In his book, How God Became King, N. T. Wright charges the church with neglecting the four canonical Gospels.  He doesn’t relent in his critique when it comes to evangelicals.  Those who claim the rhetorical high ground of “biblical authority” have also treated the Gospels badly. He criticizes evangelical churches for reading the Gospels through […]

I’m a conservative when it comes to language.  I recognize that language is always changing, but I’d rather respect conventions than capitulate to what I see as misuses of language, failures to communicate properly. Even when I text, I use actual words, complete sentences, and I do not abbreviate. I say, “thank you,” and not, […]

N. T. Wright claims that various branches of the church have misread or ignored the Gospels.  In speaking of conservative evangelicals, he notes that they have spent much time defending the Bible’s historicity, but haven’t done so well at getting into the Bible itself, understanding its texts, reckoning with the canonical logic. Evangelicals run the […]

In his new book, How God Became King, N. T. Wright argues that the Christian tradition and various strands of the modern church have neglected the Gospels. This may sound like an outrageous claim, but Wright cites the church’s historic creeds as evidence.  When “they refer to Jesus, [they] pass directly from his virgin birth […]

*Given at Midtown Christian Community, April 25, 2009 O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, […]

Almighty Father, who gave your only Son to die for our sins and to rise for our justification: Give us grace so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that we may always serve you in pureness of living and truth; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with […]

Biblical discussions of suffering are often removed from their biblical contexts and turned into abstract principles for all kinds of suffering.  This usually has disastrous results as we try to interpret the causes of trouble that comes into our lives. James Thompson sums up very well how the author of Hebrews directs his comments about […]

“One” is among U2’s biggest hit singles.  Over the last few decades it has resonated strongly with many who have experienced deep connection, love, conflict, alienation, and (hopefully) reconciliation. It captures the complications of intense and intimate relationships. One detail that many miss is the repeated statement that “we get to carry each other.”  It […]

If you’re thinking about going to seminary with plans to be in ministry, there’s an amazing opportunity here at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary.  The Kern Scholars Program provides a wonderful way to go through seminary, prepare for ministry, and avoid piling up significant and debilitating debt.  See the link for info and contact details.

I was reading a dissertation recently and encountered a strangely satisfying statement.  After identifying a flawed argument, the author stated, “Arguably this is to beg the question.” This was satisfying because it was the first correct use of the expression I had seen in quite some time. Expressions mysteriously enter the public lexicon and find […]