretics and the Gospel

Watching or reading media pundits, politicians, and talk show hosts transform themselves into theologians is often interesting, sometimes entertaining – and occasionally seems to call for a biblical response. Recently, Joe Scarborough, the host of MSNBC’s Morning Joe program, presented his theological credentials: “As a Southern Baptist, I grew up reading the Bible – maybe […]

At Least I Am Not…

Few would deny that we live in an acrimonious time. Not many years ago, the general consensus in this country concerning speech was, “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it” (a statement Wrongly attributed to Voltaire). Today, that long revered free speech mantra has […]

Deceived Deceivers

The 1973 film, The Sting, a very popular movie starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford, achieved critical acclaim and garnered seven Oscars. It was inspired by the 1940 book, The Big Con: The Story of the Confidence Man, written by David Maurer about two actual conmen, Fred and Charley Gondorff. The film’s plot is simple. […]

The Shifting Sands of Watchtower Salvation

In Acts 16:30 – 31, we read what is perhaps the most important question anyone can ask. The answer is surprisingly simple: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” How can I have peace with God? What […]

The Postmodern Self: The Slope Immediately Becomes Slippery

True truth, ultimate meaning, higher purpose; what defines reality has been distorted beyond recognition. Postmodernism has left civilization in a state of confusion, and in this, the tendency to elevate Self acts as a cultural norm. But this, too, is illusionary, for we find ourselves shifting to the demands of new gatekeepers. In the end, […]