Contents
The Task Before Us Now
I would remind you all that I was out gallivanting for several weeks, and so did not have a letters section for you on Tuesdays, as was my wont. So we are back in the saddle now, but with one necessary caveat. I usually try to answer at least most of the letters that come in, but given the stockpile here, that is not going to happen this time. So if I don’t select your letter, and it was a real zinger, describing exactly how many lumps I must have on my head, or if it was a really important question to you, and I failed to address it somehow, please feel free to submit it again. My selection filter this time around needs to be much more restrictive. We don’t want to still be here on Wednesday.
That Depends
Is it concerning that I rarely get emotional over spiritual things?Tim
Tim, that really depends. If you are emotionally alive everywhere else, and a cold fish at church, then yeah, probably. But if you are not an emotional person generally, and the emotions you do feel are directed toward Christ, then I would chalk it up to a personality thing.
Another thing to keep in mind is that we also have a tendency to describe people as emotional if they are really sanguine and talk with their hands, and to relegate the surly quiet type to the status of unemotional. But anger is an emotion, and if someone is governed by that kind of thing, then they are emotional as well.
Another thing to keep in mind is that we also have a tendency to describe people as emotional if they are really sanguine and talk with their hands, and to relegate the surly quiet type to the status of unemotional. But anger is an emotion, and if someone is governed by that kind of thing, then they are emotional as well.
How Much I Read
I’ve noticed how much you read and I’m curious about how you actually do it day to day.
In one of his letters, Seneca warns against jumping around too much in your reading, “to be everywhere is to be nowhere,” and says it’s better to stay with a few authors and really digest them. He also talks about gathering ideas from what you read, switching between reading and writing, and working the material over until it becomes genuinely your own. I’ve heard that Benjamin Franklin did something similar, he’d take notes, put them aside for a while, then rewrite the ideas in his own words so they stuck.
How do you handle it?
Is it just a gift that comes naturally, or do you have a particular way of doing it?
Does “plodding,” just working at it steadily, little by little, have anything to do with it?
And are there certain books or authors you keep coming back to?
Thanks for everything,Anon
Anon, I am afraid that I part ways with Seneca. I really am a plodder. I have a line-up of books at the office, and if I get a spare twenty minutes, I read a page or two in each of them. The thing at home. When I get fifty pages from the end, when the horse sees the barn, I knock it out on a Saturday afternoon. I also listen to a lot of book through Audible. The authors I come back to would be Lewis. And Lewis.
I’m currenty reading “How to Read a Book” by Adler and Van Doren. Have you read it? If so, would you ever recommend it and its methods to study the Bible? It’s a book that provides techniques to understand high level books (think Calvin’s Institutes and other great western works).Kurosaki
Kurosaki, no, I have not read it. Don’t know how. Hahahaha.
Seriously, from what I understand, that method of study is perfect for a certain kind of person, and in certain academic realms. I am not opposed to it at all, but it is not my jam.
Seriously, from what I understand, that method of study is perfect for a certain kind of person, and in certain academic realms. I am not opposed to it at all, but it is not my jam.
Alpha and Beta
Are Alpha and Beta descriptors of character flaws in men (domineering and passive respectively) or do each have redemptive character qualities? What do each look like under the Lordship of Christ? Examples in the Bible?RO
RO, I would describe a man as a beta if he is quiet and retiring when he clearly shouldn’t be. A man can be loud and outgoing, but a complete wuss in his home, and another man might be taciturn and yet is clearly the functional head of his home. So distinguish personality from character. Character shows in the moment when it is necessary for one of the men to say or do something. If nobody does, then yes. That would be a character flaw.
A Hard Situation
I wrote quite a long time ago about trouble in my marriage with my husband’s drinking and deception around it. You instructed me to take the issue to our pastor. It took me a while to get up the courage to do so but about a year ago I followed through. To my surprise my husband agreed to meet with our pastor weekly. They studied Ephesians together and spoke directly about his drinking. Unfortunately there has been no change in my husband. He believes everything is fine and dandy and I am heartbroken over the deception he continues to employ. Our pastor doesn’t seem to have any further help to give. He keeps telling me that he’s “still working on him.” It seems at this point my best option is to move on from pursuing repentance and change and to just accept the lot I’ve been given. What more can I do for my family in this situation? Thank you so much for your time in reading and responding.CS
CS, as regards the human level, you need to accept your lot. But as regards your relationship to God, you need to continue to pursue repentance and change. But as you pursue repentance and change, do this in your prayers, and only there. This seems to me like a 1 Peter 3 situation. Leave the situation to your pastor—some of these things really do take time.
Irregular Sabbath
I recently watched your video on Sabbath rest and finding a puddle of sun to take a nap. You note that God instructs us to work 6 days and rest 1. The job I currently have, I am working long stretches between any sort of time off; the last 40 days I have had 4 rest days. Am I sinning by not having rest days? Is my company sinning by not giving me the rest days I need? Or is it a combination of both?Steven
Steven, this would primarily be a case of your company sinning. But if there is no hope of the company changing their ways anytime soon, at some point you should be looking for a change. I exclude those situations where there is a crisis of some sort—say you fight forest fires, and there is a monster fire that waits for no man.
Canon, Closure, and Cessation
If I have read you correctly when you’ve given your position regarding modern day prophecy, you are against it because it logically leads to a canon that is not closed. If a person gets a “word from the Lord,” why don’t we treat it like what it is? Bible. Is that a fair representation?
I’m curious if your position means that God is limited to only speak through the Bible now. In your view, if He speaks today then the canon is not closed. But, if the canon is closed today then does it follow that God does not speak anymore? outside the Bible at least? I don’t think you would answer this in the affirmative, but maybe I am wrong. Maybe you would make a distinction in the kind of speech that God offers today? And if it is the case that God does speak today by means that are extra-biblical then doesn’t this go against your reasoning against modern day prophecy?
I, like you, believe that the canon is closed. But I also believe God can still speak today to individuals. I know you would say I am a poor logician . . . but hear me out. What if it’s a little messier than the way you have laid it out? As a general equity theonomist, you would say that the Mosaic administration has ended right? But you would have no problem taking the laws given to Moses and applying them to our context today. This would be right and proper. Couldn’t modern day prophecy be something similar to that? The canon is closed (Mosaic administration has ceased) but modern day prophetic words (while not adding to the canon) can still be of some benefit (general equity). And some super eager hardline reconstructionist could woodenly try to apply God’s law in a manner that may do harm. Just like a modern day mystic might try to eagerly “hear from the Lord,” and miss it.
I heard this quote this week and thought about you and the topic discussed above:
“There are Word churches and there are Spirit churches. There has been a great divorce in the church between Word and Spirit. And like any divorce, some kids go with the mom and some kids go with the dad. Revival happens when you bring the two back together.”—RT Kendall
Thank you for all you do, and may God bless you! I hope you and Nancy have a wonderful time during your travels.
PS: I enjoy your fiction. My son and I just listened to Blackthorn Winter this past weekend and had a great time together.Joshua
Joshua, thanks for your comments on the book. On the other topic, I can’t get around this issue. If we are talking about propositional revelation (which is the only thing I am considering), I don’t know how to receive something propositional as inspired by God, and then not treat it as inspired by God. But as soon as I do that, my new propositions are on the same footing as Scripture. But if what is said is grounded in Scripture, and is prophetic that way, I agree. That is what the Reformers considered sound preaching to be. The preaching of the Word of God is the Word of God.
How to Distinguish?
As someone who always considered themself a strategic thinker, the Lord has recently revealed to me that I might be a bit of a schemer
But now I don’t know where that line is to guard against crossing (or honestly how to even set a guard of said line once found)Joseph
Joseph, the line between the two lies in the realm of motive and intention. One man might do X because he a strategic think and another man does X because he is a weasel. If the Lord has taught you something there, include it in your regular prayers. Search me O God and try me. But you won’t find out by looking at the plan you are contemplating. That is not how you tell.
Finding a Good Man With Doctrinal Differences
My name is Natalie, and I am writing to you with both a question and a merchandise suggestion. This is a bit of a longer and more personal question, so I thank you for taking the time to read it. In June of 2025, I wrote in asking for advice on what to do about the paucity of solid Christian men in my area, which you responded to in Letters for Fun and Profit. I appreciate your advice, and now I have another question in a similar vein. This summer I started dating a guy I met through a mutual friend, and the more I’ve gotten to know him, the further I’m convinced that he is a solid Christian man. He is neither immature nor theologically squishy; he takes initiative; he has continually demonstrated a willingness and ability to step up to the plate in his own life and in our relationship, cares about what God thinks and says about things, and is involved in his church community. He is a traditionally masculine dude, and he has made it perfectly clear that he intends to follow God’s design for marriage and family. My dad suggested that he read Get the Girl, which he has and really liked (he made his roommates read it). In short, he is aiming to be the type of guy a girl like me would want to marry. My parents like him, and his parents like me. However, since I last wrote, I have become fully Presbyterian, baby baptism and all. I’m more theologically defined than he is, although he is thoroughly orthodox and leans Calvinistic (total depravity and the Sovereignty of God). I’ve been to his church a couple times (non-denominational), and the preaching has been solid expository preaching, their statements of faith are all orthodox, and none of their worship music could be confused with a modern love song. In short, the trajectory is good; should I be hesitant because I’m further along the theological rabbit hole than he is? He’s only 21, he’s committed to God’s word, and he’s a thinker, so the ingredients are all there. I would like to hear your perspective and if you think I there are any other questions I should consider when it comes to choosing a spouse.
Now for the suggestion: NQN (which inaugurates the most wonderful time of the year) is fast approaching, and I think it would be fun and on theme to release merchandise with the phrase “Troubler of Israel” on it. That’s what Ahab calls Elijah in 1st Kings 18:17, and considering that’s how some people in the modern American church have labeled you guys in Moscow, I think it would be very devil-may-care of you to embrace the title. I want to get that phrase on a hat or shirt for my Dad for Christmas, so I thought I might as well suggest it to you guys, otherwise I’ll have to make it myself. Anyway, thank you for considering my letter and for all the great content you add to Canon+! Looking forward to NQN, and who knows— maybe I’ll rope my boyfriend into the festivities.
In Christ,Natalie
Natalie, thanks. First, on your NQN idea, which is a fine one, I am afraid all our preparations are already in motion. With regard to your boyfriend, he sounds like the kind of guy you should really want. But once you are married, you have committed to go where he goes. You will need to follow his lead. However, the one thing you could work out beforehand is how flexible he is willing to be with regard your children and and the covenant. If he would not be willing to consider whether your children could be saved until they were 21, then that should be a deal breaker. But if he is open to young professions of faith, there is something to work with there.
What should be considered “hills to die on” for unmarried Christians when it comes to theological differences, and which differences should we as women be willing to accept and ultimately submit to our future husband’s leadership on?
To name a few examples:
Character traits
The church you will become a member of
Differences in views on baptism
Raising and educating children, e.g. public schooling, private Christian schooling, or homeschooling
There will inevitably be differences, and I need to discern between what is truly non-negotiable and where I should be willing to compromise or yield.
I have just ended a relationship with a good man due to some of these differences.Annabel
Annabel, first, see the previous letter. Second, this is how I would break it out. Public school would be a non-starter, and private school v. homeschool would be TBD. Which church? Depends. A goo church? No. Two solid Reformed churches, with differences on eschatology? Sure, consider it. And character issues, at least as I understand character, should be a non-negotiable.
A Pretty Big Deal, Actually
How serious is it for an elder board or session not to follow the church’s constitution? What about with small details like not keeping meeting minutes or calling meetings incorrectly?James
James, I would say that it is a big deal. “And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities” (Luke 19:17). He who is faithful in a little will be faithful over much. And if experience has shown that the constitution is unrealistic or unsuitable for your situation, then change the constitution. You should be doing what you say you are doing.
The Full Preterism Hazard
So I’m starting to really take this partial preterism business seriously. My question is once you begin, where do you stop?
For example, do you interpret much of 1 and 2 Peter, and 2 Thessalonians through the lens of Deut. 28 and the coming covenant vengeance of God? One text that jumps to mind is 1 Peter 4:12-19, specifically verses 17-18. I’ve usually heard this talked about as a timeless principle and/or referring to Christ’s final coming. But it seems to fit the approaching judgement on the people of God in 70 AD incredibly well.
So, in summary, once you start down the partial preterist road (Mt.24, Revelation), where do you stop? I find myself questioning and reevaluating many passages that I simply took as teaching timeless truths (all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted—2 Timothy 3:12), or referring to the last coming of Christ.
ThanksCaleb
Caleb, the central issue is the resurrection of the dead—both the Lord’s and ours. If you lose that, you have lost the Christian faith. I would refer you to this.
A Real Question
Why do you think there are Christians on the right who want to become Christian national socialists? I am so puzzled by this phenomenon. I’m a pretty logical guy and I can’t make sense of it. Do they want money? Their 15 minutes of fame? The ability to say with a clear conscience that they love their people more than other people? I’m committed to being Biblical in all I think, and I am committed to loving others. I’m confused about what people who want to say that Nazi propaganda is OK are really trying to do?JP
JP, it is not yet clear what they are trying to do, because there are a bunch of them under that heading of “they.” Some of them are just hungry for clicks. Some have become outrage junkies. Others are sincere enough but received a lousy education. Others are afraid of looking like they caved under the demand that they issue performative denunciations. Others have daddy issues.
Age in the Resurrection
My wife and I recently had our first miscarriage. While we are confident that by God’s grace our little boy is in heaven (David’s words after the death of his infant son seem to indicate as much) we have been wondering what heaven looks like for people who die so young. Do miscarried babies and infants remain such in heaven? Are they instantly transformed into adult versions of themselves, or do they go through a process of “growing up” as it were? We understand this is an area on which the Bible simply does not speak and so we are asking for pure speculation, but nevertheless we are curious to hear your thoughts on the matter.JS
JS, ye have asked for speculation and it is speculation ye shall receive! I don’t think infants who die complete their growing up in Heaven. I believe that we are all transformed into what we will be in the next life. For some it will look like aging, and for others it will look like they have been “youthified.” What apparent age will that be? I think it was one of the early fathers who suggested that it would be right around the age Jesus was when He died.
A Real Dilemma
I am writing you seeking advice. My wife and I live in Wisconsin and are christians who believe in traditional family values. The lord has blessed us with two beautiful girls and I feel honored to raise them and fulfill the role of their father and head of my family God has bestowed on me. Our youngest daughter Clara was born with a rare genetic immune deficiency called Stat1 Gain of Function. She became critically ill in April and has been hospitalized since. She underwent a bone marrow transplant and we were blessed her sister was a full match, did not have the genetic mutation and was the donor. Clara had a set back recently and developed some complications she is being treated for. We are still hopeful for a recovery.
My wife and I wanted a third child, however, given the fact my wife carries the genetic mutation passed to Clara, there is a 50% chance any further child will have the mutation also, possibly needing a bone marrow transplant to survive. Needless to say this experience has been extremely difficult for my family and I would pray to avoid needing to go through this again. Our options for another child are A) Get pregnant naturally, genetic test our child while in utero for Stat 1 and from the words of the geneticists have the option to “terminate.” (I’ll spare you the details of my response to his suggestion. Just know I made my disagreement very well known). B) Do IVF and implant and embryo which does not have Stat 1. The issue here is what happens to the other children which we have created and frozen. I feel it is sinful to keep them frozen forever and definitely sinful to have them destroyed. Also, it is sinful to kill the children/embryos which have the mutation. C) and D) which are the only real options and honestly should’ve been listed as options A and B, is to trust the lord, have a third child and pray it does not have Stat 1, or be thankful for what the lord has blessed us with and be finished having children. My wife and I have been praying about this for a few months now and we would like to seek your advice.Brian
Brian, I would suggest two things. The first is that I believe you should do some extensive research on your options. In other words, is the risk to the next child genuinely 50%? Or is that something you heard one of the nurses say in passing? The thing I am urging is that you get more information—information is gold. But let’s say you do that, and it is as you describe. One option that you did not mention was the possibility of adoption. That should be something you add to your prayer list.
“Christian nationalism” is figleaf for globalist domination, via the gun, yet again? Shocking that the substance-free “rhetoricians” would shift definitions to empower themselves oh wait no it isn’t this is literally their business model. Imagine arguing Trump and his merry band of abusers — chosen specifically for their supposed photogenic qualities — should host a public execution, in a stadium, and broadcast it over the airwaves, but not make it a “spectacle”? Not even Trump, the most vulgar man on earth, could countenance that obvious contradiction. But the bloodthirsty men of the CREC? They see no problem with this, and… Read more »
This is the only time I will respond to Buster and it’s a request of the host to put his comments to bed. He has been given much air time which he has spent blunting his sword on concrete. He no longer gets sparks in his endeavors as even the concrete has grown weary.
Cancel culture!!!
Ted, you could always just ignore it.
@Brian Brown – it really seems like C, D, and adoption are your only options. As you pray and seek the will of God, know that His will for you is good and right, and that you can safely trust Him.
Do you think it’s ok for them to have a baby and expect one of their other kids to be ok being a donor if needed? I don’t think it’s ok to knowingly put that responsibility on one of your children. That’s a lot to ask of anyone, much less a child…twice. Yeah, absolutely get more information, but isn’t it limiting of god to reduce the actual options available? How would you say god is good and right given their issues with their child and the genetic disorder?
Memorial looks pretty good, but seems to me changing “idolizing or destroying none” to “idolizing none and destroying none,” and “customs” to “sinless customs,” would be improvements. (You may remember the story from British India about suttee being a Hindu custom and hanging murderers a British one.)
Widows are innocent. Murderers are not, and sometimes hanging is mild compared to the method of murder, and it’s certainly milder than burning. Of course, the way India treated widows after suttee was ended was so appalling that you could understand why some would rather be killed. Britain wasn’t perfect, but it would be very hard to say that it was anywhere as bad as India was and in many ways still is.