I was perusing (spelling?) my mail the other day, and came across an article by John Armstrong in a recent Viewpoint newsletter from Reformation and Revival ministries. Sadly, you do not often see an article about doctrinal and systematic theological revival as the solution to the problem of applying God's Word to our lives. As John said, we're endlessly trying to move the knowledge of God "from the head to the heart." Yet this is a tragic error. We cannot apply what we do not understand. And most Christians remain ignorant of doctrine that may help them in daily life. There's two main reasons for this: Christians in general do not read the Bible enough to retain what is contained within it, and there is a widespread belief that such knowledge is reserved for pastors and the like. Nothing could be further from the truth. Doctrinal purity and faithful practice absolutely depends on an active, engaged laity with the ability to teach themselves. Having read Knowing Scripture by R. C. Sproul over the break, then coming across John's article, it seems many leaders sense these problems, and are stepping up.
Update: I read the whole thing. I’m sorry, but what a weirdo. I thought you [Tom Darrow, of Denver, CO] made a trenchant case for why lockdowns are bad, and I definitely appreciated it. But a graduation speech is *not* the place for that. Secondly, this is an august event. It always is. I would never address the President of the United States in this manner. Never. Even the previous president, though he deserves it, if anyone does. Thirdly, the affirmations of Catholic identity should be more general. He has no authority to propound with specificity on all matters of great consequence. It has all the hallmarks of a culture war broadside, and again, a layman shouldn’t speak like this. The respect and reverence due the clergy is *always due,* even if they are weak, and outright wrong. We just don’t brush them aside like corrupt Mafia dons, to make a point. Fourthly, I don’t know where anyone gets the idea that the TLM is how God demands to be worshipped. The Church doesn’t teach that. ...
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