Previously, I reviewed the book Christian Political Witness (see Part 1, Part 2). Now I want us to apply some of its insights. Therefore, I’m starting a new series in which I will consider the Christian political witness of the Chinese church. It is important to remember what is meant by “politics.” In a prior post, I said that “politics” concerns power–– influence–– in a public setting. Therefore, the topic is much broader than political parties and elections. Does the... Read more
The gospel is not so much the message how one gets saved; rather, it is the message one must believe in order to be saved. If you understand the contrast I make in that last sentence, then you understand one way that we should differentiate the “plan of salvation” from the gospel itself. Most people do not separate the two; however, I suggest this is a major problem in the church today. In this post, I’ll explain the distinction. Later,... Read more
In the last post, I reviewed the first few chapters of Christian Political Witness. The authors lay the solid theological foundation for the essays that follow. They all argue that being biblical necessarily entails being political in a more comprehensive sense than most people think. What does this look like practically? This is the subject of chapters 5–12 in CPW. In the coming weeks, I will look at a few of these essays in detail, applying them to the situation... Read more
Over at Jesus Creed, Part 2 of the “Christian Political Witness” series has been posted. It is called “To be Biblical is to be Political.” I first introduce the book I’m reviewing: If you think that the gospel is not political, read Christian Political Witness. This book will fix that misunderstanding. This and the next post give a broad picture and critique. Over the coming weeks, I will examine in more depth a select group of chapters, suggesting some of... Read more
If you think that the gospel is not political, read Christian Political Witness. This book will fix that misunderstanding. Today, I will review Christian Political Witness (IVP), which edited by George Kalantzis and Gregory Lee. Why review this book on this blog? I explained my thinking in the last post. This and the next post give a broad picture and critique. Over the coming weeks, I will examine in more depth a select group of chapters, suggesting some of practical implications... Read more
Let me introduce you to a new book called Christian Political Witness (IVP, 2014), edited by George Kalantzis and Gregory Lee. In the next few posts, I’ll offer a broad overview and critique of the book, i.e. a more traditional book review. Over the coming weeks, I’ll run a new series offering a more detailed “practical review,” which will attempt to apply insights from Christian Political Witness in a Chinese context. This sort of review is appropriate for any book... Read more
Check out Scot McKnight’s blog, Jesus Creed. Today, I began a new series that integrates politics, theology, the gospel, missiology, and the Chinese church. In the first few posts, I introduce the series by reviewing a new book called “Christian Political Witness.” Today’s post considers the question, “Is the Chinese Church Political?” In this series, I’ll examine a number of topics. Many things I bring up are not typically thought of as “political” issues. However, that is precisely a major... Read more
It’s been one year since Saving God’s Face was first published. As a way of celebrating, I’ll be giving away a free copy of the book. If you tell others about this post (via reposting on your blog, posting a link on FB, Twitter, etc.), then I’ll enter your name in a drawing two weeks after this posts. (*It would help if you let me know that you posted something, since I sometimes don’t receive notifications.*) Recently, someone asked me... Read more
In honor-shame cultures, using stories is a key element of ministry. I’ll be publishing a few articles on this in the coming months. For now, some people might be interested in what looks to be a good series over at honorshame.com. The series is called “How Stories Change Honor Codes.” (more…) Read more
In a previous post, I argued that the phrase “son of God” itself does not imply deity. To be clear, I wholeheartedly affirm that Jesus is God incarnate. However, that does not excuse our misusing a key biblical phrase. In my last post, I explained some of the practical reasons why this discussion matters. In this post, I want to emphasize another reason why this conversation matters. This misunderstanding as to the meaning of the phrase “son of God” highlights... Read more
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In