Riskin’s Life Shlomo Riskin is an impressive rabbi. He is in his mid-80s now and has had a stellar career. He was trained as an Orthodox Jewish rabbi and was, for a season, the rabbi of the flagship and famous …
The Theology of Hymns
The Bible’s DetractorsDetractors claim that the Bible presents us with a cruel God, even a sadistic God, and that biblical faith is evil. This is because they read texts about the command of Israel to wipe out different ethnic groups …
Judaism, Christianity and the Decline of Western Civilization
I recently read a profound book by Melanie Phillips. I am familiar with her mostly from op-eds she has written for the Jerusalem Post. She is a Modern Orthodox Jew and a moderate conservative, a British Israeli. I usually find …
The Ten Percent
Very recently, Bill Mahrer and the conservative Orthodox Jewish pundit Ben Shapiro had a dialogue. Shapiro was arguing for faith in the God of the Bible and the Torah, and Mahrer was arguing for atheism, claiming that much in the …
Creation Distinctions and the Worldview Battle
Rarely does a day go by that I do not read of clashes over social issues. Yesterday, the news carried a comment by the famous English commentator Piers Morgan over an arrest in London. A comedian was when he landed …
The Hostage War
I have read much in the Israeli English press on the Gaza War. Others see what I am writing here. We could call this the Hostage war because of how this war was fought. It was very much focused on …
The Pharisees and the Post-Destruction Yavne New Beginning
How does intuitive insight provide new possibilities in philosophy, theology, science, and literature? Catholic Theologian Thomas Dubay and the noted scientist Michael Polanyi point to the mystery that understanding comes almost like revelation. Augustine taught that all progress in knowledge …
Mercy Triumphs over Judgment
But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matt …
The Theology of Charles Finney, The Great Revivalist
Many consider Charles Finney the greatest revivalist in American history. He held revival meetings mostly before the Civil War. Outpourings of the Spirit, conversions, and dedications were noteworthy. Transformations of whole towns and cities in New York state were especially …
Returning to the Places That Shaped Us
Patty and I have had, so far, the most wonderful time in the United States. We returned on El Al Airlines the day before the Iran War broke out. That was amazing! We flew to our son’s house near Jacksonville, …