I remember one Sunday morning in my teen years on which a woman at church made a passing comment that I was “very pious.” The comment came during an angsty phase of my life, in which I was just beginning to learn theology and take my Christian walk more seriously. I was unsure how to … Continue reading Radical or Reasonable?
Is Galatians 2 About Race?
One of the hardest lessons of adulthood for a young, theologically-minded Christian is recognizing that it is possible both to be right about an issue in the wrong way or to be wrong about an issue in a right-seeming fashion. We can be like Saul of Tarsus, catechized thoroughly in the seminary of Gamaliel, yet … Continue reading Is Galatians 2 About Race?
When Surrender Is Sweet
If you would, indulge me in a test of your knee-jerk reflexes. What rises in you when you read the command submit? Hostility? Ambivalence? Don’t decide too quick; sometimes surrender is sweet.
Letter to a Jehovah’s Witness
Earlier this week, I encountered an acquaintance of mine at the gym. It wasn't long until this man, a Jehovah's Witness, and I found ourselves entangled in a conversation about who Jesus is, how to be assured of your salvation, and the origin of the doctrine of the Trinity. As I tried to take him … Continue reading Letter to a Jehovah’s Witness
3 Tips for When the Bible Hurts Your Brain
I am an analytical person, often to a fault. I've been known to bite my nails down to the quick when wrestling with Bible questions. Anyone who seriously cares about the Word knows that there are tensions and paradoxes in Scripture. Even the most good-willed Christian communities have split over issues that sometimes just constitute … Continue reading 3 Tips for When the Bible Hurts Your Brain