Wednesday Link List: "Take Up Your Cross," Living Out, and More

Once again, it's time to hit the links …

Steve Taylor fans will want to catch the video for his album fundraiser on Kickstarter.
If you like to keep idealistic memories intact, think twice before clicking to this article on the horrible personal life of C. S. Lewis.
Why stop at bumper stickers if you can put the entire story of Jesus on your car?
In the UK, Christmas cards are becoming increasingly me-centered.
So when all was said and done in the Mefferd-Driscoll controversy, Carl Trueman had predicted the outcome either way …
… and then InterVarsity Press (IVP) became an official player in the saga with a short press release.
… and a Reformed author offers seven thoughts on the writing of books.
Saeed Abedeni wasn't one of them, but Iran has released two other pastors detained in prison for 214 days.
Do progressive Christians read books as do Evangelicals? Maybe not, as one Christian publishing imprint scales back.
While reading a video game Kickstarter proposal, my wife discovered that one of the creators of the classic video game Myst, is now a pastor, at this church.
When Jesus said to "take up your cross," is this literally what he had in mind?
Sarah Palin is promoting a book which will resonate with conservative Christians, fighting the "war on Christmas."
… But are some conservatives fighting the wrong war?
Essay of the Week: What do we mean—and is the definition changing—when we say pastoral.
Most Clicked Article of the Week: As seen on various websites, Jon Foreman of Switchfoot on the use of "Christian" as an adjective. (Here's some classic music by Jon)
A case will be heard in court in Armenia in January as Jehovah's Witnesses appeal two building permit requests turned down because of complaints about the sect.
A discovery by South African scientists again reopens discussion as to the age of the earth.
Living Out, a new website in the UK offers encouragement to Christians experiencing same sex attraction …
… and also from our brothers and sisters across the pond, a great Christmas Eve service video (that also proves not every spoken word piece that rhymes is rap).
Former Charisma magazine editor Lee Grady thinks that with the passing of Paul Crouch, it's time to reinvent Christian television.
Link that takes you to more links: The best of the internet on the subject of hell.
Going Deeper Department: Do we start with Scripture or do we start with Jesus? Discuss.
In Holland, the election of Pope Francis is at best slowing down a rapid exodus of Catholic parishioners …
… Meanwhile, back at The Vatican, is the Pope sneaking out at night to give away money?
A reality show in the U.S. may be intent on popularizing the idea of group marriage, aka polyamory.
Recurring theme, different location: Pentecostals in Africa prescribing prayer instead of drugs for HIV patients.
The Grammy nominations are out, scroll down the list to the gospel and contemporary Christian categories, 36 thru 40. This was the first time I'd heard of Tye Tribbett, nominated in three categories.
Weird Video Moment of the Week: Rob Bell talks God and surfing—but not necessarily in that order—on the Pete Holmes show, a talk show affiliated with Conan O'Brien.
It's not in your mailbox. It's not on your video screen. It's the four-letter word you don't hear.
When the person playing Mary in this Australian Christmas re-enaction boards her donkey, she'll be wearing a helmet of sorts.
Finally, our gift item for the week: Mormon missionaries riding their bikes through some kind of environmental aberration. Free shipping available.