May 2, 2013

Important Modern (English Language) Books about the Trinity             Here I’m following up on my recent post about the doctrine of the Trinity. I’m often asked to recommend books about Christian doctrinal themes, so here is my list of “favorite books” about the Trinity.  I’m limiting the list to English language (some are translations) and published within the last century. The focus of the list is on even more recent publications. I am dividing the list into two categories: primary... Read more

May 1, 2013

Watch for my next post…best books about the Trinity. However, in honor of this majestic holiday, I declare an interlude for remembrance and renewed celebration. Does anyone else remember “May Day?” When I was a kid, it was a sort of holiday. Anyway, we observed it at my schools (elementary and junior high) and home. May 1 was, of course (still is to some neo-pagans), a Spring fertility festival in pre-Christian Europe. In many European towns (especially Germanic) you can... Read more

April 29, 2013

  How Important Is the Doctrine of the Trinity?             Here is a quote from Rowan Williams: “Trinitarian theology, in so far as it is concerned with what ‘kind’ of God Christians worship, is far from being a luxury indulged in solely by remote and ineffectual dons; it is of cardinal importance for spirituality and liturgy, for ethics, for the whole of Christian self-understanding.” (Wrestling with Angels: Conversations in Modern Theology, p. 142) This statement appears near the end of... Read more

April 27, 2013

This is a talk I gave recently to a Christian youth group. What Is “God’s Will” and How Can One Find It? Roger E. Olson             There is probably no more important and confusing issue for Christian young people than “finding God’s will for life.” Many have heard that “God has a wonderful plan for your life” and been urged to seek God for his will. Whether told to or not, many have concluded that they should wait until God... Read more

April 25, 2013

TV news reporter sticking a microphone into the bloody face of a first responder at a horrible tragedy in which many people died and were severely injured: “Sir! How did you FEEL when you realized you SON might be missing?” Not the exception but the rule. Much of a 20 minute (after commercials) national network prime time news cast devoted to a study about “How women really feel about themselves”–at a time when North Korea is saber rattling with threats... Read more

April 24, 2013

Apology to R. C. Sproul (and Call for Irenic Evangelical Dialogue and Debate)             Yesterday (April 23) I mistakenly posted a comment to this blog I shouldn’t have. It was from someone calling himself “Paul” and asked me about Arminius and belief in God as “first cause” of everything. The comment ended by accusing evangelical theologian and apologist R. C. Sproul of “theological chicanery.”             “Chicanery” is not a word one hears or uses often. Normally I would not post... Read more

April 21, 2013

Is the “Prosperity Gospel” Real Liberation (for Oppressed Minorities)?             This week I visited a mainline Protestant seminary and sat in on several classes. Teachers should do that from time to time. Being an observer of one’s own profession can be very eye opening. I learned some things to do and not to do. I learned that eighty minutes is a long time when you’re just sitting and listening! I learned that it’s helpful when professors ask if students have... Read more

April 19, 2013

If what many Christians believe about God is true, then the West, Texas disaster (like every disaster) was actually good–“designed, ordained and governed by God” necessarily means “good” in a Christian worldview. Something God designs, ordains and governs (the key is “designs”) has to be good in the larger scheme of things. I say “in a Christian worldview” because I take it for granted that every true Christian believes that God is absolutely, unequivocally good. I have only heard of... Read more

April 17, 2013

Is Religion Really Declining in America?             Everyone’s talking about a recent Pew survey allegedly showing that nineteen percent of Americans say “none” when asked about their religious affiliation.  As a result, one news outlet declared that “religion is declining” in America. Another (headline) stated that the survey shows “unbelief” is growing. I question the interpretations of the survey (as I question those of most surveys—especially about religion).             There can be little doubt that “religious affiliation” with specific, nameable... Read more

April 16, 2013

Patheos is going to switching to a different blog format, so if you attempt to post a comment and it doesn’t show up, chances are it got lost in the switch. (I’ve been warned this may be possible in the coming few days.) Hopefully the transition will go smoothly. If not, it’s probably my fault as I’m not very adept at the technical aspects of blogging. So please be patient. Thank you. Read more


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