Flotsam and jetsam (10/3).

HT Pete Enns (via Facebook)

Good Reads

• Would Augustine have invited Mohammed to his conference? Thabiti Anyabwile offers a strong critique of James MacDonald’s decision to invite T.D. Jakes, a oneness Penteostal, to speak at the Elephant Room.

• Self-Control and Gospel-Change. Does a Gospel of grace mean that you can’t try to “change yourself.” 

• How Seminarians Can Learn to Preach to Normal People. An important skill for us all to learn.

• The Sociology of Sunday School. Can Sunday school still be an effective vehicle for addressing biblical illiteracy in our modern world? 

Other Info

• Deals of the Day: John Piper’s Think is this month’s free audiobook from ChrisitanAudio.com. And, Fred Sanders’ The Deep Things of God (Kindle version) is on sale for $2.99.

• A new survey shows that readers prefer literal Bible translations over common English. (I could be wrong, but this looks like a good example of a skewed survey. Who wouldn’t say that they preferred an “accurate” Bible translation? Who wants an inaccurate one?)

• How Physical Exercise Can Strengthen Your Brain. But, shouldn’t that mean that professional athletes are among the smartest people around?

• When is it acceptable to leave a voicemail? I’m going with “never.” (I hate voicemail.)

Just for Fun     

• Here are the Top 10 Demons to Blame for Bad Behavior