The PCUSA Hymnal Controversy Around The Doctrine Of The Atonement Part 3: Scripture And Substitutionary Amends
“…it would do a disservice to [the committee’s] educational mission to perpetuate … the view that the cross is primarily about God’s need to assuage God’s anger.”
Some have played off the meaning of “(means/place of) expiation” against the meaning “(means/place of) propitiation” (expiation refers to the wiping away of sins, propitiation to the assuaging of someone’s wrath). This misses the point that in Scripture amends is made for sin (expiation) and to God (propitiation). It is not a case of either-or... Continue Reading
Transgender Theology Professor Asked to Leave California’s Azusa Pacific University After Coming Out
A professor who was once its chair of theology and philosophy to leave Azusa Pacific after he came out as transgender
“I tried to conform to Christian womanhood as best I could,” he wrote, posting pictures of his engagement portrait, the night before his wedding (described as “the last night as myself”) and as a pregnant mother. His first marriage ended, and during his second marriage, he said he was told by spiritual directors, spiritual support... Continue Reading
From Crystal to Christ: A Once and Future Cathedral
Building on the self-actualization theories of Abraham Maslow, Schuller rode the crest of the human potential movement in the fifties and sixties
The implosion of the Crystal Cathedral can be explained in many ways—dysfunctional family dynamics, financial hard times, lack of wise leadership, and a changing religious climate. Moreover, today’s digital generation has no time for a whole “hour” of power from anyone—two minutes on YouTube is enough! But long before the Crystal Cathedral filed for bankruptcy,... Continue Reading
We Could Do With a Good Dose of Disillusionment
It's a part of our nature – we like stories with happy endings
We often preach a church triumphant, but that is not what people usually see or sense. Usually people see the little failures that make up the average Christian’s life. The message of grace that comes out of our pulpits, out of our seminaries, and out of our family worship times needs to be one by... Continue Reading
Redeemer Theological Seminary, Dallas, Granted Accreditation by the Association of Theological Schools
Initial accreditation has been granted by the Association of Theological Schools
Steven Vanderhill, President of Redeemer, commented on the seminary being granted accreditation, “We are glad to receive the recognition of ATS that Redeemer Theological Seminary has demonstrated our program meets accreditation standards, but most important to us is our faithfulness to our institutional mission which is to be a learning community dedicated to supporting the... Continue Reading
Just Say No…Just Say Yes!
Military chaplains can continue to follow their biblical faith-tenets in their ministry
The fact that the SBC got the press attention on the matter of homosexual ministry is helpful. The issue is fraught with practical problems for the three Service Chaplain Corps, and such headlines can add to the “discussion.” But let it be known that the SBC is surrounded by a large “cloud of witnesses”…faith-group friends... Continue Reading
Christians Put B&B Up For Sale After Death Threats
Suffering death threats and vandalism owners of B&B are selling it after being sued by a gay couple
The Bulls will only allow married couples to share a double bed at their guesthouse near Penzance in Cornwall because of their Christian beliefs. Their policy, which applies to heterosexuals and homosexuals alike, has been in place since the business opened, and is well advertised. Christians who suffered death threats and vandalism after being... Continue Reading
Massacring Christians in Pakistan – Who Cares?
Apparently attacking a church is now no longer shocking; attacking a temple of materialism is.
Two suicide bombers who thought they were doing the will of Allah killed 81 people including many children. 81 men, women and children killed as they left church! Can you imagine the horror and hellishness of that? And yet if you live in the West, if you blink you will have missed it. Last... Continue Reading
Everyone Has a Regulative Principle
Following what the Bible commands as opposed to what the Bible doesn't forbid, brings about Christ-Centered worship.
In something as holy and serious as the worship of God, we cannot trust our fallen and foolish human natures to guess what pleases God in divine worship. Therefore, in His mercy, God has prescribed for us how we may worship Him acceptably. In the area of public worship, what Scripture does not authorize, it forbids... Continue Reading
Apostasy Alarmism
Most young people who are "leaving" the church are merely shifting from one denomination to another.
Popular doom and gloom media reports also do not make a distinction between young people leaving the church and young people simply converting to other churches. Young adults who are merely moving from one faith tradition to another, such as from Lutheran to Presbyterian, or Anglican to Catholic, are simply counted among the “leaving.” ... Continue Reading