Atheists, Pakistanis, and Anti-Porn – This Week’s Around the Web

“What scares the New Atheists” | The Guardian // For the first time in history, there exist societies in which the default worldview and assumption is secular. In these places, people walk out there doors and the existence of a god is not an easily apparent reality. And yet, humanity on the whole can’t seem to shake this whole “religion” thing. In this astonishingly good long read from John Gray, he explores how faith is hardwired into us and how this challenges the anemic philosophies of the New Atheists. (Good sermon illustrations in here too!)

“Pakistani Christians Fight Back” | The New York Times // It really is a good thing now and then to be reminded of what life is like when your culture is not so utterly infused with Christianity of all kinds. In Pakistan, where Christians are a persecuted minority, they have started rioting under these conditions. This piece explores the history and psychology of this.
“Attempt to Market Anti-Porn Ministry to Mark Driscoll Fans Goes Bad” | Christianity Today //  What happens when an edgy ministry buys an old Mark Driscoll e-mail list and tries to out-edge him? Bad things. Take this as free marketing advice for the future ministries of all you seminarians for what NOT to do.
“UK’s first husband and wife team of bishops announced by Church of England” | The Telegraph // No matter where you stand on this particular issue, this serves as a wonderful conversation starter among your seminary friends. It brings up such good questions. If you think this is unbiblical, where are the evidences of sin in this situation? How are you to view the fruits of ministry that have accompanied this woman for decades leading to this decision? If you are fine with women leaders, what role should the marital vow and intra-marital unity play in a decision like this? Discuss.
“‘Miracle’ face of Jesus appears in South American landslide” | Mirror // If you need a reason for some Christian self-deprecation and a reminder that we have some odd balls in our spiritual family, look no further.