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Ranger One/Valen/Sinclair — Barth, Barth and More Barth
“There was a saying on Mimbar, anyone who wanted to get a straight answer out of Ranger One was to look at every reply in a mirror while hanging upside down from the ceiling.” “Did it work?” “Oddly enough, yes! Or after a while you passed out and had a vision. Either way the result was pretty much the same.”

Travis McMaken posts the abstract for his completed dissertation on Infant Baptism after Barth. Kait points us to Barth on the Freedom of Theology. She also looks at Barth and Oppression. What would Barth say about Tim Tebow? Andrew Browne reflects on how he fell in love with theology. Darren looks at Van Til’s critique of Barth. This was followed up by a post by David Congdon on Barth and actualistic ontology.
And, of course, we can’t forget Daniel Kirk’s weekly interactions with Barth: one, two, three and four.

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Theology:
Sheridan: (playing a game of chess with Theo) Concentrate all you want, there’s nowhere you can go.
Brother Theo: I’d expect a comment like that from someone with no clearly defined pattern of faith.
Sheridan: I believe in a little of everything. I’m an eclectic. Open minded.
Brother Theo: Rudderless, directionless, cast adrift without compass, on an ocean of ecclesiastical possibilities. Tossed by the winds this way, that way…
Sheridan: Oh, I’m hearing a lot of talk and you still haven’t made a move!
Brother Theo: Your Ambassador Delenn has a wonderful phrase: Faith manages. Check. And I do believe, mate.

Tripp and Bo introduce Process Theology to the readers of Rachel Held Evans blog. Julie Clawson asks her own questions about Process Theology.
Carson Clark asks the age-old question Was Calvin a Calvinist?
Brian Gronewoller looks at Polycarp and the idea that Christians shouldn’t explain Christianity.
Daniel McClellan contemplates conceptualizations of theological boundaries and the prototype theory.

A look at freewill and biology.

Rod talks about the theological and cultural significance of the mission of the Trinity. The trek through the top 10 theologians continued over at Parchment and Pen with #1 being Augustine.
Allan Bevere writes that our God is too small. Ken Schenck on why we need theology. C. Michael Patton looks at the doctrine of the Trinity. Brian LePort asks whether Oneness Pentecostalism is the same as Modalism.

Hermeneutics & Interpretation:
Leslie Keeney works toward a Christocentric hermeneutic. Andrew’s writes on the clarity or otherwise of Scripture.

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Church History:

Church historians are like Delenn, who can’t seem to explain anything without starting off with “A thousand years ago…”

Greg Boyd writes that the most tragic event in history was Constantine’s victory. Sheila McGinn reflects on God’s “tenting” and church schisms. James McGrath tackled the way mythicists misrepresent historians and also points us to an online bibliography of Syriac Christianity.

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The Book of G’Quan — Old Testament:

“Do not thump the book of G’Quan. It is disrespectful.”
Steven Leckvold compares how Augustine and Chrystosom read Genesis 1 & 2. David Miller talks about teaching his youngest Hebrew student. Jason asks where Cain’s wife came from. Jeremiah points to an early non-literal reading of Genesis 1. Bob MacDonald examines Jonah 1. Brian LePort points us to a Aramaic learning resource. RJS asked when was Genesis written and why. Theophrastus discusses how translators and publishers have treated Targum Onkelos versus Septuagint Pentateuch.

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The Book of G’Kar — New Testament:
“Well, if the book is holy and I am holy, then I must help you become closer to the thoughts of the universe. Put your face in the book.” [slam!]
Tim Henderson spends some time working through Michael Licona’s ‘The Resurrection of Jesus’: one, two, three, four, five. Nijay Gupta asks whether the world needs another commentary on Colossians?
Did you see the blog tour for Daniel Kirk’s “Jesus I have Loved, But Paul?” Collin Hansen interviews Peter O’Brien about the warning passages in Hebrews. Monica Coleman takes another look at Mary and Martha.

Michael Gorman posts a few paragraphs from his upcoming work on the Mission of God in the writings of Paul.
RJS starts the conversation about Peter Enns’ latest book, by looking at how Paul referred to Adam.

Kevin DeYoung looks at the 144,000 in Revelation. Matthew Montonini looks at Jesus’ emotion in Mark 3:5. Preston Sprinkle gives us a good introduction and overview of The New Perspective On Paul. James Crossley examines a fascinating interview between Craig Keener and Michael Liconaon in which they explore racism in New Testament studies. Suzanne McCarthy continues her examination of Junia with a look at the use of episemos in Psalms of Solomon.

Mike Bird looks at Galatians 1:4. Claude Mariottini offers an excerpt from his entry on ‘fear’ in the Holman Bible Dictionary. Brian LePort on proskuneo in Matthew. Jeremy Rios looks at Matthew 24. Bill Mounce on how a comma makes a world of difference. Rod looks at the similarities between Plutarch, the NT and the Church Fathers.

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Interplanetary Expeditions — Archaeology:
“Exploring the Past to create a better future”
Several posts about The Talpiot Tomb from around the blogosphere can be found here, here, here and here. A new fragment of the book of Romans has been found.

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Futuristic Monks — Book Reviews:
“Faith and reason are the shoes on your feet. You can travel further with both than you can with just one.”

Nijay Gupta writes about how much of the book to read before you write a review. Stephanie Lowery reviews ‘The Church and Development in Africa.’ James White critiques Roger Olson’s portrayal of Calvinism in his newest book, ‘Against Calvinism.‘ Brian LePort reviews ‘The Torah’. Nick Norelli reviews Craig Keener’s commentary on Romans.
James Pate works his way through Ben Witherington’s ‘Jesus the Sage’ one, two, three, four. Todd Miles reviews Keith Johnson’s Rethinking the Trinity and Religious Pluralism: An Augustinian Assessment.
John the Lutheran interacts with Terry Eagleton’s new book on New Atheism.

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Academics — The Same in Any Era:

“You do not wish to know anything. You wish only to speak. That which you know, you ignore, because it is inconvenient. That which you do not know, you invent.”

The Best Footnote Ever.

Marc Cortez provides info on how bad the job market is for PhD-holders. E-books don’t save students much money. Bradley Wright explains why he would rather research than publish. How to survive a postgrad program. Brad writes about how to cultivate a Sabbath rest for those in academia (grad school). Jason Staples writes about how he has changed how his tests his NT students. Roland Boer has been providing a hilarious list and description of “Types of Scholars.”

****

Interstellar Network News — Politics and Culture:

“A no-holds-barred look at the events of today that will shape the world of tomorrow.”

TC Moore writes about the seduction of politics. Not being a fan of football, I largely ignored the 316 hoopla about Tim Tebow. Here is one post about Tebowing.

A youtube video made the rounds about being cool with Jesus but not with religion. Several people have chimed in. Of note, check out Dane Ortlund’s reflection, where he asks if these analyses and critiques of the video are nitpicking. The Jesus and Religion video guy responds to Kevin DeYoung.

Travis McMacken and David Congdon write an open letter to the editors of Christianity Today regarding an article in the latest issue on Christians and politics. Roger Olson suggests it is time to throw out the ‘Right-Middle-Left’ Spectrum. Allan Bevere chimes in and says that Olson’s suggestion applies not just to evangelicalism, but also to politics in general.

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Shadows vs. Vorlon — Complementarianism/Egalitarianism:

They’ve fought so long that they’ve stopped respecting each other’s viewpoints and so entrenched in their own rightness that they’re willing to destroy entire planets to prove that they’re right.

Roger Olson offers a critique of extreme complementarianism. Later Olson argues that complementarianism “is an open door to abuse and idolatry.” Rod offers some thoughts in light of Roger Olson’s post on Gender and Feminism.

Kait Dugan looks at the Trinity and Gender Inclusive Language. Brian LePort considers the image of woman in Genesis 1 &2. Leslie Keeney has a word for women who feel called to Christian academia.

Jon Coutts asks who are the daughters of Zelophehad today? He also suggests that the labels ‘complementarian’ and ‘egalitarian’ hinder the ongoing conversation. Josh writes about Strategic Advice for Egalitarians. Derek Ouellette is going to continue to wrestle through the egalitarian/comp debate, trying to take into account his post conservative sensibilities.

Scot Mcknight points us to an article by Nijay Gupta on the role of Deborah in contemporary discussions of women in ministry. Tim Challies reflects on Mutual Submission. Matthew Tan looks at First-Wave, Second-Wave and Standpoint feminism. Preston Yancey writes about his journey through the comp/egal debate. Frank Viola writes about God’s view of women.

You know what, on second thought, maybe the comp/egal debate is not so much Vorlons vs. Shadows as it is Drazi vs. Drazi: Green must fight purple. Purple must fight green.

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We Have ‘Six’ — Mark Driscoll’s ‘Real Marriage’:

“You see, we have six, ah… we have six, you see, and each one is a different level of intimacy and pleasure. So, you know, first you have one, and that’s naa-naa. Then there’s two… and by the time you get to five it’s a heehaa-heehaa.”

Rachel Held Evans. The Friendly Atheist. Denny Burk. David Moore. Internet Monk.
Books and Culture. Doug Wilson. Matthew Lee Anderson’s two part review: here and here. The best review of the book has to be Eugene Cho’s.

And then the brouhaha continued after Driscoll gave an interview on a British radio station.

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The League of Non-Aligned Worlds — Conference Announcements and Calls for Papers:

Jim Linville announces the Research in Religious Studies conference at the University of Lethbridge. Paul in Conversation. Jesus Conference announcement. Frank Emanuel announces the call for papers for the next meeting of the Canadian Theological Society. Pastorum Live conference in June.

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Zocalo — Miscellaneous:
“Zocalo is a human word. It’s from one of their southern continents. I think it means great marketplace.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with Ben Witherington whose daughter passed away on January 11th at the age of 32.

Kevin ponders the difference between urban and rural religious landscapes. Adam McLane talks about how youth ministry is flatlining. Gavin Ortlund offers some thoughts on ‘Mere Christianity.’ Frank Viola looks at the four streams within evangelicalism. Richard Flory looks at research about how going to church influences our lives. Joel interviews Allan Bevere. Thabiti looks at blackness and whiteness.

Leslie suggests that our definition of a successful ministry is problematic. The crew over at Black, White and Grey point us to their top 11 religion research stories. They also look at the question of how many Americans are Atheist. J.K. Gayle provides an analysis of how Martin Luther King used Bible in his civil rights speeches.

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The Biblioblog Carnival changed the future and it changed us. It taught us that we have to create the future or others will do it for us. It showed us that we have to care for one another, because if we don’t, who will? And that true strength sometimes comes from the most unlikely places. Mostly, though, I think it gave us hope, that there can always be new beginnings. Even for people like us.

2012 is gearing up to be a very busy year for me academically. The plan is to have all of my courses done by Christmas and then all I’ll have left is my thesis. While this is very exciting, it is also a little overwhelming.

Here’s what this year looks like for me:

Next week: Theology of Forgiveness and Reconciliation

February: Finish my Greek II course (by distance learning)

March: Reformation Era

May: The Patristic Fathers

June: Theology of Christ and Reconciliation

Fall Semester: Spiritual Formation; Theology of God & Creation; Research Methods; Pauline Epistles

Any tips on how to stay sane?

Check it out.

Nearly two years ago, given the privacy issues, I committed Facebook suicide. It was a good thing to do, and I don’t regret it. Add to it, at the time, I was primarily using Facebook to place time-wasting games. But as I am in the process of re-evaluating how I use technology to communicate, I find it’s time to reactivate the Facebook account. I had hoped that Google+ would replace Facebook, but at the moment, it looks like Facebook is the social behemoth.

So, I’m back on Facebook. You can find me on Facebook or on Twitter, or through email. And of course, you can always find me blogging here and at Political Jesus. (Speaking of, I’ve got a series to post at PJ in a couple of weeks on Angel and the theology of forgiveness. Should be good!).

At the heart of Pinnock’s theology is a belief in the ‘unbounded generosity’ of God, and he sums up his understanding of this generosity with 2 Peter 3:9. (pg. 18) Pinnock emphasizes the universality of the gospel with John 3:16 being central to the gospel message: God loved the whole world. Christ died to reconcile the world to God.

Pinnock places a strong emphasis on the doctrine of general revelation, that is, that God has revealed Himself enough in the world that even those who have not seen the special revelation of Jesus are able to make a choice to worship and follow God. Thus, God will take into account how people have responded to the knowledge of God they have received in their context. This is a strength in Pinnock’s book, for he rightly argues that we are ‘saved by faith’ and that there are numerous examples of people being accepted by God apart from the OT law (e.g., Moses, Job, Melchizedek etc.).

Second, Pinnock emphasizes the theme of corporate election in Scripture. He sees a continual pattern of ‘a choosing of some on behalf of the many’ (pg. 25), where because of the obedience of one person (Abraham, Noah, Jesus), God’s mercy is extended to many. Thus, election is not about God choosing who will be saved and who will be damned for all eternity, but rather, election is about being called to be witnesses and to proclaim that “God is healing the nations through the mediation of his son, rather than in some other way.” (pg. 49) The nation of Israel was to be this for the ancient world, and Christians are to be this for the world today.

Another reason to be hopeful for the unevangelized is that, through the Holy Spirit, God continues to work to redeem all of creation. He is “everywhere active in pursuing the plan of redemption disclosed in the gospel.” (pg. 103) And while God may be working to redeem social structures, including religion, it does not mean that all religions are therefore equally valid paths of salvation. (pg. 109) Indeed, Pinnock acknowledges that some religious structures are more opposed to God’s good purposes than others, and that religions are not immune from the work of Satan. Even if a religion is not effective for salvation, it does not mean that God is unable to call people from within that religion to Himself. (pg. 110)

Pinnock is correct that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God and Father of Jesus is not a ‘miser’ who delights in sending people to hell. (pg. 154) But this does not mean that everyone will be in heaven. Indeed, Pinnock affirms the need to retain humanity’s right to say ‘no’ to God.

The attractiveness of Pinnock’s hopeful theology is unfortunately complicated by Pinnock’s use of Scripture. As was discussed numerous times in class, Scripture proof-texts that Pinnock uses to support his argument do not always actually do that. One example would be his interpretation of Rev 7:9. Pinnock suggests that, because people from every tribe and tongue will be surrounding the throne of the lamb, this is evidence of a “substantial number of unevangelized.” (pg. 153) Another interpretation could be that the saving work of Christ is not limited to an ‘elect’ people like Israel alone. Instead, the good news is for all the nations, and there will be people from different walks of life who will respond to and choose Jesus as Lord.

Twenty years after the publication of A Wideness in God’s Mercy, the conversation continues. Whether it is books aimed at the general public, like Rob Bell’s Love Wins and Rachel Held Evans’ Evolving in Monkey Town, or academic discussions like this year’s conference topic at the Evangelical Theological Society, the question of salvation among the nations is still being explored. And I as attempt to navigate the theological waters of this topic, I find myself wanting to make sure that both God’s and humanity’s freedom are central. Are we free to accept or reject God’s offer of salvation? I find myself leaning towards C.S. Lewis’ portrayal of hell: that all those in hell have chosen to be there. (the Great Divorce) Is God free to do what He wants? A universalist approach to salvation restricts God’s freedom just as much as a theology of double predestination does.

Ultimately, as a Christian, my job is to preach the good news: Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. I trust in a good and faithful God, and I know that one day every knee will bow at the name of Jesus. My hope is that those who have not heard the gospel, when confronted by Jesus in glory, will choose to bow and worship and that Jesus will stand beside them as mediator before the judgment throne that we all must face. But this hope does not mean that I am released from the calling to be a light to the world, and to proclaim the good news; nor does this hope reflect what will actually happen.

While the fate of the unevangelized can be an important topic, I find that that isn’t my biggest concern. My heart breaks for those who have heard the good news and have turned away, or those who do not even see the need for the good news in their lives. These are the people that I interact with daily. These are family and friends whom I love dearly. They’re good people. In many ways they are nicer, more compassionate, more loving and more self-sacrificing than most Christians I know (myself included). These are the people that I thank God for every day. Without them my life would be less. These are the people that I lay before the altar of prayer and cry out to God to send his Holy Spirit to soften their hearts. I cry out for God’s mercy and for his grace to cover their lives. And yet, at the same time, I respect their choice to say ‘no’ to God’s good gift.

This morning it is -30 C. With the windchill it is -38 C. For my American friends, -40 is where Celsius and Fahrenheit meet.

In other words: IT’S COLD.

It’s the “too cold to go anywhere” cold;

It’s the “if you haven’t plugged your car in, you may not get it started” cold;

It’s the “if you live in one of the trailers, you may have frozen pipes.” (and yes, there have already been several people this morning who woke up to that wonderful gift).

The deep freeze is going to last a couple of days. But, in perspective, it’s already the middle of January. We’ve had a very mild winter. At the beginning of January we were dealing with double digit positive temperatures.

And so, this cold snap isn’t nearly as depressing as it could be. Even if it lasted for a couple of weeks, remember that winter is already half over and March is just around the corner.

So try to make the best of it.

Stay inside with a wonderful cup of cocoa.

Put on a movie, and curl up on the couch under a warm blanket.

Unless, of course, you have class today. In which case, make sure you’re bundled like this (starting @1min 11s):

Of course we’re at the “Look! New Toy!” stage. I’ve downloaded some of my music collection. Chuck’s taken pictures. My general ringtone is the theme song from Buffy the Vampire Slayer (surprise, surprise). The ringtone for when Chuck calls me is the theme from Star Trek: TOS (surprise, surprise).

We’ve even been playing with some different apps.

So here’s my question: What apps do you find to be the most used on your cell phone? Which apps turned out to be overrated?

{{{{{cdntheologianscholar}}}} AT {{{mac}}} DOT com.

The winner of the free copy of Roger Olson’s ‘Against Calvinism’ is Ryan!

Congrats!

Email me your mailing address and I’ll get that out to you.

{{{{{{{cdntheologianscholar}}}}AT{{{{mac}}}}DOT com