By Gordon Miller
Moderator, 34th EPC General Assembly
“Meanderings” definition: Rambling or passing from one topic to another.
I hope you find the following collection of articles, quotes, quips, and Scripture to be informative, edifying, and thought-provoking. This information is not as thorough or detailed as the other articles in the Plumb Line. But I hope to stimulate honest and open debate on a variety of topics and challenges facing the church — especially the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. With cultural changes coming at ever-increasing speed, all of us on the Plumb Line Editorial Board desire that believers will stand firm, rooted in Scripture. I pray that you read this content in the spirit intended: love for Christ and for each other.
Note: The views and opinions expressed here are mine alone, and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the full Editorial Board of the Plumb Line.
Books You Might Enjoy
Daily Doctrine: A One-Year Guide to Systematic Theology
by Kevin DeYoung. Crossway, 2024.
You probably have more than one devotional in your library that you can pull off the shelf to get your day started off on the right foot. Those who need a shot of theology to get you going need look no further than Daily Doctrine. DeYoung uses the typical devotional layout to give you a concise, one-page dose of theology for each day. Put the days together and he covers broad themes, e.g., Covenant Theology, Christology, Soteriology, etc.
The vast majority of reviews I’ve read give DeYoung high marks for his entry into the devotional world. Having received Daily Doctrine as a gift, I can attest to the deep yet not overly academic content.
The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness
by Morgan Housel. Harriman House, Barnes and Noble edition 2022.
I would rather eat dirt than read anything about economics. I attempted an economics class in college. It didn’t take. Yet here I am urging you to read such a book. I promise that if you start to read Housel’s book — even if you feel about economics as I do — you’ll thank me. My son recommended this book with the “you won’t be able to put it down” scam. Wanting to be the good dad I told him I’d give it a try. He was right! This book is absolutely a joy to read.
Did you know $81.5 billion of Warren Buffett’s $84.5 billion net worth came after his 65th birthday? There’s still hope for me! No theology here, just a great read when you need to cleanse your palate.
Articles of Interest
“Side B” Christianity: An insidious, neutered gospel that has infiltrated the church
by Daren Mehl
“The Christian Post” April 20, 2025
Written by a man once in bondage to the homosexual lifestyle, this is a powerful article about God’s redemptive powers and the dangers presented by Side B Christianity. The author points out the compassion often expressed for those struggling with same-sex attraction is misplaced when believers attempt to transfer this compassion to the Side B movement. Read this article!
Restoring American Culture
by Roger Kimball
“Imprimus” February 2025
Is common sense still common? What can be done to recover common sense and bring restoration to a culture where common sense once was common? Kimball suggests we first need to acknowledge the state of decay for what it is. Next, we need to revive and celebrate the ideas that brought us example after example of cultural achievement. Mixing political observations with cultural critique, Kimball invites you to look deeply into recent cultural trends he believes must be reversed.
How Abortion Lost Its Cool
by Carmel Richardson
“First Things” May 2025
Has the abortion issue lost some of its political pull? Political junkies who recognize the evil inherent in abortion will find Richardson enlightening.
Citing recent polling, abortion statistics, and the 2024 election, Richardson offers a nuanced look at what may be developing on both sides of the abortion issue.
Truth Trumps Love
Helen Louise Herndon
“The Aquila Report” February 1, 2025
In this article, Herndon acknowledges the balance of truth and love, but then argues that God’s truth trumps misguided love when it comes to the serious sin of homosexuality. She makes it clear from Scripture that Godly love cannot exist apart from, be ignored by, or separated from God’s Truth. This obvious truth needs to be applied when we discuss biblical issues surrounding homosexuality. Our compassion cannot rewrite Scripture.
Herndon is a member of Central Presbyterian Church (EPC) in St. Louis, Missouri. She is a freelance writer and served as a missionary to the Arab/Muslim world in France and North Africa.
A Discussion of Same-Sex Attraction and Ordination
Wes Vander Lugt and Don Fortson
TEs Wes Vander Lugt and Don Fortson gave short presentations on “same-sex attraction and ordination” to the EPC’s Presbytery of the Central Carolinas on January 25, 2025.
In this 54-minute audio recording, Wes and Don share differing biblical viewpoints on the issue of ordaining a celibate same-sex-attracted person. Vander Lugt argues in favor and Fortson argues against.
Quotes
“The American elite is almost beyond redemption … Moral relativism has set in so deeply that the gilded classes have become incapable of discerning right from wrong. Everything can be explained away, especially by journalists. Life is one great moral mush — sophistry washed down with Chardonnay.”
—Charles Dickens
“It’s a mess, ain’t it Sheriff?” Sheriff: “If it ain’t, it’ll do ’til the mess gets here.”
—Scene from “No Country for Old Men” where they investigate the site of drug-related murders.
Humor
“I remember the time I was kidnapped and they sent a piece of my finger to my father. He said he wanted more proof.”
—Rodney Dangerfield
“I married your mother because I wanted children. Imagine my disappointment when you arrived.”
—Groucho Marx
(Remember when humor did not need to be connected to profanity?)
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