Let everyone around us fawn at the big-budget political mayhem swirling continuously around us. Let us keep our focus on the little pop-out window on the screen of history that bows humbly before the manger and stands in awe with lowly shepherds. Let worldly politics be a little side hobby (though I don’t recommend it!), and let King Jesus and his upside-down politics rule in our hearts and minds continuously. … More Split Screen Lives
I heard a commercial on the radio this morning for The Cremation Society. It said something like only 4% chose cremation back in 1960, increasing slightly to about 8% in 1980. Then they proudly announced that today over 50% are choosing cremation over traditional burial! So, what? What’s the big deal? Does it matter one … More Cremation vs. Burial: A Worldview Case Study
Scot McKnight is sharing his own journey of wrestling with Calvinism at Jesus Creed. Here’s a snippet, and I recommend you read the rest of the forthcoming series. I found two major weaknesses in Calvinism’s theology (and also a disorientation in its architecture): first, the emphasis of its architecture is not the emphasis of the … More Are Calvinists Right?
Rob Bell’s forthcoming book, Love Wins, is bringing the discussion of Hell to center stage. May we all grow in our knowledge and beliefs about this very biblical and Jesus-y topic. As the buzz continues to increase around this debate in the church as Bell’s book releases, may we all dig our noses into Scriptures … More Tim Keller on Hell
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
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
This is a growing collection of resources to help familiarize Christians with the current debate on what the Bible teaches about homosexuality and how we can better love and minister to the GLBTQ community. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACH? Here’s a good place to start if you’re wondering what the Bible teaches and how both sides make their … More Jesus, the Bible, & Homosexuality – Resources
The debate over the legitimacy of virtual church vs. traditional church has heated up at Out Of Ur over the past couple weeks. (Dr. Mark Roberts has a series of posts as well.) I’ll be honest and admit that I have at times been too critical and skeptical of the “virtual church” movement. I see the … More Is ‘Virtual’ Church ‘Real’ Church?
Two significant voices offer well-needed clarity on the ongoing battle within the Episcopalian and Anglican churches over the question of homosexual clergy. Check it out: Ben Witherington III: “The Wright Stuff Hits the Fan” Tom Wright article in Times Online
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 2008 edition of Christianity Today. Today we finish up with the final comparison from Wax’s chart dealing with the question of the present and future realities of justification. What … More Piper v. Wright (7): Future Justification
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 2008 edition of Christianity Today. Today we focus on the central message of the gospel. What is the gospel? PIPER: The heart of the gospel … More Piper vs. Wright (5): The Gospel
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 in the June 2009 edition of Christianity Today. Today we focus on the question: How do Piper and Wright differ on their understanding of first-century Judaism as the background of Paul’s … More Piper vs. Wright (4): First-Century Judaism
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
I’m assuming you have all heard about the scandalous James Ossuary discovered in Jerusalem in 2002, right? If not, this amazing artifact is a first century burial bone box with the inscription “James son of Joseph, Brother of Jesus.” Is this really the burial box of Jesus’ brother? A debate has been raging for years and … More James Ossuary Debate Continues
Mark Driscoll debates Deepak Chopra and others on ABC’s “Nightline Face-Off” over the question: “Does Satan exist?” Very lively and entertaining debate. Watch the whole debate HERE. What did you think?
Jeremy L. Berg 