Browsing: Christians

By now, almost everyone has seen the viral video of Ashton Hall’s morning routine, where the comically muscular man takes six hours to meticulously prepare for his day. Although reactions to this video have been skeptical of the efficacy of Hall’s quarter-day “life-changing” routine, the video still signals that our infatuation with self-help has gone too far.

The shift away from celebrating Christ during Christmas isn’t accidental. It’s the result of a culture that increasingly prioritizes instant gratification, external displays of success and an artificial sense of joy over genuine spiritual reflection.

Movies like “The Exorcist” clearly reveal that God has power in the fight against evil. If it didn’t, the holy water and exorcisms wouldn’t have worked. In “Annabelle: Creation,” they trap the murderous doll in a closet by pasting Bible pages to the walls. Horror movies like these directly acknowledge that God is real, and He has power against evil.

At the moment, the reputation of Christians in public life is disastrous. Religious people are often seen as fanatical fundamentalists, leading massive hate campaigns complete with picket signs and boycotts.

Christians should not be tame but good, said Dr. Ralph Wood, professor of theology and literature.

Tuesday at the fourth annual Drumwright Family Lecture, the Alexander reading room was full as faculty, staff and students came to hear Wood speak.

Wood has studied the works and life of C.S. Lewis for a vast majority of his life, and he said he came to the conclusion that Christians are called to be good but not tame through theosis. Theosis is the idea that people are here on this earth to be a part of God’s bigger plan.

Religious values and established voting patterns have traditionally been very influential in the way ballots are cast.

The nation saw its first “born-again” Christian president with the election of Jimmy Carter in 1976.