Why rejecting the social sciences feels reasonable… but isn’t
Let's face it. Conservative Christians tend to be wary of the social sciences such as psychology, sociology, and anthropology. I have many friends in church leadership who view the soft sciences with moderated suspicion at least. Others reject them overtly. And this feels reasonable because, it is argued, the social sciences aren't "real" science. And they have been hijacked by radicals who use them to push an anti-Christian agenda. And they treat sin as illness. And they try to address issues that should be addressed from Scripture. I'm a social scientist. And a pastor. I have a graduate diploma in research methods and am a PhD candidate in progress. And I pastor a small church plant. And I do a lot of counselling. So I wanted to take a moment to argue that Christians should be the last p... Read more
When pastor kills himself
Moments ago I saw the news of an American megachurch pastor, Andrew Stoecklein, who took his own life after a battle with depression and anxiety. Almost immediately the commentary on facebook began. As a pastor who battles mental health struggles, I feel compelled to insert a few thoughts into the discussion. But first, my heart goes out to Andrew's family. This is a world-shattering moment for them. I pray that God will give them comfort and hope in the middle of this terrible and painful time. Here are the three things I want to say to the rest of us in this moment: 1) Discouragement is not depression. Don't trivialise Andrew's story by confusing depression with discouragement. It is quite common in moments like this—and I've already seen it today—for people to start talking about how ha... Read more
On Phil Johnson and same-sex attraction
Phil Johnson recently began stirring the pot on the non-neutrality of same-sex attraction (SSA). You can read it here and here. It's the sort of cantankerous monologue you'd expect from a hard-line fundamentalist like Phil. But he's finally provoked me enough to get me writing. So that's something. First, let's clarify that this isn't about the conference that got Phil so wound up. I have no comment to make about that conference since I know almost nothing about it and it's not the point. The point is that Phil has taken it as an opportunity to address what he sees as the "underlying theory." And I think he's right. The legitimacy of SSA is the underlying issue. It seems Phil has only recently come to realise that this is the mainstream evangelical position. I suspect this is evidence that... Read more
Why I still believe in the local church
An old friend recently asked my thoughts on the local church and it occurred to me that I'm odd. If anyone should hate the local church, it's me. I grew up in an extreme wing of Christian Fundamentalism. My childhood pastor—my Dad—is currently in prison. My world is full of casualties of the unspeakable evils that occurred, not just in the church, but because of the church. And I can honestly say that the greatest challenge to my faith has come directly from the evils I've experienced in local churches. And here I am: A church-planting pastor. And I love the local church. I really, honestly love it. How is that possible? And why do I still believe in the local church? For those who don't believe in the local church First, I have to say that for those who don't believe in and love the local... Read more
The independence of the IBs and why Australia’s not buying it
Independent Baptist (IB) Kevin Harris recently came under public scrutiny in Australia for his dangerous views on rape and child abuse. The responses from IB leaders have varied from enthusiastically rallying around him to reticent disapproval. One of the key arguments that I've heard many times over the last two weeks is the notion that IBs are independent, and therefore not obligated to take any sort of stand against this evil. But few, if any, outside the IB movement itself are buying that. And for good reason. It's simply not credible. The 60 Minutes programme (Part 1, Part 2) The Files Extra Minutes (more of Kevin, women in the movement, how to help the abused), (access outside Australia: 1, 2, 3) Consider the old duck test. If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like... Read more
