Patti Neighmond of NPR reports that more couples live together before marriage than ever before. The figures show how far our culture has changed in just one generation. But interestingly, couples who live together still tend toward marriage. This trend distinguishes the U.S. from some European countries where unmarried couples may live together for decades without getting married or having children.
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I’m actually speaking of literal food this time. Inka Leoni at My Modern Metropolis has written a post which includes some very interesting photos of what families throughout the world eat in a typical week. When your week’s food is piled up in one place, it makes you wonder how well you consider the health of your family. Let me humbly recommend Food, Inc. before you buy next week’s groceries. Read the rest of this entry »
Robert Rector comments on a new report demonstrating the success of abstinence education programs in the face of the failures of so called “safe-sex” and comprehensive sex-ed programs. What is most interesting is the response from the New York Times which capitulated to the study with the excuse that these successful abstinence education programs were “freed from the moralistic overtones and ideological restrictions.” Rector goes on to list three violated non-negotiables that lead to this sort of reaction.
The following is an excerpt from John Owen’s The Glory of Christ. John Owen sheds great light on the theological and practical implications of the second commandment in the midst of a chapter explaining the difference between faith and sight.
Crucifixes, Images, and Paintings – An Imaginary Christ
I cannot refrain here from a necessary short digression. This transforming efficacy, from a spiritual view of Christ as proposed in the Gospel, being lost, as to an experience of it, in the minds of men carnal and ignorant of the mystery of believing (as it is at present by many derided, though it be the life of religion), fancy and superstition provided various supplies in the room of it. For they found out crucifixes and images with paintings to represent him in his sufferings and glory. By these things, their carnal affections being excited by their outward senses, they suppose themselves to be affected with him, and to be like him. Yea, some have proceeded so far as, either by arts diabolical, or by other means, to make an appearance of wounds on their hands, and feet, and sides; yea, to be wholly transformed into his image. But that which is produced by an image is but an image. An imaginary Christ will effect nothing in the minds of men but imaginary grace. Read the rest of this entry »
Thabiti Anyabwile has shared a few thoughts for parents who don’t go about the whole Santa thing. You might also want to read Sinclair Ferguson’s article on Christ and Santa.
