Last Sunday we explored 2 Kings 25:1-12, the very uplifting passage about Zedekiah's sons being killed before his eyes were gouged out and the burning of the city of Jerusalem, including the temple. It's not a very uplifting passage at all, but a crucial event in redemptive history. So, allowing the True Story of the … Continue reading God Judging Nations (Cutting Room Floor)
theological
Just War in Christian Theology
As an undergraduate, I studied Political Science at Houghton College with aspirations to become a lawyer in the Marine Corps. Midway through my time in college, I shifted my career path towards ministry but kept the major, adding a minor in Bible and Theology. My senior thesis combined my minor and major, political science and … Continue reading Just War in Christian Theology
Nuance is Needed: Foreigners in Israel, America, and the Church
Nuance is an endangered species. Few people offer it, few people seem willing to tolerate it. But a lack of nuance leads to a confusing cognitive dissonance. On the far right of the Christian political spectrum are those who contend America was and should be again a Christian nation. This group wants to reintroduce biblical … Continue reading Nuance is Needed: Foreigners in Israel, America, and the Church
It’s Complicated
I've recently been listening to an incredibly interesting book, The Protest History of the United States. Author, civil rights attorney and professor Gloria Browne-Marshall, describes the world as a "blessedly beautiful yet humanly hostile" place to live. In other words, it's complicated. That corresponds to what I see in the news. There is tremendous goodness … Continue reading It’s Complicated
Faith Complete by Works
Last week I preached from James 2:14-26, a passage that speaks of the importance of good works in the life of the believer. I stressed that, for James, it's NOT FAITH + WORKS = SALVATION. He didn't preach "add some works to your faith, then you'll be saved." What he does say is FAITH = … Continue reading Faith Complete by Works
