What I’m Reading – 9/2/16

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

• “The Cultural Value of Christian Higher Education” (David Brooks) — This speech from NYT columnist David Brooks argues that Christian institutions have the potential to shape character in a unique and important way.

• “What Became of the Christian Intellectuals? There is More to the Story” (Albert Mohler) — This essay is a response to Alan Jacobs’ article in Harper’s Magazine, in which Jacobs laments the loss of the Christian public intellectuals and assesses some of the reasons for their disappearance. Mohler provides more commentary on the situation, with both critique and appreciation for Jacobs’ take. Both are worth your time.

• “Gay people not ‘born that way,’ sexual orientation not fixed – US study” (RT News) — “A cross-discipline study has challenged the belief that human sexuality and gender identity are determined by biology and remain fixed, saying that there is no scientific proof of this. The study cautioned against drastic medical treatment for transgender children.”

• “Top 10 Findings on Teens and the Bible” (Barna) — This research “examines teens’ perceptions of the Bible, the role they believe it should play in American public life and their level of personal engagement with it. The research tells us that teens have a deep respect for the Bible and care about its relevance to the world in which they inhabit.”

• “Ask Not for Whom the Volcano Erupts; It Erupts for Thee: A Response to David Gushee” (Albert Mohler) — Mohler responds to a few articles by ethicist David Gushee, who argues that LGBT issues will leave no middle ground and force Christians and Christian institutions do either capitulate or face consequences.

• “It’s O.K., Liberal Parents, You Can Freak Out About Porn” (Judith Shulevitz, NYT) — This article acknowledges what is painfully obvious by what many on the left refuse to accept: porn is a real problem.