The Exclusivity of Christianity

Most people like Jesus; it’s Christianity that rubs most folks the wrong way.  Jesus is often perceived to be a bastion of tolerance – judge not lest ye be judged, you know – and inclusivity – he opened his invitation to women, outcasts and Gentiles after all. Yet the religion that surrounds him is often thought to be exactly the opposite:  a quagmire of intolerance, judgment and exclusion.  Perhaps no single feature of the Christian faith seems to most typify this tendency …

Art and the Oscars

Art and the Oscars

By Stacey Tuttle

On January 25, 2011 the final nominations will be announced to the public.  One month and 2 days later, on February 27, 2011 millions upon millions of viewers in over 200 countries around the world will tune in to watch the 83rd Academy Awards, aka the Oscars. 

According to Wikipedia, “The Academy Award (informally known as the Oscar) is an accolade by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) to recognize excellence of professionals in the …

A “Wicked” Good Time – if you don’t think about it too much

A “Wicked” Good Time – if you don’t think about it too much

By: Craig Smith

“Where I come from we believe all sorts of things that aren’t true.  We call it History.”

So says the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.  If you don’t recognize this quote, then chances are you’re only familiar with the classic movie The Wizard of Oz and not with the more recent Broadway sensation Wicked.  If that’s the case, then you’re missing out…both on a fantastic theatrical experience and a fascinating illustration of postmodernism in the marketplace.  But while Wicked has postmodern elements, its whole premise rests on something …

Eat, Pray, Love: Quotes and Concepts for Discussion

Eat, Pray, Love:  Quotes and Concepts for Discussion

Book By: Elizabeth Gilbert; Excerpts selected by: Stacey Tuttle

Note:  With 5 million copies in print and a movie coming out August 13 (starring Julia Roberts, Javier Bardem and James Franco), Elizabeth Gilbert’s book, Eat, Pray, Love, (a New York Times Bestseller released in 2006) is sure to see a resurgence of popularity and interest.  Eat, Pray, Love is Gilbert’s beautifully written memoirs documenting her journey not just across the world, but more importantly through her exploration of faith. 

Shepherd Project Ministries does not agree with …

Making Right

by Craig Smith

A common question I get asked a Christian teacher:  what makes some things right and some things wrong?

The simplistic answer often given to this important question is that the Bible defines right and wrong, but there are two problems with this answer.  First, the Bible doesn’t directly address every question of right and wrong that we will encounter.  Second, the Bible is a means of revelation, not of determination.  In other words, the Bible doesn’t determine right and wrong, it merely reveals it, like turning a spotlight on a fence in a dark field.  …

Making Right

A common question I get asked a Christian teacher:  what makes some things right and some things wrong?

The simplistic answer often given to this important question is that the Bible defines right and wrong, but there are two problems with this answer.  First, the Bible doesn’t directly address every question of right and wrong that we will encounter.  Second, the Bible is a means of revelation, not of determination.  In other words, the Bible doesn’t determine right and wrong, it merely reveals it, like turning a spotlight on a fence in a dark field.  As soon as you see the …