Introduction At the center of Mark, Jesus posed this climatic question to Peter: “Who do you say that I am?” (Mark 8:29). This is a question for every generation -- maybe for every believer and nonbeliever. Unlike Peter, however, believers and nonbelievers today can say, without much thought or urgency, time-honored answers: [...]
Summary: Some early theologians, like Origen, saw the rapture as a purely spiritual event Rufinus viewed biblical references to a rapture as a statement about the nature of the afterlife Other early theologians, like Augustine and Chrysostom, did associate a physical rapture event with the Final Judgement Many modern depictions of the rapture [...]
SUMMARY The question of vocation--what it is, and how we should pursue it--crops up all the time in the Christian life. Though countless theologians have studied it, there are four whose perspectives are particularly helpful: Martin Luther, Karl Barth, Simone Weil, and Andrew Davison. These four thinkers, presented in chronological order, can help [...]
How should we use gender to talk about God? Summary: Three main approaches to using gender to talk about God: progressive/feminist, gender neutral, traditional masculine approach. Progressive/feminist argues that we need to expand our vocabulary beyond the Bible’s male-centered language of God the Father and God our Lord. Gender-neutral argues that we do [...]
Summary How have Christians thought about suicide over the centuries? We explore: Personal story A common misinterpretation Biblical foundations for suicide discussions What past theologians have to say on suicide Closing personal remarks Introduction I had a time, and a plan. Things had gone as bad as they could, for about as long [...]
For a lot of my friends and family members, time has passed slowly over the last few weeks. So many people that I love are plastered with a somber, quiet stillness. Earlier this month, a car full of college students—who many people in my community knew through Young Life ministries—were traveling to [...]
One Viewpoint: "Though defensive violence will always be 'a sad necessity' in the eyes of men of principle, it would be still more unfortunate if wrongdoers should dominate just men." - St. Augustine Another Viewpiont: "America is a Gun" - Brian Bilston My coworkers and I are gathered in the office in between [...]
How do we understand the death of Jesus? Why did Jesus have to die, and how exactly does his death result in the forgiveness of sin? In today’s article, we offer an introductory glance at a few key views on the doctrine of the atonement. Introduction Throughout Church history, every doctrine has been [...]
We are writing a mini-series to give high level overviews of some contemporary theologians, providing arguments for and against their positions. Part 2 discusses Gustavo Gutiérrez, an 89 year old Peruvian man. How do you say to the poor that God loves you? Liberation Theology offers an answer. A Summary and Explanation of [...]
We are starting a mini-series to give high level overviews of some contemporary theologians, providing arguments for and against their positions. Part 1 discusses James H. Cone, an 81 year old Black man. A Summary and Explanation of Black Liberation Theology How does the Christian faith relate to our race and identity? How [...]