In our series on the patristic writings, we return to 2 Clement. Our series uses for its text Michael Holmes, The Apostolic Fathers. What’s 2 Clement about? It’s an exhortation to faithfulness to the way of Christ in the face of threats like gnosticism, false teachers and rebellion against leaders. I reads like a sermon. He calls the Christians to turn from the world and worldliness, and he appeals to a text that is not precisely known, while some think it... Read more

He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. The next clause of the Apostles’ creed focuses on the death of Jesus the Christ. The first line reiterates his life and place in history. Ben Myers (The Apostles’ Creed) focuses on the word suffered. This word emphasizes the nature of Jesus life and his death. “When ancient people heard the gospel they were tempted to think of Jesus as a supernatural spirit, untouched... Read more

From LARB: Do you think that traditionalist or orthodox Christian thinkers have a hard time accepting liberal Christians like Robinson as “serious,” or “real,” Christians? Or, as you implied, is that very much a two-way street? It’s true, and it’s a complex point. I would say that there are many, many small-“o” orthodox Christians who’ve got no time for Marilynne Robinson, because she is a liberal Christian and does not seem to hew to the conservative party line. And then... Read more

Luke Timothy Johnson connects — with theological force and accuracy — prophecy to miracle; in Luke Timothy Johnson’s, Miracles: God’s Presence and Power in Creation. What Johnson says here is why it is so unhelpful for so many today to equate the “prophetic” with criticism of the federal, state or local government. To be prophetic has a much deeper claim that the capacity to criticize — often done on the internet or in some kind of public boycott. Bloggers or... Read more

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Mt. 28:18-20 All authority in heaven and on earth has been given... Read more

That most confusing of all NT books, the Book of Revelation, contains seven letters to seven churches in chapters 2-3, and we are looking at Revelation with the helpfof Craig Koester in Revelation and the End of All Things and Ian Paul, Revelation. Each letter has a similar structure, and I take this from Ian Paul: 1. To the angel of the church in (place name) write: 2. Thus says he who (appellation drawn from the vision of Rev. 1) 3.... Read more

 Read more

By Becky Castle Miller From Christians for Biblical Equality Abuse is an abstract concept for many people, and it’s a word heavy with cultural misconceptions. When talking about abuse, I’ve learned to bridge the communication gap by defining and describing it: abuse is a pattern of coercive control based in an abuser’s feeling of entitlement to power over another person. An abuser gains and maintains control through various tactics that can be physical, emotional, verbal, financial, sexual, or spiritual. Abusers actually target churches to find victims and... Read more

The operative term here is “negotiate.” Not antagonize, not so much accommodation. Negotiate. The Pastor is the author/audience of The Pastoral Epistles. I think a case can be made for the Pastor being Paul, but that’s not a concern in this post. Negotiation is. Behind the term “negotiation” is another term: eusebeia, which is translated consistently in the NIV as “godliness,” which is a decent translation, but I will cite the NRSV below and add [eusebeia] where it used in the... Read more

 Read more