Go-Getters Write Letters

I noticed that a lot of Kevin DeYoung’s material is on Canon+ now. Happy to see that! You think he is warming up to the Moscow Mood? Are you two having any behind the scenes conversations? I would love to see a long form podcast between the two of you. Building the bonds of unity amongst the brethren!

Josh

So I log into Canon+. What doth mine eyes behold.
“The Kevin DeYoung Collection”. (insert mouth agape emoji!)
Care to comment? Sign of future developments? Might we finally have a come to Jesus discussion about the infamous Moscow Mood article?

Roger

On Wielding Political Power:
Yes . . . if a politician is elected on the basis of “Hope and Change” then one would expect him to provide hope and induce change. See Exhibit A: Obama. He provided a considerable amount of hope that the racial divide would be forever the wedgie in our underwear, and he changed the political landscape such that grift, vice, fraud, and all other manner of Chicago-styled gangsta rule would dominate the political landscape. And it truly worked. He coasted on his half-blackness, hung Trump 1.0 out to dry, and propped up the walking Autopen to ensconce his “hopey-change” forever.
But if a politician is elected on the basis of “Making America Great Again,” then one would expect him to . . . well, make America great again. See Exhibit B: Trump 2.0.
There’s an old adage: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” If I might adapt that for our current situation, where we find ourselves being handed everything we need to restore the political landscape to normalcy, decency, and Constitutionalism, then perhaps the adage is: “When life gives you sugar, make sweet tea.”

Andy

I agree with the larger point of your post, but I think the county-line districting idea needs some logistical refinement.
As a principle, I like it. County lines are preexisting, public, and harder to manipulate than custom congressional shapes. Requiring districts to respect county boundaries where possible would probably reduce some of the uglier gerrymandering.
But a strict rule will not work in many states. Some counties are far larger than one congressional district. Los Angeles, Cook, and Maricopa counties would each require multiple representatives, so someone would still have to draw lines inside those counties.
A workable rule might be: use whole counties wherever possible, split counties only when population equality or other constitutional requirements demand it, and when a split is necessary, follow cities, townships, neighborhoods, or precincts as much as possible.
So I agree with the thrust: lawful power should be used. But structural reforms still need to be morally sound, constitutional, and administratively workable. County-line districting is a good starting point, but it needs practical exceptions.
Pax,

Dale

Your father Jim led my father Tom Hemingway to the Lord, and I believe they remained dear friends through their lives. I am not writing to argue an issue, but to say my parents were faithful and did do it right. I am not a Christian, and logically I cannot defend it. I cannot defend it experientially either. Everybody in my world growing up was Christian, and yet I knew at a really young age (6) I would not be okay and it had something to do with rejecting love. I do believe in free will, and this comes down to rebellion and Romans 1. Again, my family wasn’t perfect, but I always sensed something had happened between God and me very early on. I am rambling. What I want to end on is that from what I have read, you have often been quoted out of context and I at least respect your commitment to intellectual honesty and what the Bible Teaches in total vs. pulling verses out of context for your personal gain. The seeds your father planted live on in my three sons who love God and walk with Him.

Laura

I work in cancer biology field and am currently pursuing a PhD. I have been working in the cancer industry for 7 years. We do genetic modification of cells in vitro and try to identify new proteins or pathways within the cells that can be hacked to better cure cancer. However, there is something that has been bugging me on and off. The industry standard across the globe for one of the steps in genetic modifications are the cells called HEK293 (Human embryonic kidney – experiment no. 293). I wanted to identify the source and found out that these cells were obtained most likely from an aborted baby and then further cultured and immortalized so that they may be used even now (some 70 years later). What is your take on the use of such cells in the biotech industry?

Sam

Response to Slicker Than a Pocket Full of Pudding
Big Piece of Christian Nationalism Puzzle causing bad podcasters
For Christian nationalism to succeed it must defeat its worst enemy from within which is not just bad podcasters but also fake state sponsored Christianity. Journalist Elizabeth Yore outlined quite clearly how the Obama administration sabotaged the conservative Pope Benedict the 16th and through fraud got Francis elected in the papal election of March 2013. The evidence for this is quite clear as outlined by Elizabeth Yore.
This also happened before in 1958 according to FBI consultant Paul Williams who explained how the Soviet Union sabotaged the election of Cardinal Siri and got John 23rd elected. This affects Protestants as well as Catholics because the purpose of these fraudulent anti-popes is to present a false image of Christ. Most people today see Christ as a hippie yoga instructor type with no standards of right and wrong other than not being too judgmental.
However, looking at earlier Christian artwork and doctrine (apostolic times through 1960’s) it was clear that the traditional Christians saw Christ as a perfect fulfillment of all 4 male archetypes: King, Warrior, Magician, Lover.
What the fake new age church peddles is a Christ who is only a magician and a lover (just healing and empathy) without the masculine king and warrior aspects (natural law and justice).
By castrating our God it is therefore easy for the establishment to castrate the followers and create confusion as we all can observe with so called Christian podcasters. We must all work to expose the fraudulent election of these popes because this current one, Leo, is a product of the rot resulting from the merger of deep state and deep church.

Vince

Very recently you responded to a question from JS, concerning the priority in a hypothetical life-saving choice in a dual drowning situation, with the victims being your wife and your child. JS was comfortable with his idea that his first priority is to his children rather than his wife, but his friend had a less-emotion-based, biblical and logical position, that the wife is the priority.
You responded with “What would a godly couple do if the whole thing were in slow motion, and mom and dad had a chance to confer about it. Mother and child are in the ER and they each need a blood transfusion, and there is only enough for one. Mom and dad together make the decision, and I think it is obvious which way it would go.”
It’s obvious? Why must you answer like this? Is this you being diplomatic and leaving the final choice in the hand of the husband/father because there is no written-in-stone answer?
It makes me think of a discussion I once had with a girlfriend many moons ago, when she asked me “If I was pregnant with your child and serious complications arose, and the very trustworthy doctor said that only one us could survive, and we must act immediately—who would you save?” My response (to her dismay) was the same that JS’s friend said—that I’m required (and pleased) to love my wife as Christ loves the Church. Even on a practical level, if I save the child, what then? How am I supposed to take care of a child and go to work everyday? Although I do love my children, and would sacrifice myself for them, I’m not willing to sacrifice my wife for them. If given the choice between the two, no matter how much conflicting thoughts and emotions there would be, it’s my wife who’s coming through in the end. I can get another child, I can’t replace my wife.

Shawn

I am fixing to propose to a lovely woman whom will likely say yes. However I have some familial strife that exists due to my faith.
My brother told me he was gay while I was at Bethlehem College and Seminary. I explained as winsomely as I could the truth addressing such things. This was maybe 4 years ago. At this point now I have had only 1 other conversation with my brother. In a phone call about something else he had told me he was trans and cussed me out for not being respectful of him (though I had not known). I talked him down a bit but now I have a quandary.
I do not think it right to use the new chosen name of my brother that isn’t his legal name, and I know it will cause fierce acrimony, I do not know how then I should address him. I’d have loved to have him as my best man, I’d have loved to invite him to my wedding, however I feel that it could be foolish based on how my unbelieving family acts.
What wisdom could you send my way to navigate this situation?
If you cannot get back to me that is fine.

Maxwell

First, big supporter of the Moscow Mood. So take the following admonition from a place inside the camp, as it were.
The 2020 stolen election keeps coming up. I find the discourse around this topic purposefully vague, so the accuser can’t be pinned down. What do you actually believe?
A. During the 2020 election, many radical changes were allowed to the voting process because COVID was blown way out of proportion. Long voting windows, massive increase in mail-in ballots, same day registration, etc. Both Republicans and Democrats agreed to these changes, but Democrats took advantage better than Republicans. All in plain sight.
B. Illegal activity. Votes were not accurately counted. People submitting multiple ballots. Illegal immigrants voting. Voting lines shut down early. Ballots discarded. Things people would/should go to jail for.
So which is it? If A, the election wasn’t stolen, the other side just exploited the rules as they were agreed upon better than our side. And the remedy is a strong push to reform the rules. If B, you need proof. Trump and Guliani had months to prove illegal activity and they could not. I’ve seen no smoking guns. So if Trump or anyone else is going to continue ranting on about the stolen election, show me some proof.
So which is it?

Roger

Pastor Wilson,
I am thinking of the blog post “church membership and disloyalty” here.
I wrote you a letter 6 months ago asking for advice about my dad. He had kidney disease and wanted to move in with my family, but our relationship was rocky at best. Your advice was very helpful, but one of the most helpful things about it was that it helped me to see who to trust. I was confused by the Moscow/Ogden dust-up, I had written to them (Ogden) in the past, but never heard back. Your willingness to respond to a little guy like myself helped me to trust in the midst of that conflict that you were a genuinely humble, and honest man. So thank you.
I am writing to you again to ask for your counsel.
I became a Christian in college through an organization called Great Commission Churches, they were influenced by the Plymouth Brethren, but had the evangelistic zeal of the Navigators. In the 70’s, led by Jim Mccotter, they started preaching the gospel on college campuses and starting churches that emphasized obedience to the Scriptures and church planting. When I hear about your dad it sounds exactly like the kind of men that discipled me early on. I committed myself to that movement of churches from the heart, with a deep loyalty that I have held to for the last 15 years. GCC dissolved in 2020 and a branch of the organization called M28 kept going. We are a part of this organization now, but apart from my original commitment and sense of loyalty, I feel little holding us together. They are fairly conservative, humble, Bible-believing men, but certainly not Reformed, like our church has grown to be.
In your judgment, is it more pleasing to Christ that I stay united and loyal to these brothers even though we disagree on so much? Or is it better to find a group of churches that we are more closely aligned with? How far should loyalty go? I wonder if you had a similar experience to this early in your ministry, and if your insight from that could be helpful.

Jon

I hope you’re well. When I was a kid, I attended almost every summer Vacation Bible School (VBS) in my immediate area. These filled my summers with fun activities in safe Christian environments, with mostly safe and trustworthy kids and adults. I never had a problem with them there, and I only took home fun crafts and silly songs we memorized. I’ve become more Reformed in my adulthood and have joined a CREC. I’ve never been dogmatic about the existence of VBS, but I have become more convinced that they are . . . well . . . silly-ish. We want to cultivate a healthy family worship culture in our home, along with other friends of ours in our church. I am curious, what are your thoughts on VBS programs at churches? Do you think there are better alternatives for people today? What does that look like? What do you do in Moscow with kiddos during the summer?
Thank you!

ON

I’ve followed your work through the years . . . I presented some of your debates with Christopher Hitchens to my HS apologetics class back in the day. I just want you to know I continue to truly appreciate the grace at work in you. Thank you.

Jack

What do you think of Thomas Massie? I saw him recently on Tucker and thought he sounded pretty reasonable even though Tucker lately hasn’t sounded as reasonable as normal. Anyways, just was curious your opinion on that interview if you happened to see it.
Thanks for all you do!

JC

Question on the teaching of mythology to homeschoolers. I am a father with home-schooling toddlers.
What is your opinion of teaching Greek/Roman mythology to children? I am careful to make the distinction between the “gods” we read about in “D’aulaire’s Book of Norse Myths,” for example, and God. And the cultural inheritance/effects of mythology on Western Culture are obvious. But, in the end, what is the value of a study (which often feels like a celebration) of historic idolatry, particularly in the Classical tradition?

Bill

Just finished the Battles of David series on Canon+ and thoroughly enjoyed each episode. Especially since they often discussed some of the lesser known parts of David’s life such as his time at Ziklag. My question is specifically about the topic of David’s “rough riders” who flocked to him during his time on the run. As Christians, when do we accept alliances such as that, sharp edges and all, and when do we hold those men at arm’s length?
Thanks for all you do.

Dillon

I’m a pastor of a mid-size suburban church. I lead prayer every Sunday, usually multiple times. I usually say something like, “Let’s pray as we begin our service” or “Please pray with me”. But we often have unbelieving guests in attendance. They usually bow their head along with everyone else, even though they don’t believe in God and so from their perspective have no one to pray to! Sometimes I wonder if I’m leading them into hypocrisy. I’ve also wondered about being at a public event where a Priest or a Rabbi leads prayer. Should I not participate out of principle, or just pray to the true God privately in my heart? What should I do if I’m ever the one leading prayer at an event with people of different faith backgrounds? I’m wondering what thoughts or principles you have for navigating this.
Thank you as always for your ministry! The Lord has used you to bless my family and my church greatly.

In your post, Slicker Than a Pocket Full of Pudding, you quoted C.S. Lewis’ essay, The Poison of Subjectivism:
“Either the maxims of traditional morality must be accepted as axioms of practical reason which neither admit nor require argument to support them…or else there are no values at all.”
And to your point, when rage farmers attempt to reject them wholesale or to accept a redacted version of them, I believe we know how Lewis would have us respond:
“The Christian replies, ‘Don’t talk damned nonsense.” (Mere Christianity)
“An open mind, in questions that are not ultimate, is useful. But an open mind about the ultimate foundations either of Theoretical or of Practical Reason is idiocy. If a man’s mind is open on these things, let his mouth at least be shut. He can say nothing to the purpose.” (Abolition of Man)
In your post, you wrote, “Repent of your sins, all of them—lies, adultery, porn, stealing, cursing, sodomy, abortion, hatred, malice, and include in that list, topping it off, your readiness to accept offers of snake oil salvation.”
Well said. It is almost as though we like being lied to. If only someone had warned us.
Jeremiah 5:31
The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?
. . . or as one of our more contemporary prophets once put it,
“Tell me lies, Tell me sweet little lies” — Fleeetwood Mac, Little Lies
God bless, brother

Todd

After reading “Slicker Than a Pocket Full of Pudding” I felt compelled to check the calendar to make sure it wasn’t November! That was bracing. I know you won’t take this the wrong way but you are a national treasure. My wife and I pray daily that you will be preserved for many years to continue on.

Blair

I wanted to say I come from a fairly different framework overall, as I’m credobaptist and premil, but I have come to deeply appreciate your content and find it worthwhile, even if our crazy clownworld seems to think it is somehow toxic. Now I take a more natural interpretation of Genesis 6, so as I’m about to explain, I differ with you on the particular issue I wanted to bring up. I was listening to your video on “21 Theses on Head Covers”, and I was right along with you until you mention the angels. Nothing of the sort that should cause division in the church, and this is not me telling you to “fix” your theology. I am a lot younger and so I am more sharing my own thoughts, hoping to hear back some of your own, and maybe you will at least find a positive value in what I am saying even if you still retain the view I disagree with.
Essentially the idea is that the angels in mind are specifically Cherubim, and that Paul has the language of a temple in his mind. He already discussed our bodies as temples. Angels are ministering spirits. The worship God in his presence, and they guard the holy. We see this after the fall, they guard Eden. We see the motif of Cherubim all throughout the temple, particularly with the veil, and we also see them linked to the firmament in Ezekiel. It may be summarized that the cherubim are “keepers of the veil.” So it seems likely that when Paul speaks of angels and veils after describing our bodies as temples, especially in regard to sexual decency, then it seems there maybe an application for us; these veils, or more appropriately the modesty they symbolize, is modeled by the holiness of angels. Not a lowly or miserable thing in the least, but a beautiful thing, even glorious.
Blessings in Christ,

Ken

Hello, I am listener and admirer for about 3 years now. I love the work you and your church family have been doing.
I am wanting to get into Christian media and entertainment. I am a writer and have a theatre and business background. I have experience in public speaking, activism, organizing and planning large groups of people. I am making more and more contacts in Houston politics and churches. I have deep roots in an active mega church in called Sagemont (its SBC), but my dad says anytime you got a multitude you got a mix. I am also part of TPUSA Houston Chapter. The president is also Reformed Christian.
Some of my recent work as a writer is here.
https://lionsmaneprovision.com/articles/project-hail-mary-review
https://lionsmaneprovision.com/articles/vile-books-in-deer-park-isd—(I’m on the far right in the picture)
The website is part of my business partner and I’s ministry. I have a personal coder I work with to build our website and have projects and events that were working on for the 4th quarter of this year.
I’m Reformed and I go to a Dutch Reformed church, one of my pastors , like you, is a published author. He says I am good at street preaching! I feel like I have a calling in my life, but I need more like minded, theologically aligned allies.
If there is a way I can serve or work along side I would be honored and blessed. I have a house in Texas with a studio, I rent out, I am open to any ideas and guidance in this space, of how I can leverage the means God has given me.
With much respect, thank you for taking the time to read this. Any response or encouragement would be appreciated. I pray I have the honor to serve along side you. I Thank God for you answering the call He has placed on your life, keep up the good work pastor!

Fb: Ethan Southard (Picture of me in a tree)
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGcxDP1NQznz91m856N7FVA
Ministry Page: lionsmaneprovision.com