A meditation from my hike in the Gorge today . . . Like all those who walk, I had two choices on where to focus my attention, the rocky path below or the view up ahead, the trail on which I traveled or the destination for which I set out. It was most natural for …
Author: Michael Garland
The Social Justice Movement Stands in Opposition to Self-Evident Truths
Those who promote social justice ideologies such as critical race theory and groups like the 1619 project have in common their disdain for the founding of the United States. Simply summarized these activists would condemn our nation as a fundamentally flawed and racist endeavor. But their attempts to achieve justice by assigning guilt and innocence …
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Fault Lines: A Book Review
Fault Lines: The Social Justice Movement and Evangelicalism's Looming Catastrophe by Voddie Baucham “This book is, among many things, a plea to the Church. I believe we are being duped by an ideology bent on our demise. This ideology has used our guilt and shame over America’s past, our love for the brethren, and our good …
What Is the Gospel?
Photo by kachaminda on Unsplash A friend recently said, “All religious groups have their thing.” And I think what he meant was that each system of belief has something that sets it apart from the others. Some require this and others prohibit that, and some accept a certain teaching while others reject it, but they …
What Is True Diversity?
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash “Celebrate Diversity!” That should be a call we can all embrace, right? Before answering, consider these important questions. What is true diversity? What does it look like? And what is its purpose? When used to describe a social ideal, is diversity simply a varied group of people, cultures, opinions, …
“I Like What I Believe About Jesus.”
Is there not one thing true? Is there not one true thing? The winter cold in the mountains of West Virginia pierced to the bone. It was 2002 and I was in the midst of my education at the Physician Assistant program at Alderson-Broaddus University. I dreaded the walk between my car and the Hugh …
People Don’t Follow Science, They Follow Worldviews
This year we have been bombarded by presidential candidates, local government officials, media members, and even neighbors all encouraging us to “follow the science”. While primarily being used in the context of Covid-19 policy, following science is hailed as the answer to many problems of our day including political, environmental, and social issues. Unfortunately, those …
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The Problem in Following Your Heart or Your Head: Part Two
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.Proverbs 14:12 With our current cultural moment weighing upon me heavily I came across some familiar words of Jesus in Luke chapter 6. After reading the words that follow I came to the conclusion that I cannot trust the …
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The Problem in Following Your Heart or Your Head: Part One
One of the most fascinating episodes in the life of Jesus is when he heals a man’s withered hand on the Sabbath day. Compared to some of His other miraculous works, this particular healing may not seem as impressive. But the reaction of the bystanders sets this miracle apart because it reveals just how hardened …
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As a White Father to Black Sons There Are Things I Will Never Know
As an adoptive father to foreign-born sons there are many things I will never know: The disorienting loss of a biological family. The crippling fear of separation from everyone that I trust. The gnawing pain of hunger as my little body fights for survival. The cramps in my belly due to parasitic infection. I can …
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Bookends 