The best theologians know that a classically high doctrine of sin is not only profoundly descriptive of human nature and the world we inhabit, it is also a necessary starting point from which to develop a high doctrine of grace. Nevertheless it is rather common to hear people in the church suggest that we can have one without the other: “I’d rather focus on God’s love than sin.” But how do we most powerfully know God’s love as Christians? Through God’s dealing with human sin.

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Columnist and author, David Brooks, is no stranger to strong editorial comment. A recent piece in the New York Times calls to account American materialism and sounds the alarm on a deterioration in sound economic values. He is particularly concerned about our national and personal debt. In this provocative column, Brooks calls for a “crusade of economic self-restraint”: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/29/opinion/29brooks.html?hp

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