Are Mormons Christians?

0

Comments Posted on Jul 08, 2007 Last Updated Jul 08, 2007 Posted by Jeff Lash

On Beliefnet.com, Al Mohler and Orson Scott Card are debating whether Mormans are Christians. This is an intriguing written debate for people who do not know the difference between a Mormon and a Christian. Al Mohler is the President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Orson Scott Card is a well-known LDS author.

Here is a little peek at the discussion so far:

In any event, the question was framed theologically, and it was framed by Beliefnet in terms of “traditional Christian orthodoxy.” With the question structured that way, the answer is clear and unassailable – Mormonism is not Christianity. When the question is framed this way, Mr. Card and I actually agree, as his essay makes clear.

In his words, “I am also happy to agree with him that when one compares our understanding of the nature of God and Christ, we categorically disagree with almost every statement in the “historic creeds and doctrinal affirmations” he refers to.”

Stay tuned for more to come…

Federer vs. Nadal

0

Comments Posted on Jul 07, 2007 Last Updated Jul 07, 2007 Posted by Jeff Lash

Nadal and Federer For those tennis enthusiasts and sports historians, tomorrow in London will prove to be a monumental event. The Wimbledon final will pit Roger Federer, 4-time defending champion, against Rafael Nadal, 3-time defending French Open champion. Federer is going for a 5th straight Wimbledon title which would match Bjorn Borg’s streak of consecutive championships. This is an unheard of feat in terms of sports accomplishments. Federer has not been beaten at Wimbledon in nearly 5 years. However, Nadal has beaten him 8 out of the 12 times they have met. Most of Nadal’s wins against Federer have been on clay and hard courts. On grass, Federer is nearly unbeatable. Tomorrow will be a repeat of last year’s final which Federer won 6-0, 7-6, 6-7, 6-3. Who will I be rooting for? Since Federer has dominated Wimbledon and tennis with the exception of Nadal here recently, I will be rooting for Rafa in the final.

Derek Fisher Puts Family First

0

Comments Posted on Jul 04, 2007 Last Updated Jul 04, 2007 Posted by Jeff Lash

Professional athlete can sound something like an oxymoron. In today’s world of sports, most “professional” athletes are anything but professional. Many of them act like spoiled little children who throw a fit if they don’t get their way. Some of them cry about being underappreciated because they were offered $60 million instead of $75 million to play a game that most of us would play for free or at least the league minimum.

I love sports. I grew up playing basketball, football, baseball, tennis, and golf. March Madness is my favorite time of year. I know how much conditioning and hard work it takes to compete in athletics. I am certainly not insensitive to that fact. However, I am hard pressed to find a few examples of class act role models within sports today. What is more frustrating is the fact that kids look up to these athletes.

However, there is hope. Yesterday I read a story about Derek Fisher, point guard for the Utah Jazz this past season, and his decision to leave the team to be with his family while his daughter underwent cancer treatment. Fisher shows us that good role models do exist in the world of professional sports. He shows us all what it means to put your family before money and your career. Read about Derek’s decision and pray for Derek’s little girl and his family as they deal with this situation.

Alister McGrath and Richard Dawkins Debate

0

Comments Posted on Jul 02, 2007 Last Updated Jul 02, 2007 Posted by Jeff Lash

I have been meaning to post this debate for a few weeks now. I listened to it some time ago and found it quite interesting. Though I was familiar with both Dawkins and McGrath, I had not heard either of them lecture before this debate. I have since listened to both of them several times on radio shows and in public lectures. Alister McGrath is Professor of Historical Theology at Oxford University. He holds doctorates in historical theology and molecular biophysics. McGrath’s background as a former atheist is certainly helpful in this debate. Richard Dawkins is the Charles Simonyi Professor of the Public Understanding of Science at Oxford University. Dawkins is one of the world’s most well known atheists.

McGrath vs. Dawkins Part 1
McGrath vs. Dawkins Part 2

A documentary called “Root of All Evil?” was also filmed recently. In a portion cut from the documentary, Dawkins interviews McGrath and poses many questions concerning religion and science.

“Say Hello to My Little Friends”

0

Comments Posted on Jul 01, 2007 Last Updated Jul 01, 2007 Posted by Jeff Lash

This past week I got to partake of the benefits of living in Nashville. There are very few cities in this country, and maybe the world, that can boast of such a full music scene. On any given night you can catch either a local artist or a touring band in one of many clubs and coffee shops. On Thursday night I went to Christopher Pizza to see my friends Rachel Carrozziere and Beau Bristow perform. Of course they rocked the place. Then on Saturday night I went to Edgehill Studios Cafe and supported Rachel as she headlined the evening of music there. While I was there, I ran into my friend Josh Wilson who is an artist just recently signed to EMI. So there I was, in the midst of a music filled weekend, being reminded of how blessed I am to know so many amazing musicians who also have a heart to spread the Gospel through their lives and art. Each artist has his/her own way of making Christ known through music. Whether it is considering worldviews as Beau elaborated on Thursday, sharing the struggle to rely on Christ daily as Rachel sang on Saturday, or being encouraged to press on in times of struggle as Josh proclaims in his song “The Saints,” these friends of mine are using their talents and abilities to influence people for the kingdom. As a musician, I have an appreciation for what they do. It is not easy. But they are pressing onward in faith that God will use them. Rest assured, he is using them. So go check out my friends, buy a CD or two, leave them a word of encouragement, and support them in prayer as they reach out to the world around them.

Beau Bristow
www.myspace.com/beaubristow