We have been working through Kent Sparks’s book God’s Word in Human Words (GWHW). A couple of posts ago (here) I suggested a way of looking at scripture as light rather than foundation; a change in perspective that I think takes some of the stress out of the discussion of the nature of scripture. Our foundation is God alone. But this is only a beginning. We still need to wrestle with the nature of God’s revelation in Scripture. In Chs.... Read more
Attentive readings of this account reveal that Jesus had the same solution and saw the same problems seen by Mary, Zechariah, and John the Baptist: injustices everywhere. And he had the same solution: repent and start living together as God’s beloved community. Listen to his words from Luke 4:18-19 that Jesus quotes from Isaiah 61:1-2: The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.... Read more
James 3:1 begins a new section. There are a variety of proposals of where the section ends in James, but our view is that it ends at 4:12. Some see the entire section to be a mixed bag of exhortations but our view is that James 3:1-4:12 addresses teachers and their impact (good and bad) in the community of faith. James here builds on some teachings of Jesus, and one thinks of texts like this from Matthew 12:33-37: 33 “Make a... Read more
Scot linked to an article earlier this year: Obama moves to separate politics and science. When Scot brought this up (see here) he emphasized and directed conversation toward the issue of stem cell research – clearly an important issue and one well worth discussion. The CNN article, and the changes introduced by the Obama administration, encompass more than just this however. Obama has also moved to strengthen funding for basic science research, to encourage energy and green research, and to... Read more
We are working our way through Tom Wright’s new book, Justification: God’s Plan & Paul’s Vision, and how the new perspective (Tom Wright’s version of it anyway) is playing out today. What about the Law then? How does Wright understand the Law? Wright begins by sketching, in bold figure, how Luther saw the Law as the bad guy and then quotes Edmund Clowney, in a book edited by DA Carson, who says this of Calvin’s view of the Law: “It... Read more
O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Read more
Scot and Kris have been busy in South Africa – so no Weekly Meanderings … Tom Smith has some reflections on Scot’s visit. But I couldn’t pass on this and will take the opportunity to highlight a real sport for a change – with speed and action galore… Our Town – (With a great skyline) Chicago Blackhawks-Detroit Red Wings: Ancient rivalry renewed. I voted Wings in 4. What do you think? And something to consider (especially if you play). Read more
Throw out the health issue for a minute and think aloud about the best fast-food restaurant. What’s your favorite? Will it be burgers, tacos, fried chicken, fish, or a prosciutto on panini? I could go on. What’s your favorite? (Kris and I are convinced it is Chipotle.) Read more
Where do we begin if we believe in the power of “with,” the power of loving gays and lesbians? This is perhaps the central issue addressed in Andrew Marin’s new book, Love Is an Orientation: Elevating the Conversation With the Gay Community . These are the questions we must ask and answers to these questions can frame a whole new way — a third way, the power of “with.” Andrew makes a powerful suggestion because he looks to the issue... Read more
We are working our way through Tom Wright’s new book, Justification: God’s Plan & Paul’s Vision , and discussing the new perspective. Wright’s a book is an apologetic for his views, and a response to the critique of his book by John Piper. The question: What does “the righteousness of God” mean? Piper understands God’s righteousness as God’s concern for God’s own glory (see Piper’s The Future of Justification, 62-71). Wright thinks Piper’s wrong, “not massively wrong, just out of... Read more
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