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!
What do you think?
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
Which Jesus do you follow? This is the most significant question we can ask. The New Testament declares that Jesus is the full and accurate picture of the invisible God. When you stare into the face of Jesus, you’re looking into the face of Almighty God. So, what kind of a God does Jesus reveal? … More Greg Boyd Puts the “Smack Down” on Mark Driscoll’s Jesus
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)
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)
What is the “Big Story” behind all the smaller episodes in the Bible? How does the Old Testament relate to the New Testament? Why does the portrayal of God in the OT (as wrathful, violent, etc.) seem at odds with the NT picture of God revealed to us by Jesus Christ? What ultimate goal do … More What’s the Big Picture? The OT through the lenses of Jesus
Few teachers have been more influential in my spiritual journey through college and seminary (and beyond) than Greg Boyd and Paul Eddy. One of the lessons I’m trying to learn from them is not to take myself too seriously. Here’s yet another teaching moment. I’m taking notes. =) Remember Jesus’ words: “A student is not … More My Spiritual Mentors
Question: Don’t all religions offer different paths to the same ultimate reality or destination? Aren’t all religions equally valid sources of spiritual truth and salvation? Answer: The Bible is very clear that Jesus is the pathway to coming into a saving relationship with the Creator God.“I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one … More Q&A – Do all religions lead to God?
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
What happens when 3 generations of Evangelical Christian leaders get together to discuss church and politics in the 21st century? These videos capture a lively and thoughtful conversation between Chuck Colson, Gregory Boyd and Shane Claiborne moderated by Krista Tippett of “Speaking of Faith” radio program. Check out some video clips below. The full program … More Evangelical Dialogue on Christianity & Politics
I can’t believe I’ve never made this observation before. We all know Christianity and church life is all about COMMUNITY. Well, at least it has become the big buzz word for the last decade or two. The Sunday worship routine that had for so long become a spectator sport with the people on stage providing … More Christian Community: The Goal or Starting Point?
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
What did Jesus mean when he told his fellow Jews to “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and give to God what is God’s”? Greg Boyd brings another strong critique of American tendencies toward a nationalized version of Christianity. In a recent sermon entitled “Handing Jesus Over to Caesar” Boyd argues that Jesus’ answer “undermined … More Boyd Waxes Bold on Jesus & Politics (Again)
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
When Pastor John Piper speaks, he speaks with bold conviction. When John Piper speaks about local disasters, I listen carefully and critically. Especially when Piper’s Twitter update reads: “Tornados do have a voice. They talk to Lutherans. And the rest of us. They talk about sexual sin. Stay tuned.” Yesterday a tornado hit downtown Minneapolis … More John Piper: Tornado Talks to Lutherans about Homosexuality
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”
1. My number one favorite blog that is a part of my daily diet of reading is Jesus Creed with Scot McKnight. It’s hard to top the variety of topics and the depth of discussion found there. I have been honored to have some of my writings featured there. I admire Scot as a reputable … More My Top 3: Blogs
Thomas Nelson Publishers is about to release the New American Patriot’s Bible. Here’s how they’re marketing it: THE ONE BIBLE THAT SHOWS HOW ‘A LIGHT FROM ABOVE’ SHAPED OUR NATION. Never has a version of the Bible targeted the spiritual needs of those who love our country more than The American Patriot’s Bible. This extremely … More Greg Boyd & the Patriot’s Bible
If you’ve never heard Greg Boyd preach you are missing out. He brings a unique blend of sophisticated, high-level learning packaged in a very engaging, accessible, practical preaching style that connects with the rest of us. I am excited to join him for a special 5-week teaching series called Animate where Greg will attempt to … More Animate Your Faith with Greg Boyd
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
If you care about the current and future state of Christianity in America and evangelicalism in particular, there has been a storm of articles and debates popping up all over the place as of late. I commented briefly upon Michael Spencer’s “Coming Evangelical Collapse” posts a couple months back. His bleak predictions were subsequently picked … More The Demise of American Christianity: Good or Bad?
“There is a beautiful and powerful grassroots Kingdom movement arising all over the globe …. Millions of people are abandoning the Christendom paradigm of the traditional Christian faith in order to become more authentic followers of Jesus. From the Emergent Church movement to the Urban Monastic Movement to a thousand other independent groups and movements, … More Whatchamacallit?
Jeremy L. Berg 