Letters for the Edification of All

You published a letter from a man who objected to his wife reading romance novels. Your response was for him to talk to her, with the implication that he should scold her because her novels were the same as porn.
I think you didn’t provide enough information and guidance. The category ‘romance novel’ encompasses everything from Jane Austen through Georgette Heyer to stuff that really is bad. (And a lot of it is bad regardless of the plot or descriptions. Judith Krantz wrote explicit sex scenes using truly horrendous prose. Take out every sex scene and the books are still garbage.) Still, judging romance novels requires a lot more discernment than judging porn does, especially since plenty of other genres of literature contain elements to avoid. The James Bond spy novels usually have some explicit sex as well as violence and other sins. You know literature well enough to understand this point and I wish you had made it more explicitly.

Karen

Didn’t some of the reformers advocate some form of public charity / civil care of the poor (although it would have been on a local rather than national level)? Obviously the contemporary welfare state is in practice a disaster, but would these reformers have objected to it in principle?

John

Reference your article “The Grace of Wrong Answers,” you noted that a 10% tax is your threshold because that’s what God required in the OT. But in addition wasn’t there a temple tax (Exodus 30:13–16) and festival tithe/tax Deuteronomy 14:22-29? Appears to me there’s slightly over 20%. Thank you for your ministry!

Tyler

Re “The Grace of wrong answers’: sinners don’t just want “maneuvering room” when God lays down the Law; they want to be in charge. They want to be the ones in charge. In pride they think themselves fit to be the ones in charge, rather than God. (I see—or can easily suspect—way too much of this in me in some ways.) Not just “room,” but pride and ruling power.
In contrast to take-charge pride, “Transformation in Christ,” book by conservative Roman Catholic Dietrich von Hildebrand, calls for ‘unlimited readiness to be transformed in Christ’ and has about 18 chapters on aspects of transformation.

Andrew

I’ve been pondering just war theory lately. My question has to do with abortion: Given that abortion is easily one of the greatest evils in human history, it seems to me that a war would be entirely justified on that basis. Separate but related question: is vigilante justice ever warranted? How should we view people who e.g. bomb abortion mills or assassinate abortionists? I seem to recall you mentioning someone who did something like that in a recent article, with some disdain.

Abo Litionist

Could you please consider looking into pronomian Christianity? It is a theological system with many differences from yours, but I believe that you might find its similarities to yours a bit interesting. The best writings from this movement in my current opinion are “The Role of the Law in the Sanctification of the Believer Today: A Brief Introduction to Pronomianism” by Dr. Benjamin Szumskyj and the Pronomian Pocket Guide book series. Just some ideas for a little extra reading. Keep up the great work, sir, and may the Lord continue blessing you and keeping you.
A daily reader,

Samuel

I’m a fairly recent convert to Calvinism from old order Amish, so my heritage is anabaptist. I am wondering if Doug has ever read Martyrs mirror . . . he seems to have a low view of anabaptists . . . I would love to have a conversation about this . . . thank you!

Allen

I wrote about this problem a few weeks ago but it persists. It appears some of your links violate some sort of “community standards” and google deletes them.

Howard

What do we make of God using so many of the less than perfect people and churches? E.G.s: If cessationism is true, then why does God seem to continue to work through Pentecostal churches? If women should not be pastors, why does he seem to continue to work in and through churches with them? And on the cessationist question—what are people doing who continue to speak in tongues? Are they deceived? Lying? Inappropriately using a legitimate gift? I’ve recently “converted” to Presbyterianism out of a Baptist history, but also have a lot of non-denom and charismatic brothers and sisters I interact with. Co-existing is proving problematic. The “perfectionism” that Reformed folks tend toward is something from which I am not immune. Trying to keep that in check. These questions about God using what some Reformed folks call “abominations” (women pastors, etc) linger. Sorting out how to both think about them and interact with them will be helpful. Thank you.

Bryan

This is not in response to any post in particular. Rather, I’m a young small-church Pastor and I’m considering preaching a series on the Ten Commandments. I was just wondering if you had any book recommendations on the topic?
Thanks,

Bryan

I’ve been researching the biblical basis for churches having morning and evening services to properly observe the Sabbath and so far, the only passage that supports the position is Psalm 92. I know Christ Church and its affliliate churches don’t have morning and evening Sunday services. How do you exegete Psalm 92’s mention of David’s worship of God in the morning and evening while being accompanied by instruments (this seems to imply two gatherings per Sabbath)? Does this passage dictate that morning and evening services are part of the regulative principle of worship? Thank you.
Sincerely,

Brent

What are your thoughts on church members singing “specials” during the worship service? Could something like this fall under Paul’s category of “spiritual songs”? If this is something you don’t believe is wise, how would you approach congregants that feel strongly about using their gift to worship during the main service?

Ben

There’s an election coming up here in Canada for Federal Parliament. It’s scheduled for Monday, April 28th. While most of the parties, as you and others have described, are simply heading toward the cliff at different speeds, one party stands out that wants to drive away from the cliff, and call our country back to Jesus Christ:
The Christian Heritage Party of Canada!
A few months ago, Andrew DeBartolo from Liberty Coalition Canada gave a brief plug for it on CrossPolitic. Allow me to give another short one. It’s Canada’s only 100% pro-life party, its policies and vision are informed by Reformed theology, it has partnered with Liberty Coalition and Ezra Institute, and its members trust in the power of the Holy Spirit for revival both among the people and in the government.
It’s a small party in human terms, but its members serve a mighty God who can lay waste all His foes. There are about 30 or 35 candidates running for seats in Parliament for the CHP. Please pray that God would be kind to grant a few of those candidates a win, and at the very least, that they all would be granted opportunity to proclaim the law, the Gospel, and the rule and reign of our King, Jesus Christ!
You can find more information about the party here (chp.ca) and the candidates here (chp.ca/candidates).
God bless you!

Chris

What do you think this verse means?
Isa 65:20 “No more shall there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not fill out his days, for the young man shall die a hundred years old, and the sinner a hundred years old shall be accursed.”
Does this mean that the human life span prior to the return of Christ will be much greater than they are now? Or is this some kind of allegory?

JC

Not commenting on any particular post. Rather this is a question on your book Reforming Marriage. You mentioned that husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church. But what does that even look like for a husband to act that out in his marriage? Could you provide some real life examples of this?

VK

I hope you are doing well. I’m currently in the season of life where lots of my friends and family are either getting married or pregnant! I’m already married and have children, so this isn’t a singleness question, nor am I new to the world of “marriage relations.” My question more deals with the people around me who are relatively newer to THAT world, or they have been familiar with that realm for quite a while. While growing up, my parents had always informed me that those kinds of conversations were best discussed in private with somebody when you needed help, such as a pastor or with a godly older man or woman, and even with your husband or wife later on. You could include a doctor, if needed, and of course one ought to pray in case you have any questions or issues.
Something that’s come to my attention in the last few years is how unbelievably open many in my generation are regarding those things. This includes certain of my friends informing me as to things they and their husbands do in that realm, certain tools they use, or even giving unsolicited advice by using their husbands as examples. It’s very bizarre, and certainly somewhat inappropriate. I’m not prudish, I just think that there ought to be a proper respect one shows one’s husband or wife when they’re not in the room.
It’s happened enough times where it bothers me, but I just have no idea how to inform somebody that in the moment. I want to be discerning, and not come across as “Victorianly prudish.” I just think there’s a line some people cross when they inform me of their relations with their spouse, and I think their spouse deserves more respect than that.

ON

There is one pragmatic argument for head coverings that I keep coming back to—it would be very hard for women to teach / preach / assume authority over a man if they wore head coverings. It’s almost as if they inoculate against such practices, regardless of whether Scripture strictly requires them.
Given the prevalence of feminism inside and outside the church, I do wonder whether a visible sign of a woman’s submission might be prudent these days as a both reminder to the faithful and a sign to the unbeliever
Is there any merit to this instinct in your view?

Tom

Do you have a simple litmus test for generally determining whether or not the pursuit of financial gain is ambitious in a good and godly way versus a greedy or envious one?
For a little more detail, is it ever okay to compare my work with someone else’s work and then try to negotiate higher pay from my employer if I know others are being paid more than me for the same work? Is that envy and greed? Or a form of shrewdness?

Joshua

Thank you for all the work you do. I’ve really benefited greatly from your teaching.
My question has to do with forgiveness, healing, and rebuilding trust. I made some very poor decisions in the past and sinned against my wife by looking at pornography. My sin caused her great pain and understandably damaged trust between us. I have repented of all that. It’s been many years since I looked at pornography and by the grace of God I am a changed man in that department.
She says she has forgiven me, but also says she is still healing and that bringing up the topic in order to “talk about it” will help her heal emotionally. This feels to me like “keeping a record of wrongs” on her part and I confess it agitates me greatly since I stopped looking at porn years ago. Am I looking at this incorrectly? You have taught that forgiveness is not the same as trust, and I am in agreement with you. I know I need to earn her trust back. I guess my question really has to do with my responsibility toward my wife with regard to “emotional healing?” Am I responsible for that? Or is that the Holy Spirit’s work? Am I making the problem worse by continuing to try and “talk about it?”

J

Can you help me to understand the seemingly inconsistent treatment of polygamy in the Old Testament? For example, Joash is a good king of Judah, as long as he follows Jehoida’s leadership. But also, Jehoida “took two wives for him (Joash).” On the surface, that seems like a tacit endorsement of the practice.

Bill

I have a couple questions in regard to your recent videos on women’s ministries. I agree with you that many face-to-face women’s are problematic and the issue of accidentally making a women’s pastor is almost inevitable with Big Eva’s standard model. But practically speaking . . .
If face-to-face women’s Bible studies are not something to be pursued and should instead focus outward, are men’s ministries handled the same way?
What are your thoughts on one-on-one women’s ministry in a mentor/discipleship type model? Does that fall into the same category?
If I understand correctly—if not, please correct me, the main resource for a woman’s theology should be the Lord’s Day service and her husband. What resources are provided for single women if women are generally discouraged from teaching theology in the church?
Do you think that teaching/exposition of Scripture should be generally limited to the Lord’s Day service? Then the rest of the week is focused on the good works we are called to?
I am excited to consider healthier and more productive ways to encourage women in the church. Thank you for sharing these videos!

Raven

Thank you for your ministry! I’m a 25-year-old Reformed Baptist, and our first daughter is about to turn 1. We’ve been tremendously blessed by all the resources on Canon+, especially as first-generation Christians on both sides of our family.
How would you counsel men who feel discouraged (rather than inspired) by the success & achievements of other men? Recently I have found myself in this position—I feel genuinely happy for my brothers in Christ who are very successful (not merely financially, but in various aspects of life), and I’m grateful for Christian men in history who have accomplished great feats, but for some reason I also feel a sense of discouragement. As far as I can tell this isn’t a case of jealousy/covetousness, but maybe it is? I’m having difficulty discerning why I might be feeling this way or what sin I may be falling prey to, so I’m curious what thoughts you have here.
God bless

Theodore

I’ve just recently discovered your work. I really appreciated your YT video “Calvinism and Girls.” I also watched another clip on your YT channel about the difference between singleness and celibacy; “while celibacy is a gift, singleness is just a state of being.”
I greatly appreciate your insights, yours and the gentleman you were with. My initial question is, if marriage is providential, is that to say that it is mandatory? If it is not mandatory, how do you suggest that single Christians like myself with no interest in marriage, sexual relations or children reconcile our lack of desire with your assertions?
Over the last 5-6 years, I have been on a journey of growth and personal development before the LORD, which unfortunately has been marred by a pornography addiction. I am still a virgin, and while I hope, pray and truly believe that victory lies ahead, is this really a telltale sign that I simply cannot hope to have or even attain the gift of celibacy? Are you sure that this couldn’t simply apply to people who think they can use porn as a therapeutic measure, a coping mechanism or even as sex education? I assure you, I do not subscribe to this mode of thinking at all.
Lastly, I would like to reference Paul as you did. Evidence suggests that he was married before he became a Christian. Clearly, he attained the gift of celibacy later in his life, arguably due to his faith in Christ. Could this not be said to be evidence that celibacy can be worked for, or at least provided if fervently prayed for?
Thanks for accepting letters! My brother in Christ, I live in Canada, so we may never meet in this life, but thank-you for doing the work of the LORD. I would never have thought twice about “the gift of singleness” and again, your insights are greatly appreciated. It helps to have a well-rounded view of all of the opinions and interpretations on this subject. We will meet in eternity!

Izzie