Thanks to FB (HT: Charles Y. Kim) I came across this quote from George Hunsinger about “enclave theology”: By ‘enclave’ theology, I mean a theology based narrowly in a single tradition that seeks not to learn from other traditions and to enrich them, but instead to topple and defeat them, or at least to withstand them. Enclave theology is polemical theology even when it assumes an irenic facade. Its limited agenda makes it difficult for it to take other traditions... Read more

AKMA Adam, an ordained Episcopal priest living in the UK, offers a very pointed review of the situation concerning the eight faculty sacked by the Trustees of GTS. He writes: [T]he administrative style on display in this tragedy coheres with the way leaders in the Episcopal Church have operated with increasing frequency over the past few decades. Everything must reflect orderly “process” when it serves power’s interests, when the outcome is assured, but if “process” would allow the possibility that the wrong... Read more

I just heard news that Richard Hays is presenting a lecture/discussion on “Did All the Gospel Writers Think Jesus was Divine?” which will be broadcast live through Google Events and on You.Tube. HT: Jim West   Read more

Logos is releasing the first volume in its High Definition Commentary on Romans by Steve Runge. According to the blurb, the volume is organized into preachable portions of Scripture and featuring over 100 custom graphics, Romansis perfect for sermons, Bible studies, and small groups. Using principles of linguistics and Biblical exegesis, Dr. Runge illuminates the key principles and overall message of the book of Romans. This commentary not only helps you identify the big ideas of a passage, it gives you... Read more

Ben Witherington offers a review and interaction with my essay on Romans in the McKnight/Modica book Jesus is Lord, Caesar is Not. I would not put anti-imperial rhetoric on the front burner of Romans, however, I am convinced that much of Paul’s theology in Romans is incompatible with Roman esteem for the princeps and the empire (see esp. Rom 15:12 with the root of Jesse ruling over the nations). Witherington is less inclined towards anti-imperial readers of Paul. Read more

Simon Chan Grassroots Asian Theology: Thinking the Faith from the Ground Up Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2014. Available at Amazon.com I have to say that this is easily one of the best books that I’ve read this year. I was initially just gonna have a basic perusal through this book, however, after the first chapter I was hooked! If you are into Systematics, mission, Pentecostalism, or global theology, then you will enjoy this book.  Simon Chan (Trinity College, Singapore) does a... Read more

Brian Houston, Senior Pastor of Hillsong, made come comments in a NYC press conference that created a bit of a stir because he refused to take a definitive position on the issue of homosexuality. He used the language like “an ongoing conversation” and talking about those “on a journey with it.” See full report at RNS. This has be interpreted by many as Hillsong’s capitulation on the issue of homosexuality as reported by Andrew Walker at First Things. However, Hillsong has released a... Read more

Douglas Campbell (Duke University) has a new book coming out on Pauline chronology and critical introductory matters called Framing Paul, looks like it will be a treat, see a promo for the book below:   Read more

A few months ago, Simon Gathercole gave a plenary paper at the BNTS on a comparison between the canonical and non-canonical Gospels.  In brief, Gathercole argues that the canonical gospels are distinguished from “other” Gospels by their kerygmatic content, in that they express what became known as “the rule of faith” (regula fidei). You can find a summary of the presentation conveniently provided by Steve Walton here. He concludes Gathercole’s point like so: In sum, it is not that the canonical... Read more

I’m sure many of you have heard that the City of Houston has demanded that several leading pastors turn over to authorities any sermons dealing with homosexuality and gender. See news reports here and here. I’ll be visiting Houston Baptist University in January, so I thought I better have some things to say in case I’m asked to hand over my sermon notes when I visit. Here is my top five: 5. They are on-line at SermonCentral.com where I get... Read more