Morning Mashup 09/16

A mashup of articles for your information, edification, entertainment, and enjoyment.

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A Call for Hope in the Age of Mass Incarceration – Thabiti Anyabwile observes and exposes the reality that most opponents of mass incarceration offer little hope by simply stating the problem. He writes, “Black families affected by mass incarceration need hope that’s stronger than the vicissitudes of this life, built on better promises than social policy can offer. Inner-city communities need hope that places its members’ happiness beyond the reach of their enemies. Vulnerable families need hope stronger than the death that’s so frequently dealt out in its homes and hamlets.”

Dear Mama of Littles – A beautiful article for my wife and all other “Mamas of littles.”

Technology and the Truth about the Viability of the Unborn – Dan Darling: “Either technology will force us to face the truth about abortion, or it will force us to admit we know what we are doing: taking innocent human life.”

The Art of Conferencing – As a children’s pastor, I highly recommend this historically proven method of discipleship in the home.

Why We Must Recover the Master of Divinity Degree – Jason Allen of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary ushers a resounding call for the recovery of a robust and thorough Master of Divinity Degree. His closing spoke to me: “The call to the ministry is indeed the most glorious calling known to man. All whom God has called must be optimally prepared to serve him. Don’t settle for the quickest or easiest degree; aim for being maximally prepared for a lifetime of faithful ministry. Completing the Master of Divinity degree does not ensure a faithful ministry, but it does best position one for it. If at all possible, don’t settle for anything less.”

20 Funny and Strange Things Church Members Say – Pastors and staff were informally polled on Twitter by Thom Rainer to come up with this list. Surely you’ve never said any of these things, right?

Is Suicide and Unforgivable Sin that Will Send You to Hell? – An interesting approach to a sensitive question.

Co-Founder of Subway Restaurant Chain Dies at 67 – Within this NY Times piece is an interesting story about the beginnings of Subway.

Why Can’t Novak Djokovic Get Some Respect? – The title is a bit misleading. Djokovic has tons of respect, but he’s definitely not the darling of men’s tennis quite yet. Our love affair with Federer still rages on. This is odd and unfortunate because Djokovic is insanely talented, a ten-fold Grand Slam champion, and a seemingly likable dude.

Jesus is the first and last person in history to be told that obedience would bring a curse. –Tim Keller

Morning Mashup 09/15

Adrian Peterson Indicted for Negligent Injury to a Child – Here are the details of the indictment of Adrian Peterson and the incident with his son.

What the Bible Teaches About Spanking – The indictment of Peterson will undoubtedly give rise to questions of the legitimacy of spanking as a form of parental discipline. Denny Burk outlines Andy Naselli’s biblical exposition of spanking in this post.

What We Can Learn from the Ray Rice Situation – Tony Dungy believes there are a few lessons we can learn from the Ray Rice situation.

California Southern Baptist Convention Expels ‘Third Way’ Church – In a unanimous decision, “The California Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Board voted Thursday (Sept. 11) to withdraw fellowship from a church whose pastor says he believes homosexual acts are not always sinful.”

Reflections on Mark Driscoll Stepping Down – This is a very poignant post on the Mark Driscoll situation. With the countless posts on Driscoll floating around online, this is one of the best.

Why I Still Go to Seminary – Why would a pastor go to seminary? J.A. Medders gives an awesome answer. As a Bible college and future seminary student, this was very encouraging. “Seminary doesn’t end with me; it’s end is the glory of God and the good of His people.”

Why We Need Both Clarity and Courage in Preaching – Trevin Wax: “Clarity and courage remain two of the most crucial characteristics of authentic Christian preaching. For they relate to the content of the message preached and to the style of its presentation.”

How God Cares For Those Who Don’t – Paul Maxwell: “Apathy is a unique mixture of haughty rebellion and suffering. God offers himself to the apathetic.”

It Takes a Mentor – Thomas Friedman: “[T]he need for schools to have a good grasp of what employers are looking for and for employers to be communicating with schools about those skills is greater than ever.”

Steve Jobs Was a Low-Tech Parent – Ironically, Steve Jobs did not throw his technological creations into his kids’ laps. Read why.

Finally, check out this amazing typewriter artist who was born with severe cerebral palsy. He will blow your mind!

Motivation without empowerment is empty rhetoric. –Eric Mason