Category Archives: Tradition

Civility is a Social Contract, not a Moral Absolute

Posted on July 5, 2018 by Matt

My latest piece at The Federalist considers the ethics of civility in uncivil times: Because civility is not a moral absolute and its form is always adjusting along with culture, it’s requirements are determined primarily by social contract — the … Continue reading →

Posted in Ethics, Politics, Tradition | Leave a comment

A Missionary’s Positions

Posted on January 9, 2018 by Matt

We had a guest speaker at my church this past Sunday—a missionary who spoke to us about mission—both the specific program he oversees and the broader task of making disciples of all nations given to the Church. He gave everyone … Continue reading →

Posted in Lutheranism, Theology, Tradition | 4 Comments

Why Lutherans Sing

Posted on September 26, 2015 by Matt

A few weeks ago, the adult Bible Study that I teach started a new topic:  the historic liturgy used in the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.  We’ll be going through it step-by-step from beginning to end and taking an in-depth look at … Continue reading →

Posted in Lutheranism, Theology, Tradition | 1 Comment

Which is Witch? Discerning Halloween

Posted on October 29, 2011 by Matt

As Halloween comes around once again, it has inspired the usual debate over whether it is appropriate for Christians to take part in such a distinctly pagan festival.  Inasmuch as Halloween celebrates communion with dark powers, Christians are obviously obligated … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Ethics, The Modern Church, Tradition | 1 Comment

No Such Thing as a Non-Institutional Church

Posted on July 16, 2011 by Matt

When religion in general and Christianity in particular catch flak from the culture, everyone other than hardcore atheists generally make exceptions for personal spirituality. The problem, we hear, is really organized religion–the institutional church–not religion or church as such. Many … Continue reading →

Posted in The Modern Church, Theology, Tradition | Leave a comment

Incarnate Value: A Case Study on Tradition

Posted on June 19, 2011 by Matt

A few months ago, in the hype surrounding Prince William and Kate’s then-upcoming marriage, a story emerged that Prince William would choose not to wear a ring–apparently because he just doesn’t like jewelry.  Boundless posted about it, and the predictable comments … Continue reading →

Posted in Ethics, Tradition | Leave a comment

Creativity and the Worship Wars

Posted on April 16, 2011 by Matt

When I was a young child, my grandparents has an old electric organ in their basement, which I would periodically play when I visited. I remember one day turning on one of the organ’s beat tracks and playing “Beautiful Savior” … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Youth, The Modern Church, Tradition | Tagged | Leave a comment

I Need To Make My Own Mistakes

Posted on April 2, 2011 by Matt

How often have you heard this line? “I need to make my own mistakes” is usually an excuse thrown out by adolescents (and adults who never grew out of adolescence) after an argument over behavior has been lost. They know … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Youth, Ethics, Tradition | Leave a comment

Loosen Up? Rob Bell & Cries of “Pharisee!”

Posted on March 22, 2011 by Matt

One of the accusations that seems to be continually leveled against the critics of Rob Bell (the emergent church fellow who has recently made headlines for teaching universalism in his new book) is that they are being Pharisaical for holding … Continue reading →

Posted in Theological Liberalism, Theology, Tradition, Uncategorized | Tagged | Leave a comment