Surely one of the most peace-making contributors to the discussions about Paul’s theology is Michael Gorman who grabs what is good from the big bag of the past, ignores what is not so good (without polemical dismissals), and adds his own wisdom. He contributes by putting this all into a new package about the meaning of justification, which too often is narrowly seen as forensic and what some called a “legal fiction.” What about sanctification? Gorman brings justification into participation... Read more

The book of Isaiah is long and complex. General consensus holds that it was compiled over time. The historical prophet Isaiah of the late 8th century BC, possibly a court prophet, was followed by others who added in the theme of his work – in the exile and post-exile. Ben Witherington III (Isaiah Old and New: Exegesis, Intertexutality, and Hermeneutics) emphasizes that this doesn’t question the prophetic nature of the book – there is predictive prophecy in all parts of... Read more

Andrew Bartlett says Yes in new book Men and Women in Christ. (#ad) First, we have to admit some truths and here are his own big-theme conclusions: After it became clear that the traditional view of women’s innate inferiority was out of step with Scripture, there began a reformation [not The Reformation] in the Christian understanding of what the Bible teaches about men and women. New interpretations have been advanced. We have tested these against the words of Scripture, read in context.... Read more

For a long time I have posted Books of the Year and have chosen The book of the year each year, but I can’t do that this year so I’m going to present to you my Books of the Year in a few categories, including the “Disappointment Book of the Year.” RJS offers her Science Books of the Year and Dave Moore his Interview of the Year. Finally, I give my favorite novel of the year. Each of these is... Read more

By Ruth Tucker Hymns, Hypocrites and Self-Murder Those who have imagined he was just a hymn writer—albeit a very excellent one—are often surprised by his breadth of knowledge and wide-ranging writings. The Works of Isaac Watts (1674-1748) come in 9 volumes, the first comprised of his sermons in 773 pages. He is often called the “Father of English Hymnody,” but he was also a self-educated Renaissance man (denied an Oxford or Cambridge education due to his nonconformity). His greatest hymn... Read more

Today we relight the candle of HOPE. Now we light the candle for the second Sunday in Advent. This is the candle of PEACE. As we prepare for the coming of Jesus, we remember that Jesus is our hope and our peace. From the prophet Isaiah: “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6-7 From... Read more

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen. BCP Read more

Entering into Advent awakens us to the dawn of full of redemption. His entire class at his adoption hearing: By Samantha Kubota A little boy in Michigan invited his entire kindergarten class to his adoption hearing on Thursday. Andrea Melvin and Dave Eaton became Michael Clark Jr.’s foster parents about a year ago, local WOOD TV reported, and on Thursday they became his forever parents. Michael had dozens of his classmates from Wealthy Elementary in East Grand Rapids supporting him in the courtroom. “I understand... Read more

By Mike Glenn And Now, I’m Simeon One of the interesting realities of acting is there are certain roles an actor can play only when they are old enough. Roles like King Lear and Macbeth have to be played by actors who have lines in their faces that aren’t drawn on with a make-up pencil. Age is only part of it. The actor has to have lived a certain amount of life before the depth of the character can be... Read more

By Kelly Edmiston Last week I got a call from my son’s principal at his school. She tells me that she needs to inform me about what happened on the playground because she feels sure that I will not be happy about the behavior and words of my 7-year old. She goes on to tell me that my son and a group of children were playing soccer and one little girl ended up falling down when my son went over... Read more