“Convert them or kill them!”
We are all aware of the atrocities committed by the Islamist terrorist known as the Islamic State (aka ISIS, ISIL). Two American journalists have been beheaded. Thousands of Iraqi Christians have been displaced; many have been crucified, beheaded, and tortured. In my judgment, it is only a matter of time before ISIS targets American interest throughout the world. War seems inevitable. Fear and hate abound.
Continue reading ““Convert them or kill them!””
Footwashing & Confession of Sin
The problem of post-baptismal sin was an issue of great concern in the early church. The baptismal doctrine of the early church taught that water baptism was the initial act of Christian confession which cleansed the human soul of original sin and all sins committed up to the point of baptism.
Continue reading “Footwashing & Confession of Sin”
The System that is Ferguson
The dysfunction of any community is generational. Edwin Friedman says, “the problem with parents, after all, is that they had parents.” According to Friedman’s “systems theory,” dysfunction is structured into an emotional triangle involving three persons, groups, or issues. The emotional triangle serves to maintain a sense of fragile stability, or homeostasis.
Continue reading “The System that is Ferguson”
Dogs at the Table
One of the harshest statements to come from Jesus was “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs” (Matthew 15:26). When we realize that these words were spoken to a widow in distress they seem to defy the virtues of love and mercy. How can we properly understand these harsh words? What is the significance of this narrative?
Continue reading “Dogs at the Table”
Scientific Discovery & Theological Reflection
Some Christians live in fear and suspicion of science as if scientific discovery and theological truth are natural and mortal enemies. This is especially true of Christians whose intellectual formation is primarily based in the 20th century conflict between modernism and fundamentalism. Most fundamentalists require a literal reading of Genesis 1 that insists on a six day creation and a young earth. Any other interpretation is considered heretical. As I wrote in my previous blog, a literal interpretation of Genesis 1 is not only unnecessary, but it also defies the original context of the creation narrative. To my mind, for Christians to reject scientific discovery is to reduce faith to mere superstition.
Continue reading “Scientific Discovery & Theological Reflection”
Resolution on Religious Freedom
The following resolution was submitted for consideration at the Church of God International Assembly in Orlando. However, due to the press of business and the limited time it was not presented for discussion.
Whereas, the Church of God is firmly committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every nation on the earth (Matthew 28:19); and
Continue reading “Resolution on Religious Freedom”