One of the hallmarks of evangelicalism is its emphasis on the Bible as the final authority regarding spiritual truths. Evangelicals hold the Bible in high regard, looking to it as God’s definitive revelation to humanity and the essential guide for Christian life. And while there is much to be commended about such an understanding, pushing this idea too far often results in distorted and dangerous theological positions. (more…)
I was going to do a nice write-up for Halloween about Lucifer as a name for the devil, especially in relation to Isaiah 14.12. But the more I dug into the topic, the more shadowy the truth behind it all became. To put it simply, there are more lies and half-truths about Satan floating around than I care to deal with. So rather than trying to write something more comprehensive, I’m going to tell you where I’m at and move on to other things. (more…)
I don’t generally recommend books I haven’t read, but in this case I’m happy to make an exception. Randal Rauser’s writing is always thought-provoking, relevant and worthwhile — and given today’s special, it’s now eminently affordable!
Today only (Wednesday, October 30), the e‑version of Rauser’s book The Swedish Atheist, the Scuba Diver and Other Apologetic Rabbit Trails is available for free at Amazon.com, B&N and Christianbook.com.
And, if you miss today’s deal, the e‑book will be 50% off for the month of November.
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It’s easy to point out divisions within Christianity, to criticize those who we think are wrong, to bemoan the lack of unity within the Church and to focus on the divisive disagreements that define our discussions. But it’s important to remember that, despite our constant bickering, we do have something in common and that, like it or not, we are part of the same family. Each of us, despite our differences — or perhaps because of them — has an important role within Christianity.
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This lovely meme crossed my path today. I was going to print it out and hang it on my refrigerator next to the magnet with the plumber’s name and number, but instead I thought I’d share it here.
Despite my issues with the presentation and substance of this meme, I want to make it clear that I do think we should turn to God when we’re afraid or depressed or worried or sick. I think that’s great. But I don’t think we should reduce God to a trite set of platitudes, for in doing so, we’re at best offering nothing more than a Biblical placebo, and at worst we’re actually contributing to the very problems we’re seeking to address.
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John MacArthur’s Strange Fire conference wrapped up yesterday. This three-day conference centered around the work of the Holy Spirit — or more accurately the lack of the work of the Holy Spirit. MacArthur is a hard cessationist when it comes to the charismata, believing that miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit such as speaking in tongues, healing and prophecy are no longer operative in the Christian church today. Not surprisingly, the conference was surrounded by controversy and heated debate — even Mark Driscoll managed to get in on the action.
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The story of the binding of Isaac in Genesis 22 offers fertile ground for theological reflection. It is a tale that is simultaneously reassuring and disconcerting, straightforward and complex, pragmatic and melodramatic. These divergent challenges are a crucial part of its enduring relevance to Christians, Jews and Muslims. It’s a story that defies reductive interpretation — attempts to distill simple life-lessons risk losing the nuances that have resonated so deeply with so many for so long.
I certainly don’t have a definitive interpretation of the tale, but I do think the story itself offers some guidance for how to approach it. That is, at least part of its message is that we should be cautious about being overly certain of our understanding of that message — or indeed of any message. (more…)
If you pick up Randal Rauser’s book “What on Earth Do We Know about Heaven?” expecting a scintillating first-hand account of Rauser’s near-death experience and his subsequent journey into the afterlife you’ll be greatly disappointed. Instead of serving up an epic tale of post-mortem exploits, Rauser, a prolific blogger and self-described “progressive evangelical,” offers thoughtful theological and philosophical responses to twenty questions about life after death — or more accurately about (to quote N.T. Wright) life after life after death.
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Unfortunately (but not surprisingly), The NALT Christians Project has come under fire from a variety of sides: atheists suspect we’re trying to convert them, fundamentalists think we’re wolves’ in sheep’s clothing trying to legitimize sin and sundry others declare that we’re continuing white male oppression by speaking at them rather than giving them a voice. It’s tempting to try and rebut all these claims, but instead I’m going to focus on one particular critique that was voiced on Twitter:
When you say “we’re not ALL like that”, this is a subtle (if unintentional) use of the No True Scotsman fallacy
The No True Scotsman fallacy is an informal logical fallacy that entails a shift of associations to arbitrarily exclude an individual from the group being discussed. For example, in the case of Christians and LGBT rights you’d be committing this fallacy if you made this argument: (more…)
Today is the public launch of The NALT Christians Project. Modeled after Dan Savage’s It Gets Better Project, NALT Christians offers public proclamations that Christians are Not All Like That: that many, many of us believe in full LGBT equality.
I’m proud to be a part of this project, both as a web designer/developer and as a creator of a NALT video. It’s my hope that this project will serve as loud message to those who view Christianity as inherently anti-gay and that it will further the progress that is already being made on this issue.
If you agree with the message of NALT Christians, there are a few ways you can help out:
And if you don’t agree with what we’re doing, then please do number 2 and 3 anyway, because any publicity is good publicity!