Controversial Considerations For Those Seeking To Start A Family

An Opinion On Reproductive Technology

(Written by Kevin. A. Hall  10.13.16)

Reproductive technologies play a major role in the lives of so many in our culture.  When I think of what the term means I automatically think of options for assisting folks with having a baby. The term actually refers to “various medical procedures that are designed to alleviate infertility, the inability of a couple to produce a child of their own” (Rae, 156). I am in total support of technologies that aid the reproduction process but the ethics of the process cannot be ignored.

As it stands, options available for parents/parent include artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization and surrogate motherhood. Compassion comes to mind when one thinks of the couple or the single adult who so long to have the joy of a child in their lives. This process can make this possible. Here’s a quick overview of available options:

Is The Influence Of Our Churches Diminishing?

The Diminishing Influence Of Our Churches In A Post-Modern World

(Written by Kevin A. Hall   04.19.2017)

I conducted a study of the diminishing influence of our churches within this post-modern generation recently based on an excellent Doctoral Dissertation. I am unable to share the resource, but found it necessary to document a few takeaways which are key to our present attitude of “doing church”.

There is no doubt, that the perceived influence of the church has diminished over the past few decades. One contributing factor has been philosophical thought especially the influence of Post-Modernism upon this last generation. Mike McDaniel makes a very good case about the demise of Christianity post-Christendom. Its effect is global, reaching even what may seem to be remote parts of our world with the ushering in of Globalism. I can tell you that even on an Island of less than 5000 people where I presently reside, we see the effects of Post-Modernism. Churches on this island are fairly empty. It is not uncommon for the average Sunday Morning attendance to be less than 17. One church I attended had  10 in attendance. There were 2 males over 40 years old, 6 females over 60 years old and 2 children under 11 years old. Where is the younger generation? Working adults under 40? Strong young men between the ages of 16- 30? How about the children? How can our churches be missing their precious laughter and presence? Travelling around the countryside I was pleasantly surprised to find “the missing”. Schools were filled to capacity with children and young people. Young men were on the streets in the afternoon playing basketball. Kids were up and about on Saturdays. Ever so often I would see a young lady walking on the street. I met them in the places of business and in the laundromats; also by the beach or the Bayfront with their babies. The young men I found at the barber shops and the liquor store. They often congregate in groups, usually in someone’s yard. Thankfully, it seems they are not running wild on the streets. There seem to be a method to their gathering. They are almost invisible, but they are here…and in large numbers. It seems that most people stay indoors. Crime is low, but there is a high percentage of babies being born to single family homes. A large percent of the church’s target audience is staying home, and this trend is not uncommon to Christendom in general.