Why I Wrote Against Liberal Theology I recently announced a new book discussion here—beginning around January 20–to give everyone time to order and receive the book (Against Liberal Theology: Putting the Brakes on Progressive Christianity [Zondervan]). I’m already receiving some predictable responses that call for explanation of the book. For many years I have put up with people, especially Christians, misusing the label “liberal” in conversations about theology. What most people don’t know is that liberal theology is a tradition;... Read more

Final Thoughts about Cremer’s Book “The Christian Doctrine of the Divine Attributes” Now I bring to a close my posted thoughts about the book some of us have been reading together. I have now read the entire book including 5: The Unity of the Divine Attributes, or the Glory of God (pp. 82-84), the final section. I will, of course, offer my thoughts in response to some questions and comments by you. If you have read the book, you may... Read more

R.I.P. Jimmy Carter Former US president Jimmy Carter passed away at age 100. Unlike most Americans, I was alive and old enough to vote when he ran for president and won in 1976. I voted for his rival, President Gerald Ford. I don’t remember why. There was a lot of talk about Carter among family members and church friends. (I was in seminary and served as assistant pastor at an independent evangelical church.) People admired his evangelical faith and sincerity,... Read more

Advent vs. Christmas This year, 2024, Christmas and Hanukkah fell on the same calendar day. (Except, of course, for Eastern Christians who celebrate Christmas somewhat later.) Many Jews celebrate December 25 every year—as a “Winter Holiday.” But they would not identify Hanukkah and Christmas—even this year. Although they fell on the same day, they were two distinct holidays. I suggest that serious Christians make a similar mental shift about December 25 and the season leading up to it. We celebrate... Read more

The Eternity and Immutability of God according to Hermann Cremer in The Christian Doctrine of the Divine Attributes, 4:4, pp. 76-81 Kudos to those who are continuing reading this book with me! For those who have not read these pages, please do not comment. You may, however, ask a question. In about a week I will comment here on 5: The Unity of the Divine Attributes, or the Glory of God, pp. 82-84 and wrap up discussion of this book.... Read more

I’ve been actively involved in evangelicalism and especially the evangelical academy (scholarly community) for over thirty years now and I’ve noticed a bad habit among conservative evangelical biblical scholars and theologians. They seem addicted to inquisitions. It happened to me again, just today. An e-mail from “friends” (an evangelical organization I allegedly belonged to) informing me that I was under investigation (not their words, but clearly their intent) for possibly being in conflict with the organization’s statement of faith. I... Read more

God’s Omnipresence According to Hermann Cremer: The Christian Doctrine of the Attributes of God, Part 4: Divine Attributes Implicit in the Concept of God, Seen in the Light of Revelation, 2: The Omnipresence of God (pp. 61-69) If you are reading with me, and have read this section of the book, feel free to comment. If not, feel free to ask a question. In about a week I will address 3: The Omniscience of God. In this section, Cremer continues... Read more

God’s Omniscience According to Hermann Cremer Here are my thoughts about Hermann Cremer’s thoughts about God’s omniscience as spelled out in the book The Christian Doctrine of God’s Attributes: Part 4: Second Series: 3: The Omniscience of God (pp. 69-75). If you have read these pages, feel free to comment. If not, feel free to ask a question. In about a week I will comment on 4: The Eternity and Immutability of God (pp. 76=81). I approached this section of... Read more

Deus Vult! ? What Does It Mean Now? ”Deus Vult!” The historic motto and cry of the European crusades of the eleventh and twelfth centuries—against the Muslims of the Middle East, especially Palestine. Of course, it means “God wills it!” However, today, in the third decade of the twenty-first century, it is coming to have a specific cultural meaning as a meme and motto of “Christian reconstructionists.” Trump nominee Pete Hegseth, among others, touts the motto—in his case with a... Read more