Category Archives: theology

Hosting a ne’er-do-well?

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Author Jim Elliff recently shared an article entitled, Public Debate with Bart Ehrman in Seminaries: A Bad Decision. I agree. I also think his reasons can help us avoid unprofitable engagements with other ne’er-do-wells….

Here are Elliff’s main points. (Read the rest here)

First, because Ehrman is a false teacher and we are forbidden to give such men a forum to express their views.

Second, because the minority position almost always gains some followers regardless who wins the debate.

Third, because debates are not always won on the basis of truth alone.

Fourth, because many of the listeners will not have the opportunity to sort out confusing aspects of the debate with professors or knowledgeable persons.

Fifth, because doubt is insidious.

*Hey, if you Twitter, you should follow Jim there: jimelliff

From “Happy-Clappy” to hungering for theology

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Dr Michael Horton recently made this observation in discussing what this generation wants from a local church…

A lot of younger evangelicals were reared in “happy-clappy” churches with theater seating, a praise band, singing off the wall (both literally and figuratively). They are looking for reverence, history, mystery and transcendence. A lot of them are looking for doctrine, too, oddly enough. According to one Wall Street Journal study, in fact, the number one element that young urban professionals in New York said they would look for if they decided to go back to church: theological discussion groups! I guess I’m getting older.

To me, the megachurch movement was contemporary, but now it’s old news and the generation that was raised in it is now looking for something more serious, meaningful, beautiful, and truthful. Of course, “mystery” and “transcendence” can be a dangerous drug as well, if the object is something other than the Triune God and His revelation in Jesus Christ.

From:
RISKING THE TRUTH, by Martin Downes (Christian Focus, UK: 2009), page 48.