Category: Church History

How novel is complementarianism?

I’ve responded to this question briefly before in response to claims made on social media that Complementarianism is novel.  I want to return to it again here in response to Andrew Bartlett’s book because one of his starting arguments is that both complementarianism and egalitarianism are novel positions.  Bartlett, offers a necessarily brief survey of… Continue reading How novel is complementarianism?

Why the Reformation still matters

As well as being Halloween, the 31st October marks “Reformation Day.” It’s the anniversary of the day when Martin Luther launched his protest against the Catholic Church.  Now, I don’t think that Reformation parties are likely to catch on or engage culturally as an alternative to Trick or Treating, so if you were planning one,… Continue reading Why the Reformation still matters

Calvin without Hobbes

1517 Johann Tetzel ““As soon as a coin in the coffer rings / the soul from purgatory springs” Indulgences – a financial payment protecting you and/or your family from Purgatory Semi Pelagianism –a recipe for corruption and Abuse Martin Luther Born 10th November 1483 2nd July 1505 –studying law –nearly struck by lightening “Help Saint… Continue reading Calvin without Hobbes

Athanasius and the dodgy worship leader

Introduction              Arian Chants and Songs                               en hote pote ouk en “The uncreated God has made the Son A beginning of things created And by adoption has God made Son Into an advancement of himself Yet the Son’s Substance is Removed from the substance of the Father The Son is not equal to the Father… Continue reading Athanasius and the dodgy worship leader

Irenaeus and the mystery of the missing Gospels

Introduction a. An Alternative Creation Story -God as distant, pure spirit –who doesn’t get his hands dirty Impersonal –in fact one Gnostic, Basileadis, goes so far as to describe him as “The non-existent God.”   -Between us and God are intermediary spirit beings/gods (demiurges)                -Creation as an unpleasant accident –matter  =bad, spirit = good… Continue reading Irenaeus and the mystery of the missing Gospels

Slaves and Masters

Ephesians 5-6 applies the way God’s love poured out to us is reflected in our love for each other in four relational examples Encouraging one another in the church Marriage Parents and children Slaves and Masters Here is some background reading relating to the 4th example with a look at church history and the movement… Continue reading Slaves and Masters

Tom Holland, Jordan Peterson and Gospel confidence

A couple of years ago, conservative evangelicals seemed to go crazy for two prominent secular authors/speakers operating at a popular level, Jordan Peterson and Tom Holland.  Peterson’s star seems to have waned somewhat but Tom Holland remains popular and has been invited onto podcasts and to speak at evangelistic events, usually with a format that… Continue reading Tom Holland, Jordan Peterson and Gospel confidence

Did we miss a revival during COVID?

In a recent article, I picked up on the disappointment expressed by a number of people that they had longed and hoped for a revival to happen as a result of the COVID pandemic.  The hoped that the existential threat of plague would move people to trust in God leading to spiritual growth among believers,… Continue reading Did we miss a revival during COVID?

What exactly do we remember?

Remember, remember the 5th November. Gunpowder, Treason and Plot When I was little, Bonfire night was a big deal.  At school, in the days and weeks leading up to it, there would be quite the build up with lessons about Guy Fawkes and his attempt to blow up parliament.  We’d watch the bonfires going up… Continue reading What exactly do we remember?