Reformed or Calvinist? Or Both? An Important Distinction Recently I decided to use as my main textbook for a course in systematic theology a relatively new volume of “dogmatics” by two Dutch theologians. Like most Dutch Protestants they are Reformed. But are they Calvinists? Not necessarily. This takes some explaining, especially for American evangelicals. Here in America, for some decades now, the labels “Reformed” and “Calvinist” have been used interchangeably, as synonyms. If someone is Reformed it is assumed they... Read more

What Is “Anti-Semitism” and What Does It Have to Do with Critics of Israel? According to a recent Associated Press release (published in my local newspaper December 12, 2019 and written by AP reporter Kevin Freking) President Trump has signed an executive order requiring colleges and universities to combat anti-Semitism on their campuses or risk losing federal aid. This was followed by a column put out by InsideSources (also published in my local newspaper) by Ariel Sobel of the J’accuse... Read more

What Ever Happened to the Christian Principle of “Love Paternalism?” I am very interested in studying the mores and norms of contemporary American Christians today (2019) compared with what I know they were fifty and more years ago. Let me explain one example of where I think contemporary American Christianity, especially evangelical Christianity, has nearly totally forgotten a biblical principle that was often preached and practiced fifty and more years ago. What I am saying is that I believe, based... Read more

Guest Post Responding to My Essay about “Relational Sovereignty” I asked a friend if I could post his response to my blog essay about God’s “relational sovereignty” to my blog and he agreed. It’s a bit long, which is why it is not a comment to my blog. However, I find it such a valuable response that I want to share it with everyone. The author is my friend Warren Holley. Here it is, below the usual disclaimer… *Sidebar: The... Read more

What If Twins in a Womb Could Think and Talk? A Parable I recently came across a fascinating parable in a new theology book. For years I’ve been using my own version of the parable in teaching theology but didn’t know it was already “out there.” I’m going to summarize the parable in my own words even though I don’t think it is copyrighted. The book I found it in attributes its version to Henri Nouwen but says it was... Read more

Franklin Graham said opposition to President Trump is “almost demonic” & “spiritual warfare.” This was expressed in the Watergate days, but not by Billy Graham. He said he felt betrayed—by Nixon. Read more

Finally Some Common Sense about Boys, Men and Masculinity Here, several times, I have raised questions and posed answers to this thorny issue in American culture: masculinity. Is it essentially toxic? Or can there be a “good masculinity?” That has been my underlying question. It seems to me that, especially in academic circles, “masculinity” has come to be viewed as essentially toxic. Many men feel that some feminists and others want to wipe masculinity away and, if possible, make boys... Read more

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 confessed. The man introduced himself as pastor of Baptist church in the state, implying that he was a constituent of the seminary where I teach. Anyway, I got the message. “I hear you don’t believe in God’s sovereignty,” he declared. I responded “Oh, really? What do you mean by ‘God’s sovereignty’?”... Read more

Is Contemporary Worship “Utterly Dangerous?” Keith Getty Says Yes In a recent article published in The Christian Post, an online Christian news magazine, contemporary Christian hymn writer Keith Getty declared that the “modern worship movement is utterly dangerous, causing de-Christianizing of God’s people.” That might be putting it a bit more strongly than I would, but I have argued something similar here. Please read the Getty interview at The Christian Post’s web site. Use a search engine to find it.... Read more