Church History
Did Jesus exist?
Someone recently told me “I have no reason to think your Jesus ever lived or died.” The comment seems absurd to those who live within the orb of Christianity, but are there grounds to question the historical existence of Jesus the Christ? The question really entails two questions. The first question has to do with [...]
Reading through the 95 Theses (Part 2)
There is no doubt that the posting of the 95 Theses on the church door is one of the iconic moments of the Reformation. However, a contemporary reading these words would have trouble predicting the role that Luther would play in the years ahead. Two lesson here: 1) Understanding takes time. A flash of lightning [...]
Reading the Sources
I was listening to a Yale lecture on American history this afternoon and the professor referenced Jonathan Edwards and his most famous sermon – “Sinners in the hands of an Angry God.” She took time to read a section from the text so that everyone could get an audible “Jonathan Edwards moment.” I enjoyed the [...]
Why I Don’t Call Myself Reformed
For over 20 years I have been exposed the the Calvin vs. Arminian debate (also known as Reformed vs Free Will theology). I have been in churches on both sides of the debate and let me describe it in one word – UGLY. It can make Labour vs Liberal party politics look tame. Sadly, the [...]
Love a Good Sex Scandal?
The rise of sex scandals in modern life is amazing and sad. While nothing shocks me anymore, I continue to be disappointed by the number of leaders – Christian and non-Christian – who lack integrity at high levels. It does seem that absolute power corrupts, and that corruption usually takes the form of sexual abuse. [...]
What is the future for Israel?
Today, September 23rd 2011, is the day that Palestine will ask the United Nations to vote on its statehood. I have no idea whether this request will be passed or vetoed; and whether its aftermath will be peaceful or violent. However, 63 years after the establishment of modern Israel, its existence continues to [...]
Does architecture enhance worship?
I enjoyed visiting St. Stephen’s Anglican Church in Newtown (Sydney) on Saturday for a wedding. The church was constructed in the 1870s by Edmond Blacket. You would probably be more familiar with his “other” designs – The University of Sydney and St. Andrews Cathedral. While waiting for the wedding to start I took some notes [...]
Labels … More Harm than Good?
Do you every wonder why Spirituality is respected, but Religion is a dirty word? Consider the myriad of Christian terms: Protestant, Orthydox; Reformed, Charismatic; Fundamentalist, Evangelical; And this is before we use sub-denominations, philosophies or personalities. If this definition growth continues, we will soon run out of phone boxes to meet in. Through history, Christ’s followers have fought long and significant [...]
On reading ancient books
Ligon Duncan, in his excellent session at T4G 2010, read out this selection from C. S. Lewis. The quotation is taken from his introduction to Athanasius’ work On the Incarnation. I copy it here for your edification and discussion. There is a strange idea abroad that in every subject the ancient books should be read [...]
Learning from history
CONTENT WARNING: This post contains material which some readers may find disturbing. If you do not wish to see this material, please stop reading now. “Mum! Why do I have to study all this boring history stuff? I’ll never use it!” “I just want practical training. I don’t want to go to a university where [...]
Old Advice For Modern Parents
“False natural love blinds parents so that they have more regard for the bodies of their children than they have for their souls… It is of the greatest importance for every married man to pay closer, more thorough, and continuous attention to the health of his child’s soul than to the body which he has [...]
Pink In Sydney
A.W. Pink is probably best known for writing The Sovereignty of God. Written in 1918, it was a controversial but strong argument for God’s supremacy. Virtually unknown in his lifetime, he speaks through his writings today. Biographer Iain Murray claims he was “one of the most influential evangelical authors in the second half of the [...]
