As I sit here typing this, I have several things in front of me. There is a sermon to finish typing, a phone meeting to prepare for, and a lunch meeting with someone who has been attending our church. Beyond that, there are emails to answer, books to finish reading, and a host of other…
A couple Sunday’s ago we celebrated Sanctity of Life Sunday. Since then, there have been several debates I’ve witnessed about abortion and there has been at least one wicked, evil, and unconscionable proposal set forth at high levels of government. This world is confused. No, these are evil days (Eph 5:15–16). Russell Moore, the president…
What’s in a name? Sometimes a lot. People name their kids after a family member, a biblical character, or a favorite theologian. We give names to our sports teams and nicknames to our friends. Names carry weight because they often convey important information or make significant connections. Yet names are sometimes superficial and carry…
Good paintings tell stories. Think of the Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. It tells the story of Jesus and his disciples sitting down for the final meal before the crucifixion. Jesus would drink the Passover cup before being sacrificed as the Passover lamb. The good news of Jesus is more than a story. But it’s not…
By all accounts, John Calvin, the great Genevan reformer and systematician of the Reformation age, was an educated man. His early educational endeavors help set a trajectory toward a rigorous pattern of intellectual engagement that will mark his ministry. If pastors would cultivate a robust life of the mind (and they should), then paying attention…
After more reflection, I’ve updated a suggested historical theological reading plan for 2019. I suggest reading the original post to see other recommended resources. The update includes two changes. First, I’ve suggested you engage a primary source early and continuously throughout. Second, instead of suggesting Helm’s, John Calvin’s Ideas, I have now recommended a more accessible…
I’ve written two posts (here and here) aimed at helping pastors think about engaging in historical theological work. This third post continues to point in this direction. What I’d like to do here is move the conversation towards incorporating historical theology into the actual ministry of the pastor (though much more needs to be…
In a recent post, I made a short pitch for pastors to engage in a bit of historical theological work. I believe reading history and paying attention to the historical development of ideas will help the pastor and serve the church for the glory of God. You can read my thoughts here. After publishing that…
Recently I attended a Christian academic conference were Christian scholars from around the world presented papers on various topics. One paper I had the privilege to listen to was from Dr. J. G. Duesing, provost and professor of church history at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Duesing’s paper presented a proposal for how professors might…
Theology Along the Way 