I like to think of myself as an “ecumenical Christian.” That is, I am a Christian who is very aware that the Body of Christ far extends beyond the boundaries of my local Church, my immediate tradition or denomination, and even my own time. Jesus has been building His Church for the last 2000 years,... Continue Reading →
Division, Unity, and Pride in the Church
If there is one thing Protestants are great at, it’s dividing. I mean, we were literally born from division and we only exist as long as division within Christendom remains an unfortunate reality, we should all long for the day when there is nothing left to protest. Clearly, as I remain a committed Protestant, I... Continue Reading →
God is Murdered
Writing in the mid-1600s the French scientist and philosopher Blaise Pascal wrote that, “There is no denying it; one must admit that there is something astonishing about Christianity. ‘It is because you were born in it,’ they will say. Far from it; I stiffen myself against it for that very reason, for fear of being... 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 →
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 →