Martin Luther talked of a “theology of the cross” (theologia cruces), The God who suffers with and for human beings reveals himself in humility—most clearly in the person of Jesus of Nazareth.  Luther disapproved of “theologians of glory” who confidently presented abstract “proofs.”  Why?  Such theologians may be in danger of obscuring both the cross, which casts “God’s shadow,” and of diminishing the fact that God veils himself for particular reasons.  It is true that salvation comes through our self-abandonment and humbling ourselves in response to God’s grace.  Even if we may disagree with Luther to some extent, we shouldn’t forget that human reasoning—even constructing arguments for God’s nature and existence— without the aid of the cross and the Spirit of God will miss the mark. Luther is right to point us in a cruciform or crucicentric direction; indeed, the world-defying wisdom of God is found in the cross (1 Cor. 1:18). Continue Reading »

I don’t think that there is a more valuable phrase that I have learned than this. “The palatability of a doctrine does not determine its veracity.” I believe this is true. There are two key words here: “palatability” and “determine.”

Palatability refers to appeal, tastefulness, and emotional response to something. “Determine” according to the dictionary means, “to settle or decide (a dispute, question, etc.) by an authoritative or conclusive decision.” This does not mean that palatability has no say whatsoever, but it is not determinative by any means. I will explain more later. Continue Reading »

I know that I said that I would not take the title, but something happened today that has forced me to reconsider both the titles postmodern and emerging. I do believe that I am now an emerger. Here is the story… Continue Reading »

What is it that makes theology so important? Why can’t we just love Jesus and move past all of these definitive articulations of belief that seem to divide those who follow Christ? Can’t we all just get along and leave theology a mystery and get back to the buisness of being Christ bearers? Continue Reading »

 
Since Sam Storms is our special guest on Converse with Scholars this week, I thought that I would introduce you to him by pointing you to his website: http://www.enjoyinggodministries.com. This website has a wealth of theological, biblical, and historical material that is of the highest quality. I encourage you all to visit the site in preparation for this weeks program. Oh, let me give you the details: Dr. Storms will be here, live, online, this Thursday evening at 10pm EST to discuss Calvinism as a follow up to our conversation with Roger Olson last week about Arminianism. Olson’s interview can be accessed here. Download it here: www.conversewithscholars.org. Find out how to join here.

Reclaiming the Mind Ministries is hosting a special Converse with Scholars during the next two weeks. I am very excited about this program as we are having two great scholars on to represent their respecting positions (although, don’t we always?). Tonight, March 22 at 10pm EST, Roger Olson will be joining us to discuss the Arminian position. The following Thursday, March 29 at 10pm EST, Samuel Storms will be discussing the Calvinist position. Rhome Dyck and myself will be hosting the program as Ed Komoszewski is out of town. Continue Reading »

Considering our Converse with Scholars broadcasts on Calvinism and Arminianism for the next two weeks, I thought that I would post this. It looks really good. It can be purchased here for a reasonable price. Has anyone seen it?

I often tell the story during my Introduction to Theology class of an experience that I had that deeply implicated me and has affected the way that I “listen” to God’s movements in my life. It concerns an event that happened in 2003 with my sister Angie. It has to do with how experience can seem to say one thing, but be very misleading. Continue Reading »

OK, I am back . . . and I am tired, excited, thoughtful, scared, and thankful.

I am tired, but not for the reasons why you would think. Zach’s delivery went perfect with no complications. Why am I tired? Because I have been having to see life from Kristie’s eyes for the last few days. Wow! Let’s just say that the girls matted hair, Will’s lack of change of clothes and three day old messy face, and the destruction that they cause around the house is something that is much easier to take care of when Kristie is around. Continue Reading »

1. He has relinquished control to me because he finally realized how much wiser I am than he.

2. I have him bound and gagged in my basement and am forcing him to turn from his emergent ways.

3. He is in the process of reading Matthew Henry’s Commentary in toto and just can’t seem to put it down.

4. His beautiful wife Kristie has gone into labor and soon the world will be introduced to the greatest theologian of the 21st Century- Zachary Michael Patton (he has to be better than his dad at least.) Continue Reading »