Can't Be a Christian AND a Young Earth Scientist? Tell It To These Guys.

Posted by Christine Pack

I can't even begin to express how instrumental Answers in Genesis was in helping to form my biblical worldview. As a new Christian, I was still pretty evolutionary in my thinking. Then along came AIG.  I remember going through their LONG list of Young Earth scientists and just being amazed! And here's why: I had always been told and taught, from grade school all the way up through college, that science had "proved" evolution. Evolution was "fact." So, having had this life-long indoctrination, the first time I ever heard of "Young Earthers" as a new Christian, I immediately thought (okay, I'm just being honest here), "cult!" But then several years later, along came Answers in Genesis, and here were all these scientists, many of them with multiple and advanced degrees in the sciences.  In other words, it's not like these were guys with their PhDs in Literature or something, weighing in on subjects they hadn't studied. These were scientists who had studied Archaeology, Biology, Zoology, Geology, Physics, Chemistry, Palaeontology, etc., etc., and who, after studying the evidence, were saying, "It points to Young Earth, and here's why...." Bottom line: I just really like how these scientists, working alongside Answers in Genesis, have turned that condescending, worldly dismissal of the Young Earth view on its ear. There are no "village idiots" in this bunch, my friends. You can say a lot of things about this group of scientists, but one thing you can't say is that they're stupid. In fact, I believe that God is using the ministry of Answers in Genesis to respond to the mockers of this age:

"It is written: 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.' Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?" (1 Corinthians 1:19-20)

From the Answers in Genesis website:

 Can Creationists Be Real Scientists? 

Many secular and atheist groups mock Answers in Genesis and the Creation Museum for not being scientific. However, some of the most influential scientists past and present have been and are creationists (see below). 

Read our position 

See what others are saying 

 Some Modern Scientists Who Have Accepted the Biblical Account of Creation: 

■ Dr. William Arion, Biochemistry, Chemistry
■ Dr. Paul Ackerman, Psychologist
■ Dr. E. Theo Agard, Medical Physics
■ Dr. Steve Austin, Geologist
■ Dr. S.E. Aw, Biochemist
■ Dr. Thomas Barnes, Physicist
■ Dr. Geoff Barnard, Immunologist
■ Dr. John Baumgardner, Electrical Engineering, Space Physicist, Geophysicist, expert in supercomputer modeling of plate tectonics
■ Dr. Jerry Bergman, Psychologist
■ Dr. Kimberly Berrine, Microbiology & Immunology
■ Prof. Vladimir Betina, Microbiology, Biochemistry & Biology
■ Dr. Andrew Bosanquet, Biology, Microbiology
■ Edward A. Boudreaux, Theoretical Chemistry
■ Dr. David R. Boylan, Chemical Engineer
■ Prof. Linn E. Carothers, Associate Professor of Statistics
■ Dr. Rob Carter, Marine Biology
■ Prof. Sung-Do Cha, Physics
■ Dr. Eugene F. Chaffin, Professor of Physics
■ Dr. Choong-Kuk Chang, Genetic Engineering
■ Prof. Jeun-Sik Chang, Aeronautical Engineering
■ Dr. Donald Chittick, Physical Chemist
■ Prof. Chung-Il Cho, Biology Education
■ Dr. John M. Cimbala, Mechanical Engineering
■ Dr. Harold Coffin, Palaeontologist
■ Timothy C. Coppess, M.S., Environmental Scientist
■ Dr. Bob Compton, DVM
■ Dr. Ken Cumming, Biologist
■ Dr. Jack W. Cuozzo, Dentist
■ Dr. William M. Curtis III, Th.D., Th.M., M.S., Aeronautics & Nuclear Physics
■ Dr. Malcolm Cutchins, Aerospace Engineering
■ Dr. Lionel Dahmer, Analytical Chemist
■ Dr. Raymond V. Damadian, M.D., Pioneer of magnetic resonance imaging
■ Dr. Chris Darnbrough, Biochemist
■ Dr. Nancy M. Darrall, Botany
■ Dr. Bryan Dawson, Mathematics
■ Dr. Douglas Dean, Biological Chemistry
■ Prof. Stephen W. Deckard, Assistant Professor of Education
■ Dr. David A. DeWitt, Biology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience
■ Dr. Don DeYoung, Astronomy, atmospheric physics, M.Div
■ Dr. Geoff Downes, Creationist Plant Physiologist
■ Dr. Ted Driggers, Operations research
■ Robert H. Eckel, Medical Research
■ Dr. André Eggen, Geneticist
■ Dr. Dudley Eirich, Molecular Biologist
■ Prof. Dennis L. Englin, Professor of Geophysics
■ Dr. Andrew J. Fabich, Microbiology
■ Prof. Danny Faulkner, Astronomy
■ Prof. Carl B. Fliermans, Professor of Biology
■ Prof. Dwain L. Ford, Organic Chemistry
■ Dr. Kenneth W. Funk, Organic Chemistry
■ Prof. Robert H. Franks, Associate Professor of Biology
■ Dr. Alan Galbraith, Watershed Science
■ Dr. Paul Giem, Medical Research
■ Dr. Maciej Giertych, Geneticist
■ Dr. Duane Gish, Biochemist
■ Dr. Werner Gitt, Information Scientist
■ Dr. Warwick Glover, General Surgeon
■ Dr. D.B. Gower, Biochemistry
■ Dr. Robin Greer, Chemist, History
■ Dr. Stephen Grocott, Chemist
■ Dr. Vicki Hagerman, DMV
■ Dr. Donald Hamann, Food Scientist
■ Dr. Barry Harker, Philosopher
■ Dr. Charles W. Harrison, Applied Physicist, Electromagnetics
■ Dr. Mark Harwood, Engineering (satellite specialist)
■ Dr. George Hawke, Environmental Scientist
■ Dr. Margaret Helder, Science Editor, Botanist
■ Dr. Harold R. Henry, Engineer
■ Dr. Jonathan Henry, Astronomy
■ Dr. Joseph Henson, Entomologist
■ Dr. Robert A. Herrmann, Professor of Mathematics, US Naval Academy
■ Dr. Andrew Hodge, Head of the Cardiothoracic Surgical Service
■ Dr. Kelly Hollowell, Molecular and Cellular Pharmacologist
■ Dr. Ed Holroyd, III, Atmospheric Science
■ Dr. Bob Hosken, Biochemistry
■ Dr. George F. Howe, Botany
■ Dr. Neil Huber, Physical Anthropologist
■ Dr. James A. Huggins, Professor and Chair, Department of Biology
■ Evan Jamieson, Hydrometallurgy
■ George T. Javor, Biochemistry
■ Dr. Arthur Jones, Biology
■ Dr. Jonathan W. Jones, Plastic Surgeon
■ Dr. Raymond Jones, Agricultural Scientist
■ Prof. Leonid Korochkin, Molecular Biology
■ Dr. William F. Kane, (Civil) Geotechnical Engineering
■ Dr. Valery Karpounin, Mathematical Sciences, Logics, Formal Logics
■ Dr. Dean Kenyon, Biologist
■ Prof. Gi-Tai Kim, Biology
■ Prof. Harriet Kim, Biochemistry
■ Prof. Jong-Bai Kim, Biochemistry
■ Prof. Jung-Han Kim, Biochemistry
■ Prof. Jung-Wook Kim, Environmental Science
■ Prof. Kyoung-Rai Kim, Analytical Chemistry
■ Prof. Kyoung-Tai Kim, Genetic Engineering
■ Prof. Young-Gil Kim, Materials Science
■ Prof. Young In Kim, Engineering
■ Dr. John W. Klotz, Biologist
■ Dr. Vladimir F. Kondalenko, Cytology/Cell Pathology
■ Dr. Leonid Korochkin, M.D., Genetics, Molecular Biology, Neurobiology
■ Dr. John K.G. Kramer, Biochemistry
■ Dr. Johan Kruger, Zoology
■ Prof. Jin-Hyouk Kwon, Physics
■ Prof. Myung-Sang Kwon, Immunology
■ Dr. John G. Leslie, Biochemist, Physician, Archaeologist
■ Dr. Jason Lisle, Astrophysicist
■ Dr. Alan Love, Chemist
■ Dr. Ian Macreadie, molecular biologist and microbiologist:
■ Dr. John Marcus, Molecular Biologist
■ Dr. Ronald C. Marks, Associate Professor of Chemistry
■ Dr. George Marshall, Eye Disease Researcher
■ Dr. Ralph Matthews, Radiation Chemist
■ Dr. John McEwan, Chemist
■ Prof. Andy McIntosh, Combustion theory, aerodynamics
■ Dr. David Menton, Anatomist
■ Dr. Angela Meyer, Creationist Plant Physiologist
■ Dr. John Meyer, Physiologist
■ Dr. Albert Mills, Animal Embryologist/Reproductive Physiologist
■ Colin W. Mitchell, Geography
■ Dr. Tommy Mitchell, Physician
■ Dr. John N. Moore, Science Educator
■ Dr. John W. Moreland, Mechanical engineer and Dentist
■ Dr. Henry M. Morris (1918–2006), founder of the Institute for Creation Research.
■ Dr. Arlton C. Murray, Paleontologist
■ Dr. John D. Morris, Geologist
■ Dr. Len Morris, Physiologist
■ Dr. Graeme Mortimer, Geologist
■ Dr. Terry Mortenson, History of Geology
■ Stanley A. Mumma, Architectural Engineering
■ Prof. Hee-Choon No, Nuclear Engineering
■ Dr. Eric Norman, Biomedical researcher
■ Dr. David Oderberg, Philosopher
■ Prof. John Oller, Linguistics
■ Prof. Chris D. Osborne, Assistant Professor of Biology
■ Dr. John Osgood, Medical Practitioner
■ Dr. Charles Pallaghy, Botanist
■ Dr. Gary E. Parker, Biologist, Cognate in Geology (Paleontology)
■ Dr. David Pennington, Plastic Surgeon
■ Prof. Richard Porter
■ Dr. Georgia Purdom, Molecular Genetics
■ Dr. John Rankin, Cosmologist
■ Dr. A.S. Reece, M.D.
■ Prof. J. Rendle-Short, Pediatrics
■ Dr. Jung-Goo Roe, Biology
■ Dr. David Rosevear, Chemist
■ Dr. Ariel A. Roth, Biology
■ Dr. Joachim Scheven Palaeontologist:
■ Dr. Ian Scott, Educator
■ Dr. Saami Shaibani, Forensic physicist
■ Dr. Young-Gi Shim, Chemistry
■ Prof. Hyun-Kil Shin, Food Science
■ Dr. Mikhail Shulgin, Physics
■ Dr. Roger Simpson, Engineer
■ Dr. Harold Slusher, Geophysicist
■ Dr. E. Norbert Smith, Zoologist
■ George S. Smith, M.S., Chemistry
■ Dr. Andrew Snelling, Geologist
■ Prof. Man-Suk Song, Computer Science
■ Dr. Timothy G. Standish, Biology
■ Prof. James Stark, Assistant Professor of Science Education
■ Prof. Brian Stone, Engineer
■ Dr. Esther Su, Biochemistry
■ Dr. Charles Taylor, Linguistics
■ Dr. Stephen Taylor, Electrical Engineering
■ Dr. Ker C. Thomson, Geophysics
■ Dr. Michael Todhunter, Forest Genetics
■ Dr. Lyudmila Tonkonog, Chemistry/Biochemistry
■ Dr. Royal Truman, Organic Chemist:
■ Dr. Larry Vardiman, Atmospheric Science
■ Prof. Walter Veith, Zoologist
■ Dr. Joachim Vetter, Biologist
■ Dr. Stephen J. Vinay III, Chemical Engineering
■ Sir Cecil P. G. Wakeley (1892–1979) Surgeon
■ Dr. Jeremy Walter, Mechanical Engineer
■ Dr. Keith Wanser, Physicist
■ Dr. Noel Weeks, Ancient Historian (also has B.Sc. in Zoology)
■ Dr. A.J. Monty White, Chemistry/Gas Kinetics
■ Dr. John Whitmore, Geologist/Paleontologist
■ Arthur E. Wilder-Smith (1915–1995) Three science doctorates; a creation science pioneer
■ Dr. Clifford Wilson, Psycholinguist and archaeologist
■ Dr. Kurt Wise, Palaeontologist
■ Prof. Verna Wright, Rheumatologist (deceased 1997)
■ Prof. Seoung-Hoon Yang, Physics
■ Dr. Thomas (Tong Y.) Yi, Ph.D., Creationist Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering
■ Dr. Ick-Dong Yoo, Genetics
■ Dr. Sung-Hee Yoon, Biology
■ Dr. Patrick Young, Chemist and Materials Scientist
■ Prof. Keun Bae Yu, Geography
■ Dr. Henry Zuill, Biology 

 Is There Evidence of Discrimination Against Creation Scientists? 

Contemporary Suppression of the Theistic Worldview 

Do Creation Scientists Publish in Secular Journals?

Do Creationists Publish in Notable Refereed Journals?

Bias in Higher Education 

Peer Pressure and Truth

Revolutionary Atmospheric Invention by Victim of Anti-creationist Discrimination 

Science Magazine Refuses to Hire Creationist

(Online source)

 Additional Resources 

Answers in Genesis Curricula

Answers in Genesis for Kids

Answers in Genesis Articles Archive

The Creation Museum

Former Sovereign Grace Ministries Founder Calls For Christian Leaders To Separate From CJ Mahaney Due To Class Action Sex Abuse Case

Posted by Christine Pack

[UPDATED: Former Sovereign Grace Ministries youth leader Nathaniel Morales has been sentenced to 40 years in prison, as of 8-14-14]

Brent Detwiler, one of the Sovereign Grace Ministries founders, has called for prominent Christian leaders to separate from Sovereign Grace Ministries pastor C.J. Mahaney due to an ongoing sex abuse class action lawsuit that has been brought against Sovereign Grace Ministries. Mahaney, who is currently a member of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals and The Gospel Coalition, is a well-known speaker at Christian conferences, and is scheduled to speak at the upcoming Gospel Coalition National Conference, scheduled for April 8-10 in Orlando, Fl.

Some of the leaders Detwiler has called upon  to separate from Mahaney are John Piper, Voddie Baucham, Mark Driscoll, Al Mohler, Mark Dever, Paige Patterson and Ed Stetzer.

 Janet Mefferd Interviews About the SGM Class Action Lawsuit 

10/18/2012 - Janet Mefferd Interviews Attorney Susan Burke About Lawsuit Against Sovereign Grace Ministries ("I don't know how long evangelicalism can ignore this problem.")

5/16/13 - Janet Mefferd Interviews Attorney Bill O’Neil Again About the Sovereign Grace Ministries Lawsuit

5/20/13 - Janet Mefferd Interviews Bill O'Neil Regarding Latest Details About the SGM Child Sex Abuse Class Action Lawsuit

6/6/13 - Janet Mefferd Interviews Boz Tchividjian Regarding the Silence of Christian Leaders Over American Evangelicalism's Largest Sexual Scandal to Date

10/7/13 - Janet Mefferd Interviews Boz Tchividjian: Are Evangelical Christians Worse Than Catholics on Sexual Abuse Response? (References the SGM Child Sexual Abuse Scandal)

 Additional Resources 

Former respected SGM youth leader Nathaniel Morales accused of abusing boys for decades in Montgomery Co. (ABC affiliate, WJLA) [UPDATE: Morales convicted]

Sovereign Grace Ministries and Abuse: Time to Speak Out (Patheos)

Lawsuit Claims Sovereign Grace Ministries Concealed Sex Abuse

Sovereign Grace Ministries: In Sex Abuse Case, Courts Shouldn't "Second Guess" SGM's Pastoral Counseling

Flagship Churches Prepare To Leave As Lawsuit Charges C.J. Mahaney's Sovereign Grace Ministries With Covering Up Child Sex Abuse

Copy of Lawsuit Filed Against Sovereign Grace Ministries

Being Persistent In Prayer

Posted by Christine Pack

And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’” And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them?  (Luke 18:1-7)

photo credit: SalFalko via photopin cc

Seeds Family Worship: A Recommended Resource

Posted by Christine Pack

Fathers and mothers, are you looking for a great resource for teaching Bible verses to your children? Well, here's a no-brainer. Seeds Family Worship is a ministry out of Nashville, Tennessee that has produced eight wonderful CD's with catchy, original songs that are basically straight Scripture. The eight CDs are:

Seeds of Courage 

Seeds of Faith 

Seeds of Praise 

Seeds of Purpose

Power of Encouragement

Seeds of Character

The Character of God

Purity

And the best part? The music is really, really good. Anyone who knows me knows that I am slightly obsessed with music. As part of their schoolwork, my children sing little ditties to learn grammar and composition rules. And for some mysterious reason that I don't quite comprehend, the fact that these ditties are set to music somehow makes the rules "stick" better. Why does music act in this way on our brains? I'm sure there have been scientific studies done on this that I'm not aware of, but for myself, I'm just glad to know this fact, and pleased to have a resource that has set Scripture verses to music in such an appealing way. When my children are struggling with discouragement or sadness, or any of the myriad of struggles we humans face in this dark and dying world, I'm happy to know that, alongside Shurley Grammar rules taking up residence inside their brains, there are also many Bible verses. Amen, parents?

To hear a sampling of Seeds Family Worship, you may go to their website here, or you may watch their video (below) of Psalm 55:22, from the Power of Encouragement CD. (Just a note: Seeds Family Worship has produced only a handful of videos, so don't get too attached to the videos. The bulk of their ministry is in their audio CDs.)

Some of my favorites from the Seeds Family CDs (in no particular order) are:

■ Undivided Heart (Psalm 86:11-13, Seeds of Praise)

■ Teach Them (Deut 6:4-7, Seeds of Character)

■ Mighty To Save (Zephaniah 3:17, Seeds of Praise)

■ Walk In His Ways (Psalm 128:1, Seeds of Faith)

■ God Is Unchanging (Hebrews 13:8, The Character of God)

■ Do Not Be Anxious (Phil 4:6-7, Seeds of Courage)

■ He Humbled Himself (Phil 2:3-5, 8, Purity)

■ No Greater Love (Remain in Me) (John 15:13-14, Seeds of Faith)

■ Amen (Rev 7:10, 12, Seeds of Praise)

■ Sing Praise to Him (1 Chron 16:9-10, Seeds of Praise)

■ Listen To Me (Psalm 34:11-14, Seeds of Purpose)

■ Delight (Psalm 1, Seeds of Character)

■ If God Is For Us (Rom 8:28, 31, Seeds of Purpose)

■ God is Everlasting (Psalm 90:1-2, The Character of God)

■ Crushed (Psalm 34:18, Seeds of Courage)

■ Fishers of Men (Matthew 4:18-20, Seeds of Purpose)

■ Out of the Mud (Psalm 40:1-2, Seeds of Courage)

■ Be Still (Psalm 46:10, Seeds of Praise)

■ The Word of the Lord (1 Peter 1:24-25, Seeds of Faith)

■ Cast Your Cares (Psalm 55:22, Power of Encouragement)

■ Soar Like Eagles (Isaiah 40:29-31, Power of Encouragement)

■ Never Be Shaken (Psalm 62:1-2, Seeds of Courage)

■ God is Holy (Isaiah 6:1-3, The Character of God)

■ Delight Yourself In The Lord (Psalm 37:4-6, Seeds of Purpose) 

■ Delight Yourself In The Lord (Psalm 37:4-6, Seeds of Purpose) 

■ Be Joyful Always (1 Thess 5:16-18, Seeds of Purpose)

■ Young (1 Tim 4:12, Seeds of Courage)

■ We Trust (Psalm 20:7, The Character of God) 

 Additional Resources 

Christian Music

Finding God's Will?

Posted by Christine Pack

Have you ever heard or even believed yourself that there was a "perfect will for your life" that you somehow had to find? I believed this, as a new Christian. I was surrounded by dear and well-meaning Christians who talked a lot about "finding God's perfect will for your life," and I became very confused about what this meant. It was so distressing to me, thinking that there might be this mysterious "perfect will" somewhere "out there" that I was supposed to discern or uncover or dig for or find, like searching for buried treasure. And that perhaps I had somehow missed it, stumbled over it, gotten away from it, etc.

It was therefore a tremendous blessing for me, soon after I had become ensnared by this thinking, to find Pastor Bob DeWaay's very excellent and biblical  teaching on the topic of God's will for our lives. Bob's teaching helped me so much, and really steadied my thinking in this area. I therefore strongly encourage anyone who has been confused by this errant teaching to either read Bob's articles on the topic of God's will or listen to his Critical Issues Commentary radio programs on the same topic. Both are linked below.

Also, for those who are concerned about Bob DeWaay's health, which has been poor in the last few months, here is an update from his daughter.  Prayers for Bob and his health would be greatly appreciated.

photo credit: somebaudy via photopin cc

 Articles 

God's Will and Christian Liberty

God's Revealed Will

 Radio 

God's Will Radio Series

 Additional Resources 

Just Do Something: How to Make a Decision Without Dreams, Visions, Fleeces, Open Doors, Random Bible Verses, Casting Lots, Liver Shivers, Writing in the Sky, etc.  - by Kevin DeYoung

Just Do Something - by Kevin DeYoung (audio)

Unbiblical Teachings on Prayer and Experiencing God

Is That You Lord?: Hearing the Voice of the Lord, a Biblical Perspective (Pastor Gary Gilley)

Christian Dream Interpretation?

Most Repeated Word...."Baby"

Posted by Christine Pack

TRANSCRIPTION: (sexy music playing) "Hey, baby. Did you think I forgot? I didn't forget. How could I ever forget our anniversary? All these years. So many people said we'd never make it. They've been trying to tear us apart. Take you away. Put limits on you...on me.....on us. (laughter) But every time we've proven ourselves stronger. An anniversary like this is not something that you forget, no, no, no, no, baby. It is something that you fight for. And that's exactly what I'm gonna do, baby.....fight. A few of us.....well, actually a couple hundred thousand of us, have chipped in to get you something mighty special, baby. We're gonna be standing right by your side. Today....tomorrow....and the years to come. Because that is how much you mean to me, baby.....to us.....to all of us. (laughter) So with that, happy anniversary, baby. Lookin' good for 40...."

Tagline: Happy 40th Anniversary, Roe v. Wade

"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter." Isaiah 5:20

"The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them." Romans 1:18-32

Andy Stanley Thinks President Obama Should Be Known as "Pastor In Chief?"

Posted by Christine Pack

From the Washington Examiner (1/21/13):

"President Obama’s recent response to the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., convinced the pastor who preached at this morning’s pre-inaugural church service that the president has the cleric’s touch.......Obama should be called 'Pastor in Chief,' said Andy Stanley, pastor of North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, Ga., after he 'thanked POTUS for work after Newtown shooting tragedy when he spoke to mourners.'"

My friends, are these the words of a biblical pastor? Please bear in mind that Andy Stanley, Atlanta megachurch pastor and son of Pastor Charles Stanley, is heaping praise upon the same President who said in yesterday's Inaugural Address:

"Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law, for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well." (Source)

Stanley is, unfortunately, giving the appearance of being bound to numbers and political access rather than fidelity to Scripture. But then again, perhaps gay-affirming President Obama and Andy Stanley have more in common than meets the eye at first glance. After all, Stanley is the same pastor who appeared to give tentatively gay-affirming signals over a recent conflict that he openly addressed in a sermon and which played out at his church. (The conflict in question involved a woman, her ex-husband, her ex-husband's male lover, and the male lover's wife. Yes, really.)

One wonders how this will all play out. In Atlanta where I am, Andy Stanley is considered to be solid, biblical and conservative. Perhaps stories such as these will open the eyes of the faithful remnant.


 Additional Resources 

Problems At Andy Stanley's North Point Church?

Is This Andy Stanley's Gay Affirming Shot Across the Bow?

Is The Megachurch the New Liberalism? (Chris Rosebrough's Fighting For the Faith radio show)

Homosexuality, Megachurches and Andy Stanley (Apprising)

Pastor Andy Stanley Responds to Questions Over Homosexuality Stance (Christian Post)

Andy Stanley Avoids Gay Issue in Last Sermon of Controversial 8-Part Series (Christian Post)

The Need for Elders Who Guard Their Flocks (Criticial Issues Commentary, Bob DeWaay)