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...

by C Michael Patton

Emerging Church

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

12Comments

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

Prolegomena

49Comments

Mapping Theology

1. Theological Maximalist Every doctrine is essential. This represents those who seek unity only with those with whom they have maximal agreement. There is somewhat of a...

Three Types of Christian Scholarship

1. Exegetes (research) – Level one studies original research; learning; data; facts These are the people who are continually doing research. They work primarily with...

by C Michael Patton

Apologetics

Current Issues in Theology

Prolegomena

40Comments

The Intellectual Persecution of the Church

“Ha! You believe in God? That is so stupid,” the neighbor’s six-year-old boy said to my son Will. “He doesn’t exist; you know that, don’t...

by C Michael Patton

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