Neoliberalism’s Demons Starting on or about Monday, March 31, I will begin a series of discussions of the book Neoliberalism’s Demons: On the Political Theology of Late Capital by theologian Adam Kotsko (Stanford University Press, 2018). To whet your appetite (and hopefully get you to buy the book), here is a brief quotation from the book’s Introduction: “… neoliberalism is more than simply a formula for economic policy. It aspires to be a complete way of life and a holistic... Read more

Is There A “Christian Economic System?” While re-reading Tony Campolo’s excellent book We Have Met the Enemy, and They Are Partly Right (originally titled Partly Right: Christianity Responds to Its Critics) I came across a portion “A Christian Response to Marx’s Economic Theories.” There Tony spelled out some principles of Christian economics. The most basic one is: “For Christians the primary motive in economic activities, as in all other activities, is love.” (167) Then Tony eight “biblical principles” that transcend... Read more

Prophetic Tony Campolo: 1985 Warning for America Many American evangelical Christians don’t remember Tony Campolo. He died recently. During the 1980s, also before and after, he was a major evangelical influencer, especially in American evangelical academic circles. He wrote popular books. He spoke at most evangelical colleges and universities and many churches. I read his books and heard him speak many times. I only met him once and it was not a satisfying meeting. However, I respected him for his... Read more

The Crisis of Liberal Theology Here I end my discussion series of my book Against Liberal Theology: Putting the Brakes on Progressive Christianity with Chapter 8: The Crisis of Liberal Theology. If you have read the chapter, you may comment (following the rules below). If you have not read the chapter, you may ask a question. There can be no doubt that so-called “mainline Protestant churches” have dwindled in numbers and influence in the past half century. According to Gary... Read more

A New Book Discussion: Neoliberalism’s Demons: On the Political Theology of Late Capital The book is by theologian Adam Kotsko and is published by Stanford University Press (2018). It is available in both new and used (as well as Kindle) editions at many different prices.  If you want to pay less, check it out on abebooks.com. Kotsko argues that neoliberalism is a theology. I consider it an ideology, so I am curious about Kotsko’s reasons for calling it a theology.... Read more

Neoliberalism and Social Darwinism Lest anyone tell me I should not blog about politics or economics, let me educate them/you: There is a branch of theology called “political theology.” This essay is about that; it is an example of it. Here is a Youtube video you need to watch if you want to know WHY what is happening in America is happening. The deep cause is “neoliberalism” which is not at all what it sounds like—at least to untutored ears.... Read more

Is Heresy A Sin? Is heresy a sin? Yes, no, maybe. Such an answer you expect from a theologian, right? I know. What is heresy? Heresy is any teaching that is directly contrary to the stated doctrines of a religion. Since this is a blog for evangelical Christians, I will define heresy, for the purposes of this blog only, as teaching that is directly contrary to the clear teaching of the Bible and orthodox Christian doctrines as defined by evangelicals... Read more

Horace Bushnell and Progressive Orthodoxy 3 In the first two installments of this three part series I talked about what Gary Dorrien calls Bushnell’s “liberal-leaning experiment in progressive orthodoxy” with special focus on the 19th century theologian’s theological method. Here I want to suggest some ways in which Bushnell’s progressive orthodoxy can be helpful today. As in Bushnell’s time and place (New England in mid-19th century), Protestant Christianity in America today is deeply divided between conservatives of various kinds and... Read more

Liberal Theology and the Future Here I continue my discussion of my book Against Liberal Theology: Putting the Brakes on Progressive Christianity (Zondervan) with Chapter 7: The Future in Liberal Theology. If you have read the chapter, feel free to join the discussion with comments. If not, only ask a question. The essence of the chapter about eschatology in liberal theology is this: “Liberal theology goes far beyond Niebuhr’s warning about not wanting to know too much about the furniture... Read more

Is Universalism A Heresy? I tell my students that universalism is the least heretical of all heresies. But is it even a heresy? It certainly is in some Christian churches. A problem with calling it a heresy is that at least Gregory of Nyssa, an Orthodox Church father, was a universalist. And in recent times, orthodox Christians such as Karl Barth and Juergen Moltmann have been universalists. David Bentley Hart is one. I know of others who would not want... Read more