Greetings!
I always appreciate people reading Doyle’s Half Dozen. I usually think nobody reads my blog, but then somebody unexpectedly will tell me they read it, so thank you for reading!
1. The squawking about Chick fil A
The biggest news this week in the American Christian sphere is Chick fil A announcing its charitable foundation will end its financial support with certain organizations that have been identified as controversial with the LGBTQ community.
Two of the best commentaries I read on CFA’s decision are by Russell Moore—“Should You Be Angry A Chick fil A?”—and Erick Erickson—“Give Chick fil A the Benefit of the Doubt, But…”
Both Moore and Erickson are fair to CFA. I do like the proposals Erickson offers to CFA to help clear up some confusion the restaurant franchise has caused with its customers, as well as squelching the appearance of smearing both Salvation Army and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
It’s one thing for CFA to choose to financially support other groups. CFA has that right. However, both Salvation Army and FCA are facing accusations that are undeserving, especially considering neither organization has any conflict with the LGBTQ community. In fact, Salvation Army would offer care and shelter unconditionally to someone who identifies with the LGBTQ community.
By the way, I had my usual Friday morning breakfast at CFA and plan to have my traditional pre-game meal of CFA in Norman tomorrow night.
2. Great article on helping aging parents
Gaye Clark penned a great piece titled “When an Aging Parent Rejects Help.” She gives practical advice and provides a biblical perspective.
Karen and I can relate well to what Clark describes in her article. Perhaps you can appreciate the article too.
3. A church plant story for the movies
If you frequently read DHD, you know how much of a fan I am of Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra. Every time I go on The Gospel Coalition website and see an article with her name by it, I’m ready to read it.
Zylstra is an excellent reporter and story teller. Her writing style adds an inspiring flare to what is happening in today’s Christian world.
Her article “The Worst Time to Plant a Church” is another confirmation. Even my favorite blogger Trevin Wax promoted Zylstra’s article in this week’s edition of “Trevin’s Seven.” Wax wrote, “Amazing account of God’s faithfulness in the midst of earthly loss. Here’s what happened to The Falls Church when they left the Episcopal Church USA and lost their property.”
It would not surprise me if one of Zylstra’s articles inspires a screenwriter to make a movie about one of her pieces.
4. C.S. Lewis tales
I learned about Dan DeWitt this week. The guy appears to be an aficionado on C.S. Lewis because he wrote a bunch of blogs on the famous author and apologist this week on his website www.theolatte.com.
The blogs aren’t very long. My favorites were “Why C.S. Lewis Wouldn’t Write for Christianity Today” and “C.S. Lewis’ Last Letter,” which Lewis wrote Nov. 21, 1963. He died Nov. 22, the same day as President John Kennedy’s assassination.
5. Good movie reviews (and reviews are good too!)
Michael Foust features weekly movie reviews on WordSlingersOK.com. If you haven’t read any of Foust’s work, you should, especially the two reviews he posted today.
Check out “’Frozen 2’ isn’t as memorable, but is it family-friendly?” and “’Playing With Fire’ is funny, family-friendly and surprisingly good”.
Many times, I have seen movies because of Foust’s reviews. He even has me interested in seeing “Playing With Fire” after reading his write-up.
As you can tell, Foust emphasizes a criteria that is helpful for families, letting them decide if a movie is appropriate for their children to watch. He also has a Gospel emphasis, and the discussion questions he always provides are helpful when discussing a movie with a non-Christian.
6. Thanksgiving thought
Next week is Thanksgiving, so I wanted to re-share a Bible commentary that I shared in a DHD I wrote in 2016:
I read a great commentary in the Life Application Bible on Psalm 92:1-2 – “It is good to give thanks to the Lord to sing praises to the Most High. It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening.”
Here’s the commentary:
“During the Thanksgiving holiday, we focus on our blessings and express our gratitude to God for them. But thanks should be on our lips every day. We can never say thank you enough to parents, friends, leaders and especially to God. When thanksgiving becomes an integral part of your life, you will find that your attitude toward life will change. You will become more positive, gracious, loving and humble.”
May we all strive toward being thankful every day.