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I am happy to announce that I’ve just accepted an invitation to join the faculty at Ridley College in Melbourne in 2013 as Lecturer in Theology. You can read the announcement here. It is an exciting opportunity for me, my family, and my academic ministry, to work for evangelical renewal in churches in Melbourne, especially in Anglican churches. Ridley offers a wonderful academic environment in Parkville, Melbourne next to several other theological colleges and the University of Melbourne. There have... Read more

Richard Burridge speaks with Simon Smart of CPX about the Bible and Ethics. Read more

I just so happen to have a few spare copies of the book The Apostle Paul: Four Views, but what to do with them? Well, after a profound brain thing happened inside of my head, I am proud to announce a competition for a copy of the book. I will give away three copies of the book to the folks who can produce the best 3-5 minute video clip on the subject of: Jesus, Paul and the Gospel of God... Read more

Bill Tammeus gives a glowing review of Mark Nanos’ position in The Apostle Paul: Four Views over at his blog Bill “Faith Matters” Blog. Good to see more attention given to this cool book! Read more

I’ve just finished reading several chapters from a very interesting book by Gary B. Ferngren on Medicine and Health Care in Early Christianity (Baltimore: University of John Hopkins Press, 2009). He contends that Christians really pioneered organized community healthcare, both for the church and for those external to it: From the very beginning Christianity displayed a marked philanthropic imperative that manifested itself in both personal and corporate concern for those in physical need. In contrast to the classical world, which... Read more

I published this back in June, but I found the need to refresh myself with it again today and thought you might be challenged by it again (or for the first) so republish it. — In Life Together Bonhoeffer has a provocative discussion about the all too common practice of confessing and forgiving ourselves. We don’t confess our sins to a fellow trusted believer. Bonhoeffer is forceful: this is not real confession and, therefore, not real forgiveness; and so we... Read more

I wish students were a bit more literate before they started theological education. So my top books – mostly short books designed for lay folks – to read before starting seminary or divinity college are: Andrew Cameron and Brian S. Rosner (eds.), The Trials of Theology: Becoming a “Proven Worker” in a Dangerous Business (Fearn, Ross Shire: Christian Focus, 2010). Gordon D. Fee and Douglas K. Stuart, How To Read the Bible For All Its Worth (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2003). Christopher Wright, The Mission of... Read more

Very good article by Catholic Bishop of Parramatta Anthony Fisher on Truth, Marriage, and the Threat to Religious Liberty. Some generalization I would contest, but he does allude to the zealous efforts of SSM supporters to marginalize and take punitive actions against public figures who dare to oppose their position. He writes, quite provocatively: Whether it is restaurateurs, athletes, broadcasters, psychiatrists, school teachers, rabbis, inn-keepers or politicians, no one is exempt from this ferocious campaign to silence advocates of marriage as... Read more

I’m working on a short essay in which I want argue that the Lord’s Prayer contains the essence of the gospel. It is a gospel prayer that shapes (creates really) a gospeled people. 9 “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation,... Read more