What I’m Reading – 4/10/15

Below are some of the articles and books I’ve read recently that you may enjoy perusing.

• “#BlackLivesMatter, But We Have to Answer Why They Matter,” by Napp Nazworth — At the recent racial reconciliation summit hosted by the Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, D. A. Horton explains that it isn’t enough to simply claim that “black lives matter.” We must understand biblically, theologically, and historically why it is that black lives matter.

• “God Is Relentlessly Angry but Abundantly Gracious,” by Paul Tripp — A difficult but hope-giving reminder from Paul Tripp.

• “A Little Respect for Dr. Foster,” Nicholas Kristof — This NYT article contrasts the broadly negative cultural view of evangelicals with the sacrificial work of a missionary doctor in the heart of war-torn Africa. While we cannot retreat on our commitment to the Scriptures, we can continue to pair faithful proclamation of the gospel with loving displays of the gospel, as Dr. Foster himself does.

• “Nine Traits of Mean Churches,” by Thom Rainer — We would all do well to read through this list and examine our own hearts and our own churches. May we and our churches be marked more by the fruit of the Spirit than the fruit of our fleshly desires.

• “The Future of World Religions: Population Growth Projections, 2010-2050” — Over the next 40 years, Islam is projected to grow faster than any other world religion, almost catching up to Christianity in total population.

• “Conscientious Objectors in the Marriage Wars,” by John Hammett — SEBTS professor John Hammett reflects on the recent controversy in Indiana over religious liberty with characteristic wisdom. Here he asks, “Have we in Western society lost the ability to think clearly and make moral distinctions?”