Culture and Context

Viewpoints and commentary on our contemporary culture

Columnist Nathan Aaseng

Fear Factor in Preaching

by Nathan Aaseng

Last month I touched on the delicate balance between confidence and fear that makes effective preaching possible.

I suspect from conversations with pastors and seminary folk that some may question whether this puts too much emphasis on the human element in preaching.

 

Charting the Culture

“Nice Body”

by Matt Skinner

Early last week I visited a class, leading students in an exploration of so-called "gnostic" writings from the second century.

One enjoyable thing about discussing these documents is that they prompt Christians to consider both what it means to bear authentic witness to the gospel and why gnostic teachings remain attractive to people. Because the gnostic worldview tended to view the human body as imprisoning the soul in ignorance, the class's discussion turned toward a theology of corporeality, what it means for us to be embodied creations.

 

Our Take

Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem

by Matt Skinner

This month, on May 14, the State of Israel turns sixty years old—no easy anniversary.

The occasion calls our attention (again) to important political and moral issues that have been and probably will remain the most intractable of those faced during our lifetimes. In remembrance that we are heirs of a divided world, in May we rightly renew our commitment to direct our gaze and prayers toward the Middle East.