A New York Times interview with the theologian Serene Jones, the current president of Union Theological Seminary, is getting some attention given that Jones enthusiastically tosses multiple cherished doctrines of Christian orthodoxy. Virgin birth? “Bizarre,” she says. God as omnipotent and omniscient? “A fabrication of Roman juridical theory and Greek mythology.” The resurrection of Jesus? […]
liberalism
Why it isn’t helpful to use progressive vs. conservative as boundary markers
Yesterday, I was asked the following question on Twitter: “as someone who identifies as a [Christian] progressive, how would you define ‘progressive Christianity’ if [I may] ask?” I thought this question to be worth answering in an article. So here goes. Let’s begin with a caveat: the reader should set aside any evaluative assumptions. This is […]
Is the evangelical tent getting bigger?
In the second edition of their book Across the Spectrum: Understanding Issues in Evangelical Theology (Baker, 2009), Gregory Boyd and Paul Eddy offer a survey of seventeen theological issues of debate among evangelicals. That list includes the following: biblical inerrancy divine providence divine foreknowledge the interpretation of Genesis 1 (young earth view; day age view; restoration view; literary […]
Thoughts on the Evangelical Leader and the Liberal Bishop (Part 1)
What is the relationship between belief (or right doctrine) and character? In this provocative parable of “The Evangelical Leader and the Liberal Bishop”, Dave Tomlinson challenges the common evangelical mind-set to prioritize right doctrine over character: “Jesus told a parable to a gathering of evangelical leaders. ‘An evangelical speaker and a liberal bishop each sat down to read the […]
The Ongoing Trials of the Minister Who Was an Atheist
A few months ago I wrote an article on the case of Gretta Vosper, a United Church minister who is an avowed atheist. The United Church of Canada, formed in 1925, has long been known as the bastion of mainline Protestant liberalism. But you might think that atheism is a bit much, even for the […]
Should Christian clergy be expected to believe that God exists?
Thirty years ago the brilliant British sitcom “Yes, Prime Minister” broadcast an episode titled “The Bishop’s Gambit” which focused on the politics involved in filling a vacant bishopric in the Church of England. One of the candidates is a “theological modernist” which the Cabinet Secretary explains to the Prime Minister is “code for an atheist.” Sir […]
59. A Response to Bill Maher on Religion and Free Speech
In this podcast I offer a response to Bill Maher’s recent incendiary comments against Islam. While Maher attempts to position himself as a defender of the true spirit of liberalism and free speech, I argue that his understanding of free speech is egregiously truncated and produces rhetoric which foments misunderstanding, demonization, and the eroding of […]
Returning to the social roots of evangelicalism (without becoming liberal)
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 […]
Dare to open a window: On the problem of being called a traitor, liberal or heretic
Do you remember back in 2003 when the Dixie Chicks were banned from radio and received death threats simply because their lead singer Natalie Maines dared to speak out against George Bush and his pending invasion of Iraq? There’s nothing like nationalism run amok to make the world a dangerous place for moderation and reasoned discourse. […]
Do liberal theologians intend to change the gospel?
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 […]
Why conservatism is often riskier than you might think (and other observations on losing faith)
In “The ignorance of Richard Dawkins defended (but not very well)” Robert observed: “Sometimes I wonder what faith would have been like without inerrancy. I went from inerrancy to disbelief within about a year.” Ouch. Walter added the following observation: “I was raised Baptist, but went Church of Christ for a couple of years before […]
The hottest thing in the kitchen
Thom Stark was accused of being a liberal right here in my li’l ole blog. Apparently the fellow who made the accusation hit a nerve because Mr. Stark responded with a post explaining why he is a conservative. I have another way to respond to the charge of being a liberal. I open my worn copy of […]
Keep your eye on those “so called” Christians down the block
I attended an Anglican church for a couple years while living in London. (That’s par for the course, right? Like attending NASCAR events when you’re living in North Carolina.) The thing I always liked about Anglicanism is the theological tradition of “comprehension”, of seeking a big tent in which people of wide theological conviction can still come […]
