The miracles and wonders recorded in the Gospels are not mystical proofs of the divinity of Jesus or an apologetic argument for Christian faith. Yet they are an essential part of the story. Luke Timothy Johnson, in his recent book Miracles: God’s Presence and Power in Creation, looks at the miracles recorded by Mark. But first a reminder… Our concern is steadfastly with the way in which the evangelists use the miracles of Jesus to express dimensions of the good... Read more

We Are The Same, by Kelly Edmiston My two year old daughter loves to dress like me. Like many toddler girls do, she comes in my bedroom almost every morning when I am getting ready. She loves to pretend to be me as she tries on all of my jewelry and clothes and shoes. She also pretends to put on my make-up. Carefully mimicking my behavior, she fumbles with the lipstick and brushes the powder all over her little face.... Read more

By Ruth Tucker, drawing from her book The Parade of Faith Can a Christian be too spiritual? Puritan preacher Cotton Mather (1663-1728) is a fascinating case study on that issue—as well as many others. Did he place too much emphasis on spirituality and spiritualizing daily life? It was his practice to meditate on every mundane activity of the day. Washing before bedtime, for example, reminded him of the washing of regeneration; rising from bed in the morning reminded him of the... Read more

I have five copies of our new book, The State of New Testament Studies (edited by SMcK and Nijay Gupta). A substantial book. Diverse perspectives. Summaries of major elements of NT studies today. A primer for pastors, seminary students, and academics. How to get a free copy? Drop a comment in the Comment Box below as to why you need a copy and I will randomly choose, next Monday, five names. Please provide some kind of contact information in the comment... Read more

This is the next question raised in Rebecca McLaughlin’s recent book Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World’s Largest Religion. On this question, I take a slightly different tack from that taken by Rebecca. To start to explore this question we need to define the word “condone.” According the Merriam-Webster condone means “to regard or treat (something bad or blameworthy) as acceptable, forgivable, or harmless.” Another dictionary on my shelf (Webster’s 20th Century Unabridged) defines condone as “to pardon,... Read more

Source By Mimi Haddad On October 23, 2019 Women in Leadership Abuse Welcomed with handclapping and glee, the demeaning of women and people of color was celebrated on the platform and by attendees at the recent Truth Matters Conference. Leading the way was John MacArthur, a mega-church pastor, radio personality, and seminary teacher. His diatribe against women began as MacArthur offered two words that came to mind when he thought of Beth Moore. With impunity he said, “Go home!” His remarks... Read more

As a professor at Southwestern Seminary in Ft Worth, Texas, Calvin Miller, in his autobiography, Life is Mostly Edges (#ad), describes a class session that is worth a good read: I once had a church leadership class with eighty students in it, four of whom were women. I know they were determined to get their degrees, but among that many men—some of whom were strongly opposed to women in ministry—they always looked a little scared to me. Women are often quiet... Read more

Some say “That’s what the Bible says and that’s what we are to do” (except, eating pork is fine). Others dismiss the Bible as an ancient text that was, true enough, at the foundation of modern morality but is a long way from it. Others develop more sophisticated approaches, and this often revolves around what (1) what is central and living from that central idea/ethic [love, justice] or (2) what is normative vs. what is cultural. William Webb’s redemptive movement hermeneutic... Read more

Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. BCP Read more