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Should I Set Moral Boundaries?

YES!

“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.”—1 Cor. 6:18

“We all would do anything (even extreme things) to undo bad choices we have made morally. So why not be extreme now in our personal standards and boundaries so that we don’t have to face those painful consequences?”- Andy Stanley

What are my boundaries in dating? With my conversations and relationships with the opposite sex (if married / if single)? With what and when I watch TV and use the Internet?

Remember….Someone will set your standards if you don’t.

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Science and the Rationality of the Universe

“Science is based on the assumption that the universe is thoroughly rational and logical at every level. Atheists claim that the laws [of nature] exist reasonlessly and that universe is ultimately absurd. As a scientist, I find this hard to accept. There must be an unchanging rational ground in which the logical, orderly, nature of the universe is rooted”–Paul Davies

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What is Truth?

Here is a helpful article on the nature of truth by Philosopher Doug Groothuis:

“Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” Jesus Christ made this statement after Pontius Pilate had interrogated him prior to the crucifixion (John 18:37, NIV). Pilate then famously replied, “What is truth?” and left the scene.

As philosopher Francis Bacon wrote in his essay “On Truth”:

“What is truth?” said jesting Pilate; and would not stay for an answer.

Although Jesus made no reply to Pilate, Christians affirm that Pilate was staring truth in the face, for Jesus had earlier said to his disciple Thomas, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6).

This historic exchange raises the perennial question of the very nature of truth itself. What does it mean for a statement to be true? Or, to put it another way: What does it take for a statement to achieve truthfulness? (more)

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Christianity, Homosexuality, and the Bible – what we believe and how to say it

With the recent announcement that Christian music artist Jennifer Knapp is gay and the ongoing public discussion about marriage (see prop 8), Christianity, the Bible, and Homosexuality are in the news. But I think there is some confusion about which question people need to answer in which order.

Christians, generally speaking, have not done well articulating their position on homosexuality or loving those who struggle with same-sex attraction. I would like to suggest that we need to separate questions into 3 distinct categories. This will help us better put forth a view that is both truthful and compassionate–and is genuinely helpful (notice I did not necessarily say popular). There will be links to helpful books and articles to explore them further.
Question 1: How should Christians (and local churches) think about, interact with, and respond to those who struggle with same-sex attraction?
I think every Christian needs to read the following article by Alan Shlemon HOMOSEXUALITY: KNOW THE TRUTH AND SPEAK IT WITH COMPASSION, Click here. It is well worth your time!
Here is a helpful book:

Question 2: What does the actually teach about Homosexual behavior? (and is this culturally outdated?)
Leviticus 18 and Romans 1 from Stand to Reason.
Two helpful books:
Question 3: How should Christians think about the same-sex marriage debate? (on what basis should we make our case in the public square?)

The Ruth Institute (for arguments for traditional marriage for the public good)
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To Know and Love God

Theology is very important. What we really think about God is the most important thing about us.
“The study of theology is considered by many to be dry, boring, irrelevant, and complicated. But for those who want to know God, the study of theology is indispensable. The word “theology” comes from two Greek words, theos (“God”) and logos (“word”). The study of theology is an effort to make definitive statements about God and his implications in an accurate, coherent, relevant way, based on God’s self-revelations. Doctrine equips people to fulfill their primary purpose, which is to glorify and delight in God through a deep personal knowledge of him. Meaningful relationship with God is dependent on correct knowledge of him.

Any theological system that distinguishes between “rational propositions about God” and “a personal relationship with God” fails to see this necessary connection between love and knowledge. The capacity to love, enjoy, and tell others about a person is increased by greater knowledge of that person. Love and knowledge go hand in hand. Good lovers are students of the beloved. Knowledge of God is the goal of theology.”–Erik Thoenness