“In today’s culture, it’s not popular to be against something unless it’s blatantly immoral or illegal,” writes Roger Olson. However, he adds: “If Christianity is to mean something, it has to have some shape, if not boundaries” (emphasis in original). The thesis … Continue reading Against Liberal Theology | Influence Podcast
Deconstruction is all the rage in contemporary Christian discourse. It refers to people reevaluating the faith commitments with which they have been raised. Some deconvert from Christianity entirely, but most reorient their faith toward theological liberalism, often out of concern … Continue reading Against Liberal Theology | Book Review
“Our culture has become highly skilled in pointing out the problems [of masculinity], but, beyond public service campaigns and news headlines, we haven’t developed the same expertise in helping men solve those problems,” writes Chase Replogle. “We have lost the … Continue reading The Better Way to Manhood | Influence Podcast
In 1879, Hill’s Manual of Social and Business Forms stated this rule of conversational etiquette: “Do not discuss politics or religion in general company. You probably would not convert your opponent, and he will not convert you. To discuss those … Continue reading 20 Myths about Religion and Politics in America | Book Review
This morning, Facebook put a “memory” in my timeline about a post I wrote three years ago to the date. God is not a Republican. Jesus is not a Democrat. The Holy Spirit is not a moderate. The Church is … Continue reading 5 Obvious But Oft-Ignored Theo-Political Truths
“In the turbulent aftermath of the crucifixion of Jesus, officers of the Roman Empire acquire intelligence of a pilgrim bearing an incendiary letter from a religious fanatic to insurrectionists in Corinth. The contents of this letter could bring down the … Continue reading A Man at Arms | Book Review
I host the weekly Influence Podcast. Below are the 35 conversations I hosted with a variety of Christian leaders this past year. For all episodes, visit InfluenceMagazine.com/Podcast. And if you’re looking for past years’ podcasts, here are the links: 2019 … Continue reading My Year in Podcasting | 2020
Many people who convert to Christianity nevertheless continue to believe and practice elements of the religions from which they have deconverted. The authors of Understanding Folk Religion describe the result as “two-tier” or “split-level” Christianity (15). Their book explains why the split … Continue reading Understanding Folk Religion | Book Review
Christianity was borne into a religiously plural cultural environment. It emerged from the womb of Judaism (that itself had multiple forms) into the world of polytheism, imperial cults, and mystery religions. This required Christians to make sense of their faith … Continue reading Encountering Religious Pluralism | Book Review
Gavin D’ Costa, Paul Knitter, and Daniel Strange compare and contrast three models of how Christianity relates to other world religions in their book Only One Way? D’ Costa is a Catholic theologian and outlines the formal position of the … Continue reading Only One Way? | Book Review
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