Tipping Sacred Cow

Some Cows Need Tipping

Summer Reading List

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Summer must be right around the corner. The reason I know this is because my kids just finished their last day of classes and they are about to make my wife’s life that much more exciting. It is at this time of year I begin to think about my summer reading list. To my wife’s chagrin I am the type of guy that has many books on the go at any given time. However, this summer I want to be a bit more focused and whittle my list down to a manageable number. Does this mean I will be successful in my attempt to stay true to my list and not add to it? In all honesty likely not. In any case, if you are so inclined you are more than welcome to join me in reading some of these treasures.

 

 

Preaching and Preachers by Martyn Lloyd-Jones

I have heard some good things about this little gem. Besides Jones’ original text this anniversary addition comes with additional essays from the likes of Bryan Chappell, Mark Dever, Kevin DeYoung, Ligon Duncan, Timothy Keller, and John Piper. I have been told that if your passion to preach isn’t stoked after reading this you likely aren’t called to preach.

 

The Explicit Gospel by Matt Chandler with Jared Wilson

I am familiar with Chandler’s story, as I am sure many of you are, and I have been blessed when I have heard him preach. His book is one that I was actually anticipating the release of. Not because I am a fan – strange reality that preachers would have a fan base, but so goes the world – but rather hoping the best for the guy. I have no doubt that Matt will do a wonderful job of articulating the gospel message in an accessible fashion.

 

 

The Masculine Mandate: God’s Calling to Men by Richard D. Phillips

The one thing that the church is hurting for these days is strong men. Don’t get me wrong, there are lots of XY chromosomes hanging around the church, just very few men. I will be getting together with some young men to discuss chapter by chapter the contents of this little baby. It makes for a wonderful discipleship opportunity.

 

 

 

Knowing God by J. I. Packer

When I talk with individuals about the books they would place on their “Essential Reading List” J. I. Packer’s Knowing God always seems to pop up.  Whether you know it or not your Pastor has likely read this book and been influenced by it.  I figured it was about time I scratched this one off my “To Read” list and see what all the fuss is about.

 

 

 

Finding Faithful Elders and Deacons by Thabiti M. Anyabwile

I am sure quite a few people have overlooked this book because of its title.  They probably figured it wasn’t for them because they were neither aspiring to be an elder, nor was it part of their job description to find qualified deacons.  I picked this book up a few months ago with the intention of using it in my personal devotions.  Why use a book about elders and deacons as a devotional?  Simply put the qualifications found in 1 Tim and Titus are not just for aspiring leaders, but they paint a wonderful portrait of a mature Christian.  I would hope that all believers would look at those qualifications and say, “May this be said of me!”

 

 

Some Cows Need Tipping

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So why did I choose Tipping Sacred Cow as my home?  The answer to that goes back to when I was a child.  My parents introduced me to God at an early age.  It wasn’t a saving knowledge, but it was an understanding that started me on my journey to Christ.

One Bible story that struck me as odd was the account of Israel’s idolatry with the golden calf.  How could they switch teams so fast, and for what, a golden cow?  I grew up around farms and to someone acquainted with cows it made absolutely no sense to worship one.  To my further childhood surprise I was to find out that the Israelites were not alone in their bovine worship.  I was to discover that cows were revered and inviolable in the Hindu religion.  Thus was the beginning of my understanding of sacred cows.

As I matured I discovered that sacred cows existed in more than just India. The term sacred cow no longer described the almost 140 species of cloven-hoofed ruminant mammals which one might deem hallowed.  Instead it described something or someone  that was beyond criticism or questioning.  With this new understanding it became evident to me that we had herds of sacred cows taking up residence in our lives, and especially in our churches.

Every Christian community has its own subculture of customs, traditions and beliefs.  Given that we are human and more than fallible, we are likely going to add elements to the apostolic tradition that run contrary to sound biblical doctrine.  It happened in the past (read Galatians people) and it happens today.  You can likely guess that when I ran into such things as a child I asked questions, and questions did get me in trouble.

Should our traditions, customs, and beliefs be exempt from criticism and questions?  I should hope not.  Our traditions and customs can be difficult to overcome and abandon.  Yet it remains our task in every generation to critically examine our own to ensure that they are consistent with sound biblical doctrine.  It is with this understanding that I began to examine my own customs, traditions and beliefs under the microscope of the scriptures.  I found many to be sound and scriptural, but for the few that could not be found in scripture, they were cows worth tipping.

Welcome To The Tipping Sacred Cow

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To Whom It May Concern:

If you are reading this post you have stumbled upon my blog tippingsacredcow.com.  From time to time I will be posting my thoughts and ramblings, some of which I hope you find useful.  If you are curious about who the author of this blog is simply click HERE and find out more about me.  Otherwise feel free search through the archives at your leisure.  God bless.

Jason T.