An interesting way to expose the difference between two things is to take out the subject of great quote and replace it with something else to see if it still works. If your replacement X cannot work in place of the initial Y then you are forced to ask ‘why is this the case?’ Let me give you … Read more about Plug in ‘the Church’ as an experiment
Y is for Y2K
In December 1999 I got a call from a newspaper reporter. They were calling pastors and religious leaders in our city to see what they were telling their people about Y2K. When the article came out I was the only pastor who was telling their people not to worry and that the real fear was people … Read more about Y is for Y2K
X is for X-ray
Something a little different today. 100 years ago was the beginning of what became known as World War I. I am fascinated by the changes that have come in that 100 year period. The transition from the 19th to the 20th century houses a fascinating and rapid shift in both politics and … Read more about X is for X-ray
W is for the Word of God (and Wesleyan Quad)
There is no phrase that is more misused, or more contentious, than The Word of God. We might need to take a vacation from throwing the phrase around as a tight summary until we pull it apart and clarify its multiple uses. The Word of God, when used properly, carries three layers of … Read more about W is for the Word of God (and Wesleyan Quad)
TNT: S T U for the ABC’s of Theology
Micky and Callid join Bo to discuss Salvation, Theopoetics and Universalism for the ABC's of Theology. You can read the original posts here: S is for Salvation (Micky) T is for Theopoetics (Callid) U is for Universalism (Bo) You can follow the rest of series here … Read more about TNT: S T U for the ABC’s of Theology
7th Inning Stretch for the ABC’s of Theology
I was out of town this week on a youth service trip and want to thank Micky and Callid for taking S and T in our ABC's of Theology series. Micky wrote on Salvation. Callid took Theopoetics. You can also hear Callid and Kristina Keefe-Perry chat about M N and O on a little TNT podcast. I … Read more about 7th Inning Stretch for the ABC’s of Theology
Q is for Quest for the Historical Jesus
The Quest for the Historical Jesus is a topic that I am both annoyed and intrigued by. Chalk this reaction up to my evangelical upbringing but I am like a high-schooler in the midst of drama. “They drive me nuts, I hate listening to them talk! … What did they say? Tell me everything.” I am both … Read more about Q is for Quest for the Historical Jesus
P is for Perichoresis
Perichoresis is the most beautiful and elegant picture of the Christian godhead that many Christians may be completly unaware of. The easiest way to break down the word is: Peri - as in perimeter Choresis - as in choreograph (from the Greek word to ‘give away’ or ‘make room’) It is the … Read more about P is for Perichoresis
I is for Infallible, Inerrant, Impassible and Immutable
Note: all relevant ‘I’ words will be placed in italics. It is an unfortunate quirk in the English language that leads negatives - or negations - to begin with the letter ‘I’. The resulting effect is that some of the most problematic and even disturbing words in the theological tool-shed begin … Read more about I is for Infallible, Inerrant, Impassible and Immutable
Who Loves Us? or What’s Up With Worship Music?
I am a passionate worshiper. I sing loudly and feel the songs deeply. As a former drummer, I also dig rockin' worship. Having said that, my recent travels have given me reason to pause. In three different states - in three different regions of the country - I have had the pleasure of attending … Read more about Who Loves Us? or What’s Up With Worship Music?
Propitiation or Expiation: Michael Hardin Explains
A question was posed to me on twitter about propitiation in connection with last month's pre-Easter posts (and good Friday). I got permission from Michael Hardin to use a large amount of text from his book A Jesus Driven Life. You can also listen to my interview with Hardin for more. Here is … Read more about Propitiation or Expiation: Michael Hardin Explains
Modern Christianity’s Temptation (2/3)
In light of the massive shifts in culture, understanding and expectation that the last 300 years has seen, there seem to be three great temptations for the devout. Last week we talked about the problems that Modernity brought to Christianity’s doorstep in the West. Science had moved into the … Read more about Modern Christianity’s Temptation (2/3)