Parchman Lectures on Evangelicalism by Scot McKnight

Scot McKnight recently delivered 4 watershed lectures for many of us misplaced Evangelicals who want to take back the big tent Evangelicalism of the Billy Graham and John Stott era from those trying to narrow down Evangelicalism into their much narrower theological categories.  I’m speaking primarily of the so-called “young, restless Reformed”, the Gospel Coalition, … More Parchman Lectures on Evangelicalism by Scot McKnight

Who decides who is evangelical?

Scot McKnight is starting a new, and significant, discussion at Jesus Creed today called “The End of Evangelicalism.”  I think this is an important discussion to have, and he begins by asking two key questions.  Enjoy. Many today are predicting the (even imminent) collapse of evangelicalism. Others, like Brad Wright, show that evangelicalism is flourshing, … More Who decides who is evangelical?

An Angry God?

Jesus is the fullest revelation of God’s character.  “If you’ve seen me, you’ve seen the Father,” Jesus said.  God looks like Jesus.  If you want to know the character of God, look at Jesus. I reread Jonathan Edwards’ famous sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”, recently.  I simply read paragraph after paragraph, … More An Angry God?

Covenant Affirmations: What do we (firmly) believe?

I just read a very long, well-written review and critique of Rob Bell’s controversial book, Love Wins, by Kevin DeYoung. I have to admit that his arguments are very strong, and makes Bell’s argument and position seem weak and biblically fragile.  I will withhold judgment until I read Bell’s book for myself, but I think … More Covenant Affirmations: What do we (firmly) believe?

DeYoung on Rob Bell’s “Love Wins” Video

Kevin DeYoung says: “…what was communicated in the video was untrue to the Scriptures, inconsistent with historic orthodoxy, belittling of the cross, deceiving to unbelievers, and a tragic distortion of God’s character…. “We don’t have to guess if Bell will say something dreadfully, horribly, disgracefully wrong. He already has.” After watching the video: Agree or disagree … More DeYoung on Rob Bell’s “Love Wins” Video

20 Most Influential Christian Scholars – Congrats Greg!

Look who’s #4 on this preeminent list of scholars!  Greg Boyd was a college professor of mine, and his teaching ministry has had an enormous influence on my faith. Seeing his name on this list both overjoys and concerns me. Greg Boyd is one of the purist Jesus-shaped, robustly biblical thinkers I know and his … More 20 Most Influential Christian Scholars – Congrats Greg!

Greg Boyd & the Open View of God’s Foreknowledge

Frankly, I don’t know which view of God’s foreknowledge is ultimately correct.  For centuries, people have generally fallen into either the Calvinist camp or the Arminian camp.  We were all settled into this deeply entrenched, long-standing either-or match when this pesky Open View came along creating more confusion and stirring up new debate. What if … More Greg Boyd & the Open View of God’s Foreknowledge

Judgment, Salvation & “Missional Election”

A very “meaty” article today at Jesus Creed navigating the tough theological topics of God’s “election,” “salvation,” and “judgment” interacting with the views of Calvinism, Arminianism, Barth’s third way and a newer concept called “missional election.”  Go check it out HERE.  Here’s a snippet: We, the Church, have been elected for mission.  But this emphatically does not mean … More Judgment, Salvation & “Missional Election”

The Promise of Narrative Theology

Any Narrative theology fans out there?  Nothing has shaped my understanding of the Bible, worldview, epistemology, theology and spiritual transformation more than ‘narrative theology.’ During a research paper my first semester of seminary I came across a book filled with essays on narrative theology that really exposed me to this particular field of study.  The … More The Promise of Narrative Theology

VIDEO: What does it mean to be saved? (Boyd)

Here’s two clips of a sermon by Greg Boyd called ‘Taking Out the Trash‘(5/11/2008) where he addresses the central question: What does it mean to “get saved?” Many people (especially people in the United States) see salvation as a one time event and the result of “believing” certain things about God. While belief is important, salvation encompasses much more … More VIDEO: What does it mean to be saved? (Boyd)

Piper Sermon + Boyd Sermon = Schizophrenia (updated)

I have long made it a habit to listen to both Greg Boyd and John Piper’s sermons each week.  I like to be pushed from both sides, and keep myself balanced theologically.  (Well, my theological convictions lean heavily toward one side, but want to keep wrestling with the opposing views.) Every once and a while … More Piper Sermon + Boyd Sermon = Schizophrenia (updated)

Emergent Theology and the Exclusivity of Christ

In a religiously pluralistic world where all religions are supposedly equal and tolerance is the highest value, many Christians are dancing creatively around some of the less tolerant teachings of Jesus.  What do we do with sayings like, “I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through … More Emergent Theology and the Exclusivity of Christ