Your weekly installment of what we’ve been reading (and watching) around the web.
Articles of the Week
In Defense of the Religious Right, Ross Douthat, New York Times. The Religious Right has taken a bit of beating in recent days. They have been portrayed as hypocritical hacks in the pocket of the Republican Party. For many, it seems that the Religious Right is dying, and quite a few folks are prepared to dance on the grave. Douthat, however, warns us not to press the issue too much. The United States, he argues, needs a religious right. Without it, the political right would be even more cruel than we’ve seen thus far.
Nine Things You Should Know about Planned Parenthood Founder Margaret Sanger, Joe Carter. Planned Parenthood celebrated its 100th anniversary earlier this week, eliciting congratulations from many corners. Of course, for those of us who believe that unborn children are worth protecting, this was not a particularly happy commemoration. Carter takes a look back at Planned Parenthood’s founder, whose checkered past makes her one of the most controversial figures of the last 100 years.
My Dad, the ER, and the Culture of Death in Colorado, Jen Oshman. Speaking of protecting innocent life, this post takes a look at the next gruesome frontier in our battle for the sanctity of human life—the elderly. Doctor-assisted suicide doesn’t get nearly the same attention that abortion does, but in the years to come, it should. As Oshman notes here, allowing certain people to choose death inevitably leads to pressuring them to choose death. The “culture of death” is gaining momentum.
Five Ways Persecution in Iran Has Backfired, David Yeghnazar. Having lived overseas, J.D. and I (Chris) both love to hear stories of the church growing in difficult areas. Iran is one of the most dangerous places to be a Christian today, but God is being faithful to grow his church there despite dogged attempts to squelch the movement. It’s a modern day example of God taking what the Enemy intends for evil and using it for good. Very encouraging and convicting.
Why Does Friendship Feel One-Sided Sometimes? Christine Hoover. Hoover is writing about friendships among women, but her question is relevant for everyone. When you’re young, you feel like friendship is inevitable. It certainly seems to come much easier then. As you grow older, you may begin to feel like friendship is impossible. Hoover addresses an interesting wrinkle in our relationships, and encourages us to (1) continue pouring into those friendships that seem one-sided while (2) treasuring the rare jewel that is a deep, reciprocal friendship.
On The Lighter Side
Baby Balboa. This little guy has the training montage from Rocky II down pat. Adorable and hilarious all in one. (Now excuse me while I go back to watch every one of the Rocky movies again.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jutfB5HohE
Wisdom For Your Weekend is presented to you by Chris Pappalardo, with occasional guidance from J.D. Greear. This is our attempt to reflect Proverbs 9:9: “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.”
