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

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

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

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

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

I recently attended and spoke at the inaugural gathering of a new group called Missio Alliance. About 700 people attended. Among the speakers were friends Amos Yong, Scot McKnight, David Fitch, Gary Black and many more I had not previously met. It was an invigorating meeting of what I would call postconservative evangelicals. I’m sure many who attended and spoke would prefer some other label but I’m not sure what it would be (perhaps “post-evangelical” or “progressive evangelical” or “missional... Read more

I gave this talk at this week’s Missio Alliance gathering in Alexandria, Virginia. For those who are watching me carefully (from the Arminian camp) I must say I make no claim for this being “the” Arminian view. It is simply my view and I’m an Arminian.     A Relational View of God’s Sovereignty   Roger E. Olson                           My office phone rang and I answered it. A stern voice said “Is this Roger Olson?” who which I... Read more

“Everyday Theology” Roger E. Olson I believe that discipleship is the field of theology; if theology is worth anything it must be to guide discipleship in the real world of everyday life. By the “real world” I mean the social context in which God has placed you or where you find yourself whether you believe God put you there or wants you somewhere else. There you are; how to be the best disciple of Jesus Christ possible in that social... Read more

I have had to delete a number of comments because they contained references to specific companies. If you write about businesses (for profit or not) never name them. Use terms like “a big box store” or “a fast food restaurant,” etc. I can allow mention of churches and denominations (etc.) so long as they are neutral or complimentary (not advertisements) or merely expressions of disagreement with some well-known doctrine or practice (e.g., baptism). But, in general, it’s safer to avoid... Read more

So, my article on “election” was published in Christianity Today’s January/February issue (2013). Predictably, a letter responding was published in the current issue of CT (April). The letter writers (a Lutheran pastor in Iowa) takes issue with my claim that Martin Luther held a view of election similar to that of the Reformed theologians Zwingli and Calvin. The writer says (“The Way to Election,” pp. 55-56) that Luther did not believe in “double predestination” He describes my claim as “a... Read more