Current Events

It’s a common question asked by church leaders and laity: “Is American Christianity waning as our nation becomes more secular”? The statistics seem to support a “yes” answer to this question. I’ve been collecting data on this issue for over ten years. The surveys (more than fifty I’ve chronicled so …

When I was a new homicide detective, much of the science and technology we now take for granted was unavailable. While fingerprint analysis was common, forensic DNA technology was still in its infancy. In addition, few locations around the country were monitored by surveillance cameras, and even fewer victims or …

The statistics are alarmingly clear: Young Christians are leaving the Church in increasing numbers and when polled, most cite some form of intellectual skepticism as the chief cause of their departure. If you’re a parent, listen to the words offered by young ex-believers (excerpted from recent studies): “It didn’t make …

Throughout Christian history, followers of Jesus have debated about how we ought to engage an unbelieving culture. Last month, Rod Dreher, the senior editor at The American Conservative, released The Benedict Option, with the subtitle, “A Strategy for Christians in a Post-Christian Nation.” Dreher’s book seems to have struck a …

Last month the world learned of yet another horrific attack on civilians in Syria. The New York Times called it the “worst chemical attack in years,” as media outlets aired images of women and children “writhing, choking, gasping or foaming at the mouth.” In the midst of this reported carnage, …

Every Easter season results in a new round of television shows, magazine covers and newspaper articles casting doubt on the historicity of Jesus or the reliability of the New Testament. The major networks and news outlets are willing to talk about Jesus at that time of year, although few of …

In a recent article posted on the National Public Radio (NPR) website, Tom Gjelten wrote about the “collision of two core American values — freedom of religion and freedom from discrimination,” and predicted this collision would prompt a “showdown in legislatures and courts across the country.” This is undoubtedly true, …

Unsurprisingly, our national conversation about gun violence intensifies following any well-publicized shooting or murder, especially if it occurs in a school or public setting. These kinds of criminal acts are sometimes co-opted by people who want to make a point about a specific social issue that has been of interest …

Imagine a world with fewer bullies, less violent crime, less poverty, fewer teenage pregnancies, greater academic excellence, higher self-esteem and less narcotic use. Most of us would welcome such a world (regardless of political persuasion, philosophical or theological worldview), even though we may disagree on how to achieve it. While …

We’ve just experienced an unprecedentedly contentious and polarizing political season. Throughout this time, I’ve been tempted to enter the fray, especially on social media, where I’ve observed several heated exchanges between my friends and family members. I refrained from commenting or arguing about politics, however, and a few of my …