Category: Theology

Not without hope

Genesis 11 paints a pretty hopeless picture.  The new, post flood humanity have in effect squandered the blessings and privileges of the covenant with Noah. Their hubristic rebellion against God has been crushed, they are divided by language and scattered across the world of the day.  However, at the end of the chapter, we are… Continue reading Not without hope

Theology and the church

The other day I saw this twitter comment about the place, or more accurately, absence of theology in the local church. There was also this additional commentary from Marcus Honeysett.  I believe that the local church is the context where theology should primarily happen.  There are a few reasons for this but it boils down… Continue reading Theology and the church

Will all Israel be saved?

Romans 11:25-26 says: 25 I want you to understand this mystery, dear brothers and sisters,[g] so that you will not feel proud about yourselves. Some of the people of Israel have hard hearts, but this will last only until the full number of Gentiles comes to Christ. 26 And so all Israel will be saved.  What does it mean… Continue reading Will all Israel be saved?

Is it just psychobabble?

Over the past couple of days I’ve shared a couple of posts drawing on observations that psychologists make about trauma and suggesting some lessons for church leaders. Some of us might be a little bit nervous of seeing articles that appear to draw primarily from secular thinking. I mean, there’s huge scepticism about the ability… Continue reading Is it just psychobabble?

The shame myth

There’s a little myth that has gained currency over the last 30 years to the point where it is generally held as unchallengeable truth.  The theory goes like this: Western cultures are all about guilt and retribution, Eastern cultures are all about honour and shame.  Reformed/Evangelical Theology has paid too much attention to the former… Continue reading The shame myth

God is still on his throne

One of the things that signalled the death of Queen Elizabeth II was the lowering of the Union Flag at key landmarks. Some people saw the lowering of the flag at Windsor before they heard officially via the BBC. However, there was one flag that was not lowered, the Royal Ensign. This remained because the… Continue reading God is still on his throne

Listen to female theologians and scholars

There’s been quite a bit of discussion recently about how we make sure that we are listening to and hearing from a  more diverse range of authors and speakers. One specific question is about listening to female theologians and Biblical scholars. I’ve got some further comments to contribute to the conversation in a later blog… Continue reading Listen to female theologians and scholars

The danger of Federal Vision

I’ve mentioned the so-called Federal Vision a few times here.  This is the position associated with James Jordan, Peter Leithart and especially Doug Wilson.  I thought it was worth revisiting it as my social media timeline has been busy again recently for some reason with discussion about Wilson and Federal Vision.  I think as well… Continue reading The danger of Federal Vision

Song of Songs: Appropriate language for describing our relationship with Christ?

As I mentioned in my last post, some people balk at the language in Song of Songs as too sensual or sexual even to be appropriate to describing Christ’s love for us.  Here’s one response: Perhaps they have in mind such lines as: Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth!For your love is… Continue reading Song of Songs: Appropriate language for describing our relationship with Christ?