Theologians and philosophers have long identified two kinds of evil: moral and natural. The latter is rooted in suffering that arises from the processes and events of the natural world including all suffering that arises from the actions of animals. The only sources of moral evil in the world — and with it sin — […]
sin
That theologian from which greater behavior could be conceived
Over the last few days we’ve had some substantial conversation over the great Anselm’s ontological argument and the accompanying definition of God as that than which none greater can be conceived. There is no doubt that Anselm was an enormously important, seminal thinker. But like all of us he was also human. And like all […]
A third blushing attempt to rationalize babies being punished
Let’s recap. Our story began in the smoking ruins of Haiti in January 2010, with one weak cry winding out from deep within the concrete rubble of a collapsed hospital. The cry was from six week old Landina, severely wounded in the devastating quake that killed and maimed hundreds of thousands. The horror naturally prompts the question […]
Amazing Grace at the Gospel Mission
This past Friday I preached down at the gospel mission. (Once a month my church puts on a service for the guys and I do my best to attend regularly.) I really enjoy visiting the gospel mission. The service is refreshingly informal and the guys applaud everything, the preaching, the music, everything. (While the congregants of suburban churches […]
Why it pays to be an ‘unstrategic’ Christian
In “Christians and the sin of hating homosexuals” I laid out some examples where Christians express an indefensible hatred against homosexuals. Robert Fischer objected to the post, saying that “it is unhelpful to offer up these anecdotal incidents of hate.” And why is that? He went on to explain as follows: These may be used […]
You ever smoke crack?
Once a month I travel with a church group down to the inner city to put on a service at a homeless shelter for men. At the end of the service we break into groups and pray with the men. This past Friday I met Hugh, Jim and Trent. This was Hugh’s conversation opener: Hugh: […]
Twelve minutes, two films, all sorts of big ideas
What common cause could possibly unite a Jew and an Arab? To find the answer you should watch this short (7 minute) film titled “Strangers” by director Erez Tadmor. If you liked that (and of course you did) you’ll love his follow-up, the short (5 minute) film “Offside“. Both films provide powerful analyses of violence, objectification, and a shared humanity. It is fascinating to […]
For since the creation of the world: On the wickedness of atheism
PM asked with disarming directness: “Hi Dr. Rauser, “Wondering how you’d situate Romans 1:18-32 into this discussion? Thanks.” The problem at first blush Let’s put the most relevant excerpt of this passage before us: 18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the […]
