Take Two

We humans like tradition. For example, whenever my husband’s family gets together the evening always ends with a game of Tripoley (a combination of Hearts, Poker, and Rummy). Yet sometimes we also like to change tradition—hence why my husband and I have been subtly attempting to introduce some of our new favorite table top games at family get-togethers.

Changing tradition can be as simple as altering family activities or (in my family’s case) holiday menus. Or, it can be paradigm-altering—like Copernicus and Galileo questioning the geocentric model of the solar system or the big bang theory challenging the Aristotelian view of an infinite universe. (more…)

Bust out the party hats because today Take Two celebrates its fourth birthday. In celebration of our big day, we’ve compiled some of your favorite posts—consider it a“regifting” of sorts.

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It’s no wonder Holy Week is so special to believers. As RTB theologian Kenneth Samples writes, “Jesus’ being raised to new life three days after His execution pumps the heart of the Christian gospel (doctrine), and is Christianity’s central supporting fact (apologetics).”

In previous years, we (Sandra and Maureen) have shared our thoughts on Palm Sunday, Lent, and Good Friday. This year we asked our fellow RTB staff members for their thoughts on or traditions for Holy Week. (more…)

Songs of Joy to Come

Lunchtime conversations at RTB run the gamut from comics to Christian doctrine to the qualities of a good churro. Recently, we shared what our favorite Christmas carol is. Digital Outreach Director Phil likes “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” even if its lyrics are a bit creepy. Copyeditor Elissa admits N Sync’s “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” is her favorite because it brings back wonderful childhood memories. And blogging cohort Maureen likes “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” In particular, she loves the third verse, which declares that Christ was “born to raise the sons of earth.”

My favorites are “O Holy Night” and “Someday at Christmas.” The latter doesn’t mention the first Christmas specifically, yet both songs hint at the joyful hope we have in Christ. (more…)

In case you missed it, Yahoo! News reported earlier this week that, “for the first time in its history, the United States does not have a Protestant majority.” The report (released Tuesday from Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life) breaks it down this way: (more…)

The idea for this week’s blog literally knocked on my door in the form of two Jehovah’s Witnesses. I didn’t pause to chat with them, partly because I was busy, but mostly because I panicked. I had no idea what to say to them or how to say it. Troubled by my lack of confidence, I went to RTB philosopher/theologian Kenneth Samples for tips on interacting with Jehovah’s Witnesses. (more…)

Among other recent improvements to RTB’s website is the new Educator’s Help Desk. This feature grew from the need for a place on the site for educators. This is an ongoing project that will continue to expand its resource archives. (more…)

In The Hunger Games, impoverished district citizens must indulge the Capitol’s obsession with fashion, food, and entertainment. The latter comes in the form of a reality TV show that forces district children to fight to the death, until only one remains. (more…)

Most people are familiar with John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” It’s the go-to verse for budding evangelists, the bottom rim of In–N-Out cups, and Tim Tebow’s face. But not every verse can be plucked from the Bible to stand well (and be properly understood) on its own.

In a five-part series, philosopher-theologian Kenneth Samples, physicist and long-time student of the Scripture Dave Rogstad, and Theology Mom Krista Bontrager take a look at a “Top 10 (or so) Misunderstood Bible Verses.” (more…)

Every other day it seems news breaks about another business going belly up and filing for bankruptcy. Earlier this week Hostess became the latest company to bite the cream-filled dust. (more…)