On today’s program, I continued my discussion of scholasticism through giving a historical overview of the thirteenth century, and Thomas Aquinas in particular. I discussed his most important writings and contributions to both theology and philosophy. This program is available in both video (with PowerPoint) and audio. Video is here. Audio is here. Read more
On today’s program, I recorded a question and answer podcast live on facebook. I interacted with listener questions on a number of topics including baptism, the two natures of Christ, the episcopacy, and the the nature of the ministry. You can watch the video on facebook here. Unfortunately, the video did lag some. Here is the audio. Read more
On today’s program, I discussed scholastic theology. For the first half, I gave an introduction to some of the issues raised in scholasticism, and common contemporary criticisms of the scholastic method. For the final half hour, I gave a brief history of how Christian theology led to scholasticism in the twelfth century with Peter Lombard. Here is the program. Read more
On today’s program, I was joined by my wife who interviewed me about my new book Hands of Faith: A Historical and Theological Study of the Two Kinds of Righteousness in Lutheran Thought. I discussed several aspects of the Lutheran distinction between the two kinds of righteousness, including: contemporary discussions on the topic, the nature of the two kinds of righteousness in Lutheran history, the practical application of this distinction, and how this distinction is taught and explained in Scripture.... Read more
As a pastor, it is not my place to tell my congregants who to vote for, or argue for specific political policies from the pulpit. That does not mean, however, that the church must remain silent on political issues, especially on those which Scripture is clear on. In this election, many Christians feel that they have a burdened conscience in being forced to vote for a “lesser of two evils.” There are several positions, as well as moral qualities, of... Read more
My new book Hands of Faith: A Historical and Theological Study of the Two Kinds of Righteousness in Lutheran Thought is now available on Amazon! Order the book here Here is the product description: It is a common misconception that Lutheran theology is inherently antinomian, or unconcerned with Christian ethics. This unfortunate caricature of the doctrine of the Reformation has been furthered by certain strands of Lutheran theology, which reject the third use of the law and the necessity of... Read more
On today’s program, I addressed a number of listener questions. I discussed Christian liberty and the use/non-use of alcohol, some thoughts on the two kinds of righteousness in relation to my most recent book, as well as the efficacy of regeneration as connected with infant baptism. I apologize for the not-so-great audio quality. Here is the program Read more
It’s a criticism that I hear often, especially from Confessionally Reformed believers: “all you Lutherans care about is individual salvation. You don’t have any place for Christian worldview, political activism, etc.” This caricature has spread further through NT Wright’s (mis)understanding of Luther, as an individualistic guilt-obsessed reader of Paul. While it is certainly true that the doctrine of justification has a central role in Lutheran thought in a way that it doesn’t elsewhere in Christendom, it is definitely not the... Read more
There’s a conversation that I always dread. I’m about to get together with a group of Christians, either out at a restaurant somewhere, or at someone’s home, and at some point I’m going have to utter these embarrassing words: “I don’t drink.” What? You don’t drink? Are you some kind of legalist? It feels like the shameful admission of a high school boy to his friends that he has never kissed a girl. If you don’t drink… you’re not really... Read more
Like everyone old enough to have been cognizant on September 11, 2001, I have vivid memories of finding out about the attack on the world trade center, as well as the response that occurred afterward. The months following this devastating attack, while a difficult time, is the last time I remember Americans joining together to mourn this horrific loss of life. Yes, the political divides soon became apparent regarding exactly how this situation was to be dealt with, but at... Read more
Just and Sinner
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