Philip Friesen

Congressional Medal of Honor for Consciousness Objector

Mennonites like me have traditionally refused to participate in war as a matter of conscience, and this tradition was profoundly challenged during my college years at a Christian school where I grew in my faith under the tutelage of a number of godly veterans. Recently I learned a story that I believe will challenge every believer regardless of one’s convictions on this issue. On Saturday, May 5, 1945...

Philip Friesen

Restoring America’s Greatness

Last evening I heard Dr. Vishal Mangalwadi from India lecture on restoring America to greatness by means of Biblical knowledge and theological education. According to Dr. Mangalwadi, “Christianity lost America because 20th-century evangelicalism branded itself as the party of faith. Secularism (science, university, media) became the party of truth. This is one reason why 70% Christian youth give up...

Philip Friesen

GETTING IT RIGHT: OBEDIENCE IN THE REAL WORLD

My last blog was on “Getting It Wrong” when reading a parable. This time is “Getting It Right.” The first in this intended series (Lord willing) is On Eating and Drinking In the June issue of Christianity Today, a friend from my church published an article called “The Case for an Alcohol Free Life.” In this article she describes how that while many Evangelicals today do not share the aversion...

Philip Friesen

Public Taxes for National Sin

Last evening I heard William Cavanaugh from De Paul University speak on Religious Freedom and the Security State. According to Cavanaugh, the security state in which we live defines religion as a sacred right of every individual, but it must be kept individual. Religion must not impinge in any way upon government, economics, education, or any aspect of “secular” life. Religion is but one...

Philip Friesen

Muslim Christian Dialogue on Answering Atheism

  A Christian Response to Atheism for Muslim Christian Dialogue. Islamic Center Fridley, MN February 2, 2013   There are three references to atheism in the Bible that define what an atheist believes and does as follows:   Psalm 10:4 The wicked, in the haughtiness of his countenance, does not seek Him. All his thoughts are, “There is no God.” This verse could be read to mean: A...