Scattered Thoughts on Theology and Ministry…
Is Christianity rational? When most people are asked that question its not coming from a neutral standpoint; it’s a loaded question. In our day and age the question is loaded towards the “NO” side. A lot of people have done hard work over the years to show that the answer to that question is actuallyContinue reading “Rational Faith”
This week I’m giving a way a free copy of Intervarsity Press and Biologos’ joint effort How I Changed My Mind About Evolution. So who should read this book? I think there are several people who need to read it: People who don’t believe that evolution and Christianity can be compatible. I recommend this toContinue reading “Book Giveaway – How I Changed My Mind About Evolution”
Last week Dan Howard Snyder (Western Washington University) came to the Analytic Theology seminar to throw out some ideas about the nature of faith. Here are some notes…. The Problem of Trajectory – Typical College Student Doubt to getting “out” If I lack faith (i.e. doubt) maybe I should just drop out of this wholeContinue reading “The Nature and Value of Faith: Four Problems”
Faith is such a hard concept to grasp… John Webster sheds some light on it in a sermon on Hebrews 11: Often when we think and talk about faith, we fall into a trap. The trap is that of thinking of faith as some sort of special power or faculty that we have, or atContinue reading “If Only I Had More Faith…”
Good textbooks are hard to find. When I am looking for a textbook, I am looking for a book that is well balanced. It engages in critical discussion yet it is also thoroughly evangelical. Also I like it when textbooks move beyond mere rehearsal of recycled ideas or summary statements. I want a textbook thatContinue reading “Thinking Through Paul”
In a recent blog I posted I summarized Oliver Crisp’s recent argument that there is significant room within some key reformed confessions for one to hold on to a doctrine of atonement that excludes limited atonement and is open to universal atonement. I.e. that Christ died no just for the sins of the elect, butContinue reading “Universal Atonement & The Sin of Unbelief”
Most people tend to think that if one is reformed one is required to hold to the doctrine of limited atonement, the doctrine which says that the cope of Christ’s atoning work is accomplished on behalf of and applied only to the elect. In a recent article on “hypothetical universalism” (hear unlimited or universal atonement,Continue reading “Limited Atonement vs. “Unlimited” Atonement”
I believe that reason and faith are compatible. I believe that philosophy and theology should work together. I believe that each field should have sphere sovereignty. I believe that without God’s grace our reason is distorted. I believe that every sphere of inquiry is ultimately directed towards God. Quite unsurprisingly there are many out thereContinue reading “Faith and Reason: Three Views by Steve Wilkens”
Last year our church transitioned from having a “children’s ministry” department and a “student ministry” department to having a “family ministry” model. Instead of seeing these two stages of life as two-clear-distinct-separated stages we came to the realization that we can minister more holistically to parents and their children with the understanding that the developmentContinue reading “Book Review – The Sticky Faith Guide for Your Family by Kara Powell”
Craig Evans was my first ever professor at Fuller Seminary – he was teaching a summer course on the gospels. That was my first ever exposure to historical Jesus studies, and I have been hooked ever since. So when I was presented with an opportunity to review Evans’ book From Jesus to the Church: TheContinue reading “Book Review – From Jesus to the Church by Craig Evans”
CWoznicki Think Out Loud 