Acts and Mission 86

Last updated on: February 2, 2010 at 12:02 pm By Scot McKnight

There’s really no other way to say this than to say that missional work, especially if it is a church-planting missional ministry like Paul’s, involves travel. Part of Paul’s travel was a sense of homeboundedness toward Jerusalem and a sense of accountability in Jerusalem and a sense of wanting the support of Jerusalem’s leaders. But Paul’s trips involved a high-radar sensitivity to the Spirit’s guidance. But alongside Paul’s own discernment of the Spirit is the discernment of others, and the... Read more

McLaren on Fundamentalism 1

Last updated on: February 2, 2010 at 11:37 am By Scot McKnight

From Brian McLaren’s blog, and wondering what you think of this way of putting the difference between fundamentalists and the curious (non fundamentalists)? Quiz:When I am presented with a new idea or proposal, my first question is more likely to be …___A. Is it acceptable to my religious/ideological community or belief system?___B. Is it possibly true, valuable, and worth exploring? If you chose A, you’re probably a fundamentalist, and probably shouldn’t read my new book because it will only get you in... Read more

Science, Scripture, and Worldviews (RJS)

Last updated on: May 20, 2012 at 6:48 am By RJS

The Biologos blog Science and the Sacred posted two excellent videos of N. T. Wright a couple of weeks ago. I’ve been slow in getting to these, with so many other interesting topics on the agenda – but both are worth a look and a conversation. The first Meaning and Myth deals with Genesis 1-3, the second is on Evolution, the Enlightenment, and Worldviews. Watch these videos (below) and lets start a conversation. What role does our worldview play in... Read more

Lengthening Our Memory 5

Last updated on: February 2, 2010 at 12:08 am By Scot McKnight

Chris Hall, in Worshiping With the Church Fathers , examines the topic of prayer in the fathers and lands on an insight that is fundamental to prayer: Our image of God. That is, what image of God do we have in our heads and hearts when we begin to pray? That image, Hall reminds us — and a host of theologians and writers have said the very same thing, will shape how we pray. What are your suggestions for developing a... Read more

Apologetics from the Side

Last updated on: February 1, 2010 at 8:33 pm By Scot McKnight

This time from Christopher Hitchens, who was interviewed in The Portland Monthly by Marilyn Sewell, whose words are in bold: The religion you cite in your book is generally the fundamentalist faith of various kinds. I’m a liberal Christian, and I don’t take the stories from the scripture literally. I don’t believe in the doctrine of atonement (that Jesus died for our sins, for example). Do you make and distinction between fundamentalist faith and liberal religion? I would say that... Read more

Is Football Too Dangerous?

Last updated on: February 1, 2010 at 3:37 pm By Scot McKnight

A recent report in Time.com suggests so, and I personally believe it is … so what to do? More education about what is actually happening to the brain and more rules that prevent head injuries. What do you think? Check this article clip out: On Feb. 7, some 90 million people will watch the Indianapolis Colts play the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV in Miami. Perhaps the Roman numerals are appropriate. Although football hasn’t quite reached the bloodlust... Read more

Acts and Mission 85

Last updated on: February 1, 2010 at 12:45 pm By Scot McKnight

Paul’s missional pastoral theology is on display in Acts 20 and, after reading this text, I’ll propose a few ideas about missional. 20:25 “And now I know that none of you among whom I went around proclaiming the kingdom will see me again. 20:26 Therefore I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of you all. 20:27 For I did not hold back from announcing to you the whole purpose of God. 20:28 Watch out for yourselves and for all the flock of... Read more

Law at the Jesus Creed: David Opderbeck

Last updated on: February 1, 2010 at 5:48 am By Scot McKnight

David Opderbeck, a professor of law, weighs in on a crucial theological topic that affects our understanding of law. Are you Roman Catholic or Reformed — or where are you on this issue? Law: Can We Be Good? Law is an effort to respond to one of the most basic human questions: “what does it mean for people to be ‘just’ and ‘good'”? Any understanding of “law” therefore will presuppose an anthropology (a theory of what it means to be human) as well... Read more

Christians, Sports and Compromise

Last updated on: February 1, 2010 at 12:04 am By Scot McKnight

On the day I saw online the Christianity Today piece on sports and the Christian faith, the author of that article’s book arrived on my desk. It is called Good Game: Christianity and the Culture of Sports . I begin with an admission of some facts that may influence how I read this book: I am the son of a coach; my wife is the daughter of a coach; three of my brothers-in-law played Division I basketball; one of them... Read more

Free eBook about Connection in a Disconnected Age

Last updated on: January 31, 2010 at 1:19 pm By Scot McKnight

Chris Smith, who is doing all of us a great service in that he has created Englewood Review of Books — an online book review magazine, has now published an eBook and it’s free if you want to download it. The book is about 50 ideas for connecting in an age of disconnection. I read through it — fantastic practical ideas that most local churches can do to help connection and fellowship. Read more

On which day did God create animals?