Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by James Spencer
Is self-sufficiency killing our gratitude?
By , CP Op-Ed Contributor As a society, we seem to be embracing technology as a — if not the — means of making life more bearable. While I have my concerns about artificial intelligence and transhumanism, they are symptoms of a more basic problem: an underlying expectation that we can and should be living an unburdened life.
A distorted image of God that looks suspiciously like us
By , CP Op-Ed Contributor In Unleashing Scripture, Stanley Hauerwas suggests, “No task is more important than for the Church to take the Bible out of the hands of individual Christians in North America.” At times, I find myself agreeing with Hauerwas. We often misuse the Bible by drawing it into our conversations without sufficient accountability. Without that accountability, we too often use God and the Bible as a way to point to our own concerns or interests.
Co-opting Christ: Pressing Scripture Into Service of Our Political Agendas
In Unleashing Scripture, Stanley Hauerwas suggests, “No task is more important than for the Church to take the Bible out of the hands of individual Christians in North America.” At times, I find myself agreeing with Hauerwas. We often misuse the Bible by drawing it into our conversations without sufficient accountability. Without that accountability, we too often use God and the Bible as a way to point to our own concerns or interests.
The Political Appropriation of Christianity
In a recent article, David French describes his decision to vote for Kamala Harris to save conservatism. Several commentators have criticized French’s position highlighting the difficulties associated with finding a pristine political party or candidate, predicting the state of the world under one president or another, and using labels like “MAGA Christians” to characterize certain Trump supporters.
Dear Christians: We can’t compromise our Christian values for political ‘wins’
OPINION: While reading a recent article on Christians and politics, a well-known author expressed concerns about the evangelical church’s leftward “lurch.” In the piece, the primary issue under discussion was abortion, which was consistently referred to in terms of child sacrifice. The implication was that siding with leftist politics is not an option for Christians because Democrats tend to support less regulation of abortion than “conservatives” or Republicans. I am pro-life.
Dear Christians: We can’t compromise our Christian values for political ‘wins’
OPINION: While reading a recent article on Christians and politics, a well-known author expressed concerns about the evangelical church’s leftward “lurch.” In the piece, the primary issue under discussion was abortion, which was consistently referred to in terms of child sacrifice. The implication was that siding with leftist politics is not an option for Christians because Democrats tend to support less regulation of abortion than “conservatives” or Republicans. I am pro-life.
Harris, Trump, and the fragility of religious freedom
OPINION: Since President Joe Biden announced that he would not seek reelection, Kamala Harris has been all but confirmed as the DNC’s candidate for president. Subscribe to have The Washington Times’ Higher Ground delivered to your inbox every Sunday. As others have pointed out recently, Mrs. Harris has often supported legislation that would have limited religious freedom. For instance, Mrs.
Harris, Trump, and the fragility of religious freedom
OPINION: Since President Joe Biden announced that he would not seek reelection, Kamala Harris has been all but confirmed as the DNC’s candidate for president. Subscribe to have The Washington Times’ Higher Ground delivered to your inbox every Sunday. As others have pointed out recently, Mrs. Harris has often supported legislation that would have limited religious freedom. For instance, Mrs.
Thinking About Christians, Politics, and Discipleship in the Dobbs Era
In June 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson gave pro-life advocates something they thought they wanted: Roe v. Wade was no longer the ruling precedent regarding abortion. Efforts aimed at electing officials who would appoint more conservative judges have been only partially successful. I say partially because even in states where anti-abortion policies have been enacted, many have only set gestational limits on abortion ranging from six to 18 weeks.
Why Christians should be slow to celebrate the Louisiana Ten Commandments decision
OPINION: The United States is not and never has been a Christian nation. As I argue in “Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politic, and the Art of Bearing Witness,” Christians are a distinct group of individuals united by faith in Jesus Christ who seek to point to and glorify the Triune God.
The biggest danger of the 'Evangelical bro code'
By , CP Op-Ed Contributor Early on in my career, my immediate superior came to my office for an impromptu performance review. As he sat above me on the edge of my desk, he said that he didn’t feel I was living up to my potential. Instead of putting in the effort to perform at a higher level, he felt I was “getting by on my good looks and charm.” While I was indignant at the moment, looking back, I think he was on to something.
How should Christians respond to government-mandated use of ‘preferred pronouns’?
OPINION: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently released updated guidelines concerning harassment in the workplace. Under these guidelines, “repeated and intentional use of a name or pronoun inconsistent with the individual’s known gender identity (misgendering)” is considered harassment. While religious organizations will, presumably, retain religious exemptions, many Christians will end up navigating non-exempt workplaces.
How should Christians respond to government-mandated use of ‘preferred pronouns’?
OPINION: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently released updated guidelines concerning harassment in the workplace. Under these guidelines, “repeated and intentional use of a name or pronoun inconsistent with the individual’s known gender identity (misgendering)” is considered harassment. While religious organizations will, presumably, retain religious exemptions, many Christians will end up navigating non-exempt workplaces.
The important lesson all Christian leaders can learn from Methodist Church decision on LGBTQ issues
OPINION: In late 2023, the United Methodist Church (UMC) released many of its conservative churches due to theological disagreements over LGBTQ+ ministers and congregants. Without its more conservative membership weighing in on theological issues, the UMC recently voted to ordain “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” and to allow same-sex unions with little internal resistance. But how did the UMC get to this point?
On National Day of Prayer, how should we pray for our nation?
By , CP Op-Ed Contributor Why is it important to pray for our nation? Perhaps the simplest way to put it is that God transcends politics. He sits above them and is not hindered by them. As such, when we pray, we are appealing to a God who is deeply involved in human affairs while remaining unconstrained by them. Yet, this simple answer leaves certain elements of the question unclear, particularly when Christians join in prayer with people of other faiths (or no faith at all).
The Importance of the National Day of Prayer
Why is it important to pray for our nation? Perhaps the simplest way to put it is that God transcends politics. He sits above them and is not hindered by them. As such, when we pray, we are appealing to a God who is deeply involved in human affairs while remaining unconstrained by them. Yet, this simple answer leaves certain elements of the question unclear, particularly when Christians join in prayer with people of other faiths (or no faith at all).
Christian influence, politics and culture: The troublesome landscape of religion in America
OPINION: The world is becoming increasingly proficient at telling stories that deny God. But does anyone really notice? It would seem so. A recent Pew Research study found that a large percentage (80%) of U.S. adults believe religion’s influence is waning in the United States and a majority (57%) are concerned by that decline in influence.
Evangelicals and immigration: Church and state have different roles
By , CP Op-Ed Contributor Immigration in the United States involves a complex array of factors. As Lifeway’s recent report on immigration makes clear the immigration issue is further complicated for evangelicals because immigration is not simply about national security and prosperity or about basic human rights. It is a matter of religious conviction. That conviction involves a distinction between Church and state.
Church and State
Is there a place for religion in government? It depends on who you ask.
2024 Election and Christian faith: Politics can't divided a united Christian body
OPINION: In the 1998 film, “The Truman Show,” Jim Carrey plays Truman Burbank. Truman lives in a fabricated world. Truman’s hometown is actually an elaborate television set. His friends and family are actors who advance the “action” for those viewing the show and keep Truman from looking too closely at his reality. When asked why he thinks Truman has not discovered the true nature of his reality, the show’s director Christof answers, “We accept the reality of the world with which we are presented.
2024 Election and Christian faith: Politics can't divide a united Christian body
OPINION: In the 1998 film, “The Truman Show,” Jim Carrey plays Truman Burbank. Truman lives in a fabricated world. Truman’s hometown is actually an elaborate television set. His friends and family are actors who advance the “action” for those viewing the show and keep Truman from looking too closely at his reality. When asked why he thinks Truman has not discovered the true nature of his reality, the show’s director Christof answers, “We accept the reality of the world with which we are presented.
And in This Corner: A Reflection on the State of the Union
I grew up watching Pro Wrestling. In every episode, a number of wrestlers would come out into the ring to build the crowd up into a frenzy. One of the wrestlers with a great schtick was Rick Rude. He would come out, sing his own praises, gyrate his hips, and then insult those in the crowd whom he deemed unworthy of looking upon his greatness. His intros riled up the crowd. Some cheered. Some booed. Either way, they were ready to watch Rude wrestle.
What does it mean to be a Christian nation? What does the Bible say?
OPINION: In a recent Associated Press article, Peter Smith considers the claim that the United States was founded as a Christian nation. He rightly points out that “Christian nation” means different things to different people. Despite conflicting historical evidence, 60% of U. S. adults believe the founders intended the United States to be a Christian nation and 45% believe it should be a Christian nation. So, is there a meaning of “Christian nation” supported by the biblical use of “Christian”?
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.
Christian Nationalism: What Christians should really be concerned about
- - OPINION: Neighborly Faith’s recent study titled “Christian Nationalism: A New Approach” supplements data from previous studies of Christian Nationalism such as the one completed by PRRI. Neighborly Faith’s study suggests that Christian Nationalism is less widespread than other reports, making Christian Nationalism somewhat less of a threat in the public sphere and more of a threat to the Church. Subscribe to have The Washington Times’ Higher Ground delivered to your inbox every Sunday.
Approaching New Year’s resolutions
By , CP Op-Ed Contributor While pursuing my Master of Divinity, I worked as a personal trainer in downtown Chicago. During that time, I trained busy professionals who wanted to get and stay in shape — “busy” is the operative word. Fitness was seldom the biggest priority in my client’s lives. Still, they didn’t want to ignore their physical health or appearance. My guess is that most people have pretty busy lives — I know I do.
'The Matrix,' transhumanism and Christ's incarnation
By , CP Op-Ed Contributor Perhaps one of the most unexplored ways of understanding the incarnation is to think about dis-incarnation. While technology may give us new, more immersive ways to enter into simulated worlds, such dis-incarnation has always been possible.
Driven by Belief: NASCAR Driver Opens Up About Embracing Christianity
"Almost 20 years ago, I went into my faith journey with a lot of questions. And I've never been somebody that takes anything at face value. I'm a skeptic at heart, so it caused me to really dive in and try to understand and to challenge a lot of people that were around me." When McDowell was in his late teens, he coached two young men who inspired him to re-think his purpose and consider exploring the faith.
Driven by Belief: NASCAR Driver Opens Up About Embracing Christianity
Delaney Rannells Contributing Writer Updated Dec 11, 2023 Michael McDowell, a 16-year NASCAR Cup Series veteran driver, doesn't just dream of crossing the finish line on the racetrack, but aspires to cross the finish line on his way to heaven. In a recent podcast episode of the Thinking Christian podcast hosted by Dr. James Spencer, McDowell opens up about his faith journey and the obstacles he's faced along the way. "Almost 20 years ago, I went into my faith journey with a lot of questions.
Is Self-Sufficiency Killing Our Gratitude?
As a society, we seem to be embracing technology as a — if not the — means of making life more bearable. While I have my concerns about artificial intelligence and transhumanism, they are symptoms of a more basic problem: an underlying expectation that we can and should be living an unburdened life.
Transhumanism and the Human Condition
Humanity tends to “assume control” in two senses of the phrase. First, we think we can (and should) control the course of our own lives and determine our ultimate destiny. We “assume control” by taking command. Second, we think we can overcome any problem and continue to make progress through our individual or collective wisdom. In this second sense, we “assume control” is possible. The two sorts of “assuming control” are available in any number of arenas, but are foundational in transhumanism.
Reframing pragmatism: Why obedience is the best choice
There is not and will never be a better strategy for dealing with the difficulties we face in the broken world than obedience. Obedience is practical. It is also more than an option for Christians.
College conundrum: More public funding won't fight rising college costs or graduation rates
On a recent episode of “The Daily,” Michael Barbaro and Paul Tough discussed changing perceptions of higher education. An increasing number of Americans don’t believe attending college is worth the cost.
How should Christians think about transhumanism?
Before Keanu Reeves was Neo, he was Johnny. The film “The Matrix” (1999) focused on humanity’s subjugation by artificial intelligence (AI). The movie Johnny Mnemonic (1995) portrays a society in which humans voluntarily opt in to “biotech” enhancements.
Politics, secularization driving increase of 'nones' and why Chrisitans need to be concerned
I was an incognito “none” for much of my life. Growing up in a rural Illinois town, church was just something you did. Outside of one Mormon family and the occasional Jehovah’s Witness, protestant Christianity was the default option. I spent my Sundays learning Bible stories and struggling to stay awake during sermons. I was Christian by default not by choice. Subscribe to have the Higher Ground newsletter delivered to your inbox every Sunday.
AI used in Canadian classrooms to ease 'teacher burnout,' but root problems still exist
What if artificial intelligence is allowing us to reward our own bad behavior? At what point is the need for the sort of efficiency AI promises to provide driven by our skewed priorities, broken systems, and unwillingness to address our problems through non-technological means? I don’t doubt that AI will help humans move beyond where we could go individually or together in certain arenas. Like other technological platforms, AI will have benefits.
AI used in Canadian classrooms to ease 'teacher burnout,' but root problems still exist
What if artificial intelligence is allowing us to reward our own bad behavior? At what point is the need for the sort of efficiency AI promises to provide driven by our skewed priorities, broken systems, and unwillingness to address our problems through non-technological means? I don’t doubt that AI will help humans move beyond where we could go individually or together in certain arenas. Like other technological platforms, AI will have benefits.
Text with Jesus app: AI deities trivializing Jesus (and Satan)
An artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot now offers “a divine connection in your pocket” by allowing users to “text with Jesus.” While some may look at this app as a means to find comfort or spiritual growth, others will likely see it as an abomination signaling the apocalypse. I find myself asking a more basic question. What sort of church makes an app like this possible?
In divisive political climate, Christians should be more like Paul and be 'all things to all people'
Christian participation in politics should not be so driven by the issues that we become incapable of adapting to become “all things to all people that by all means I [we] might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). As the Apostle Paul interacts with various groups inside and outside the community of faith, he adjusts the way that he relates to those he is addressing. Paul does not compromise his convictions or scratch the itching ears (cf. 2 Timothy 4:3) of his audience.
AI Deities — Trivializing Jesus (and Satan)
An artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot now offers “a divine connection in your pocket” by allowing users to “text with Jesus.” While some may look at this app as a means to find comfort or spiritual growth, others will likely see it as an abomination signaling the apocalypse. I find myself asking a more basic question. What sort of church makes an app like this possible?
America's trust problem is a prime opportunity to point nonbelievers to Jesus
The United States has a trust problem. Pew Research data suggests, “just 20% [of Americans] say they trust the government in Washington to do the right thing just about always or most of the time.” While the lack of trust in government is often (and rightly) viewed as a problem, Christians should not be overly surprised to see our nation fraying at around the edges. Nations have pre-determined lifespans and boundaries (Acts 17:26).
America's trust problem is a prime opportunity to point nonbelievers to Jesus
The United States has a trust problem. Pew Research data suggests, “just 20% [of Americans] say they trust the government in Washington to do the right thing just about always or most of the time.” While the lack of trust in government is often (and rightly) viewed as a problem, Christians should not be overly surprised to see our nation fraying at around the edges. Nations have pre-determined lifespans and boundaries (Acts 17:26).
In a battle for rights, Christians are losing sight of God's primary mission
It is certainly appropriate for Christians to engage in social, cultural, and political conversations. It is even appropriate for Christians to assert our rights (Acts 16:35-40) as we seek to be “shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Yet, we should not lose sight of our primary mission of being and making disciples (Matthew 28:16-20). We are the only ones who can accomplish that mission. At times, pushing back against the culture is part of that mission.
In a battle for rights, Christians are losing sight of God's primary mission
It is certainly appropriate for Christians to engage in social, cultural, and political conversations. It is even appropriate for Christians to assert our rights (Acts 16:35-40) as we seek to be “shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Yet, we should not lose sight of our primary mission of being and making disciples (Matthew 28:16-20). We are the only ones who can accomplish that mission. At times, pushing back against the culture is part of that mission.
Who is Our ‘Neighbor’ in an AI-enabled World?
By James Spencer Published on July 28, 2023 Artificial intelligence (AI) has promises to enrich our lives and make daily tasks easier, but as with any technology, it also poses new issues and challenges. The more we can outsource to machines, the more we’ll have to face the question of what it means to be human. Theologians and philosophers have their ways of grappling with that question, but we can also learn from stories. Jesus spoke rich truth through parables, after all.
Who Is Our ‘Neighbor’ in an AI-Enabled World?
Artificial intelligence has promised to enrich our lives and make daily tasks easier. However, as we enter the age of AI, there are some things we can’t outsource to machines. While there are many different ways we can describe what it means to be human in theological or philosophical terms, stories often provide us with pictures necessary to guide us as we navigate the complexities of everyday life. Jesus, for instance, spoke in parables.
Who is our ‘neighbor’ in an AI-enabled world?
By James Spencer, CP Op-Ed Contributor | Wednesday, July 05, 2023 Artificial intelligence (AI) has promised to enrich our lives and make daily tasks easier. However, as we enter the age of artificial intelligence, there are some things we can’t outsource to machines. While there are many different ways we can describe what it means to be human in theological or philosophical terms, stories often provide us with pictures necessary to guide us as we navigate the complexities of everyday life.
Today’s Culture Can Learn a Lot from Jesus’ Definition of ‘Inclusion’
When Jesus said He has come to fulfill Isaiah 61:1-2, those listening to his teaching in the synagogue initially “spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth” (Luke 4:22). Yet, as Jesus continues speaking, He tells the stories of Elijah and Zarephath, the widow from the land of Sidon and of Elisha and Naaman the Syrian (Luke 4:25–27). The implication of Jesus’ teaching was clear enough: the Good News would be proclaimed to the Gentiles.
How inclusivity affects the Church and repentance
By James Spencer, CP Op-Ed Contributor | Friday, June 09, 2023 When we hear the term “inclusion” in today’s world, it is often in combination with “diversity” and “equity.” This combination of words can be used to demand that all lifestyles, characteristics, or choices be deemed legitimate. They can also be used to combat the prejudices and partialities that often create new classes of vulnerable, marginalized outcasts in today’s world.
Friend or Pharisee? How Inclusivity Affects the Church.
When Jesus says he has come to fulfill Isaiah 61:1-2, those listening to his teaching in the synagogue initially “spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth” (Lk 4:22). Yet, as Jesus continues speaking, He tells the stories of Elijah and Zarephath, the widow from the land of Sidon, and of Elisha and Naaman the Syrian (Lk 4:25–27). The implication of Jesus’ teaching was clear enough: the Good News would be proclaimed to the Gentiles.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with James
Contact James, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack