Category: Theology
The Reason I Don’t Own Pets Has To Do With Harambe the Ape
Posted on June 15, 2016 in Life, Theology by Nathan Cherry
I had pets growing up. Many of my friends and family today have pets. I don’t have any pets. My kids really like animals and would love to have a pet, but so far I’ve refused to get any pets. One reason for this decision is that I would be a really bad pet owner. I should probably explain that statement.
Pet ownership has gone to a whole new level of crazy in our culture. You can find pet spas, pet resorts, and all manner of comforts and conveniences for your pet: sweaters, shoes, lounge chairs and houses nicer than the people down the street. People now refer to themselves as parents simply because they own a pet and there is a section of greeting cards that is from the pet to the owner (who exactly fills out and signs that card?).
When I say I would be a bad pet owner it’s not because I abuse or neglect animals but because I treat them like…animals. I don’t buy pets expensive food, I don’t celebrate their birthday, and if you call me a parent because I own pets I’m liable to punch you in the throat. I don’t see animals as being on the same level as humans or in any way equal. So the lengths to which some people go to own a pet is beyond my comprehension. (I know a retired lady concerned about running out of money but she refuses to stop taking her dog to groomers or buying unbelievably expensive medicines.)
This Graph Will Tell You All You Need to Know About Religion in America
Posted on June 9, 2016 in Theology by Nathan Cherry
The above graph is made from data compiled from 2001-2016 by Gallup Research. The information sheds a very bright light on the state of religion in America and why solid biblical teaching is desperately needed inside our churches.
The quick conclusion I came to after looking over the data is that Mormons have the most biblical views of any religious group represented by the data. In each category Mormons scored lowest when needed (on issues like abortion and homosexual relationships) and highest when needed (on the death penalty). That sad reality is disturbing.
5 Practical and Spiritual Benefits of Living with Less Junk
Posted on June 2, 2016 in Family, Theology by Nathan Cherry
Some people are going to freak out when they start reading this article. It’s going to send you into nervous twitches and make you want to run from the room screaming. That’s because you have so much stuff in your house the thought of getting rid of anything is one of abject horror.
I’m one of those people that really believe “less is more.” A number of years ago I started looking around our house and realized we had so much stuff we didn’t use. There was things in the kitchen, things in the living room, things on the walls, and things in our closets. From clothes to knick-knacks, utensils to tools, we had more than we needed. I began removing some of these unused items in order to “simplify” life. The more I removed the better I felt. That started a journey into minimalism.
I think it all started with a mission tip to Jamaica. I saw people living with so much less and they seemed to be very happy. They didn’t care that they didn’t have the latest iPhone, or that they only had 3 shirts in their closet instead of 30. The Jamaican people I encountered cared far more about the relationships in their life than the amount of stuff.
Why I’m Moving My Family to Maryland: A Discussion of Honoring Parents
Posted on June 1, 2016 in Family, Theology by Nathan Cherry
I came to West Virginia from the great state of Ohio. I’d spent most of my life in Ohio and considered Ohio my “home state.” I was not thrilled about moving to West Virginia in 2001 because all I knew about the Mountaineer state was redneck and hillbilly jokes. A “city boy” like me was bound to be out of place and have little in common with people that considered “giggin frogs” a viable weekend recreation. But I came here for family.
My dad is a pastor. He had just accepted a position with a church in West Virginia and moved when I was at a place of transition in my life. We talked about working together at this new church as a family; my brother, dad, mom, and myself. The thought of working with family was something that I would not fully appreciate until many years after it was over. But for now I was excited to be living and working around my family.
Fast-forward 15 years and I’m now pensive as I leave West Virginia.
Should Christians Take Part in the Target Boycott?
Posted on May 12, 2016 in Public Policy, Sexuality, Theology by Nathan Cherry
Part of the sub-debate surrounding the Target bathroom issue is whether or not Christians should join the boycott. The question is whether or not boycotting a local business is the right way to “show Christ” to a lost world.
Christians are having an intra-faith debate on social media about whether or not it’s right and appropriate to boycott a business for the cultural position it takes. In one sense it is an interesting discussion as intelligent conversations discuss the pros and cons of boycotting. On the other hand it’s frustrating and tiring as angry accusations and sinful threats are hurled across social media platforms. You know, the old “if you don’t…un-friend me now.”
Here’s Why I Cannot Support Transgender People in Their Lifestyle
Posted on May 11, 2016 in Public Policy, Sexuality, Theology by Nathan Cherry
I’ve seen many posts on social media from friends and acquaintances asking Christians to be supportive and understanding of the trans community. They implore us to show “the love of Christ” to people by supporting their lifestyle. That is a sinful request. It would be the same as asking Christians to support abortionists, or drug addicts in their “lifestyle.” Christians cannot and must not support any sinful behavior, action, or lifestyle. It is neither compassionate nor loving to support sin. We don’t show Christ to people when we encourage their sin. We show people a false Gospel that is not of Jesus Christ and has no power to save people from their sins. If Christians want to be loving and compassionate then we must proclaim the Gospel of Jesus, which is repentance from sins, with grace and truth as we recognize that we are sinners as well.
Can someone point to a place in Scripture where Jesus supported and accepted someone’s sin? As I recall, each and every time Jesus encountered sin He told the person to “sin no more.” He acknowledged their sin, called out their sin, and told them to repent. That is the model and the example Christians must imitate.
The Evangelical Theology of Donald Trump…or…Lack Thereof.
Posted on April 20, 2016 in Public Policy, Theology by Nathan Cherry
I’ve written several times about the concerning reality that any self-identified “evangelicals” are supporting Donald Trump for president. This curious truth says less about Trump and more about the people supporting him; especially the theology of those people.
Michael Horton is a brilliant scholar of biblical theology. He is a professor and author whose books are often used as text books in many college classes. Horton has penned an article analyzing the connection between Trump and his Christian following. In particular Horton highlights the theological implications behind the strong support for Trump from America’s believers.
After sharing a brief history of the shallow extent of Trumps religious upbringing in a controversial church setting, Horton recounts the support from well-known evangelical sources:
Is Donald Trump What American Christians Deserve? Maybe?
Posted on April 6, 2016 in Public Policy, Theology by Nathan Cherry
If you didn’t know better, you would be convinced that a vast majority of evangelical Christians support Donald Trump for president. If you didn’t know better.
There is no doubt that the mainstream media is propping Donald Trump up in his bid to be elected president. No one says the crazy things Trump has said on the campaign trail and survives unless the media is helping. Liberal outlets even seem joyful in their reporting that “evangelical Christians” are lining up to support Trump. But is it true that evangelicals en masse are prepared to vote for Trump in this year’s election?
I don’t think so.
Yes, it’s true that Trump has secured (for now) a large part of the Christian vote. We could have a discussion on the difference between “self-identified Christian” and those that are truly Christ-followers, but I’ll save that for another time. For now let’s just agree that many church-going people intend to vote for Trump in November and that reality is causing a stir.
Never in my years of presidential elections have I witnessed so many prominent evangelicals vocally oppose a republican candidate. For the most part church leaders and other prominent evangelicals remain silent. Not because they don’t have opinions and prefer one candidate over another; but because they prefer to focus on the Gospel instead of politics. (That’s also another conversation.)
Do You Have Trouble Memorizing the Bible? Try This.
Posted on March 31, 2016 in Theology by Nathan Cherry
Can I share a little secret with you?
The truth is, I’m not very good at memorizing Scripture.
I’m not talking about memorizing the “essence” f a verse. I can paraphrase Bible verses all day. But when it comes to knowing the reference and the word-for-word text of the verse, I have trouble.
Maybe that’s a surprise since I spent so many years studying the Bible and teaching the Bible. Maybe it’s disappointing to some who have known me in a pastoral role. Whatever the case may be, the truth is that it is a battle to memorize God’s Word.
But I’m trying. I have a number of verses that I have worked on and continue to memorize. And I read Scripture daily in order to keep it filtering through my mind. I need the wisdom and pruning of God’s Word in my mind, heart, and daily life. We all do. And to help with that I am looking for creative ways to study and memorize Scripture. And, since I thought someone else out there might struggle with memorizing the Bible like I do, I wanted to share this practical, and helpful article I found.
Have You Ever Considered the Miracle Before Easter? Think About This…
Posted on March 24, 2016 in Theology by Nathan Cherry
Easter has all sort of controversies.
Some think the name “Easter” has pagan origins and refuse to use.
Some think having anything to do with bunnies and eggs filled with candy is a perversion of a sacred day.
Some don’t think the resurrection occurred in the Spring and want to change the date.
For me and my family those things are mostly peripheral issues that take a back seat to the celebration of the resurrection. But before we get to the celebration we have to consider all of the divine miracles that led to the glorious culmination of God’s redemptive plan.
So I want to ask, have you ever stopped to think about the incredible miracles that took place prior to the resurrection?
Let’s start with the fact that Jesus was born of a virgin. Not the part where a virgin gives birth. Don’t get me wrong, that’s amazing all by itself. I’m talking about the part where the Creator of all that exists comes to earth wrapped in the flesh and bones of a tiny baby.