BreakPoint Blog

Julian Simon: Expressing the Imago Dei in Economic Terms

Thu, 09 Feb 2017 16:13:33 EST

Julian Simon's name does not mean much to many Christians today, but it should. Since his death on Feb. 8, 1998, 19 years ago this week, those who follow "the dismal science" of economics continue to study him, but most of the rest of us . . . well, not so much. He is, though, something of a model for how to promote unpopular ideas in the public square in ways that attract not just attention, but adherents.

Where is Culture Headed in the Next Decade...and Beyond?

Tue, 07 Feb 2017 16:58:29 EST

Where is culture headed for the next decade? And what does this mean for our relationships, jobs, and task as apologists and influencers of the next generation? I recently read the excellent book "The Inevitable: Understanding the 12 Technological Forces That Will Shape Our Future" and want to highlight the twelve trends that the author, Kevin Kelly, believes will shape the future. It's hard to disagree with his insights.[For more, go to Sean's blog!]

A Comeback for the Family?

Thu, 02 Feb 2017 17:14:01 EST

Is the decline of the family coming to an end? Allan Carlson says it is, or at least it could be, in a new book called "Family Cycles: Strength, Decline, and Renewal in American Domestic Life, 1630-2000." I interviewed Carlson in 2015 at the World Congress of Families in Salt Lake City, Utah, about his provocative theory that the health of the family rises and falls in cycles. Carlson says we have seen "four distinct cycles" of strength and weakness in the family in American history. Each cycle lasts about 100 years, and he believes we have just passed through the trough of one of these cycles and that the health of the family is on the upswing again.

More on Calling, Creativity, and 'La La Land'

Thu, 02 Feb 2017 14:44:58 EST

On the new edition of "CAPC Digest," I discuss my article about the Oscar-nominated film and its worldview, especially on the issue of calling. Go here to listen!

Are Questions Better than Answers? No Question About It!

Tue, 31 Jan 2017 16:29:51 EST

Although it might surprise you, given that I grew up with a famous apologist father, my parents asked me more questions than they gave me answers. My parents did not want me to believe something simply on authority, but because I had good reasons for believing it was true. They certainly wanted me to become a Christian, but they were also deeply interested in helping me learn how to think critically for myself and to confidently arrive at truth.Jesus also asked dozens of questions even though he knew the answers. Why? While there could be other reasons, it seems to me that he wanted to elicit faith in people and to help them arrive at a personal knowledge of the truth. When it comes to helping people arrive at a biblical worldview, Jesus knew questions were often far more powerful than statements. In fact, he knew the most important question of all is, "Who do you say that I am?" (Matthew 16:15)[For more, go to Sean's blog!]

Good News from Colorado

Mon, 30 Jan 2017 10:53:47 EST

Three hospitals in Boulder County, Colorado, are opting out of a new state "medically assisted death" law. The Daily Camera reports: