One of the issues permeating the question of why there are world religions has to do with the massive diversity in the world and — to be blunt about it all — the “luck” or “chance” involved in some hearing the gospel or being nurtured in a more favorable environment. Interestingly enough, Origen thought about this intensely and Gerald McDermott, in chp 8 of God’s Rivals, has a full sketch of Origen’s interesting ideas. |inline Read more
My Monday evening class, “Women, Mary and Jesus,” just started and I have to admit it may have been the best first class session I’ve ever had. To set the whole class into context, we focused last night on discussions about “masculinity and femininity” — asking students to discuss what they are hearing and thinking about such issues — which I followed with a brief description of strong patriarchy, soft patriarchy, evangelical egalitarianism and humanist egalitarianism. We broke for 15... Read more
The response to the cover post on Monday was not only fun and informative, but overwhelming. The feedback factored into our “vote” to the publisher, which in the end is Zondervan’s decision. We’ll not announce yet which cover it will be, but regardless I think the feedback will lead to some tweaking and fine-tuning of the covers. The blog was nothing short of a field test for a cover. Read more
Our next text is actually two texts: Mark 10:14-15. Here it is: “13 People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like... Read more
I will call it “AirBook.” Check it out here. Read more
The more I read Gerald McDermott’s God’s Rivals the more convinced I am that this is the kind of book churches need to be using and here are my reasons for saying this: |inline Read more
Ridgewood Baptist Church, in Brookfield WI, installed Kent Palmer Sunday as senior pastor. We will miss Kent and Phyllis, but we are so glad for Ridgewood. Here are some of our impressions: |inline Read more
Mark 9:47, our 9th reference to kingdom, reads as follows in context: “42 “And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck. 43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never... Read more
I’m using this letter with permission. The issue is the Sanctity of Human Life Sunday (next Sunday and how many are reducing it to an anti-abortion Sunday). What are your thoughts? (And I assume you’ll offer some wisdom for this pastor.) Anyone have experience with seeking to expand the meaning of “Life” for next Sunday? |inline Read more
A, B, or C? [We are picking covers now for the book; the book will be published next Fall.] A B C Read more
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