Theolatte
Nothing goes better with a steaming latte than an engaging discussion about theology and philosophy. Sit down with your favorite caffeinated beverage and peruse the thoughts of a pseudo-intellectual.
Archive for the ‘Et Cetera’ Category
Nietzsche, Eugenics and the Imago Dei
March 5th, 2010
My title sounds like the punch line to a bad joke.
Trust me, this is no joking matter.
I first want to state that Nietzsche was right.
If God is dead as Nietzsche suggested, or if metaphysics is dead as Heidegger suggested, then we have no basis for an understanding of human significance, morality or purpose.
What I Love About the Messianic Metanarrative: The Power of the Gospel and the Limitations of Apologetics
March 4th, 2010
Some of the most transformative moments of the last decade of my life have taken place in Southern Seminary’s chapel.
In the Alumni Memorial Chapel Building I have been challenged by some of the worlds greatest preachers who have visited our campus: D. James Kennedy, John Piper, C.J. Mahaney, David Platt, Alistair Begg, R. C. Sproul, Adrian Rodgers, John MacAthur, and the list could go on and on…
Today’s chapel sermon will be added to the list of providential words that will forever be etched in my mind.
Dr. Russell Moore’s sermon from 1 Corinthians 3 and 4 resonated with my understanding of Scripture as well as my own lived experience. You can watch the video from his sermon here.
Today I was reminded that apologetics is important but insufficient.
Because we are clearly told to have an answer for anyone who asks about our hope in Christ, apologetics is an act of obedience and therefore a part of our sanctification. Because we see in the Apostle Paul a pattern of reasoning with his audience, we know that apologetics is a critical part of evangelistic endeavors.
But it’s not enough.
I believe defending our faith is important. But it’s not enough.
I believe understanding secular philosophy is important. But it’s not enough.
I believe challenging secular propaganda is important. But it’s not enough.
Only the clarity of the gospel aided by the power of the Spirit can open blind eyes and awaken dead hearts.
I believe there is a Messianic metanarrative that has the exclusive power to satisfactorily answer humanity’s questions and heal its heartaches.
Only the power of God working through the Spirit can convict hearts of the truthfulness of the gospel.
Your logic and ability to reason will help. But they are not enough.
We need the Spirit.
The Undoing of Death
February 26th, 2010
The whole thing was going downhill fast.
Things were beginning to unravel.
The darkness of the moment was palpable.
Jesus’ immanent death had been illustrated by the observance of the traditional Passover meal. Peter’s forthcoming denial was prophesied. The abundant life that Jesus had spoken so much of seemed to be very distant from this precarious scene.
In the fourteenth chapter of the gospel of John we see the Messiah speaking words of comfort to his disheartened disciples.
On the eve of his death he encouraged them with these words:
“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself, that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going.”
They would be able to endure the pain of seeing him brutally murdered because they knew there was more to the story. The grave would not be the end. His resurrection would provide the courage they needed to take the gospel beyond the city limits of Jerusalem at the risk of their very lives. Death was about to be undone.
I’m thankful for a disciple who is known for doubt. His name is Thomas. He asked a simple question in response to Jesus’ promise, “Lord, we do not know where you are going, how do we know the way?”
Jesus’ response is epic, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me.”
Perhaps the most abiding joy and confidence we can experience today will come as a result of grasping and being grasped by the truth of Jesus’ words. He alone is the way, the truth and the life. Our frail lives are but a vapor and death will come for us all. But in Christ death will be undone. One day we will be with him. This is joy and this is peace, to know the Undoer of death and the Savior of our souls.
Scripture taken from John 14:1-6, NASB
Christianity True or False
February 23rd, 2010
“One of the great difficulties is to keep before the audience’s mind the question of Truth. They always think you are recommending Christianity not because it is true but because it is good. And in the discussion they will at every moment try to escape from the issue ‘True or False’…One must keep pointing out that Christianity is a statement which, if false, is of no importance, and, if true of infinite importance. The one thing it cannot be is moderately important.”
-C.S. Lewis, from an essay given to youth leaders in 1945 titled Christian Apologetics
We are gearing up for an event at the campus church called “Christianity True or False.” Check out the website and leave your comments about what you believe.
Our Common Song
February 18th, 2010
A common song we sing.
With humble hearts we bring
Our lives broken but redeemed
With words of praise for Christ the King.
That Christ died to right our wrongs,
Through His atonement we belong.
He was crushed but raised to life,
And in this truth we find:
Our common song.