Newsletter 10/26/23 - Ethics, Democracy, and Israel
Some updates from a full season
Well, here in Texas, the weather is (finally) cool. I’ve never before been so grateful to step outside and feel a slight chill on my skin. I’ve been trying to will Autumn into existence by wearing fleece vests and sweatshirts. Now, of course, we aren’t seeing fall foliage yet. I’ve learned this happens here for a few weeks at the end of November and into December.
It’s been a while since I’ve sent an update. This is mainly because this has been an incredibly full fall. I’m teaching two classes this semester: Intro to Ethics and Human Dignity. I also hosted two events for The Land Center, one a private convening about Baptist Political theology and the other a public symposium on Global Religious Freedom. My kids are also in the swing of their busy school lives, with sports schedules, theater, and a million rides back and forth. My oldest daughter started college this year—at Texas Baptist College where I teach. It’s been fun to see her adjust so well to this season of her life.
I’ve also been traveling and speaking a bit. In early September I was invited to be part of a small symposium hosted in DC by my friend Mark Tooley of The Institute for Religion and Democracy. Toward the end of September, I attended The Gospel Coalition conference. I thoroughly enjoyed both of these events.
This month I had some speaking. I preached at our church, Travis Avenue Baptist, before heading to Virginia to be on a panel for the University of Virginia’s Center for Democracy. I decided to fly into Reagan Airport and drive the two hours to Charlottesville. I’m glad I did. I love Virginia, especially this time of year. From there I went to Rhode Island to preach at Godspeed Church in Providence and attend a board meeting for the great ministry, The Disciple-Making Parent founded and led by my friend Chap Bettis. Rhode Island is absolutely beautiful. I love New England. I’ve got a few speaking engagements left. I’ll be preaching at First Baptist Mansfield this Sunday for my friend Spencer Plumlee.
I’ve also been writing, as you would expect. Lately, the theme has been Israel. I explained here why I’m so vocal about it. As I explain in this interview with Baptist Press, I’ve not been this shaken since 9/11. A few things I’ve written:
“A Malignant Threat”
”Standing against anti-Semitism doesn’t require a certain view of eschatology. It only requires an open Bible and a cursory knowledge of history. Since the days of Abraham, the Jewish people have been the target of those seeking their annihilation, from Haman to Hitler to Hamas. To side with those who seek to destroy Israel is not to stand on the side of justice, but instead reflects the spirit of anti-Christ, for Jesus is a Jewish man from Galilee.”“A Wake-Up Call to Evil”
”The U.S. needs to wake up to the evil the Hamas attacks represent: This is time for sober American leadership, not the naive and sophomoric politics we’ve indulged over the last several years. The reality is that when America ceases to be a leader in the world, evil actors fill the vacuum.”
Lastly, though this has been a heavy year, with the death of my mother, a car accident, with everything going on in the world, I’m actually looking forward to the coming of Christmas. The real story of Christmas always comes to a troubled world. The incarnation of the Son of God means the evil in this world will not have the last word. If you are anticipating Christmas like me, perhaps my books will be something your family might enjoy:
I so appreciate your wise words. And I’m awed by your energy!! Blessings on all you do!