Messy Bible, Clean Lives (by John Frye)

Last updated on: November 21, 2013 at 1:12 pm By Scot McKnight

Readers of the Bible discover very soon that the Bible is a messy book. Chocked full of stories—some familiar and others quite odd, and poetry about all kinds of subjects: speech, sex, enemies, searing pain and God, and enigmatic apocalyptic images with fire-breathing dragons and tattoos on the thigh of Son of God, the Bible distances itself from our tidy morning devotionals and crisp, clean “principles” to support a comfortable American life. We don’t like mess, so many have pursued... Read more

#Godtalk (by Lauren Anders)

Last updated on: November 20, 2013 at 6:45 am By Scot McKnight

From Lauren Anders: #evangelism At the end of September, Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake acted in a sketch where they used hashtags in an ordinary conversation. If you haven’t seen it, you should. It’s hilarious. And relevant to this post. And did I mention that it’s hilarious? (Note: There’s one swear at the end that isn’t quite bleeped out.) In his book Understanding Media, Marshall McLuhan focused on the effects of media on society. He defined media as technological extensions... Read more

How are libraries changing?

Last updated on: November 16, 2013 at 6:37 am By Scot McKnight

From ALA: How do you use public (or otherwise) libraries? The American Library Association (www.ala.org) motto of “The best reading, for the largest number, at the least cost” was adopted over 120 years ago, and perhaps it has never been more relevant. Currently the ALA supports the following 4 primary dimensions for strategic library development: Physical To Virtual Libraries – Creating a balance between physical facilities with the increasing demand for digital materials Individual To Community Libraries – Accommodating the... Read more

It is a Conundrum Pt. 2 (RJS)

Last updated on: November 21, 2013 at 6:55 am By RJS

On Tuesday I put up a post It is a Conundrum Pt. 1 that gave my answer to the question “How can you be a Christian?” in part through a survey of “love” passages in the New Testament. The directive to love one another is pervasive throughout the New Testament. My answer to the question “how can you be a Christian?” is situated in a deep desire to be part of the people of God living (or more accurately aiming... Read more

Revised People of God and Supersessionism

Last updated on: November 19, 2013 at 7:08 pm By Scot McKnight

At the heart of any theology of the Bible is the people of God, which means Israel and it is a source of astonishment that some write “biblical” theologies and have almost nothing on Israel — other than as background. At the same time, at the core of a Christian reading of the Bible as the Story of God in this world, is the church. In NT Wright’s Paul and the Faithfulness of God, this theme of church, along with... Read more

Leaning In

Last updated on: November 20, 2013 at 6:23 am By Scot McKnight

Source: What revolution is Sheryl Sandberg talking about with this story ? The one that notwithstanding the many gender biases that still operate all over the workplace, excuses and justifications won’t get women anywhere. Instead, women should believe in themselves, give it all, “lean in” and “don’t leave before you leave”. What Sheryl Sandberg means with leaning in, is that women should never doubt their ability to pursue their dreams. But this implies they should look for an internal revolution that will... Read more

“If our church did not allow her to preach…”

Last updated on: November 20, 2013 at 6:24 am By Scot McKnight

One of the strategies to recognize, encourage and mobilize the gifts God gives to women is for males, in positions that can render decisions or empower women, to speak up, stand up and create opportunities for women to speak. I’m grateful to Mike Goldsworthy, at Parkcrest Christian Church outside LA. From Mike Goldsworthy: Today, I was challenged in a sermon by one of the best preachers I get to hear on a regular basis. That preacher happened to be a... Read more

The God of the Gospel

Last updated on: November 19, 2013 at 6:56 pm By Scot McKnight

Mike Bird contends, rightly I would say, that the heart of Christian theology is the gospel, which means when we talk about God we need to see God through the lens of the gospel. He attempts this in Evangelical Theology, and he subtitles this section of this textbook-ish book with “The triune God in being and action.” His contention is that the gospel draws us into the mysterious reality of God’s triune being, answers best the question what God is like, and... Read more

Educational Reform: Some Caustic Questions

Last updated on: November 19, 2013 at 2:49 pm By Scot McKnight

Robert Shepard, author and curriculum designer, has prepared an essay exam for the corporate reformers who think the know how to redesign American education. He writes: As a member of the Billionaire Boys’ Club, or as one of the paid associate of the BBC, you . . . 1. believe that that extraordinarily complex skills like reading and writing ability can be validly and reliably measured by simple, objective tests. Explain how that could possibly be so. Please draw upon your extensive knowledge of the relevant scientific... Read more

Emotional Modesty

Last updated on: November 15, 2013 at 4:06 pm By Scot McKnight

From Holly Gerth, a conversation starter: A few weeks ago a friend of mine were chatting. Her husband is in a leadership role at a church and she shared how women often confide in him in ways that are personal. That led us to a discussion about how easy it is to share your heart with men who are not your husband these days. There are plenty of opportunities to send a Facebook message, email, or open up to a... Read more