Randal Rauser

Returning to the social roots of evangelicalism (without becoming liberal)

Posted on 04/10/13 3 Comments

Last year I was running a seminar at a K-12 Christian school for some teachers and board members when I noticed this unassuming display. It reflects a project at the school in which they’ve partnered with an African village. I initially wrote that they “adopted” an African village. But that paternalistic language doesn’t convey the fact that [...]

Medicated shampoos that feed the head lice and evangelical curricula that feed the prejudice

Posted on 09/26/12 13 Comments

Imagine that you become aware of a medicated shampoo which is being marketed to combat head lice. Given the ubiquity of head lice in the community you take a real interest in the shampoo. If it can deliver on its claims you definitely want to promote its virtues. So you run an investigation. And much to your chagrin [...]

It’s not easy being Osteen

Posted on 09/25/12 21 Comments

There’s an old joke about a chauffeur who drives a quantum physicist to an important speaking engagement. Just before they arrive the physicist says “Listen, I’m exhausted and still jeg-lagged. I simply must get some sleep. Why don’t we change outfits, and you can go up on the dais and read my lecture and I’ll [...]

Do liberal theologians intend to change the gospel?

Posted on 08/30/12 11 Comments

It is a truth commonly known that people are generally more aware of the weaknesses and dangers attendant to the views of others, less so with respect to the views they themselves hold. This is a point that every self-described Christian conservative, evangelical and fundamentalist would do well to consider. (Of course it is also [...]

When is doxology theology? A response to Jerry Shepherd

Posted on 06/29/12 10 Comments

In December-January I had some rather spirited exchanges in the blog with my colleague, Old Testament professor Jerry Shepherd. Then Jerry fell silent as the business of the semester took over once again. But now he’s back with some spirited comments in response to my article ”What is the atonement at least? Lessons from the ascension“. [...]

Does evangelical pessimism need a makeover?

Posted on 04/25/12 10 Comments

When I was growing up I was taught dispensational premillennialism, an eschatology (theology of last things) that has as one of its hallmarks an unshakeable pessimism about the imminent future. Basically, things will keep getting worse until Jesus returns and establishes his kingdom. Dispensational pessimism continues to form a broad swathe of North American conservative [...]

First they came for Michael Licona

Posted on 11/10/11 54 Comments

A few months back I blogged in defense of one of evangelical Christianity’s leading apologists and academics, Michael Licona. Why? The poor chap actually had the temerity to raise probing, intellectually honest questions about the historicity of Matthew 27:51-54. Once the hounds of inerrancy caught poor Mike’s scent they started braying and the chase was on. For weeks [...]

“Heresy” and Christian Publishing

Posted on 07/29/11 25 Comments

This week I heard from a very intelligent and respected senior member of the evangelical community in North America. Let’s call this individual Quentin (not the individual’s real name). Quentin has written a manuscript defending a Christian form of universalism, one that upholds the authority of scripture, the atoning work of Christ and all the other essentials. [...]

Who cares about truth when you have urban legends?

Posted on 06/23/11 11 Comments

A few years ago I was at a church watching their Christmas pageant when the narrator shared with the audience the uplifting origins of the candy cane. According to the narrator, back in the 19th century a candy maker in Indiana, desiring to share his faith in Christ, developed a special new candy to share [...]

Conservative evangelicals, environmental hatred, and bad language

Posted on 04/23/11 2 Comments

Occasionally I still cross-post some of my articles at “The Christian Post”. A couple days ago I posted my review of the documentary “Gasland”. Do you think they loved it? Wanna take a guess? The comments speak for themselves. Some anonymous individual code-named “jrmd32″ commented as follows: “If you are so concerned about the environment, then why don’t you stop [...]