Daniel Darling's Blog, page 48
December 22, 2015
The Way Home: Light Magazine
What does it mean to have a whole life/prolife ethic? I invited two of my colleagues, Lindsay Swartz and Jason Thacker, to discuss this, the theme of the December Issue of Light Magazine.
Show Notes:
Subscribe: erlc.com/light
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December 17, 2015
The Way Home: Episode 48 featuring Andrew Gant
We will talk to Andrew about the enduring popularity of Christmas hymns and carols, even among younger generations, the stories behind some of our favorite carols, and his advice for Christians who are celebrating this season.
Listen to this week’s episode
Show Notes:
Book: The Carols of Christmas: A Celebration of the Surprising Stories Behind Your Favorite Holiday Songs
Register for Evangelicals for Life and use coupon code WAYHOME.
December 11, 2015
Christian Rhetoric During a National Crisis
Last week another horrific mass shooting—this one a terrorist event—happened in California. This followed a shooting at Planned Parenthood in Colorado, which followed a horrific, ISIS-led mass attack in Paris.
We’re living in a dangerous world.
Terror and all kinds of evil seem to happen every day in communities that seem impervious to this. We are inundated with details because we are all wired to social media, television and other mediums. Every event is now a national, even global, event. And every person with a smartphone is now a reporter, a commentator or a policy analyst. This is the reality of the world in which we live, whether we like it or not.
So the question for Christians is now twofold; how should we think about these events, and how should we respond to these events? Much ink has been and will be spilled on the former, but I’m not sure we’re giving enough thoughtful attention to the latter. Can we do better than we’ve been doing?
This may not be a question that previous generations of Christians could have answered. News was more localized, unless it was a massive national story, such as the assassination of President Kennedy or the attack on Pearl Harbor. There were newspapers who brought stories to our front stoops the next day, radio bulletins and “The Big Three” news outlets. Today, we know immediately when something happens. And we have immediate access to tools that allow us to express our opinions, whether or not we’ve reviewed all the facts or are qualified to respond. So how do Christians think and respond when crisis strikes in this new digital age? How does Scripture inform this?
Here are a few collected thoughts from Scripture on what it might look like to develop a distinctly Christian voice:
1) Get the facts before you respond. James 1:19 reminds us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” The social media news cycle encourages the opposite, but if we are to be like Christ, if we are to show the world what a distinctly Christian voice looks like, it matters not just what we say, but how we say it. First reports, after a terrorist attack or a mass shooting or any kind of crime, are usually wrong. Waiting to get the facts before opining may mean less clicks on the blog or less retweets. It may not further endear us to our political tribe, but it’s the right, godly and wise thing to do.
2) Offer prayers for those involved. There was much discussion about the ridiculous “prayer shaming” in response to the San Bernadino shootings. Russell Moore has a great response to that here. Prayer should be the first thing we offer. Prayer is not a last resort; it’s the first resort. Also, prayer doesn’t mean the absence of action. Consider Nehemiah’s leadership in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem while fending off attack (Neh. 4:1-23). Pray and watch, pray and build. Pray and plan. Consider Jesus’ words to the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane: pray and watch (Mat. 26:41; Luke 21:36). If what we believe about Christ is true, then prayer to the God of the universe made possible by faith in Christ as our mediator is the most powerful force in the world.
We might also consider how we pray. We shouldn’t just tweet out that we are praying. We should actually stop what we are doing and start praying. We should pray for victims and pray for leaders.
3) We should pray for our leaders at all levels. Paul instructs us in 1 Timothy 2:1-3 to pray for our leaders, at all levels. Consider who Paul was instructing Timothy to pray for: corrupt, decadent, tyrannical, bloodthirsty Roman leaders. Even America’s worst political leaders were nothing like the leaders in first-century Rome. If Timothy could pray for Nero, we can and should pray for our President, our governors, our Congress, our Supreme Court, etc. And we should pray for them, not just in a flippant, “I hope they see it my way” kind of prayer, but in a deeply felt, honest prayer. We should pray they govern well, lead well and respond well. These are dangerous and challenging times to be a public official. They need wisdom and grace from God.
Praying for our leaders is not a feel-good, optional thing for Christians. It’s a command for every believer—before we rant on social media,before we link to that damaging article, and before we opine during a national crisis.
4) We should mourn with those who mourn. Christians should be empathic toward those who suffer loss in a national tragedy. Genuine empathy literally “weeps with those who weep” (Rom. 12:15). Deep and heartfelt sorrow for victims should be one of our first responses. We should avoid trite cliches that don’t offer solace or the “victim-shaming” of Job’s friends. We should resist easy solutions or “what could have happened.” Instead, we should offer genuine empathy and grace and act to provide relief in whatever ways we can. Sometimes our proximity will allow us to be close enough to offer tangible relief, at other moments all we can do is donate to an an appropriate cause or offer prayers and comfort from afar. At the very least, our public statements should reflect a deep sorrow toward those who suffer.
5) We should resist the impulse to use a crisis to score cheap partisan points. There is a disturbing tendency to leverage a crisis to score cheap partisan points. Both sides of the political spectrum do this. But is it the way of Christ? Is a national crisis the time to shame the other side? Is it the time to respond, with equal shame, to the other side’s shaming? I’m reminded of some imperatives from Scripture when it comes to political leaders:
We should obey them (1 Pet. 2:13).
We should respect them (1 Pet. 2:17).
We should pray for them (1 Tim. 2:13).
They are ultimately put in place by a sovereign God (Rom. 13:1-3).
They are to be “Gods’ servants” for the good of the people they serve (Rom. 13:4).
They are delegated by God to enact justice on evil (Rom. 13:4).
None of these imperatives from God regarding our leaders are optional, nor are they conditioned by the quality or ideology of the leaders. When we behave Christianly toward those who rule us, we demonstrate trust in our sovereign Lord. This doesn’t mean we withhold substantive critique, but the tone of our rhetoric must reflect respect, honor and dignity toward someone put in place by God. And we still need to work hard, in a representative democracy, for the very best leaders. To do any less would be an abdication of this stewardship we’ve been given, as Americans, to shape our government. We should do this, however, without all of the uncivil rhetoric and cheap partisan score-keeping. We should hold our political opinions, as important as they are, more loosely and be the kind of people who genuinely seek solutions for the good of human flourishing.
6) We should offer robust, thoughtful, wise policy solutions. Christians shouldn’t shrink back from offering substantive, thoughtful policy solutions to help prevent future crises. We should do this because we love our neighbors and because we care deeply about human flourishing. We should care about stemming violence because we care about human dignity. Every victim of crime is a human created in God’s image.
Faithful Christians will differ on what these proposals look like but should learn how to disagree charitably, holding our opinions loosely and our relationships tightly. We should advocate for just laws that not only reflect the Scripture’s teaching on human dignity, but are also effective and wise. Our ideas should come from strong, biblical reasoning, but should avoid the kind of lazy, proof-texting of Scripture that seeks to shame those who disagree with us. We should engage opinions of those who have substantive differences and look for common ground where we can, without sacrificing core Christian principles.
7) We should point the world to the Christian hope of Christ’s victory over death, evil and the grave. At the end of the day, we are gospel people. Let’s not forget that. While we mourn and grieve in national tragedies, while we offer respect and honor for those who lead us, while we work for human flourishing, let’s do this motivated by the truth of Christ’s triumphant life, death and resurrection. In a world of fear, crime, uncertainty, outrage, disappointment, and cynicism, we have been given the precious message of gospel hope. Christ has defeated sin, death and the grave. He’s conquered the enemy powers. He’s renewing and restoring his people, and he will one day return in final victory. If national crises do anything, they should motivate us to give our lives over to spreading the gospel to the nations and organize our lives and thinking around this earth-shaking reality.
December 10, 2015
The Way Home: Episode 47 featuring David Altrogge
Listen to this week’s episode
Show Notes:
Twitter: @daltrogge
Website: davidaltrogge.com
Film: 3801 Lancaster: American Tragedy
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December 3, 2015
The Way Home: Episode 46 featuring Bob Welch
Although a century and a half after its publication, the familiar story of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge and innocent Tiny Tim remains popular and continues to reach millions of people. But Dickens wanted his story to do more than entertain- he wanted it to teach lessons about forgiveness, redemption, and faith. Welch’s book peals back some of the layers on this classic tale offering insights and implications for how to live in a spirit of love and forgiveness.
In today’s podcast we will talk with Bob about the Christmas Carol, what motivated Charles Dickens to write it, and what lessons can be learned from Ebenezer Scrooge.
Listen to this week’s episode
Show Notes:
Twitter: @bob_welch
Website: bobwelch.net
Book: 52 Little Lessons from A Christmas Carol
Register for Evangelicals for Life and use coupon code WAYHOME.
December 1, 2015
Joining Green Hill Church
One of the reasons I love my job here at ERLC is that our mission to equip the church to think through moral and ethical issues. I love the church, having grown up hearing the gospel preached, learning the hymns, and worshiping Christ every Sunday. I loved pastoring. I believe, with all my heart, that the most important meetings in the world happen on Sunday mornings when God’s people gather to say to themselves and to the world, “There is another King and another Kingdom.”
I also love public policy and I love cultural engagement. I always have. I began reading newspapers and political magazines when most other kids were doing what most other kids do. I love politics. I love the intersection between the gospel and the world. In my writing and my preaching and my speaking I’ve always tried to help connect the Scriptures to everyday life in a fallen world.
When we moved to Nashville, I gave up my pastorate in Illinois to work alongside Dr. Moore and the excellent team at ERLC. But I didn’t give up my role as a member of Christ’s body and as a churchman. When we landed here, we joined a wonderful, congregation, First Baptist Church of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, led by my friend, Andy Hale, a gifted and passionate preacher. I’m so grateful for this church and and their warm embrace of our family and the opportunities to serve the body of Christ. I learned and grew by sitting under Andy’s preaching.
A few months ago, I was approached by my good and godly friend, Daryl Crouch, pastor of a nearby church, Green Hill Church, a sister SBC congregation in Mt. Juliet. Daryl asked me if I’d consider serving Green Hill as a pastor of Teaching and Discipleship, in a way that would allow me to both continue my work at ERLC and also apply my gifts to this wonderful local church. Angela and I prayed about this and sought some council. We met with Daryl and his family and his team and we felt God was in this. We hated to leave First Baptist and the good people who have been so kind to us there, but after talking with Andy, we all felt God was in this move.
We have been members of Green Hill for several months, having transferred our membership, but we made it official on Sunday: I have joined their team as Pastor of Teaching and Discipleship. This limited role will allow me to help lead Green Hill and think through discipleship and theological education at the church level and be part of the wonderful team led by Daryl Crouch. Having seen him up close and personal these last few months, I’ve been impressed with Daryl’s passion for the gospel, great expository preaching, and shepherd’s heart.
God has been good to me, in allowing me to both work full-time in public policy and equipping the church for the ERLC and to be actively involved in a vibrant local church.
November 27, 2015
The Way Home: Episode 45 featuring Scott James
Every Christmas, Christians all over the world celebrate Advent season by reflecting on the arrival of the Messiah and the promises that were fulfilled at the birth of Jesus. In his new devotional, Scott celebrates the nativity by looking at the whole story of redemption and focusing on how Jesus’ birth and life and ultimately death and resurrection fulfilled Old Testament prophecy.
Designed for both family and individual use, each devotional serves as a beautiful reminder about the meaning of Christmas and why Advent season is important for Christians.
Scott also shares what it means to serve the Lord in his capacity as a pediatric physician and how parents can intentionally teach their children about Christmas and the incarnation of Jesus.
Listen to this week’s episode
Show Notes:
Twitter: @scott_h_james
Website: theexpectedonebook.com
Book: The Expected One: Anticipating All of Jesus in the Advent
Register for Evangelicals for Life and use coupon code WAYHOME.
November 19, 2015
Good Reading on Syrian Refugees
The plight of Syrian refugees, particularly their possible resettlement in the United States, has come under increased scrutiny in the days since the Paris terrorists attacks. The conversation online (much of it ugly) has centered around the tension of two American ideals: maintaining national security and welcoming those who are fleeing terror. I’ve done quite a bit of reading in the last few days on this issue, so I thought I’d pass along some of the best, most informed pieces on the settlement of Syrian refugees.
ERLC Explainer: What You Should Know About the Syrian Refugees
A short explainer on the crisis to get you up to speed.
Migration Policy Institute: US Record Shows Syrian Refugees Are Not a Threat
A policy blog examines the history and record of the US’ refugee resettlement program
Cato Institute: Syrian Refugees Don’t Pose a Serious Security Threat
The conservative think tank examines the rigorous processing and vetting of Syrian refugees
Bearing Drift, Virginia’s Conservative Source: Myths Versus Facts in the Syrian Refugee Issue
This conservative blog dispels some common myths about Syrian refugees
Lawfare (A National Security Blog): In Defense of Syrian Refugees
An outspoken national security hawk makes the case that accepting refugees might actually help national security
Ross Douthat: Europe’s Refugee Problem and Ours
Ross deftly explains the tension between security and compassion.
Christianity Today: A Church Welcome for the Tired, Poor
Mark Galli from CT on the church’s response
Desiring God: Building His Church In a Refugee Crisis
John Piper’s ministry on the church’s response
Ed Stetzer: We Are All Parisians Now
Good word from Ed on balancing security and mission
Alan Cross: Considering the Facts, a Christian Response from Alabama to the Syrian Refugee Crisis
An SBC pastor and immigration expert offers the facts about Syrian refugees
Micah Fries: Let’s Help Syrian (and other Refugees)
Regardless of your political views, here are ways for ordinary Christians to physically help refugees
The Exchange with Ed Stetzer: Announcing the GC2 Summit
An important conference on refugees at Wheaton College
Samaritan’s Purse: The Rising Tide: Europe’s Rising Refugee Crisis
This video, of refugees coming ashore in Greece, will break your heart.
Buzzfeed: Where Syrian Children Sleep
This too will break your heart
Photo credit: Freedom House
The Way Home: Episode 44 featuring Nathan Finn
. Listen to this week’s episode
Show Notes:
Twitter: @nathanafinn
Website: nathanfinn.com
Book: The Baptist Story: From English Sect to Global Movement
Register for Evangelicals for Life and use coupon code WAYHOME.
November 12, 2015
The Way Home: Episode 43 featuring Josh Reich
, came out in October.Listen to this week’s episode
Show Notes:
Twitter: @joshuareich
Websites: joshuareich.org
Book: Breathing Room: Stressing Less & Living More
Register for Evangelicals for Life and use coupon code WAYHOME.
