Agree to Disagree? Resurrecting Universals
Often in life we make compromises so that the wheels of society will remain greased and day-to-day matters will continue unimpeded. However, in the modern world we cite even extreme disagreements over universals as mere differences of opinion to avoid confrontation.[1] We set aside disagreements over human nature and God so that society can function with “efficiency.”[2] But this is a materialist understanding of the world and as...
Science and Hermeneutics: Reading Scripture with Isaac Newton
Christians, especially in the Reformed tradition, have often been cautious toward and even suspicious of natural theology. This approach to theology derives knowledge about God not primarily from revelation, but reasoned reflection on nature [1]. Many theologians hasten to highlight the limits of where reasoning from nature can take us with respect to knowing God. Many Christians after Darwin, Freud, and Einstein have felt deep...
A Life in Ministry: An Interview with Bobby & Jane Jackson
A few years ago we were privileged at the Forum to have posted an interview we conducted with veteran evangelist Bobby Jackson. In particular, we discussed his memoir entitled Yesterday: Memoirs of an Itinerate Evangelist from 1950-2010. While Brother Bobby is essentially retired, he still takes meetings and speaks at special events. Most recently, he was one of the featured speakers at the North Carolina State Association Meeting in...
Recognizing the God Who Is There, Despite our Best Efforts
by Andy Ball The Critical Posture How ironic is the contemporary mood: despite how technologically advanced and developed our society is, we are so untrustworthy about many beliefs. Even though we can be more certain than ever before about numerous things, we are cynics. Just consider the plethora of conspiracies that are so popular. If you’re not familiar with any, go check your Facebook wall. Someone will surely have posted in the...
Thomas Aquinas and the Role of Reason: An Epistemology of Faith
by Kevin L. Hester Epistemology is the philosophical study of how truth claims are justified. It answers the question how we know what is true. Since God is revealed to us as “truth,”[1] it must then have bearing upon our faith. But what is the nature of faith? Is faith only faith when there is no evidence? If faith depends upon evidence, is it still faith? The relationship between faith and reason is a foundational theological and...
Evangelical Theological Society Meeting: Review & Reflections
Two weeks ago, nearly 3000 students, professors, exhibitors, pastors, and scholars of many kinds gathered in downtown Atlanta for the annual meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society. While regional bodies meet throughout the year, the national organization gathers every November for hundreds of stimulating presentations, plenary addresses, discussion forums, and a first-rate exhibit hall, featuring biblical training resources,...
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