There’s been some hubbub in Reformed circles recently about how you’re supposed to tell your feelings to “shut up” because presumably Jesus wants you to. Ultimately it doesn’t matter if you’ve been following the back-and-forth; it’s something that tends to crop up a lot in those theological circles. Here’s what I think about that: asideContinue reading “On the need for emotion”
Category Archives: American Christianity
On tribes
I recently visited a woman in an assisted living home in Texas, near Fort Worth. I remembered how, as a child, I visited my great-grandmother and her twin sister at their shared home in Fort Worth, how I tentatively touched the folded skin of her ancient hands and throat and how small, even then, theirContinue reading “On tribes”
Tamar, 1% temptress
Dear friends, This is Jonadab, Prince Amnon’s confidant. I am happy to report that Amnon is repentant and has accepted the gospel. Ammon really nailed himself over this stuff to me, so please accept him back into the fold and remember: I’m still a great guy even though I’m friends with men like Ammon. Why?Continue reading “Tamar, 1% temptress”
Her body in marriage
I’ve been in the process of moving, which means downsizing, sorting through old boxes, and (in what I considered a stroke of genius) setting up a roomful of stuff to give away and hosting a party to minimize what I haul to Goodwill. If I give my friends enough wine, undoubtedly they will be persuaded toContinue reading “Her body in marriage”
The Shubin Report and the man behind the curtain
Recently, there was a kerfluffle on Facebook in which one of the Christ Church deacons accused Natalie Greenfield of lying on multiple occasions. Despite repeated requests, he was unable to point out what he was referring to. Later commentary from another kirker mentioned the “parent-approved relationship” that Doug Wilson has consistently touted and which NatalieContinue reading “The Shubin Report and the man behind the curtain”
Devil’s Dictionary: CREC edition
Abortion: the reason nothing else should be considered morally wrong, including racism, slavery, the mass murder of adults, the sexual abuse of minors, and stealing other people’s ideas. Community: the kindness of the church-goers for one another is paramount, because it presents a helpful distraction if anyone raises an objection about the way the churchContinue reading “Devil’s Dictionary: CREC edition”
Serving Tash
If anyone says he does what is right, remember that the test of this is not how loudly he claims it, or how many followers he has; how much praise, but his ability to do good transparently and consistently, even to his enemies. I was recently reminded of a C.S. Lewis quote from The LastContinue reading “Serving Tash”
The Man Who Would be King
Readers of my blog have been asking for a recap of the recent Doug Wilson controversies. I’ve written one below, with new and highly relevant information included towards the end. I’ve also included a number of footnotes for those interested in checking out some (non-anonymous) sources. Silencing dissent for “peace and purity” By Katie Botkin, withContinue reading “The Man Who Would be King”
On being female
Having come out of a subculture that was obsessed with modesty of both dress and speech, it took me many years to express interest in men I liked. Looking back, I can see clearly at least three instances where I was attracted to someone who liked me back, yet I refused to flirt, refused toContinue reading “On being female”
Protection and propriety
On this Valentine’s Day, I hope the single women do not feel like they are less than — particularly where safety is involved. Over a decade ago, back when I worked at a college newspaper, all the editors had a meeting to discuss the way we were going to cover an alleged sexual assault case.Continue reading “Protection and propriety”
Botkin Creative 