I recently returned from South Africa.  We saw giraffes with their impossibly long necks.  And a herd of elephants rolling in the mud (to get clean?).  A black rhino blocked our path, larger than two SUVs.  Barb held and petted a baby lion.  And we watched transfixed as three whales swam round and round our boat as it bobbed in the Indian Ocean. 

[NOTE: This item expresses the views of the individual to whom the item is ascribed and does not necessarily reflect the position of the WRF as a whole.]   

ABD is the saddest abbreviation there is. What if someone is sure that they have the gifts and calling to be a high-level teacher and so go after their doctorate, get through the courses and the stiff exam (in Germany the Rigorosum!), but never get their dissertation accepted?

I spent twenty-four years of my life getting educated.  I mention this not to boast, but to say that I’ve sat through a lot of classes.  The best class I ever had—the one I value above all the others—was a course in seminary on Jonathan Edwards’ book, Freedom of the Will.

A few days ago California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law a new provision for the public schools of California. The law mandates that children who are confused about their gender identity may use whichever restroom they feel comfortable in.

Starting Wednesday, September 25, 2013, the President of the Republic of Kenya declared three days of national mourning, following the horrific tragedy that unfolded from Saturday 21st – Tuesday 24th before the eyes of the whole world at the high end Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi.

[NOTE: This item expresses the views of the individual to whom the item is ascribed and does not necessarily reflect the position of the WRF as a whole.]

It is 9/11. 

Again! 

And it will be 9/11 every year at this time.

 What should be done about/in Syria? 

How might a missional and evangelical Christian approach this terribly difficult subject? 

 This is the fourth time now.  The first time was in 1999 when the numbers after prostate surgery convinced me I had about two years to get my affairs in order.  I’m still here after more than fourteen.

Do you know John Murray’s Payton lectures at Fuller Seminary, Principles of Conduct?  It’s a wise and searching look on just what it means to obey God, culminating with a chapter on the fear of God, where Murray looks closely at an arresting attribute, the Fear of Isaac. 

As a psychologist and seminary professor, I frequently entertain questions about the timeline for forgiveness and reconciliation in situations of domestic or familial sexual abuse. Most frequently, church leaders want to know when it is appropriate to encourage a victim of abuse to allow an offender back into the home or life.

 On Sunday, September 22, 2013, Rev. Rick Tyson, my pastor, preached the best sermon I have ever heard on this subject.  Below is the link to the YouTube video of that sermon.  Watch it and worship! My church is Calvary Presbyterian Church in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania.  Both Rick and the church are members of the WRF.

 [NOTE: This item expresses the views of the individual to whom the item is ascribed and does not necessarily reflect the position of the WRF as a whole.]

The Egyptian military’s crackdown on the supporters of overthrown president Morsi has drawn a pointed rebuke from the American government.  President Obama said on August 15, “The United States strongly condemns the steps that have been taken by Egypt’s interim government and security forces.   We deplore violence against citizens.”