This is part 2 of the review of Bonhoeffer as Youth Worker: A Theological Vision for Discipleship and Life Togetherby Pete Sutton. Another insight from part 1 of Bonhoeffer as Youth Worker came out of Root’s examination of Bonhoeffer’s “Eight Thesis on Youth Work” written while serving as the youth secretary for the ecumenical movement in England. (I never knew this work existed before.) Here Bonhoeffer gives a modest and theological definition of youth ministry which is still relevant for today.... Read more

A website has been launched called N.T. Wright on-line which offers non-accredited courses through the Wisconsin Center for Christian Study largely using works from N.T. Wright. Courses include: Simply Good News – Available March 2015 Paul and His Letter to the Galatians – Available March 2015 Worldviews, the Bible, and the Believer – Available March 2015 Paul’s Epistle to the Philippians – Available Fall 2015 Paul’s Epistle to the Romans – Available Fall 2016 Paul and the Faithfulness of God –... Read more

Most of you know my passion for Bonhoeffer. Fewer may be aware of my long engagement in youth work. My major in college was youth ministry and I’ve been in full time and part time youth ministry in stents at different times. When I saw the title of this recent volume on Bonhoeffer by Andrew Root I knew I wanted to read it: Bonhoeffer as Youth Worker: A Theological Vision for Discipleship and Life Together. I too had been struck by... Read more

I had a great day at Second Presbyterian Church in Louisville with Jonathan Pennington (SBTS), Susan Garrett (Louisville Theological Seminary), and David deSilva (Ashland Theological Seminary) about how to interpret the NT. In the future the videos from the conference should be available from 2nd Prez in Louisville. Best quote of the conference was David deSilva who wryly commented that many Christians treat the Book of Revelation as if it is a game of “pin the tail on the anti-Christ.” Photo... Read more

In the opening chapter of Simply Good News, Wright gives an example of hearing “good news” by relating the story of the time he was in Atlanta and he heard the “good news” that England had beaten Australia in the 2003 Rugby World Cup (see pp. 7-8). Jonny Wilkinson, the poster boy of English Rugby, had won the game with a drop-goal in the final half minute. Australia was devastated; England was ecstatic. I was ecstatic. This was the best sporting news England had had for many... Read more

Since my sabbatical has just ended, I’m now wondering where in the world is the best place to take the next one. From what I’ve gleamed in my travels and in talking to friends, I’m gonna suggest the following: Tyndale House (Cambridge) Center of Theological Inquiry (Princeton) Lanier Theological Library (Houston) Ecole Biblique de Jerusalem (Jerusalem) Pontifical Gregorian Institute (Rome) Any other places we should know about? Read more

N.T. Wright Simply Good News: Why the Gospel is News and What Makes it Good New York: HarperOne, 2015 Available at Amazon.com I’m currently in Houston staying with the delightful Dr. Peter Davids and his wife Judy Davids when I notice N.T. Wright’s latest book on the shelves. So naturally I pick it up and start reading. Simply Good News rehashes many of the things found in Wright’s earlier books like Simply Jesus, Simply Christian, and Surprised by Hope. I won’t offer a full length... Read more

I recently got to visit the Lanier Theological Library in Houston, Texas, USA. It was an awesome experience. They have a beautiful byzantine style chapel and a gorgeous British styled library. It is filled with a great collections of books, including many private collections from retired scholars, plus a collection of first edition C.S. Lewis books and memorabilia. They have several lectures every year featuring people like N.T. Wright, D.A. Carson, Alister McGrath, and Justice Scalia. Definitely enjoyed my visit and will... Read more

Over at World Magazine, Warren Cole Smith interviews Bart Ehrman on responses to his book How Jesus Became God with a few mentions in dispatches for Michael Bird. I think Justin Bass is debating Bart Ehrman sometime this year on topic, which would be good to go to. Read more

Thanks to my friend Luis, I came across this video of Bart Ehrman doing a Q&A at the Freedom From Religion Foundation where he takes down someone for suggesting that Jesus did not exist. Told! Read more