Category Archives: Commentary

Which One of Us Is Lost or Confused?

UPDATE: Comments closed. I wrote a bit about this person earlier this month on the “Praying to Mary” discussion. I’ve been teaching Ethiopian Orthodox students for as long as I’ve been teaching Bible- 17 years. In all that time, I’ve only met a handful of students who could even begin to explain to me anythingContinue reading “Which One of Us Is Lost or Confused?”

Why Doesn’t The Church Talk About Domestic Abuse?

UPDATE: Check out: “Seven Reasons Women Stay In Abusive Relationships and How To Defeat Each One of Them” by John Shore. From Kentucky.com, following a high profile murder that followed a high profile history of domestic abuse The news reports of the recent death of Amanda Ross, allege that she was a victim of domesticContinue reading “Why Doesn’t The Church Talk About Domestic Abuse?”

Some Thoughts on Lutheranism and Evangelicalism + A Brief Review of the Lutheran Study Bible

Let me begin by saying that I did not receive a review copy of The Lutheran Study Bible, though I probably could have. Like the ESV Study Bible, I bought my own copy from the publisher. I’m open to bribes, kickbacks and rental, but in this instance, it didn’t happen. Concordia Publishing has now completedContinue reading “Some Thoughts on Lutheranism and Evangelicalism + A Brief Review of the Lutheran Study Bible”

Jesus- Yes; Church- No? Maybe.

Therefore, a slogan that was popular some years back: “Jesus yes, Church no”, is totally inconceivable with the intention of Christ. This individualistically chosen Jesus is an imaginary Jesus. We cannot have Jesus without the reality he created and in which he communicates himself. Between the Son of God-made-flesh and his Church there is aContinue reading “Jesus- Yes; Church- No? Maybe.”

Jesus, Faith and a Universe of Fear

When I started studying Mark’s Gospel many years ago, I learned that, in Mark, faith is not contrasted with unbelief, but with fear. The command to “not be afraid” was common in Mark. The disciples are constantly choosing between faith and fear as they journey with Jesus. It is fear, not unbelief, that cripples theContinue reading “Jesus, Faith and a Universe of Fear”

Re:Atheism

I received two letters this week from friends/readers asking for input and advice on relating to atheists in their workplace/families. It brought to mind a number of things I’ve been wanting to say about evangelicals and their take on atheism. When I was growing up in a fundamentalist Baptist church, the face of atheism wasContinue reading “Re:Atheism”

I’m a Little Confused About Being “Gospel-Centered”

For the past couple of years, the term “Gospel centered” has become ubiquitous in the blogosphere. And as the use of this term has become more and more common, I’ve become less and less certain that its meaning is simply….being Gospel centered. I’m not saying that it means something other than Gospel centered or somethingContinue reading “I’m a Little Confused About Being “Gospel-Centered””

Riffs: 08:12:09: Architecture for the Glory of God

UPDATE: This has been a great conversation, but we’re starting to get some drive-by comments with little substance. Keep the tone and content to a high standard please. WATCH: This short video- 8 minutes- of the building of a Gothic worship center for Covenant Presbyterian (PCA) church in Nashville. Don’t comment without watching, please. CovenantContinue reading “Riffs: 08:12:09: Architecture for the Glory of God”