Reading log

I. Great article in World's Nov 25 issue on evangelical feminism (believing women in ministry is okay; downplaying male headship) leading to theological liberalism. Actually, author Wayne Grudem considers the former to be the first step on the road to the latter, as it places experience over Scripture (how can you deny her obvious gift?). He observes a consistent pattern of denominations sliding into liberalism:

1. Abandoning Biblical inerrancy
2. Endorsing the ordination of women as pastors
3. Abandoning the Bible's teaching on male headship in marriage
4. Excluding clergy who are opposed to women's ordination.
5. Approving homosexual conduct asw morally valid in some cases
6. Approving homosexual ordination

Well, my old denomination, the RCA mostly has done 1-3, haven't gotten 4 accomplished yet, though they've tried, and are currently seeking to accomplish #5. They ran into a snare when they tried to do 5 and 6 at the same time. Too much too fast for the "conservatives" (with tongue firmly in my cheek).

Thank the Lord for faithful men (see page 5 of the link), with whom I've recently associated in place of that craziness.



II. Darfur/Sudan article in the same World issue. There are serious issues here. China sells Sudan the fighter jets and helicopters that provide air cover for the Islamic-motivated raiding parties to do the pillaging of southern/Christian villages, while the US pulls out economically, and is isolated diplomatically. The government claims it's now trying to disarm the raiding parties, but they were still going on Nov 6 when the article was written. Gov't also claims to be providing development to its refugees (Christians in villages fleeing raids), but World Vision and UNICEF can't seem to get the gov't's help in getting ITS basic work done. A very sad situation.



III. A great piece on the role of government in higher education. There's a nice part about all the major technological advances (transistors, moon landing, etc.) being done BEFORE the government got involved or could have an effect on education.