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Ten Theological Disciplines

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Theology, according to J.I.Packer, consists of ten linked disciplines.  They are:-

  1. Exegesis – which asks, “what was this biblical text written to convey to its readers?”
  2. Biblical theology – which asks, “what is the total message of the canonical books on this or that subject?”
  3. Historical theology – which explores how Christians in the past viewed specific biblical truths.
  4. Systematic theology – which rethinks biblical theology with the help of historical theology in order to restate the faith, topic by topic and as a whole, in relation to current interests, assumptions, questions, hopes, fears and uncertainties in todays church and world.
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‘Martyn Lloyd-Jones – Preacher’

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I acquired John Peter’s excellent book on Martyn Lloyd-Jones – Preacher when it was first published in 1986.

Peters gives a succinct account of Lloyd-Jones’ life.  But the emphasis is, of course, on the preaching ministry.  This is characterised as:-

  • Authoritative
  • Biblical
  • Analytical
  • Persuasive
  • Practical
  • Systematic
  • Spirit-filled

Other aspects discussed are MLJ’s pastoral ministry, and his ministry to students.

In discussing areas of controversy, reference is made to MLJ’s view of large-scale evangelistic crusades, the work of the Holy Spirit, the basis of Christian unity, and relations within evangelicalism.…

The Post-Evangelical – 8

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Chapter 8 of the The Post-Evangelical, by Dave Tomlinson, asks a ‘straightforward’ question: what is a post-evangelical view of the Bible?

First, Tomlinson feels that there is a need to ‘exorcise’ the ghost of inerrancy.  He finds it incredible that anyone thinks it even plausible to believe in such a thing.

Contrary to what proponents will tell us (says Tomlinson), the notion of inerrancy is a relatively modern one, arising out of the fundamentalist/modernist conflicts of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. …

God, evolution, and Charles Darwin

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Next year sees a major Charles Darwin anniversary: 200 years since his birth, and 150 years since the publication of On the Origin of the Species.

Darwin’s religious views were (or became) those of a muddled agnostic.  In a recent article in Times Online, Nick Spencer offers Ten Surprising Things Darwin Said About Religious Faith:-

1. “The mystery of the beginning of all things is insoluble by us; and I for one must be content to remain an Agnostic.”…

N.T. Wright on Inspiration

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N.T. Wright’s 2005 book Scripture and the Authority of God is a mixed bag as far as I’m concerned.  I was helped by much of what was said, puzzled by what was left unsaid.

John Frame’s review of the book (in its American incarnation, entitled, The Last Word ) helped me to understand what is missing from Wright’s account.  It attempting to get ‘beyond the Bible wars’ (from the subtitle of the American edition), Wright (deliberately?) …

The Post-Evangelical – 7

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Chapter 7 of Dave Tomlinson’s The Post-Evangelical is entitled, ‘The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Something Quite Like the Truth’.  It’s about epistemology – how we come to know things.

Tomlinson suggests that what is going on is that many within evangelicalism begin with some vague feelings of discomforts about various aspects of their evangelical church.  They are bothered about the chorus-singing, perhaps, or the dogmatic tone of the preaching,  – and then develop deeper concerns about the credibility of the entire evangelical paradigm. …

Has science got rid of God?

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This is the title of a book by John Blanchard, published in 2004 by Evangelical Press.  In one chapter of the book, Blanchard confronts the frequently-expressed view that science has rendered religion in general, and Christianity in particular, redundant as a means of explaining the world.

One way of responding to this is to note some of the limitations of science’s explanatory power.  For example, science is unable to:-

  1. tell us why the universe came into being. 
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2 Pet 1:12-21- Not cleverly invented stories – sermon notes

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How good are you at remembering things? There is a little exercise that I sometimes do with my students. I get people to line themselves up according to how they see themselves on certain characteristics. Do you see yourself as tall or short, as old or young, as out-going or shy, as optimistic or pessimistic? Do you have a good sense of humour? Do you have a good memory? Two things I have discovered without fail: nobody ever admits to having a poor sense of humour.…

The Codex Sinaiticus: rival to the Bible?

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Roger Bolton writes on the BBC web site:-

What is probably the oldest known Bible is being digitised, reuniting its scattered parts for the first time since its discovery 160 years ago. It is markedly different from its modern equivalent. What’s left out?

Mk Bolton goes on to tell us which bits of our modern versions of the Bible are missed out of this early manuscript.

The Codex – and other early manuscripts – do not mention the ascension of Jesus into heaven, and omit key references to the Resurrection, which the Archbishop of Canterbury has said is essential for Christian belief.

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Mt 5:17-48 – Kingdom righteousness – sermon notes

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The Sermon on the Mount is the most comprehensive and systematically arranged collection of Jesus’ teaching to have been passed down to us.  It is also the most celebrated piece of public speaking of all time.  Phrases and sayings from this sermon have become part of everyday speech for countless numbers of people, even though they may never have stepped inside a church or opened up a Bible: “Blessed are the meek” – “You are the salt of the earth” – “Casting pearls before swine” – “Turning the other cheek”, and so on.…