It is not possible to not contextualize. Every Christian is actively contextualizing all the time, and is either doing it well or doing it badly. Gospel proclamation, church life, and theology are always contextual. As Hiebert points out, “On the one hand, the gospel belongs to no culture. It is God’s revelation of himself and his acts to all people. On the other hand, it must always be understood and expressed within human cultural forms” … [Read More]
Al Mohler on the Penn State Scandal
My friend and colleague Al Mohler has written a sobering but necessary article in light of the Penn State sexual abuse scandal. His words are insightful and prophetic and we are moved to share them with those who frequent this blog. May we all learn from this tragedy. In the article, “The Tragic Lessons of Penn State: A Call to Action,” Dr. Mohler comments on the Penn State tragedy, but also applies it to the … [Read More]
On the Health Benefits of Alcohol
Regular readers of BtT know that Southeastern Seminary disallows the use of alcohol as a beverage, arguing that although Scripture does not universally prohibit alcohol consumption, wisdom compels me to set forth this policy for our faculty and students. (See my blog on “The Case for Alcohol Abstinence.”) On Tuesday, an article in the Wall Street Journal caught my attention, and I thought I’d pass it along to our readership. It addresses recent research on … [Read More]
Are You a Supporter of “One-Woman, One-Man” Marriage?
Don’t say you were never invited. A Penn State researcher is asking supporters of marriage to fill out a survey on the definition of marriage and media coverage of the issue. The survey seeks to expose how Americans define marriage.
We thought that the readers of BtT might have an opinion on this issue., in which case you are invited to share your opinions by Nov. 11. Click here to take the survey, or copy and paste … [Read More]
Dr. Sam Williams’ “A Christian Psychology of, and Response to, Homosexuality”
On October 19, 2011, Dr. Sam Williams delivered a chapel lecture entitled, “A Christian Psychology of, and Response to, Homosexuality,” in which he spoke to the issues of same-sex attraction, same-sex orientation, and gay/lesbian identity. The lecture is now available at Southeastern’s multimedia site by clicking here.
Dr. Williams earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology (San Diego), and his B. A. in Psychlogy from the University of … [Read More]
Announcing The Story Bible
“The Bible is more deadly in one man’s hand than a whiskey bottle is in another.” from To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
“American young people are unwittingly being formed into an imposter faith that poses as Christianity, but that in fact lacks the . . . missional clarity necessary for Christian discipleship.” Almost Christian, Kendra Dean
Somewhere along the way contemporary Christianity has moved the good news in Christ from being the center of everything … [Read More]
The Scriptures Come to Life (February 3-4, 2012)
We at Between the Times would like to invite you to this year’s 20/20 conference, “The Scriptures Come to Life,” on Southeastern’s campus Feb 3-4, 2011. This year’s conference centers on the nature, authority, and eternal relevance of the Christian Scriptures, and features plenary sessions by Danny Akin (SEBTS), D. A. Carson (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School), Tullian Tchividjian (Coral Ridge Presbyterian), and Tony Merida (SEBTS; Imago Dei Church), in addition to 27 breakout sessions. Matt … [Read More]
Advance Notice to Seminary and College Students: Exercise!
In his fascinating book The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century author Thomas Friedman decries how American students have fallen behind other nations in such fields as math and engineering. At the same time students in the U.S. have excelled at becoming couch potatoes: 65% of Americans are overweight, but this has become an epidemic among young people. “We are literally killing ourselves,” John Ratey says in his book Spark, adding, … [Read More]
Q&A 6: What Do Baptists Believe About Speaking in Tongues?
10.4.2011
Question: Why do Baptists not believe that Christians can speak in other tongues?
Reply: Baptists are not of one mind when it comes to the issue of speaking in tongues and other miraculous gifts though most are in the same ballpark!. Some are what can be called “cessationists.” They believe that the miraculous gifts fulfilled a specific purpose through the apostles in the 1st century and passed off the scene after their death. Other, like myself, … [Read More]
Q&A 5: What is Modalism and How Should Christians Respond To It?
10.4.2011
Question: Define “modalism” as it relates to the doctrine of the Trinity. Is it a false, heretical teaching? What, if any, major denominations or churches or pastors/teachers hold to this concept? And, if it is a false, heretical teaching, how should we as evangelicals respond to the teachers of said heresy? Thank you and I look forward to your response.
Reply: Heath, according to your question you are a 1996 graduate of SEBTS. The odds then … [Read More]
