Soundbites

There has been much news related to church and culture of late; obviously the usual fodder for many of my blogs. Three things have kept me from commenting on – what some of you have pointed out – I should have: first, I had already planned a three-part series on the cheapening of grace during the last two weeks; second, I am in the last-month stretch of finishing my new book; and third, my second granddaughter was born which meant dropping everything and going to be with my daughter and my Miss Maddie.

So how about a few soundbites to catch up?

On the Paris Attacks

I'm still reeling from this, as I know many of you are as well. It was said after 9/11, "We are all Americans, now." Well, we are all Parisians, now. Pray for Paris. Pray for the hurting and mourning survivors. Pray for wisdom and discernment for leaders. And please, let's wake up and realize that we are truly in a global struggle against radical Islamists that will take everyone – including moderate Muslims – to combat it. More from my friend Ed Stetzer here.

On the Election and Marijuana

I am less exercised about the legalization of marijuana than most. Not that I am an advocate of its use, just unsure about our posture toward the degree of its criminalization. Regardless, it is not the criminal problem many make it out to be, as evidenced by police themselves, who have labeled it the least of the nation's drug worries. Read more here.

On the Pew Study

The American Religious Landscape Study from Pew is simply one of the most important studies to surface this year. Surveying over 35,000 people over the course of several months in 2014, it offers a snapshot no other study does. It is a repeat of a similar massive undertaking in 2007, so not only is it a current glimpse into the religious world of 2014 in America, but offers a view of how things have changed in just seven years. The first batch of results came out in May of this year, and just a week or so ago the second batch was released. There is more to come, but consider this required reading. Read a précis here.

On Starbucks Red Cups

Absolutely silly. Or as an Atlantic article said with more finesse, "inane." Read that article here.

On the Carolina Panthers Going 9-0

Simply as God intended.

James Emery White