On:
In: Bible, Theology

In Matthew 22:36-39 Jesus tells us love is the highest duty of humankind. Love is human activity at its finest.

The command is the same in both cases: to love; but the recipients are different: “God” and “neighbor” (see Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18; and likely Luke 10:29-37 where “neighbor” extends to anyone in need). Since God is the greater of the two recipients (greater in every way morally, metaphysically, and conceptually), then it follows that he must receive more of our love. In fact, God must receive all of our love. Neighbors, however, are to receive at least as much as …Read More

On:
In: Theology, Reviews, Spiritual Formation

Tish Harrison Warren offers important insight into what appears to be an inescapable predicament. Here’s the issue: In the throes of real pain and genuine suffering, we struggle to make sense out of the goodness of God (assuming there is some sense to be made under such pressure). This predicament favors no one and applies to everyone, whether …Read More

On:
In: Theology

For some, saying “It’s in the hands of God” is kinda like saying I’m gonna dive into a pool with no water, then pray for rain.

My response to them is twofold: 1) Of course God’s got this, but 2) that does not preclude him using other means to heal, provide, fix, reconcile, et al. Ironically, failing to consider other means God may use suggests one does not actually trust God. You see, if God continues to care for creation providentially, then he may choose and most often does choose intermediary causes to bring about his good will for us. My experience shows me…Read More

On:
In: Anthropology, Imago Dei, Reviews, Theology

Not a little ink has spilled over the centuries and not a few words have been spoken to date on what it means for humans to be created in the image of God. I’ve written before on the imago Dei and, though brief, the sum of my thinking goes like this:

The Bible declares that humanity is created after the image and likeness of the Creator (Genesis 1:26). Humanity is the created representation of God on earth and redeemed humanity reflects the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 3:10; Romans 8:29; 1 John 3:2). However, the image is a copy of the original, not the exact replica.

Furthermore, both male and female together …Read More

On:
In: Culture, Environment, Ethics, Reviews, Theology

Sandra Richter’s book is difficult. Not intellectually, mind you. Far worse. It’s ethically demanding because it’s an eye-opening portrayal of God’s call for environmental responsibility. It addresses issues only the courageous will consider, but all are called on to engage. The concerns of creation care are not just critical, political, structural; they are ubiquitous. On every page this book is a biblical, practical, and down-to-earth call to action. Readers are not only informed about Scripture’s clear message of environmental stewardship, but challenged to make a difference. Richter’s purpose for writing Stewards of Eden: What Scripture Says About the Environment and Why It Matters is to provide a “biblical theology of environmental stewardship.” It is not overly technical and is especially …Read More

On:
In: Bible, Eschatology, Reviews, Theology

In Paul and the Hope of GloryPaul and the Hope of Glory: An Exegetical and Theological Study Constantine Campbell has provided a significant and important contribution to eschatology from the writings of Paul the Apostle. What follows is just a teaser of “things to come” intended to provide some scaffolding for readers to stand upon as they work through this outstanding offering.

The book is divided into three parts with Part 1 (chapters 1-2) presenting introductory matters; Part 2 (chapters 3-13) providing a brief exegesis of relevant texts; Part 3 (chapters 14-18) integrating …Read More

On:
In: Bible, Hermeneutics, Mutualist • Egalitarian, Reviews, Theology

Icons of Christ: A Biblical and Systematic Theology for Women’s Ordination is a compelling and capable defense of women sharing the full sweep of responsibilities for leadership in the Church. Despite the contention this topic breeds and the heat it generates, each chapter fairly and charitably rehearses arguments for and against women serving in church leadership. Author William G. Witt rigorously engages all the relevant biblical texts, along with traditional and contemporary testimony from Catholic and Protestant opposing voices. With philosophical and theological acumen, Witt applies careful historical, theological, literary, and exegetical analyses throughout, while keeping a practical focus on the Church.

Since the breadth and depth of this book is large, …Read More

On:
In: Anthropology, Imago Dei, Theology

This is video is really good. I would add the following. The Bible declares that humanity is created after the image and likeness of the Creator (Genesis 1:26). Humanity is the created representation of God on earth and redeemed humanity reflects the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 3:10;Read More

On:
In: Bible, Imago Dei, Theology

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 With these words the Apostle Paul succinctly and poignantly “sums up the human tragedy” (Morris, Romans, p 176). Whereas Romans 1:18-3:20 might be understood as the indictment and evidence establishing guilt, Romans 3:23 is the closingRead More

On:
In: Christology, Reviews, Theology

The penetrating style and exceedingly capable analytic skills of Oliver D. Crisp has given us an outstanding work on atonement. Previously, Crisp co-edited a collection of papers presented at the third annual Los Angeles Theology Conference under the title, Locating the Atonement. In his newest, Crisp lays out atonement modelsRead More