Stephen J. Matlock's Blog, page 36

Boycotts As a Signal of Virtue

Recently yet another outrage has occurred to provoke the sensibilities of all Christians* everywhere—a city in North Carolina said that people who are already using public restrooms in relative privacy can continue to do so. The response by the state of North Carolina was swift and sure. Action with more alacrity than the state of … Continue reading Boycotts As a Signal of Virtue

America Is a Christian Nation: We Should Have Christian Laws

I have been hearing this lately with regards to transgender “rights” in American culture. (I put “rights” in quotes because the argument is being made that transgender people don’t have rights; they are somehow granted some special privilege to enjoy some aspects of normalcy, but it’s all provisional and can be taken away at any … Continue reading America Is a Christian Nation: We Should Have Christian Laws

A Review of "Trouble I’ve Seen: Changing the Way the Church Views Racism"

So this book is several things. One, it is a book of theology of the kingdom of the Messiah. Dr. Hart lays out the plans of God through Jesus Christ in instituting his kingdom, which is topsy-turvy: it is not power-based, it is not authority-based, it is not self-based. It is, instead, based upon love … Continue reading A Review of "Trouble I’ve Seen: Changing the Way the Church Views Racism"

A Review of “Trouble I’ve Seen: Changing the Way the Church Views Racism”

So this book is several things. One, it is a book of theology of the kingdom of the Messiah. Dr. Hart lays out the plans of God through Jesus Christ in instituting his kingdom, which is topsy-turvy: it is not power-based, it is not authority-based, it is not self-based. It is, instead, based upon love … Continue reading A Review of “Trouble I’ve Seen: Changing the Way the Church Views Racism”

The Christian Response to Public Restroom Access

In his blog post on April 27, 2016 (https://theboeskool.com/2016/04/27/bo...), Mr. Boeskool makes the case that boycotting Target over its public restroom use is a foolish irrelevancy and harmful to very real people. (And, as an aside, this is not a new policy for Target. It is simply their existing policy which has existed for a … Continue reading "The Christian Response to Public Restroom Access"

Structural Racism—It Doesn’t Exist

One of the things about American culture and society is our racism. It’s not the only thing, or the most important thing (well, maybe). We have a past that is entwined with racism, and there are still problems today with racism. I won’t go into all the details about racism and what it is in … Continue reading "Structural Racism—It Doesn’t Exist"

A Setback and a Resurrection

I am celebrating Easter today, which is a reminder to Christians that death is not the final answer. We celebrate Easter because Jesus, having died, was resurrected and will die no more; those who believe in him also will one day be resurrected. It is God’s way of saying our pilot episode will be picked … Continue reading "A Setback and a Resurrection"

Forgiveness—What Is Possible? What Is Demanded?

I heard a story on NPR the other day. Seems that in Maryland there’s a push to review the sentences of those who were convicted of murder in the last 40 years based upon the Unger decision. Several people who were affected by these murders—being the family and friends and co-workers—were asked for their thoughts. … Continue reading "Forgiveness—What Is Possible? What Is Demanded?"

Remarks to the Muslim Association of Snoqualmie Ridge

Good morning. I extend my thanks to Mujeeb Mohammed, President of the Muslim Association of Snoqualmie Ridge, along with the Board of Directors, and the Board of Governors, for asking me to speak; the members of the Muslim community for hosting this open house; and all the residents of the Snoqualmie Valley who have come … Continue reading "Remarks to the Muslim Association of Snoqualmie Ridge"

Why Honor Dr. King?

Reposted from 2010,  2011, 2012, and 2013. I wrote this as a quick email in response to some scurrilous nonsense forwarded to me, nonsense written by a white Christian eager to point out to me that Dr. King was a flawed man, too flawed to be honored and acknowledged. N.B. 2016. I’ve grown in my … Continue reading "Why Honor Dr. King?"