My good friends Dan Kent and Neil Berget, the theological mastermind and technological guru behind the creation of the Web of Theology, have graciously invited me in on the advancement and, most importantly, the marketing of this great tool. I am hoping to use my network of pastors, professors and blogging associates to spread the … More “A Match Made in Heaven” & WOT at Jesus Creed
I cannot endorse The Web of Theology (WOT) more enthusiastically. This one-of-a-kind theological self-assessment tool is a must for every thoughtful Christian and over time should become widely used by churches and Christian colleges and seminaries. WOT architect Dan Kent has provided us with the theological equivalent of the StrengthFinders, Myers-Briggs and DISC assessments. It’s … More The Web of Theology: Self-Assessment Tool
We recently had a free-for-all Q & A night with our students. In order have a fruitful yet friendly “debate” over hot-button, controversial beliefs such as “Can someone lose their salvation” or “Does God elect certain individuals salvation and not others?” we talked about distinguishing essential beliefs from non-essential beliefs. I used 3 broad categories … More Essentials & Nonessentials in Christian Beliefs
So many theological, social and political debates rage on all around us and it’s so easy to get sucked into unnecessary arguments. The Church, tragically, is notorious for drawing unnecessary lines in the sand, splitting hairs and dividing over nonessential doctrines, political viewpoints, cultural debates and so on. Once in a while it’s refreshing to … More For the Record: “I Believe…”
Our youth group grappled with the tough question last night: “Can someone lose their salvation?” We discussed both sides of the issue while presenting some of the Biblical evidence on each side. The Reformed tradition is quite firm on their doctrines of God’s “Unconditional Election” of certain individuals for salvation and the “Perseverance of the … More Q&A – Can Someone Lose their Salvation?
Do you have theological questions and doubts about the Bible and Christian faith? You’re not alone! I want to share a valuable resource for finding well-thought out and balanced answers to many of the toughest doubts and questions faced by both Christians and skeptics. Please check out the Woodland Hills Church Q & A channel … More Q&A – Solid Answers to Faith Questions
QUESTION: Can I trust God if he does not possess exhaustive definite foreknowledge? Excerpt from Motivations for ascribing foreknowledge to God by GREGORY A. BOYD published in “Religious Studies” (Cambridge University Press 2009). Aside from exegetical objections, the single most frequent criticism raised against the open view in the polemical literature is that it undermines … More Boyd on God’s Foreknowledge & Intelligence
Greg Boyd is involved with some very deep and provocative research and writing at the moment (and always). He gives us a link to a recently published article entitled “Two ancient (and modern) motivations for ascribing exhaustive definite foreknowledge to God: A historic overview and critical assessment.” If the title is any indication I would … More BOOK PREVIEW: “Jesus Versus Jehovah” by Greg Boyd
A former student (now in college) asked the following question a while back. How would you answer this fascinating theological question about the nature of Satan, forgiveness, judgment, heaven and hell? Q: I was discussing Lucifer and his fall from heaven with a roommate, and she wondered if Lucifer ever had a desire to return … More Q&A: Can Satan repent, be forgiven and saved from Hell?
These are not the BEST books I’ve read. There are definitely books more profound, better written, more well-known and vastly more influential. But there are books that we read at certain times in our own spiritual and intellectual journeys that just come at the perfect time to open new windows of thought, challenge previous convictions … More My Top 3: Impacting Books
Richard Dawkins, aggressive atheist and author of the bestselling The God Delusion, asks of what value are theologians anyway: “What has theology ever said that is of the smallest use to anybody? When has theology ever said anything that is demonstrably true and is not obvious? I have listened to theologians, read them, debated against … More What good are theologians?
I have so far in this series highlighted the inadequacies of two of the key aspects of the popular human system of social ethics: (1) that human beings have the ability to wisely and justly direct the course of history, and (2) that humanly created structures, powers, and programs are able means to bring lasting … More Cruciform Justice 10: The War of the Lamb
What does a narrative approach to Scripture say about the authority of Scripture? 5. Narrative Understanding of Scriptural Authority. Most foundationally, we must treat Scripture as more than a static repository of abstract truths that reveal true propositions about God, history and the human condition (though these too are important, have their special place and can be … More A Powerful Collision: God, Bible, Authority & Narrative 4
The Cross calls us to a justice that moves us beyond the law of retribution: “An eye for an eye.” As Moltmann observes, “If evil is recompensed with evil, then the one evil is always oriented on the other evil, because only in that way is it justified.” While scoffed at by many, there is … More Cruciform Justice 8: Getting Beyond Retribution
How does this narrative approach then change the way Christians understand and relate to God and the Bible? Let’s look briefly at a narrative understanding of God, the fall, saving faith and evangelism. 1. A Narrative Understanding of God. The particular plot line reveals a lot about the heart and character of the Author. Therefore, in our … More A Powerful Collision: God, Bible, Authority & Narrative 3
In light of the recent John Piper interpretation of the Minneapolis tornado, Greg Boyd hosted a Q&A centered around the debated concept that God might be behind the natural disasters in the world…as well as other related questions from the congregation. Well worth checking out links below! LISTEN TO AUDIO WATCH VIDEO
The last time Pastor Piper offered his theological commentary on a local disaster (35W Interstate Bridge Collapse) it sparked a lengthy response from Pastor Greg Boyd. So, naturally, I have been waiting for Boyd to weigh in on Piper’s recent interpretation of the Minneapolis “Tornado Warning.” Here it is. Check out Boyd’s response HERE. Well, … More Greg Boyd Responds to Piper’s Tornado Warning
There is a lot of discussion over Pastor John Piper’s statement that God sent a tornado to Minneapolis yesterday to warn the ELCA leaders not to condone homosexuality. Read more about it HERE. This story has my head spinning and my theology challenged. I feel I need to come clean with my confusion because I … More God & Tornados: A Personal Confession
SEEKING CLARITY AND NUANCE So, where does this leave us on the tired old debate over so-called “man-centered” theology vs. “God-centered” theology? We must set the record straight on the main and plain things. And on the deeper complexities we must seek greater clarity and nuance in our rhetoric. I have attempted to expose the … More Man-Centered vs. God-Centered 5: Summary & Conclusion
How is God glorified by human beings? Our chief end is to glorify God with our lives. Our chief temptation, from Genesis 3 onward, is to “exchange the glory of the immortal God” for lesser glory — especially glorification of man (cf. Rom. 1:23). I agree with this whole-heartedly. But how exactly is God most … More Man-Centered vs. God-Centered 4: How is God Glorified?
I am unpacking some thoughts on both the validity of the man-centered vs. God-centered debate and offering some healthy push back on the fuzzy, over-extension of this line of reasoning. I see a distortion of both the character of God and what it means for human beings to glorify God. Michael Spencer began his post … More Man-Centered vs. God-Centered 3: Is God an Idolater?
I am unpacking some thoughts on both the validity of the man-centered vs. God-centered debate and offering some healthy push back on the fuzzy, over-extension of this line of reasoning. Michael Spencer began his post on this topic with a wise disclaimer I would like to echo: These posts are, without a doubt, an experiment … More Man-Centered vs. God-Centered 2: Reasons Behind the Debate
Why do so many Christians, notably conservative Evangelicals and Reformed brothers and sisters, often put the glorification of God at odds with human attempts at excellence? Does striving for greatness always lead to human pride and undercut the magnification of God? Does a strong focus on the needs and concerns of human beings always result … More Man-Centered vs. God-Centered 1: Introducing the Debate
Every scholar-teacher has their favorite topic — those aspects of their field of study they are most passionate about. When a student raises a question related to one of your favorite topics, you get instantly energized, your voice gains added force and you launch into lecture mode. In my Bible Studies and discussions with people … More My Top 3: Theological “Hobbyhorses”
We’re comparing the differences between John Piper and N. T. Wright on Paul and the New Perspective using helpful summaries compiled by Trevin Wax featured in the June edition of Christianity Today. Today we look at “the righteousness of God.” What does Paul mean by the righteousness of God? PIPER: The essence of God’s righteousness is … More Piper vs. Wright (3): God’s Righteousness
Jeremy L. Berg 