Caught Between ‘Try Harder’ and ‘Trust Christ’: Keeping Christ Central to Biblical Teaching
If you happened to grow up in an evangelical church during the past fifty years, it is likely that you are familiar with stories such as Abraham and Isaac, David and Goliath, Moses and the Exodus, and Jonah and the whale. Such lessons are usually accompanied by a flannel-graph that makes any child feel as if he is right in the midst of the story. This adventure is often concluded with the “moral of the story” (similar to what is found...
Iconoclasm, Yesterday and Today
For centuries the Church has debated the use of icons in worship. Proponents who champion the use of icons believe that they are teaching tools and enhance the act of worship. Opponents make note of the fact that icons are often venerated if not worshipped. Many of the denominations that were born in the Reformation of the sixteenth century opposed the use of icons in worship for these very reasons. Despite their heritage, icons have...
Whosoever Will: A Biblical-Theological Critique of Five-Point Calvinism (eds. David Allen and Steve Lemke)
After centuries of debate, the words “Calvinism” and “Arminianism” remain as buzz words that continue to spark discussion among evangelicals today. As denominations have begun returning to their doctrinal roots, such discussions have become more rampant in order to combat issues brought forth by Protestant liberalism and the postmodern culture. This returning to the sources (ad fontes) has had significant impact upon younger...
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...
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...
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