Beyond the Abyss 1

Last updated on: September 26, 2010 at 10:03 am By Scot McKnight

Perhaps the fundamental obstacle in embracing the biblical understanding of what happens beyond death, in particular what is traditionally called “hell,” is the rhetorical powers of misguided Christians who have exploited hell to persuade people to escape it. It was this that Brian McLaren was tapping into in his newest book’s sketch of what he calls the Greco-Roman narrative. Whether you think back to Dante’s inferno, with his all-too-picturesque images of torment in hell, or to Bunyan’s imagery, or to... Read more

So what is justice?

Last updated on: September 26, 2010 at 9:59 am By Scot McKnight

Paul Louis Metzger, in Leadership, writes about "biblical justice" and defines it like this: Biblical justice involves making individuals, communities, and the cosmos whole, by upholding both goodness and impartiality. It stands at the center of true religion, according to James, who says that the kind of "religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" (James 1:27). Earlier Scripture says, "The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern" (Prov. 29:7). I have a thing for this term justice so let me give a brief on the term: Read more

One of Chicago’s Finest

Last updated on: September 26, 2010 at 8:36 pm By Scot McKnight

If you’ve not been to Tre Kronor, you’re missing something. [That’s Britta in the red.] Read more

To Colbert or Not?

Last updated on: September 26, 2010 at 5:44 pm By Scot McKnight

The Dems are divided on this one, and I wonder where you stand. Hoyer says No, Pelosi says Yes. Washington (CNN) – House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said comedian Stephen Colbert embarrassed himself last week when he testified before Congress. “I think his testimony was not appropriate,” Hoyer told FOX News Sunday host Chris Wallace. Colbert, the popular host of “The Colbert Report” on Comedy Central, spoke in character before members of a House judiciary subcommittee Friday to bring attention... Read more

To Speak or Not?

Last updated on: September 26, 2010 at 3:44 pm By Scot McKnight

There's a bit of a fiasco going on right now about "Pulpit Freedom Sunday." Evidently there's a groundswell of pastors and leaders who think the IRS is clamping down to much on what can and what cannot be said from the pulpit on Sundays. Nearly 100 pastors across the country planned to take part in Pulpit Freedom Sunday, an in-your-face challenge on Sunday to what the government says can and cannot be said in church. The pastors, along with the Scottsdale, Ariz.-based nonprofit Alliance Defense Fund, are reacting to a law stating that churches are not allowed to support politicians from the pulpit, according to the ADF. The growing trend is a challenge to the IRS from the churches, and may jeopardize their all-important tax-exempt status. But some pastors and church leaders said they are willing to defy the law to defending their right to freedom of speech.... Read more

Dogs can pray, too

Last updated on: September 26, 2010 at 11:35 am By Scot McKnight

Sunday as Resurrection Day

Last updated on: September 21, 2010 at 9:29 pm By Scot McKnight

The Church sees Sunday as the day on which we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. May all things their creator bless … and in the words of George Herbert, “Easter” Awake, my lute, and struggle for thy part With all thy art. The cross taught all wood to resound his name, Who bore the same. His stretched sinews taught all strings, what key Is best to celebrate this most high day. Read more

Preparing for Eucharist

Last updated on: September 19, 2010 at 7:40 am By Scot McKnight

In Alister McGrath’s newest book, The Passionate Intellect: Christian Faith and the Discipleship of the Mind, four themes connected to eucharist are explored briefly, and I want to reflect on each one over the next four weeks. Today is our fourth and final theme. Together. At the Table of our Lord we not only stand alone; we also stand together. I take of the cup and the bread, but I take it with you and we together ingest as corporate... Read more

Prayer for the Week

Last updated on: September 19, 2010 at 7:39 am By Scot McKnight

O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Read more

The Voice Most Influencing Evangelicals in America

Last updated on: September 25, 2010 at 6:39 am By Scot McKnight

Be warned: an anabaptist perspective is about to become clear. When I was a teenager, the most influential evangelical voice was probably Jerry Falwell, who had a national platform with a TV program, and then the voice shifted, so it seems to me, to James Dobson through the medium of radio. Now that influence has moved to another source, FoxNews, so I register here the voice I think is influencing evangelicalism even more than Dobson: Shawn Hannity. I came to... Read more