It’s been a while since we’ve done a link roundup! Here in the United States, today is sandwiched between a federal holiday and the weekend; I’m guessing that a lot of you out there have turned this into a long weekend. Here’s some interesting reading to get you through your holiday weekend.

• With the Fourth of July in mind, Peter Enns ponders the “empire criticism” in the New Testament, and asks if the gospel is inherently anti-empire.
• Blogger and author Rachel Held Evans is doing a series of interviews with Christians who hold different beliefs about the doctrine of Hell. She’s already interviewed a conditionalist and a universalist, and plans to interview a traditionalist next. If you’ve wondered how Christians interpret the Bible’s teachings concerning hell (or if you don’t know what any of those terms mean) her interviews are very informative.
• Zane Pratt at the Gospel Coalition blog has an excellent post listing 10 Things Every Christian Should Know About Islam. How many of these did you know?
• Ever wondered what a preacher’s nightmares look like?
• Frederick Douglass delivered an incredible speech about slavery, America, and Christianity on this day in 1852. Well worth reading.
• Tim Challies identifies 8 Ways Satan Convinces You To Question Your Salvation. Have you experienced any of these?