Reflections of an Undeconstructed Pentecostal
There has been no shortage of scandal in the church. We have learned of decades of sex abuse in the Roman Catholic Church and the Southern Baptist Convention. Toxic leadership proliferates and even thrives in mega-churches (Willow Creek and Harvest Bible Chapel). It appears that long closeted skeletons are being discovered daily.
Continue reading “Scandal in the Church”
The world of the ancient near east in which is Christianity was born was harsh towards children. Abortion and exposure were common practices, most often for economic reasons (Fox, Pagans and Christians, 1986). Even so, the Church has always prophetically spoken regarding the value of every child. It is not an exaggeration to suggest that conception and birth are sacred events in the theology of the church.
Continue reading “Receive the Children: A Biblical Reflection on the Dignity of the Unborn Child”
Writing to the elders of the Ephesian Church the Apostle Paul declared, “I did not cease to admonish each one with tears” (Acts 20:31). Here Paul displays the pathos of the pastor. The pastor is called to faithfully preach and teach the Word of God and exercise profound compassion towards the people of God. The call to be a faithful teacher with a compassionate heart can be agonizing for the pastor and congregation.
Continue reading “The Challenge of Pastoral Preaching”
Paul often uses the phrase “sons of God” to refer to those who have been redeemed by Jesus Christ. Paul never uses the phrase “daughters of God” when speaking of human redemption. So, somewhat tongue in cheek, I must ask, Can women be saved? Can women be led by the Spirit? Do women receive “the Spirit of adoption as sons”? Are women full redemptive participants in the kingdom of God? In other words, Does God have daughters?
Believing the in the inspiration and veracity of the inspired Scriptures does not mean that we suppress reason or scientific discovery. All truth is God’s truth. With that said, I’m not a scientist. I have a layman’s understanding of physics and evolutionary theory. I am a student of the Sacred Scriptures.
Continue reading “What is the Remedy for Toxic Conversations?”
