There are obviously so many channels from which one can learn about the concept of the afterlife. Many world religions teach the concept of a painful afterlife, often deriving the idea of a painful condition due to a life of immoral living and/or the stultification of God. I have treated the idea of the portal … Continue reading Thoughts about Hell from Jesus Himself.
Harriet Tubman, MLK, Jesus, John, and Thoughts about Extremism
I confess that I debated with myself, but not for long, whether to use the term extreme/extremism in this post. Looking around on the internet it is clear that there are far more quotations and opinions that speak disparagingly about extremism than speak in favor of it. I even remember (precocious youth that I was) … Continue reading Harriet Tubman, MLK, Jesus, John, and Thoughts about Extremism
“Gates of Hell” and Another Look at Matt. 16:18 & Rev. 9:1-11
Although I am not an expert on English translations of the Bible, there are a couple of well known examples where the King James translators truly got it wrong in their rendering of a particular verse or phrase. What is especially ironic is when a contemporary preacher, study group, or translator who otherwise would … Continue reading “Gates of Hell” and Another Look at Matt. 16:18 & Rev. 9:1-11
Bono, the Bellwether of Cultural Theology
American talk show commentator and journalist Charlie Rose recently interviewed Bono (on Public Broadcasting Service, May 2013), lead composer and singer for the band U2 (22 Grammy Awards). The lengthy interview and conversation touched on many topics and issues, with one segment focused on the religious impetus for Bono’s life and music. In this context … Continue reading Bono, the Bellwether of Cultural Theology
Reflections on Hell, Location of the Dead, and Other Easy Questions
I was asked to speak briefly on these issues to a group of Christians following a Wednesday evening meal at the Oliver Creek Church of Christ, in Arlington, TN. It is VERY informal and brief. These comments are certainly not polished or extensive. There has been more interest in the topic of Hell in recent … Continue reading Reflections on Hell, Location of the Dead, and Other Easy Questions
The Enchantment of Assimilation
The history of Israel, documented by both the prophetic and narrative texts, leaves little doubt that assimilation to the surrounding idolatrous values and culture was an easy path for most of God’s people. If Jesus’ own perceptions are to be trusted, and they are, then he also detected the almost inevitability of this when he … Continue reading The Enchantment of Assimilation
Molding Citizens for the Kingdom of God 