St. Irenaeus (2nd century) described Adam and Eve as “adolescents.” They were not “perfect” in the sense of “complete.” They represent a beginning and an intention – but something that not only remained unfulfilled – but even something that had deviated from its intended path. From “mud commanded to become Gods,” they became beings unableContinue reading “Fall, or Folly? (2): A Wisdom Story”
Category Archives: Theologia
Fall, or Folly? (1)
Whatever else one might say about Genesis 2-3 (the text actually goes from 2:4-4:26 and includes Cain’s story) and the account of Adam and Eve and the “fall,” it should be noted that, in its final form, this is a wisdom story. It is the first in a series of narratives that encourage the post-exilicContinue reading “Fall, or Folly? (1)”
Miguel Ruiz: How Do You Become a Christian?
I feel like sometimes we begin to take the basics of our faith for granted. Often when we get tunnel visioned on the peripheral responsibilities of our mission, the Gospel itself even gets assumed, confused, or forgotten. But here is something I have not heard discussed in a good while: If somebody expressed interest, orContinue reading “Miguel Ruiz: How Do You Become a Christian?”
Lead Us Not Into Temptation… But Deliver Us From Evil
There have been more than a few comments this week about the Devil, demons, and evil. All of which started me thinking of a recent study I had done with a small group on the Lord’s prayer. The Lord’s prayer is familiar to all of us. Many of us have said it a thousand times or more.Continue reading “Lead Us Not Into Temptation… But Deliver Us From Evil”
Screwtape on the Existence of Demons
Whenever we consider the subject of demonology, it is hard to ignore the contributions of C.S. Lewis. In the modern era, few have stimulated the imagination with regard to the spiritual realm as much as the author of The Screwtape Letters. The book, dedicated to his friend and colleague J.R.R. Tolkien, begins with two quotes:Continue reading “Screwtape on the Existence of Demons”
Luther: Living in a “Halloween” World
And though this world with devils fill’d Should threaten to undo us, We will not fear, for God hath will’d His truth to triumph through us. • Martin Luther, trans. Frederick Hedge Brother Martin lived in God’s presence, but they were generally three, for the Devil was seldom absent. • G.W. Foote • •Continue reading “Luther: Living in a “Halloween” World”
How I Became … an Arminian
Today we continue our series on “How I Became a…”. Two weeks ago I discussed how I had become a Theistic-Evolutionist. That was one of my later theological “conversions.” Up for discussion today, is my one of earliest theological conversions, that is the transition to Arminianism. Before going too far down a rabbit hole, letContinue reading “How I Became … an Arminian”
Where do I belong?
I want to spend the next couple of Fridays talking about community. This week I want to focus on one way that you can find a church community that is a good fit theologically. I left the Plymouth Brethren in 1986 over a matter of biblical interpretation, with no idea where I would end up.Continue reading “Where do I belong?”
The Spirit of Knowing
So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. • Romans 8:15-16, NLT • • • Sunday morning weContinue reading “The Spirit of Knowing”
God’s Scandalous Patience
God is transforming and reconciling the world. But unlike human revolutionaries who demand instant and total change, God is not impatient. The arc of the universe bends toward the full reconciliation of all creation, but — “Come, Lord Jesus!” — that arc is long. – C. Christopher Smith & John Pattison * * * IContinue reading “God’s Scandalous Patience”
The Internet Monk Archives 