1) regarding the LeBron issue, James had his heyday in a lower brow, less classy era of the NBA. Jordan was ascendant when the game still had some class. I don’t watch the NBA anymore because it’s turned into a thuggish playground joke. The constant traveling -extra steps - the pushing and shoving are just too much. I have zero interest in watching a bunch of huge athletes cheat at the game. LeBron takes the prize in that era. Jordan, like Dr. J, was dazzling during a more elegant time. Therefore, LeBron can have the title, but it’s a title presiding over a corrupt game - a banana republic.
2) Megan Basham‘s work is needed. What she’s really railing against are Christians who should know better, bowing to “respectable” prince of the air themes and ideologies. And horribly leading their flock to these “safer” waters.
3) on your theme that what the world needs now is love, sweet love (look it up, you might be too young to know that lyric), we tried that one back in the 60s. That schmaltz is what the devil, and the left, have been using for quite some time now. To browbeat and shame us into dysfunction (and permissiveness) lest we not be accused of being stingy and not loving. Loving is good husbandry. That means challenging people, kindly, to do hard things. And to humbly bow to the Creator and accept his gift. Here’s a good little snippet that I think expresses the hard things point well:
Michael, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts!
(1) I'll admit, I didn't expect a LeBron vs. Jordan discussion to appear in the comments section of this piece, but here we are! I think your observations on the shifting culture of the NBA parallel some of the broader concerns in evangelicalism — what was once seen as a disciplined, structured pursuit can, over time, become something looser, more driven by spectacle than substance. Whether in sports or faith, the challenge remains to discern what is worth holding onto and what has strayed from its intended purpose.
(2) Basham's critique certainly strikes a nerve, particularly regarding the temptation to align with "respected" cultural currents rather than standing firmly in biblical truth. The tension, as always, is between engaging with the world and being shaped by it. Her concerns about certain Christian leaders prioritizing cultural palatability over theological fidelity are worth considering carefully.
(3) As for love, I hear your concern about how sentimentality can be weaponized to excuse moral laxity. But biblical love — a.k.a. agapē love — isn't defined by indulgence; it is epitomized by sacrifice. Christ's love wasn't weak or permissive — it led him to the cross. And part of the challenge today is reclaiming a love that is both deeply compassionate and unflinchingly true.
Well, three thoughts to your article:
1) regarding the LeBron issue, James had his heyday in a lower brow, less classy era of the NBA. Jordan was ascendant when the game still had some class. I don’t watch the NBA anymore because it’s turned into a thuggish playground joke. The constant traveling -extra steps - the pushing and shoving are just too much. I have zero interest in watching a bunch of huge athletes cheat at the game. LeBron takes the prize in that era. Jordan, like Dr. J, was dazzling during a more elegant time. Therefore, LeBron can have the title, but it’s a title presiding over a corrupt game - a banana republic.
2) Megan Basham‘s work is needed. What she’s really railing against are Christians who should know better, bowing to “respectable” prince of the air themes and ideologies. And horribly leading their flock to these “safer” waters.
3) on your theme that what the world needs now is love, sweet love (look it up, you might be too young to know that lyric), we tried that one back in the 60s. That schmaltz is what the devil, and the left, have been using for quite some time now. To browbeat and shame us into dysfunction (and permissiveness) lest we not be accused of being stingy and not loving. Loving is good husbandry. That means challenging people, kindly, to do hard things. And to humbly bow to the Creator and accept his gift. Here’s a good little snippet that I think expresses the hard things point well:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DE-OPCcMfnh/?igsh=MjRoeXJuZmowMDky
Michael, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts!
(1) I'll admit, I didn't expect a LeBron vs. Jordan discussion to appear in the comments section of this piece, but here we are! I think your observations on the shifting culture of the NBA parallel some of the broader concerns in evangelicalism — what was once seen as a disciplined, structured pursuit can, over time, become something looser, more driven by spectacle than substance. Whether in sports or faith, the challenge remains to discern what is worth holding onto and what has strayed from its intended purpose.
(2) Basham's critique certainly strikes a nerve, particularly regarding the temptation to align with "respected" cultural currents rather than standing firmly in biblical truth. The tension, as always, is between engaging with the world and being shaped by it. Her concerns about certain Christian leaders prioritizing cultural palatability over theological fidelity are worth considering carefully.
(3) As for love, I hear your concern about how sentimentality can be weaponized to excuse moral laxity. But biblical love — a.k.a. agapē love — isn't defined by indulgence; it is epitomized by sacrifice. Christ's love wasn't weak or permissive — it led him to the cross. And part of the challenge today is reclaiming a love that is both deeply compassionate and unflinchingly true.
Thanks Bradley, I enjoyed your commentary of my points. I agree.