On this week’s TNT I introduced an interesting thought experiment: take the cross out of the Jesus story and see what you can still do. This this thought experiment appeals to me for two reasons: Modern Protestants have overdone it on the cross The incarnation and resurrection hold far more … Read more about Christianity Without A Cross?
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
TNT: Missions, Matthew, Jesus being nice & Stryper
Tripp and Bo field phone calls from the SpeakPipe about Missions (Russia), the gospel of Matthew, Jesus being at least as nice as God and a theology of Stryper. We love your calls and thoughts on the SpeakPipe !!! Tell us what you want to talk about. … Read more about TNT: Missions, Matthew, Jesus being nice & Stryper
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?
From Jesus’ Parables to Parables of God with John Dominic Crossan
John Dominic Crossan is back on the podcast. Crossan is a legendary New Testament scholar, Jesus Seminar provocateur, and popular lecturer all across the progressive church. We will discuss the last 30 years of historical Jesus research, its role in the academy, the growing audience in the public … Read more about From Jesus’ Parables to Parables of God with John Dominic Crossan