Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says James Talarico will “go to hell” for his beliefs about the Bible. Talarico is an ordained Presbyterian minister and seminarian who is the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Texas. He will face erstwhile…
In new book, Oord makes theology about God’s love
When I hear the words “systematic theology,” I can’t help but think of Wayne Grudem — an altogether unpleasant association. Maybe a different systematic theology book comes to mind for you, but Iʼd bet it has the same driving force:…
Why a theology focused only on the future is bad for the present
One of the key differences I’ve noticed between the United Methodist Church and the religion in which I was raised is the focus on now versus later — “later” being heaven, the afterlife, eternity. The theology of the UMC (or…
What we lose when churches stop naming themselves
I understand the appeal of the nondenominational church. In an age weary of faction, weary of institutional decline and weary of ecclesial infighting, the promise can sound fresh: No inherited baggage, no denominational machinery, no old quarrels: just Jesus, the…
Three reasons from this week why BWIM’s work is needed
Evidence from this week provides three reasons why the work of Baptist Women in Ministry is still needed. Reason No. 1: When Christian patriarchal theology is popularized and easily accessible, it is used for harm. Reporting by Daniel Silliman at…
Christianity Today editor lays out ‘Declaration of Principles’
With its recent change in editors, Christianity Today has set forth a new “Declaration of Principles” that reflect the “biblical objectivity” preached for decades by Marvin Olasky, new editor in chief. Olasky, 75, rose to evangelical prominence as editor of…
Starving the mindset that feeds terrorism
Across Nigeria’s highways and farm paths, in markets and dormitories, and even in churches and mosques, faith has become a weapon. The line between devotion and destruction has grown perilously thin. Religious violence here is not new; what is new is…
The gospel of MAGA in their own words about Charlie Kirk
Last April — long before Charlie Kirk’s untimely and horrific assassination Sept. 10 — I wrote an article about his rise from college dropout to Trump influencer. Since Kirk’s murder, I’ve watched with fascination the battle over his legacy. The…
Please don’t call the TheoBros Christians
Mira Fox recently had an article for MSN called “The Podcasters Making Antisemitism Christian Again.” She explained antisemitism is rising among certain evangelical Christians. The theme of the “Stone Choir” blog she watched: “Satan is using the Hebrew language to…
There are better ways to read the Bible
“Your son is disruptive, disrespectful and dishonoring to God. He asks too many questions during Bible study, and it’s causing the other students to doubt their faith. I’m sorry, but he’s not welcome here anymore.” My youth pastor said this…
With ‘allies’ like these, who needs adversaries?
Hosting drag shows in a church. Board members posting incendiary statements about political violence. Dismissing or scolding dissenting LGBTQ voices. Sometimes it’s “inclusive” churches that can do lasting damage to the cause of LGBTQ inclusion. I was reminded of this…
Review: In Accordance With the Scriptures
When we do theology, many people start with the “Bible.” Since it is considered the primary source for doing theology, it seems prudent to define what makes the Bible the authoritative source for doing theology.