Destroyer of the gods: A Review
Early Christians were strange people in the eyes of Roman citizens. That was due in large part to their distinctive practices. Larry Hurtado,[1] in his newest book Destroyer of the gods (Baylor University Press, 2016), presents a fascinating, two-fold argument. First, he contends that early Christian worship practices were markedly different from all other Roman religions, cults, and philosophical societies. Second, Hurtado argues...
The Ethics of Voting: A Christian Proposal
American citizenship is not a chance designation.[1] It’s the intentional calling of a sovereign God to those who have it. When and where we find ourselves living life is no surprise to God. Part of the Christian’s task in discipleship is discerning how best to fulfill this responsibility. While everyone can’t do everything, we can all do something: we can vote. Considering the Contest One of the first questions we have to consider is...
Near-death Experiences?
How should a person view death? Paul says death is the “last enemy to be destroyed” (1 Cor. 15:26). The writer of Hebrews says that Christ came to “deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery” (2:15). For some, the fear of death can be overwhelming, but Christians know that Christ defeated the “last enemy to be destroyed” This gives us hope. We often think about dying well. However, what does Scripture...
Recommended Books (Summer 2016)
The Apostle Paul closes his epistle to the Ephesians with a memorable exhortation: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with...
Dignity and Death: Part II
“How should Christians think about dying?” That is the question we considered in Part I. Additionally, we examined some historical considerations regarding physician-assisted suicide. We traced this issue from Dr. Kevorkian in the 1990s to the most recent form of legislation in California that allows physicians to prescribe medicine for terminally ill patients to end their own lives. In this essay, we’ll focus...
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