Evangelism’s Hidden Assumptions: When Theory & Praxis Contradict
Central to the Christian faith is the task of evangelism. Orthodox Christians affirm this need for witnessing in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the earth (cf. Acts 1:8). Nonetheless, bearing witness to the cross of Christ comes with its own unique challenges and principles about its content, as well as its approach or method. Among these challenges are some important basic assumptions. For example, the...
What Does It Mean to Think Theologically?
When a discussion concerning a theological matter arises, it is often greeted by a blank look of indifference and a general lack of concern for what follows. People may twiddle their thumbs or remain silent until the conversation has subsided and the opportunity to change the discussion has presented itself. All too often this lackadaisical attitude is found present in the minds of Christians. This presents a particular challenge when...
Clarifying the ‘Culture’ Debate
Culture is unquestionably a buzzword of the contemporary era. Evangelicals seek to “engage the culture” for Christ, while PBS journalists aim to capture the cultural moment in documentaries. Even politicians speak of cultural developments and trends in public speeches [1]. However, when using the term ‘culture’, do these parties mean the same thing? Whether it is T.S. Eliot’s classic Notes Toward the Definition of Culture, Alan...
What We Are Missing in Spiritual Maturity
Post-modernity has propagated a plethora of pitfalls for the Christian faith, both on a practical level and in the realm of ideas. Immaturity is an important consequence of this philosophy. While there are biological components to the life stages, more often they are matters of cultural construction. Since culture shapes maturity and post-modern standards are wholly arbitrary, godly maturity increasingly is lost in our culture. This...
Is It Really Necessary to Learn the Original Languages?
At times, I occasionally run across someone who says something to this accord: “You don’t really need to know Greek and Hebrew in order to teach and preach God’s Word. A pastor or teacher is not going to do an exhaustive exegesis of the passage in a thirty-or-so minute sermon or Bible lesson. Besides, the commentaries will tell you everything you need to know.” Such a statement is disheartening. While interaction with the biblical...
How God’s Attributes Shape Man’s View of Ecclesiology
The Church, above all else, should mirror the character and attributes of God. Sadly many churches do not. Instead of appealing to God, they focus on that which the target group desires. What is the newest and trendiest thing the church down the road is doing? What is the largest church in your movement practicing? What’s new in television ministries? In sum, pastors, teachers, laymen, students, and Christians in general are...
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