First, it is important to define terms. By “Christian theology” here I mean the discipline that explores and explains Christian beliefs in a scholarly way—using critical thinking while acknowledging Christian sources as the material of the discipline. Those Christian sources are traditionally recognized as the Christian scriptures (Bible), Christian tradition, and contemporary culture. These traditionally exist in a hierarchy in terms of authority, but various Christian theologians express them and use them in differing ways. By “post-theological church world” I... Read more

*What follows is opinion and not meant to impugn anyone’s character* Does Trump think he is Jesus? Well, probably not. But does he think he is a Christ-figure? Probably so. Anyway, that is the impression given by the AI-generated picture he posted on his social media account. In the picture Trump is depicted in Christ-like attire (white and red robe) reaching down and touching the forehead of an ill person with the effect of healing him. The image is one... Read more

The Almost Completely Unknown Difference that Makes All the Difference (between Christians and Culture and between Christians and Christians) We talk endlessly about differences among Christians: Catholic versus Protestant, Calvinist versus Arminian, liberal versus conservative, neo-fundamentalist versus postconservative, premillennial versus amillennial, pedobaptist versus credobaptist—to name just a few of our favorite divisions. But over the past few years I have become convinced there’s one deeper difference that is largely unrecognized and runs deeper than all those others. Yet, to the... Read more

A story: The other day I needed some cash. So I went to the bank but the ATM was down. So I stood in line at the teller window. When I reached the front of the line and looked at the teller I told him I wanted some cash. I put my debit card in the little machine and gave him my id. He asked me “What amount?” I answered “one hundred dollars.” He said “What denominations?” I responded very... Read more

Today I was trying to explain to my granddaughter what the Easter Bunny has to do with Easter. It wasn’t easy. As I have said here before, I consider there to be two distinct holidays toward the end of December: Christmas and The Winter Holidays. Many people who celebrate The Winter Holidays minus Jesus call it “Christmas.” I don’t. Those are two different holidays that coincide in time. One is religious (Christian) and the other one is secular. Of course,... Read more

Here I continue discussion of the book That We May Be One: Practicing Unity in A Divided Church by Church of God pastor Gary Agee Here I will take up Chapter Three: Taking on a Posture of Unity. You are welcome to comment even if you have not read this chapter, but know that you may then misunderstand and be open to correction. I have already decided that Agee is talking in this book about unity among Christians and I... Read more

The accompanying picture is of Texas Democrat James Talarico, Democratic candidate for the United States Senate. He is a Presbyterian seminary graduate and openly Christian. He makes no secret of his Christian beliefs and motives for his political involvement. Many are now asking if his popularity, even in a traditionally conservative district and state, signals the rise of a new “Religious Left” in America. I don’t know if that is the case. That is, I don’t know if Talarico’s rising... Read more

Here I continue discussion of the book That We May Be One: Practicing Unity in a Divided Church by Church of God minister Gary B. Agee. Everyone is invited to participated this time, but be sure to follow the rules stated at the end here. I fail to find a single, clear definition of “unity” in the chapter entitled Speaking of Unity. The first section is headlined “Unity Defined,” but what I find there is a description of unity. In... Read more

In recent years a wide divide has opened up within Anglicanism. The Episcopal Church USA is still affiliated with the Archbishop of Canterbury, the nominal leader of Anglicanism worldwide, while the Anglican Church of North America is affiliated with the Global Anglican Church (GAFCON). Late last year the bishops of GAFCON officially announced that it is the world Anglican Church, not the one affiliated with the Archbishop of Canterbury. It all began with the Church of England’s and the Episcopal... Read more

Here I begin discussion of Gary B. Agee’s book That We May Be One: Practicing Unity in a Divided Church (Eerdmans, 2022). Unlike previous book discussions here, I invite all to participate (following the rules stated at the end). However, if you have not read the chapter(s) under review, be sure to say that so we know how to “take” what you say. I’m interested in this subject—Christian unity, unity of the church—because: 1) Jesus himself wished and prayed for... Read more