Caleb Morell of 9 Marks Writes About How Washington, D.C. Churches Responded to the Second Wave of the Spanish Flu in December of 1918

Caleb Morrell is a MDIV student at SBTS Seminary and a research assistant to Mark Dever at Capitol Hill Baptist Church.  Caleb wrote a solid historical article at 9 Marks about what happened when churches re-opened in the Spanish Flu only to have the influenza rage again in the second wave. There are many historical lessons in what Caleb writes and this blog believes strongly in learning from history.

How My Spiritual Abuse Situation From Redeemer Church of Arlington Illustrates the Systemic Flaws of 9 Marks

9 Marks is a system in the Neo-Calvinist world that encourages the practice of church discipline. From my understanding the network is designed to pass off members to each other and even invoke discipline if necessary. 9 Marks churches transfer membership to other 9 Marks churches. In addition to this being cult like my mess with Redeemer Arlington stress tested the system and revealed as to why its not sustainable or healthy. 

Garrett Kell, Jonathan Leeman and Mark Dever Discuss How to Shepherd a Flock During the COVID-19 Pandemic

At 9 Marks Garrett Kell had a discussion with Jonathan Leeman and Mark Dever on how to pastor a church in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. This brief post is preserving this conversation as it writes about the coronavirus situation. 

Caleb Morell of 9 Marks on How Washington, D.C. Churches Dealt with the 1918 Spanish Flu that Killed 3,000 Washingtonians

Caleb Morell of 9 Marks and Capitol Hill Baptist wrote an interesting article on how Washington, D.C. churches reacted to the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic. In that medical crisis 3,000 Washingtonians were lost their lives. This is more of a history post about a dark season in American history in the nation’s capitol. 

What Mark Dever and Jonathan Leeman of 9 Marks are Saying About the COVID-19 Virus and Church Attendance

Mark Dever and Jonathan Leeman of 9 Marks discussed the COVID-19 virus in a podcast and disused should churches meet? This is a brief post reporting on what was said by the writer of 9 Marks. 

Chopo Mwanza From 9 Marks on Four Members Who Tear Down the Church

There was a disturbing article on 9 Marks that needed a response. It comes from a 9 Marks pastor in Zambia, Africa. What is troubling is how authoritarianism is being exported abroad. This is a 9 Marks pastor take on 4 members who are critical and problematic for a church.  

Mark Dever Celebrates 25 Years as a Pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church. A Reflection on a Theological Autocrat

Mark Dever celebrated being a pastor for 25 years at Capitol Hill Baptist Church on September 22, 2019. This blog had a solid source who conveyed quite a bit about the culture and issues at Capitol Hill Baptist Church. But in the end how should Mark Dever be remembered? He should be remembered for his autocratic theology and his authoritarianism. 

How David Platt Never Learned From the Mark Aderholt Situation. The Disturbing Story of how McLean Bible Mishandled Scott Woods, an Alleged Predator in The Rock Ministries

The Wondering Eagle is notifying McLean Bible and the Washington, D.C, area to a predatory situation that occurred in 2016 and 2017. Scott Woods an adult volunteer at McLean Bible The Rock Ministries allegedly engaged in sexting and tried to groom minors for abuse he planned to commit after they turned 18. David Platt claimed he would take a strong stand on sexual abuse after the Mark Aderholt situation. Yet in this situation David Platt has been silent even when notified, but he has no problem talking about sex trafficking in Nepal. Yes #SomethingNeedstoChange, the Scott Woods story reinforces why the Southern Baptist Convention is struggling with sexual abuse.  Even with Caring Well scheduled to start in early October of 2019. 

In Order to Understand Evangelical Culture One Should Cease Reading their Bible and Read George Orwell Instead

In order to understand evangelical Christian culture one should read, study and pay attention to the themes from George Orwell in his classic novels. The themes of corruption, totalitarianism, censorship, blind loyalty, and more are used to paint warning to society. Because remember comrade, while all animals are equal some like your pastor are more equal than others. 

James MacDonald, C.J. Mahaney, Mark Driscoll and Other Celebrity Pastors. A Discussion on Authoritarianism at Roll to Disbeleive

Over at Roll to Disbelieve, an atheist blog, they have a good discussion and article about authoritarianism. In light of the authoritarian issues inside Harvest Bible Chapel, Sovereign Grace and the late Mars Hill this article I believe is a good read. It will give a psychological understanding on James MacDonald’s behavior.