Podcast: Believe and You Will Be Saved
A recent podcast I did on the simplicity of salvation. I sketch performative based schemas of salvation, and then counterpose those by way of offering what I take to be a genuine offering of God’s free grace for the world in Jesus Christ (a non-transactional/non-performative based doctrine of salvation). Click Here Athanasian Reformed
Reflecting on the United Nations High-Level Political Forum, Part III
In July 2023, four leaders from across the United States joined ELCA World Hunger and the Lutheran Office for World Community in New York City as delegates of the Lutheran World Federation at the 2023 United Nations High-Level Political Forum. The forum was an opportunity for UN member states, agencies and organizations to share updates on progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. As our delegation learned, progress against the goals has been slow and, in some cases, has reversed. The delegation, representing the 149 member churches of the Lutheran World Federation, including the ELCA, was able to hear from…
Three Vignettes on Reading Scripture Theologically Among the Evangelicals
The following are three vignettes on Theological Exegesis or Theological Interpretation of Scripture (TIS) that I just posted today on Facebook. I think, in the main, so many Christians are so far removed from all things theological or actual, when it comes to excavating the reality of the faith once and for all delivered to the saints, that when some do attempt deep dives into such things they simply attempt to apply “common-sense” everyday linguistic and cultural reading theories onto the text of Scripture that Scripture itself resists. Scripture is Holy because its reality is in Jesus Christ. Scripture is…
For What Shall We Pray?
“For What Shall We Pray?” is a weekly post inviting individuals, groups, and congregations to lift up our world in prayer. This resource is prepared by a variety of leaders in the ELCA and includes prayer prompts, upcoming events and observances, and prayer suggestions from existing denominational worship materials. You are encouraged to use these resources as a starting point, and to adapt and add other concerns from your local context. More information about this resource can be found here. Prayer prompts: For relief to all who are suffering from excessive heat and humidity… For the health of life-giving…
Understanding the Knesset’s (Israeli parliament) Recent Ruling in Light of our Jewish Relations
Last week the ruling coalition in Israel’s Knesset (parliament) took a unilateral vote that puts further strain on an already fragile situation. The following post is offered by the ELCA Consultative Panel on Lutheran-Jewish Relations in response to these actions and in solidarity with those who seek democracy and the well-being of all in the region. A unilateral vote by the ruling coalition in Israel’s Knesset (parliament) on Monday, 24 July, presents a challenging moment and distinctive opportunity for us as interfaith partners with the Jewish people. Here are a few details about what happened, what it means, and how…
A Spoken word Poetics on the Living Word of God
As a radical Protestant I am a theologian of a radical theology of the Word. This means that I first understand the Word, to be the eternal Logos, the begotten Son in the bosom of the Father. I understand his free election (Deus incarnandus) to be for us to entail what has become the written and proclaimed Word. So, the creaturely media, such as written and proclaimed Words are, in order, at least for the former to be living and active, requires that its res or reality be antecedently given in and from the eternally living and active Word of…
For What Shall We Pray?
“For What Shall We Pray?” is a weekly post inviting individuals, groups, and congregations to lift up our world in prayer. This resource is prepared by a variety of leaders in the ELCA and includes prayer prompts, upcoming events and observances, and prayer suggestions from existing denominational worship materials. You are encouraged to use these resources as a starting point, and to adapt and add other concerns from your local context. More information about this resource can be found here. Prayer prompts: For the memory of Emmett Till and for all victims of race-based hate crimes… For those fighting…
Reflecting on the United Nations High-Level Political Forum
In July 2023, four leaders from across the United States joined ELCA World Hunger and the Lutheran Office for World Community in New York City as delegates of the Lutheran World Federation at the 2023 United Nations High-Level Political Forum. The forum was an opportunity for UN member states, agencies and organizations to share updates on progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. As our delegation learned, progress against the goals has been slow and, in some cases, has reversed. The delegation, representing the 149 member churches of the Lutheran World Federation, including the ELCA, was able to hear from…
PhD Update, Saint Alcuin House Seminary
I have been accepted into the PhD program in Systematic and Historical Theology at St. Alcuin House Seminary, an Anglican institution of the Benedictine order in the Communion of Anglican Churches. I’ll give more details as I have them. They have been accredited in the past, and are currently in application for renewing their accreditation (I believe the accreditation comes through Cambridge Assessment International Education of Cambridge University). Athanasian Reformed
August Recess opportunity
OVERVIEW | 2023 FARM BILL REAUTHORIZATION | HOMELESSNESS AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING | GLOBAL HEALTH: HIV/AIDS | TRANSITION TO CLEAN ENERGY WITH AN ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE FOCUS | MIGRATION POLICY CLARITY | TRUTH AND HEALING COMMISSION ON INDIAN BOARDING SCHOOL POLICIES | DETENTION OF PALESTINIAN CHILDREN August Recess is a congressional tradition that brings heightened opportunities to reach out to your federal lawmakers where you – and they – live. U.S. representatives traditionally return to their home districts in this month to engage with their constituents. Town Halls and in-district meetings may be available to you in this period that create…