*Note: This is a guest post by my friend, Lutheran theologian Ted Peters, one of the most notable and influential Protestant theologians in America. He does not speak for me. He may or may not respond to comments or questions. I will not respond for him. If you choose to respond, know that I (the moderator of this blog) will simply delete any overly lengthy, uncivil, argumentative responses. All responses here must be constructive in nature, promoting dialogue and not... Read more

Let’s Talk about Correctness (Political)—Theologically The term “political correctness” has been around a long time. I think I first heard it used about language in the early 1980s. Generally speaking, “political correctness” is the idea and practice of using language in ways that promote equality and liberation from oppression. I will offer here, initially, just one example. A student refers to all humans beings, collectively, as “man” as in “Man is created in God’s image and likeness.” Today it is... Read more

Let’s Talk about Circumcision—Theologically *I realize this is an extremely sensitive subject and some people may not want to read this essay for that reason. Please stop now if you might be offended by this essay or the ensuing discussion (which I will monitor and moderate very carefully). I promise to avoid all vulgarity, but what is vulgar for some is not vulgar for others, so if you suspect this whole subject is vulgar to you, please don’t read on.*... Read more

Let’s Talk about Cremation—Theologically Many Christians and others are opposed to cremation. Why? I have heard several reasons offered. First, some conservative Christians (and other religious people) are worried about cremation and resurrection. How will they be raised if they are cremated? Second, some people, including some Christians, think cremation is simply disgusting; they are emotionally revolted by the thought of their bodies being burned to ashes. Third, some people, including some Christians, think of cremation as a “pagan” method... Read more

Is There Such a Thing as a “Sin of Empathy?” Recently Christianity Today has carried a story (online) about division in a very well-known conservative evangelical mega-church in the Upper Midwest. The pastor, successor to a major conservative, Calvinist, evangelical pastor who retired (but is still writing and speaking), resigned under pressure from some portion of the large elder board and some congregation members. One of the accusations made against him and some other elders and pastors, according to the... Read more

Let’s Talk about COVID-19 Theologically COVID-19 has been one of the major topics of conversation, to say nothing of research and confusion, for the past year and a half. (I’m writing this in August, 2021.) I first heard of it while at a conference on science and theology in Seattle. I was co-writer of a grant for teaching science in seminaries. One day I walked down to Pike Place Market during a break between conference sessions. The place was crowded.... Read more

Experiences of an Evangelical Theology 9 (Final) *If you have not read the previous installments of this series, this final one may not make much sense.* I came to Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary in Waco, Texas with excitement and some trepidation. I looked at it as an adventure and one where I would need lots of mentoring—to fit in. I spent most of the first two years just listening and learning. But I quickly discovered that there... Read more

Experiences of an Evangelical Theologian 8 *If you have not been reading this series, this installment may not make much sense to you.* My writing and publishing career really began in earnest with a phone call in 1990. I knew Stanley J. Grenz because he had also studied with Wolfhart Pannenberg and taught at my alma mater, North American Baptist Seminary. We became good friends, often rooming together at professional society meetings (especially the annual American Academy of Religion meetings),... Read more

Experiences of an Evangelical Theologian 7 *If you have not been reading previous installments of this series, you may not understand some of what I write here* After two challenging years on the faculty of Oral Roberts University, in 1984 my dream came true. God opened the door for me to join the faculty of Bethel College and Seminary (now Bethel University) in suburban St. Paul, Minnesota. God used my seminary professor and good friend Dr. Al Glenn, long-timer Bethel... Read more

Experiences of an Evangelical Theologian 6 *If you have not been following this series, this installment may not make very much sense* My two years on the faculty of Oral Roberts University—my first fulltime teaching position—was a surreal time. Every day that I went to campus to teach, I had to steel myself for what unexpected thing might happen—not to me but to everyone. One day came the announcement that Oral (and sometimes his wife Evelyn or a surrogate) would... Read more