(Below is another brief reflection that I first wrote up for my church's bulletin.) Progress. There is an almost insatiable desire within much of Western culture that seeks a never ending form of progression. But what are we supposedly progressing to? How do we determine what is true progress and what is actual regress? Can... Continue Reading →
An Analogical Interpretation of Genesis 1
When it comes to the many different interpretations of the first chapter of the Bible, well, “I’ve been everywhere man.” Born as a Young Earth Creationist, drifted towards an allegorical mildly evolutionary accommodating poetic understanding, then clung to a Hugh Ross style literalistic Day/Age view, but I never felt satisfied, neither theologically, nor scientifically. Along... Continue Reading →
Seven Questions That Trump “That’s Just Your Interpretation”
A couple of months ago, I put the commonly used defeater phrase, “That’s just your interpretation” on trial and found the integrity behind its typical usage woefully lacking. Essentially, those who resort to using it, although I hope they are unaware of such a reality, are acting against the love of both neighbor and God.... Continue Reading →
Does Mark Care About the Resurrection?
Maybe you’ve heard something like this before: “Mark is the earliest of the gospels, therefore this manuscript contains the best evidence for what the early Christians were concerned about, and surprisingly he had little to no concern about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, as is clearly seen in the short and abrupt ending of his... Continue Reading →
On Christian Scholarship: Do Not Assume the Sheep Will Follow
As a church layman I’ve spent the last couple of years intellectually engaging with my faith through Christian scholarship, some of which I’ve found fantastic and some of which I can barely label Christian. Why the hesitation to accept the Christian identity of some scholars? To be a Christian scholar, should imply that one indeed... Continue Reading →
“That’s Just Your Interpretation” On Trial
If you’ve been a Christian for any length of time, I’m sure you’ve heard it. You assert that you believe that the Bible teaches a certain doctrine, typically while taking a stance for the historically orthodox position, and the person you are speaking with gives you a scornful look and says, “Well, that’s just your... Continue Reading →