July 2021 – Southern Reformed Smoker

Shoot the Foxes

Introduction Solomon warns us in his song, to beware the little foxes that gnaw at the roots in the vineyard of love. Little foxes are an excellent metaphor for small slights, that chip away at the foundation of relationships. There is nothing new under the sun and as just as in the days of ChristContinue reading “Shoot the Foxes”

The Stories He Tells Himself (Or Mike Cosper’s Ax to Grind)

Lets just jump in and admit that there was already very little chance that I was going to be a fan of Christianity Today’s new podcast The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill. Four episodes in and I think I can put my finger on the major problems. It is customary to, on the frontContinue reading “The Stories He Tells Himself (Or Mike Cosper’s Ax to Grind)”

The Forgotten Category

Introduction For a society that prides itself on tolerance for a vast range of ideas and opinions. The prevailing morality is distinctly black and white. As Captain Jack Aubury would say, “What a fascinating modern age we live in.” Christians struggle with this in many ways. Calling out sinners in the style of Bunyan seemsContinue reading “The Forgotten Category”

The March and the Dance

Introduction If someone has been reading in these parts for any time now it is pretty clear how enamored I am with Francis Schaffer’s two questions from A Christian Manifesto: “What does loyalty to Christ mean to you?” and, “Why are you a Christian?” Building on this Os Guinness reminds us that it used toContinue reading “The March and the Dance”

The Failed Pastor’s Kid

“And that was our last Sunday at Wildwood Baptist.” My father tossed that line off as if it were no big concern. I was shocked, there had been no clue this had been coming. That morning in the service there had been no mention of our leaving, no tears, everything had seemed completely and entirelyContinue reading “The Failed Pastor’s Kid”

A Screwtape Letter Twenty-Two Woman

A strong contender for my favorite (which is something like trying to pick a favorite child) letter from Screwtape would be letter twenty-two. Where the Patient has fallen in love, and in the worst possible way, to a Godly woman. Since much hay has been made over the Proverbs 31 woman I would like toContinue reading “A Screwtape Letter Twenty-Two Woman”