Man at Play!

Tomorrow begins the start of training for another triathlon season. Reflecting on the training and the upcoming races, the following quotes represent how a Christian should approach play, competition and sports:

God plays. God creates playing. And man should play if he is to live as humanly as possible and to know reality, since it is created by God's playfulness. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica

When I play a game well, I have for that limited period of time an experience of the body's resurrection. For there is no hint of a dualism between mind and body with either of them trying to oppress or bully the other. I bring to the game my total undivided self. H.A.Williams, True Resurrection

Play is one of our highest callings as Christians. So much else in our lives is properly taken in doing things - things we do to change things, things we do in order that something else may happen. But in play we are not seeking to change anything, nor are we seeking something beyond. We are simply being at home in the world and at peace with God. Paul Marshall, Heaven Is Not My Home

Run in such a way as to get the prize. The Apostle Paul, 1 Corinthians 9

Two Essential Reads for the Politically Active Conservative Evangelical

As usual, election season has brought a multitude of policy issues to the forefront. Discernment in areas of policy can be quite vexing at times, even for the most diligent student of biblical norms. With that said, two resources ought to occupy the bookshelf of any conservative evangelical wanting to seriously discern biblical standards with regard to the issues of the day.

The first: Wayne Grudem's Politics According to the Bible, published by Zondervan. This is a great resource, one that is broad and expansive and covers areas ranging from marriage to environmental policy to immigration reform. Grudem, in usual fashion, states positions clearly and lucidly.

The second: John Frame's The Doctrine of the Christian Life, published by P&R Publishing. Frame addresses in some form or fashion just about every area of public life from the vantage point of the Lordship of Christ in all realms. From the relationship of Christ and culture, to gambling and drugs, Frame compellingly gives application of the Law of God to each area, all the while with great charity and compassion.

Both are worthy of serious study and both are highly useful for reflection in the current climate and beyond. We would definitely benefit if our ministers, both ecclesiastical and governmental, would consult such works more often in informing and legislating in the public square.