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Articles by Alan Shlemon
Do Eunuchs in the Bible Signal an Endorsement of Transgenderism?
It’s surprising, but some Christians attempt to support the transgender movement using Scripture. They can’t legitimately use the Bible to bolster their position, though. Instead, they try to force the text to fit their narrative. One common approach is to claim the biblical passages about eunuchs signal a trajectory towards transgender inclusion. Jesus mentions three kinds of eunuchs in Matthew 19:12.
Is the Quran’s Injil the Same as the New Testament Gospels?
The most common Muslim objection to a Christian’s witnessing effort is almost always the same: The Bible is corrupted. That’s a problem. After all, the true identity of Jesus and his message of reconciliation are found in the New Testament Gospels. Muslims, however, reject that source of authority. If you don’t address the claim of corruption, you’ll have a hard time convincing a Muslim to believe Jesus’ message.
The Rising Tide of Islam
On September 11, 2001, nineteen Muslims hijacked four airplanes and used them as missiles in a terrorist attack against the United States. They targeted and destroyed the World Trade Center buildings in New York City, killing 2,753 innocent civilians. Now, nearly 25 years later, the same city elected Zohran Mamdani—a Muslim—as its next mayor. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, many Americans viewed Muslims as the enemy. Now, New Yorkers have voted for a Muslim to lead their city.
Did the Disciples Embellish Jesus’ Identity over Time?
The Bible is routinely under attack. Since its inception, critics and skeptics have sought to undermine its authority. It’s not surprising they focus on the Gospels. After all, if you want to undermine the core of the Christian message, you need to target Jesus. Bible critics like Bart Ehrman, Alex O’Connor, and a multitude of Muslims and other skeptics allege that the disciples’ view of Jesus evolved over time.
When It’s Good to Argue
We shouldn’t quarrel, but engage others in a kind, gentle, and patient manner as we make an argument. Our goal is to correct mistaken thinking so that others can escape the falsehoods of the enemy and repent. You’ve heard the cliché: “Never discuss politics or religion.” That’s too bad. Both are important topics that have significant consequences for everyone in this life or the next. So, why avoid discussing them?
Can Same-Sex Couples Stay the Night?
Would I allow a boyfriend and girlfriend to stay the night in a bedroom in my home? No, because I don’t want to condone the sexual sin of fornication. I only allow married couples to stay the night together in my home. I can apply the same logic to the situation with two homosexual men. When you have friends and family who identify as gay or lesbian, sometimes you find yourself in a dilemma. If a homosexual couple asks to spend the night, do you allow them?
What Is a Man? What Is a Woman?
Our careful scientific assessment of basic human sexual physiology—an evaluation completely consistent with our commonsense understanding of human sexual development—clears up the confusion that many experience regarding sex and gender. On August 9, 2024, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif won the gold medal in women’s boxing at the Paris Olympics. The celebration was clouded, though, by allegations that Khelif wasn’t a woman, but a man boxing against women. If true, at bare minimum, this was unfair.
Do Children Need to Consent to Puberty?
It’s puberty-blocking drugs—not puberty itself—that require consent. Even so, children can’t possibly understand the long-term effects and implications of synthetic hormones that pause a critical physiological process like puberty. Adults should be responsible for the welfare of their children, but sadly, too many have been deceived by society’s infatuation with transgender ideology. The United Kingdom recently banned providing puberty blockers to minors.
Is “Allah” Just Another Word for God?
“Allah” and “Yahweh” refer to fundamentally different conceptions of God. Allah is one God who exists as one person. Yahweh, however, is one God who exists as three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Furthermore, Allah is a transcendent being and is impossible to know in a personal way. Yahweh, by contrast, is not only transcendent but also immanent. This means he enters his creation and develops a personal relationship with his created beings (Jesus is the ultimate example of his immanence).
Does the Bible Command Us to Kill Apostates?
By taking a little time to read the text in question, it becomes obvious the passage isn’t referring to apostates. Rather, when you read the context, you discover that believers were being enticed to serve other gods, which would entail sacrificing children on an altar. Therefore, the passage isn’t about killing apostates, but about punishing people who sacrificed children and enticed others to do the same. It’s well known that Islam strongly discourages apostasy.
When It Comes to Grief and Crisis, Jesus Has 'Been There, Done That'
As Jesus was approaching the city of Nain, He met a funeral procession. Most of us have experienced the loss of a loved one, and it’s a sad affair. Here in the South, when a funeral procession is approaching on the street, all the drivers on the road pull over to the side to allow the procession to pass by uninterrupted out of respect for the dead. In that moment, everyone can feel the weight of pain and discouragement for the families and friends who have lost a loved one.
Judgment Begins in the House of God
By Michael Brown Published on June 21, 2024 We are living in times of great shaking, times of refining and purifying. How should we respond? In the words of the gospel song, and in the spirit of Isaiah 6, we should say, “Take the coal, touch my lips, here I stand.” In other words, let the cleansing begin with me. Without question, God is purifying His church, bringing the dross to the surface in the heat of His refiner’s fire. It is ugly. It is painful. It is grievous.
Evangelical Seminary Toying with Idea of Permitting Same-Sex Relationships
Top biblical scholar warns school’s leftward drift is likely to result in full affirmation of homosexuality and transgenderism eventually. By Jules Gomes Published on June 14, 2024 Fuller Theological Seminary, one of the world’s most popular theological colleges, is poised to become the first evangelical seminary in the U.S. to permit same-sex relationships on campus.
The Uniquely Christian Justification for Loving LGBT People
The shifting tide of culture is all it would take to change which groups people love. Christians, though, are not only justified in their love towards all people, but that justification will never change because it’s based on God’s eternal truth. There’s an important point I begin with when I teach on homosexuality and transgenderism.
How CNN Has Covered the Battle over Transgender Athletes, and God's Heart for Transgender People
On May 12, CNN aired an episode of The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper called, “The Playing Field: The Battle over Transgender Athletes,” following the emotional journey of two male athletes and the challenges they faced in competitive sports as transgender people. It also covers the argument that male-to-female transgender athletes have unfair advantages. I watched and listened to the emotions and logic surrounding this cultural war.
What Is Covenant Prayer?
And why do we need it to reclaim our nation? By Wanda Alger Published on May 17, 2024 If we’re going to take our nation back for the Lord, it will have to be one territory at a time. We must pull down regional strongholds and let Kingdom practices take hold if we are to truly “possess the land” that God has given. But what kind of authority does it take to disarm regional principalities and powers? Can any believer in Christ take down territorial spirits as a son or daughter of the Most High?
Self-Defense: What Does the Bible Say?
With recent shootings in public and in churches, the question of self-defense has been coming up lately. But first, let’s be clear: What we are seeing today is not a gun problem; it’s a moral problem called sin. Vengeance Is Not Self-Defense One Scripture often used to support pacifism and banning weapons is found in Proverbs 20:22: “Do not say, ‘I will recompense evil’; wait for the Lord, and He will save you.” But this Scripture is dealing with vigilantism, not self-defense.
Sunny Side of The Stream: Former Mormon's Memoir Inspires Bible-Reading Program
The memoir of a young Mormon missionary who came to true faith in Jesus after reading the New Testament a dozen times so deeply impressed Mike Crawford that he’s created a Bible study approach designed to help anyone read through the entire New Testament with relative speed and ease. The idea struck Crawford, 83, after a conversation at a weekly men’s breakfast he attends in the Dayton-Cincinnati area of Ohio, where he lives.
Does Cru Support Pronoun Truth After All?
By Tom Gilson Published on April 12, 2024 I’ve heard from dozens current Cru staff members from as far away as Bangladesh since publishing my April 3 article, “Is Cru Losing Its First Love for Christ?” I honestly wish they’d all been correcting me for mistakes I made. I wish this follow-up article could be a full retraction of what I wrote then. No such luck. There have been criticisms, naturally.
Why the Cross Is Good News for Muslims
Muslims reject the cross. They deny Jesus was crucified and rose again. Since their highest authority — the Quran — explicitly denies His crucifixion and resurrection (surah 4:157), they really have no choice. Whatever the Quran affirms, they must affirm. Whatever it denies, they must deny. Rejecting the reality of the cross, though, means Muslims miss out on a theological reality that has eternal consequences.
The Cross Is Good News for Muslims
Muslims reject the cross. They deny Jesus was crucified and rose again. Since their highest authority—the Quran—explicitly denies his crucifixion (surah 4:157), they really have no choice. Whatever the Quran affirms, they must affirm. Whatever it denies, they must deny. Rejecting the reality of the cross, though, means Muslims miss out on a theological reality that has eternal consequences. Part of the problem is that Islam operates on a meritorious system.
Two Common Mistakes Christians Make About Government
By Robby Lashua Published on March 14, 2024 Dread: terror or apprehension towards something coming in the future. Are you ready to feel some dread? It’s an election year! But don’t stop reading. I want to help you gain a biblical perspective on the Christian view of government and how to do good in society as Christ followers. If you’re already dreading what’s coming this year, take heart. The Bible gives us great perspective on how to view government and our role within it.
Does Having Homosexual Friends Mean You're Unequally Yoked? Original
Alan Shlemon Stand to Reason Updated Feb 28, 2024 I had the privilege – and was humbled by the opportunity – to preach to a congregation of 3,000 believers at Calvary Chapel Chino Valley this past Sunday morning on “Homosexuality: Truth and Compassion.” One of the points I made during my message was that Scripture doesn’t teach that we have to cut ties with family, friends, and co-workers who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT).
Does Having Homosexual Friends Mean You're Unequally Yoked?
I had the privilege – and was humbled by the opportunity – to preach to a congregation of 3,000 believers at Calvary Chapel Chino Valley this past Sunday morning on “Homosexuality: Truth and Compassion.” One of the points I made during my message was that Scripture doesn’t teach that we have to cut ties with family, friends, and co-workers who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). In fact, I argued, we should make our relationships with them a high priority.
Why a Same-Sex Couple Could Never Practice Christian Marriage
By Robby Lashua Published on February 5, 2024 I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “I’m not inclusive in spite of what Scripture says; I’m inclusive because of what Scripture says.” My wife read me these words from a Facebook post by one of my former seminary professors. This statement was posted with a picture of my former professor performing a wedding for two women. Pro-gay theology has infiltrated evangelical churches in America, and “inclusion” has been one of the major selling points.
Discipleship: Becoming a Spiritual Mother or Father
By Bunni Pounds Published on February 4, 2024 Discipleship isn’t just for church leaders; it is for Every. Single. Person. And it is not that complicated. We can all become a spiritual mother or father regardless of how old we are or how long we have walked with the Lord. This was one of the key takeaways during my recent discussion with two of my dearest mentors, Danny Norris and Helen Lambert, which released a few weeks ago. Danny Norris led the home Bible study group where I met my husband.
An Abortionist Everyone Should Meet
Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade with Dobbs v. Jackson, several states have been debating and rewriting their abortion laws. Before being steamrolled by Roe, most states had laws that either prohibited abortion or treated it as a criminal offense. It was almost as if our forebears thought that killing the next generation might be a bad idea. How strange.
The Brew: Scripture-Quoting Coaches, Women's Sports Dominating Dudes, and Bad News for Woke Sports Illustrated
Happy Monday to you! We’re getting sporting on this Monday. But first, big news from the campaign trail. Gov. Ron DeSantis Drops Out of 2024 Race, Throws Support to Trump He needs a new nickname. Perhaps “Relaxed Ron.” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended his 2024 campaign Sunday and endorsed former President Trump. “Now, it’s clear to me that a majority of Republican primary voters want to give Donald Trump another chance.
Trans Persons Want to Find Their True Authentic Self: Here's How to Help
By Tom Gilson Published on January 15, 2024 The trans movement is supposed to be about finding the “authentic self.” It’s a fine goal. God wants us to be authentic, too: It’s another way of saying we should live the truth, avoid hypocrisy, and be the person God meant us to be in every way. I wish everyone, myself included, could live a fully authentic life. That’s one reason the trans movement concerns me.
Are Progressive Christians Countercultural?
In a recent Instagram video, a progressive Christian (also an “exvangelical” and deconstruction coach) claims he and other progressive Christians are not capitulating to culture by advocating for pro-gay and pro-trans theology. Rather, he argues, men and women who identify as LGBT have always been at odds with culture. They’re the ones who have been historically oppressed, discriminated against, and targeted with violence. Heteronormativity is the current standard.
Christians Must Consider Both Old and New Testaments for Well-Rounded Faith
Our discipleship is incomplete if we do not understand the Old Testament scriptures.
Stop Speaking Christianese, Please
By Alan Shlemon Published on January 5, 2024 Commercial airplanes are extremely safe these days. Still, sending 100,000 lbs. of metal into the atmosphere at 600 mph demands attention to safety. But when a flight attendant starts the safety briefing, I ignore it. All I hear is, “Blah blah blah blah.” I’m not the only one. People put on noise-canceling headphones, turn to chat with their neighbor, or scroll through their social media feed. Why? Isn’t the safety briefing full of vital information?
Was Eve the First Transgender Female?
Christians continue to be one group that resists the transgender trend. That’s probably why our theological convictions — and the source of those convictions (the Bible) — are always under attack. For example, some people claim God created Eve as a transgender woman. They allege that since Eve was formed out of Adam’s rib, she was created from a bone that contained male DNA. That means, so the argument goes, God created a woman from a man.
Should I Call Him 'Her?' Navigating a Conversation with Trangender People
I was raised to show respect. “You stand for a lady,” Dad would lecture, “and you shake a man’s hand with a firm grip, looking straight into his eyes.” Botching a name or title was its own felony: “Always remember whether the person you’re talking to is called Mister, or Doctor, or Miss,” he’d warn. “People feel disrespected when you get their name wrong.” So when a transgender friend who was born male wants me to call him “she,” I can almost see Dad glaring at me when I hesitate. “Well?
Do You Know What Your Child is Being Taught About Sex?
“The future of sex ed has arrived,” declared the headline of an article I recently read. The author went on to discuss changes that have been made to public school curriculums affecting students as young as 11. The article is four years old. Fast forward to today. The future is here, and it’s not good. My local board of education adopted a comprehensive sex ed curriculum, Teen Talk. It was touted as a big step forward in educating our public school children.
Bunni’s Book Club: When It’s Your Turn to Serve by Karen Pence
I love to read. Especially about my two favorite subjects — Jesus and politics. People frequently ask me about my favorite books — so for a fun exercise, I am writing each month about some of the books I am reading — new releases, classics, books by friends, and books that have shaped me through the years. The Bible is always the most important book to read each day. Start with that — and then be fed by His Body through the wealth of books.
Pro-Gay Theology Advocates Are Repeating the Mistakes of the Past
The push to normalize homosexuality within the church is not letting up. One of the arguments pro-gay theology advocates make is that Christians have made grievous interpretive errors in the past and are making the same mistake with homosexuality today. When you look closer at the details of their claim, it turns out pro-gay theology advocates are the ones who are repeating yesterday’s errors.
Has the Vatican Gone Lavender?
Dr. Morse gives her views on what we can take away from the happenings in Rome. Some crazy stuff is going on out there. Do we have to believe it all? Do we have to listen to what they say? Dr. Morse shares what Catholics should do regarding the leadership of the Church. What About People Who Want to Change Orientation? A study was released stating that Sexual Orientation Change Efforts (SOCE) were not only ineffective, but harmful and dangerous.
The State of Evangelism in Modern America, Part 2 of 2
How can we be empowered as individuals and local churches for evangelism? Eye-opening interviews with two American evangelists. By Bunni Pounds Published on November 8, 2023 Last week, I wrote about the eye-opening conversation I had with two evangelists that I hugely respect and admire on the state of evangelism in modern America. I highly encourage you to read that piece here. Shawn Carlson is the executive director at Time to Revive (TTR).
The State of Evangelism in Modern America, Part 1 of 2
Eye-opening interviews with two American evangelists. By Bunni Pounds Published on November 1, 2023 Evangelism is a key tenant of the Christian faith, but how many of us really share our faith on a regular basis? Jesus told us to “go therefore and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19) — baptizing, teaching, and discipling through His power. If He is empowering us, what is our excuse?
To Boo or Not to Boo
Every year around this time, the ritual begins anew. The weather cools off, the leaves change color, and Christians start arguing about Halloween. Many people love this night. It gives them an excuse to host parties, kick off the holiday spending season, and provide economic stimulus for the dental industry. Others use it as an excuse to flirt with things much darker than plastic skeletons and creative jack-o’-lanterns.
An Assessment of Andy Stanley’s Unconditional Conference
The Bible does not treat homosexual sex or marriage as an agree-to-disagree issue. It’s univocal in its definition of sex and marriage. It’s also univocal in its prohibition of homosexual sex. Finally, it warns people who engage in such behavior that they will not inherit the kingdom of God. These are serious matters. To simply agree to disagree would be to disregard the eternal destiny of the people whom God is eager to save.
An Assessment of Andy Stanley’s Unconditional Conference
In 2014, I attended Matthew Vines’s conference on the Bible and homosexuality. His stated goal was to “promote inclusion of LGBTQ people by reforming church teaching.” The organization he started, The Reformation Project, teaches that homosexual sex and same-sex marriage are biblically permissible, and its goal to mainstream this theology into the church is overt and clear. Fast-forward to last month, when I attended the Unconditional Conference put on by Embracing the Journey (ETJ).
The Real Jesus Makes Us All Uncomfortable
By Michael Brown Published on October 6, 2023 There is a remarkable account in Luke’s Gospel where Jesus is dining with a religious Jewish man, a member of the Pharisees, who were highly esteemed in the ancient Jewish world. When the Pharisee questioned why Jesus did not follow their handwashing custom, the Lord proceeded to rebuke him and his fellow-Pharisees in the strongest possible terms.
The Genius of Genesis 4: 'Adam, The First Scientist'
By David Marshall Published on October 5, 2023 You glance at your dog. She looks back. You wonder, “What is it like to be born in a canine body, with that nose, those paws, and that evolutionary history?” She licks your hand and wonders: “Car? Fetch? Belly rub? Scooby Snack?” The Gaps in Nature Modern science is offended by gaps in Nature.
DAILY SIGNAL EXCLUSIVE: Vance Bill Would Require Actual Gender on US Passports
By Mary Margaret Olohan Published on October 4, 2023 FIRST ON THE DAILY SIGNAL: Sen. J.D. Vance is introducing legislation requiring a person’s actual, biological gender on their United States passports.
The Leper at the Gates
The Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth is a large, modern structure, erected over the ruins of the little stone house where Mary is said to have received her visit from Gabriel. Every Saturday night, the church holds a candlelight service in celebration of this proclamation. The symbolism is profound, for when Jesus was conceived, a Light came into this dark world.
You Winsome? You'll Lose Some
By Donald Williams Published on September 15, 2023 Apparently, the word winsome has become a bone of contention in the Christian subculture. What? Where did that come from? Some popular preachers and apologists using that term to describe their approach have conceded legitimacy to “woke” perspectives or social-justice warriors, and have done so in ways that are ultimately incompatible with the biblical worldview. In their efforts to avoid giving offense, they set themselves up for compromise.
Why I’ve Stopped Using the Word 'Gender'
By Alan Shlemon Published on September 14, 2023 I’ve stopped using the word “gender” unless I qualify it. If I’m talking to someone about transgenderism (or a related subject), I’ll either say “biological sex” or “gender identity.” Biological sex refers to a person’s biology (chromosomes and sex organs). Gender identity refers to a person’s internal psychological perception of whether they are a man or a woman (or something else).
Should We Humanize the Abortion Debate?
During an interview on Fox News, presidential candidate Nikki Haley said “while I’m unapologetically pro-life, I don’t judge anyone for being pro-choice. I think that we have to humanize this issue. We’ve got to stop demonizing this issue.” Was she right? Or would this be like humanizing the issue of slavery or human trafficking or genocide? When I asked this question on Facebook, the responses were extremely varied.
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