I’ve been thinking lately about the debates in Christian circles (especially in the US) about “socialism.” By “socialism” I mean the basic idea that some justice can be preserved in a community if our government redistributes wealth — takes money or property from the wealthy and gives it to the poor. This socialist model has been…
Read MoreMy Sermon on the Historical Jesus
Here’s my sermon preached at St. Paul’s-on-the-Hill Anglican Church on Sunday, Feb. 14th. Yes, I drew the short straw and preached on Valentines Day! Enjoy.
Read MoreThe Holistic Kingdom of the Gospels
One student recently suggested that there might be a progression in the Gospels from earlier books that are more this-worldly in focus to later books that are more “mystical.” I don’t think I’d agree that the later Gospels become more mystical, if by that you mean more “other-worldly.” On the one hand, I think all…
Read MoreWhat Does the Lamb Do?
In my course on New Testament Theology and History I pointed out that Mark’s Gospel depicts Jesus’ death primarily as a Passover offering, not as a sin offering. One student asked me to elaborate on this and I thought I would share my thoughts here as well. If you go back to the book of…
Read More