Today, among the ashes we wait. ... Tomorrow we celebrate, For he has risen, And everything is changed.
Bible & Theology
Olson on what “Christian” Means
Roger Olson has been writing recently about claims from different groups and people to be "Christian,", in an attempt to clarify a basic set of beliefs/convictions that one can use to measure the claim. He recently posted an overview of the criteria he proposes. How do we determine if someone (group or individual) is Christian? … Continue reading Olson on what “Christian” Means
Enns on Jesus, the Cross, and Shame
Peter Enns writes about the foolishness of the cross: my only complaint is that his post isn't long enough. If God exists, our thoughts and words will fail us rather quickly, and that the truth of God will necessarily draw us further out to orbits beyond what our feeble minds know, what makes sense to … Continue reading Enns on Jesus, the Cross, and Shame
Sermon Prep for Maundy Thursday
We're having a "Maundy Thursday" service (Veliki četvrtak, or "Great Thursday", we call it in Croatia) at Kristova Crkva Kušlanova, and I am giving the sermon. Actually, I am planning to give two extended meditations, one before communion and one after. Both will be about 5-7 minutes in English, with a translator. Our worship director … Continue reading Sermon Prep for Maundy Thursday
Polemicists or Pastors?
(Not a great title; sorry.) Greatness from Pete Enns Regarding a conversation with an angry former student, Enns writes: “My own teaching style and theology were not oriented toward training polemicists. I was more interested in exploring the Bible with my students and encouraging them to let the Lord surprise them through a careful and … Continue reading Polemicists or Pastors?
“… Is the Hardest Part”
To quote the great theologian Tom Petty, "The waiting is the hardest part." You hope God is doing something, or maybe you're confident: you KNOW God is doing something. But WHAT? Perhaps I am never still enough often enough long enough to hear God's voice clearly. My normal MO is to pick a direction and … Continue reading “… Is the Hardest Part”
Olson: Is It Scientific to Refuse to Contemplate the Possible Existence of God?
Roger Olson writes about his participation in a recent "conversation" between scientists and theologians from various traditions, and how that conversation left him frustrated. He observes that, as far as he could tell, the conversation was really only in one direction, monologue not dialogue; the theologians were expected to listen to and learn from the … Continue reading Olson: Is It Scientific to Refuse to Contemplate the Possible Existence of God?
Van Loon: Pharisaism, “Sabbath Elevators”, & Gender Roles
Michelle Van Loon writes about pharisaism and gender rules in the church , specifically about a list of 80-something "do's and don'ts" for women in the church that Wayne Grudem has compiled. Her analogy of "Sabbath elevators" (which I'd never heard of) is perfect. Grudem’s list states that either a man or a woman may teach … Continue reading Van Loon: Pharisaism, “Sabbath Elevators”, & Gender Roles
About My Son: Joshua’s Star
So let me talk about my son. When my son Joshua was about fourteen years old, we were talking about God one night. This wasn't uncommon, although (it pains me to admit) it seems to me now that we talked more about bands and movies than we talked about God. Joshua had been baptized a … Continue reading About My Son: Joshua’s Star
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