How can Protestants justify a belief in the doctrine of justification by faith alone, when it was “invented” in the sixteenth century? How can we believe in...

Prolegomena

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Distinguishing Between Essentials and Non-Essentials

Here is a chart to help distinguish between those things that are essential (cardinal) and those things that are non-essential (non-cardinal). There is an explanation below....

by C Michael Patton

Christian Crusades

Christian Education

Epistemology

Prolegomena

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Finding Trustworthy Scholars

Right now, in my home office, I have material about the Crusades all over the place. It is a paradise to me. I have notes and random thoughts scribbled on various pieces of...

On My Journey to Become Charismatic

Theological opinions are hard to change. Once they have set in, they are usually there to stay. The theological glue that makes ideas stick early in your studies is, for...

The Danger of Theological Novelty

Not long ago, I met with an old friend of mine who is a “swinger.” For those of you who don’t know, swinging is when both partners in a committed...

Confessing to Some Crap in My Life

I have a lot of fight stories from when I was a teenager. I went to rough schools that held scrapping as a prerequisite to coolness. Being thought of as tough was about the...

The Five Great Mysteries of the Christian Faith

As I do the math, there are five great mysteries in theology: 1. Creation out of nothing (ex nihilo): How did God create being out of non-being? Being transcendent in relation...

by C Michael Patton

Charismatic

Current Issues in Theology

Prolegomena

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Seeking a Miraculous Sign as Validation of the Prophetic

On my charismatic voyage, I have encouraged my readers time and time again to seek a sign as validation of prophetic claims. I don’t consider myself a cessationist in...

by C Michael Patton

Prolegomena

6Comments

Why Jesus and Paul are NOT Role Models

I talk a lot about tact in communication on this blog. I use the fancy term “irenic,” which is the opposite of the word “polemic.” To be irenic means...

by C Michael Patton

Prolegomena

31Comments

Seven Marks of a Good Theologian

1. Irenic Being irenic means that we approach people peacefully. It is the opposite of being quarrelsome. It is wonderful when individuals are passionate about their beliefs...

by C Michael Patton

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