a blog by Keelan Cook
The ends of the earth are not as far away as you think. In recent days, a swell of attention has been placed on the growing international populations in America's urban centers. In fact, in many neighborhoods in America's biggest cities (and even some of the not-so-big cities) you are less likely to find…
This post is the conclusion to a two-part series. It will probably not make much sense unless you go read the first post: Will I be dumping Starbucks? I concluded the last post by asking if there was a better way to approach cultural issues than this ban on Starbucks. This is how I answered:…
Continue reading ➞ A better way: An alternative to dumping Starbucks
Probably not. Now, I can sense the blood pressure rising in most of the people reading this. That is, if it is the usual crew. Yes, I did hear what the CEO of Starbucks said, and I do understand their stance on same-sex marriage. And no, my views on this issue have not changed. My…
Things change. We know this to be true. Live long enough, and you see the world around you adjust and evolve. It is a fact of life. Some things appear to always push forward, like technology. While other things seem to move in circles, like fashion. (Enter the teenage girl with her side ponytail and…
If you ever want to feel awkward, try preaching a wedding as a single guy. That will just about do it. A few months ago, I received a call from an old college student of mine. He and his fiancée (also a past student of mine) were getting married and wanted me to officiate the…
This post is a continuation from a previous post. For the whole story, read On debating an imam. Christianity is not about a religion, or a philosophy, or a worldview; it is about a person. For centuries men have been beaten, persecuted, tortured, and killed, and it was not for the sake of a…
If you started reading this post hoping for a quick word about evangelism, you are unfortunately mistaken. Truly, scripture often uses the imagery of light, and it does so in a positive manner. People are encouraged to be light, to not hide their light, to be in the light, and the word of God calls…
The gospel is undefeatable. I was reminded of this truth over the weekend. After I finished my last final exam for the semester, I made my way back to Tennessee as a surprise for my former students. Each year, our college ministry holds a mystery trip in honor of the graduating seniors. The students dress…
“The only thing good about 29 is the fact that it is not 30.” At least, that is what I said on this day last year. You may want to read that post first. It is called Confessions of a 29-year-old. It is funny. For years, 30 was that age off in the future. As…
It is funny how life has a way of coming back around to the same point. Despite a seemingly linear movement down life's road, we often find ourselves stumbling across signposts and circumstances that make us feel we have visited a place before. This morning, I found myself reading old posts on my blog. Keep…
The Peoples Next Door 