Discussing Doctrinal Differences
Among the courses I teach at Welch College is Christian Doctrines. One of my goals, in addition to teaching reformed Arminian and Free Will Baptist doctrine, is to introduce students to the doctrinal positions of other confessions. I aim to teach the inner logic of varying positions. But my purpose, for Free Will Baptist students especially, is to teach them how to respond to alternative viewpoints and remain confident in their own....
A Historical Sketch of Thomas Helwys
Upon reading the mission statement of the Helwys Society Forum, some readers have inquired about the origin of its name. Who was Helwys? Why is he important? Readers may begin with the page entitled Why Helwys? This post will expand upon the information on that page. Although I could say much more about this man and his legacy, my comments will introduce him and some of his teachings. Thomas Helwys (c. 1575–c. 1616) was an English...
Longing and Fulfillment
Husband and wife drove down the winding gravel driveway, past the old fencing and through overarching trees. It was a cold, wintery day, but the sun shone brightly on them. A charming country home greeted them, which had been fashioned after a bed and breakfast establishment. A large porch graced the front of the house, and she could already hear the creak of a rocking chair, could already smell the aroma of morning coffee, could...
Welch College Graduate Breakfast Charge: Thankfulness
On Friday, May 6, 2022, Welch College graduated forty-one students. I had the privilege of giving the charge at the Graduate Breakfast the day before. What follows is an adapted version of my speech. I begin with these simple words: I am proud of you. Not only have you persevered through your program of study, which is hard enough; but you have done so amid the added pressures created by the difficult circumstances of the past several...
Thinking Biblically About Political Discord
Do you find yourself frustrated and exhausted by political discourse—even among Christians?[1] Are you concerned that some seem to think of themselves first as Democrats, Republicans, or Independents, and second as Christians? Few things create strife like conversations about faith and politics. For that reason, many learned as children not to discuss politics or religion in polite company. That advice is helpful but only to a point....
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