Theology

Dr. Darryl Hart, prolific historian of religion in America and former professor of church history at Westminster Seminary in California, has just published what sounds like a fascinating book: A Secular Faith: Why Christianity Favors the Separation of Church and State. Terry Eastland, publisher of The Weekly Standard, recently penned this excellent review (only subscribers can read it all) of Hart's book. Based on his review: Hart amplifies Jesus' statement "My Kingdom is not of this world" by noting that Christianity is "essentially a spiritual and eternal faith, one occupied with a world … [Read more...] about A Secular Faith – Darryl Hart

NBC journalist Bob McKeown conducts this illuminating exposé on Benny Hinn. McKeown's findings are deeply concerning, even if they may be familiar to some. Given the lavish lifestyle of Mr. Hinn ($500,000 - $1,000,000 annual salary, plus book royalties), this report might be viewed as the second mainline media study of the link between (professing) Christians and the idea that God wants us to be rich. (HT: Justin Taylor) … [Read more...] about NBC Dateline investigates Benny Hinn

Wayne Grudem published a masterful, exhaustive (856-page) work on the male-female issue in 2004 under the title Evangelical Feminism and Biblical Truth. The book received this commendation from John Piper: "After the Bible, I cannot imagine a more useful book for finding reliable help in understanding God's will for manhood and womanhood in the church and the home. The practical design of this book will help laypeople find answers without having to read 800 pages. But the rigor of scholarship, the amazing thoroughness, and the unparalleled clarity (which Wayne Grudem is justly famous for!) … [Read more...] about Shorter Version of Grudem’s Evangelical Feminism and Biblical Truth

The N.Y. Times recently published a dispassionate study on speaking in tongues. However, one of the contributors also served as a research subject: Ms. Morgan, a co-author of the study, was also a research subject. She is a born-again Christian who says she considers the ability to speak in tongues a gift. “You’re aware of your surroundings,” she said. “You’re not really out of control. But you have no control over what’s happening. You’re just flowing. You’re in a realm of peace and comfort, and it’s a fantastic feeling.” Also noteworthy: A recent study of nearly 1,000 evangelical … [Read more...] about Neuroscientific Study on Speaking in Tongues

Rick Phillips writes a very helpful, balanced article discussing strengths and weaknesses about both the "denounce Ted" and the "We're just like Ted" responses observable on evangelical portions of the blogosphere. (HT: Justin Taylor) … [Read more...] about Just like Ted?