Stress and the Pursuit of (True) Happiness

Here’s the scoop: Our editorial team is working tirelessly to bring you several new resources—a book on the end times, a book on the Genesis creation days, a science-faith devotional for students, plus rereleases (and e-book editions) of a couple of out-of-print RTB titles.

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Interpreting the Creation Days “Literally”

Earlier this week, our editorial team was in an uproar over news that lexicographers conceded to popular thought, allowing the informal or emphatic use of the word “literally,” as in “this literally breaks my heart.” One Reddit user even posted the news with the following caption: “We did it guys, we finally killed English.”

Our editorial team bemoaned the change. But if The Credible Hulk has taught us anything, it’s to back up our rage (more like disapproval) with facts and documented sources. So I did some digging.

 

For Your Consideration

Cinephiles everywhere will salivate this Sunday as they tune in to watch the 85th Academy Awards. Part of the fun for viewers is picking a winner worthy of a tiny golden man.

While we here at RTB might never win an Oscar for feature-film endeavors, we do have a few new podcast features to offer for your consideration.

 

Touring the Educator’s Help Desk

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.

 

A Look at 10 (or so) Commonly Misunderstood Bible Verses

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.”

 

Holiday Signs and Signs of Design

The holidays are here and the countdown to December 25 has begun. As of today, there are only 43 days until Christmas!

Such news might supply a rush of joyful anticipation to the kiddies. Adults, on the other hand, (particularly those with kids whose wish lists include smaller yet increasingly expensive gifts) might feel that same rush followed promptly by a shudder and a quick jotting of mental notes.

 

Spreading the Good News—With Love

Vibrant foliage colors, exciting festivities, and Starbucks’ pumpkin spice lattes all help make fall my favorite time of year. Although people often say Southern California doesn’t experience “real” seasons, the signs of change are here. Our founder, Hugh Ross, aptly describes autumn in SoCal in an upcoming ministry letter:

While the seasons here in Southern California are subtle, to those of us who live and work here the signs are very familiar.

 

Evil, Suffering, and Hidden Treasures in the Book of Job

“My friends cautioned me not to write this book. They warned me, ‘No one who attempts to write any kind of commentary on Job can escape without some new experience in suffering.’ They had a point.”

  -Hugh Ross, Hidden Treasures in the Book of Job

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In the years it took Hugh to write Hidden Treasures in the Book of Job, he (and his wife, Kathy) endured profound personal suffering. Some of those trials, including the loss of their fathers and almost losing their son, are shared in his latest book.

Hugh’s intent was to write on the science content in Job. Instead, the book developed into a conversation about the connection between creation theology and evil and suffering.

 

A Look Back at RTB’s Cruise Conference Part 3

In parts 1 and 2 of this series Fuz Rana, Hugh Ross, and Jeff Zweerink recounted their experience on RTB’s Cruise Conference. This time we hear from philosopher/theologian Kenneth Richard Samples to hear how this Southern California native fared in the frigid temperatures of the Alaskan Coast.

 

Sifting Fact from Fiction in Biblical Archaeology

Al Khazneh (“The Treasury”) in Jordan was featured in “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.”

Whether it’s tall tales of daring quests and creepy tombs or documentaries of high-profile discoveries, archaeology continues to hold a fascination for many. Biblical archaeology is particularly stirring for Christians who feel the pressure to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, Scripture’s veracity. It may be tempting to use every discovery announced in the media as support for the Bible.

But a little healthy skepticism can keep believers from falling for and disseminating  misleading claims.