Not Letting Jesus Be Jesus: Some Responses to Religious Pluralism
In my last blog, I began a discussion on religious pluralism by first making observations about religious diversity. We mentioned Oprah Winfrey’s claim that there are...
Confessions: What I Hate About Ministry
“Hello, my name is Michael. I am in ministry. I am a minister. Yes, a pastor.” I am neither a pastor nor the some of a pastor. Nor am I the son of the...
God loves me, God loves me not . . .
This is an email from one of the P&P readers. I asked him if I could share this with you to try to get some help and encouragement. Michael, I read your “Leaving...
Defending the Closet Atheist
I use the word atheist to be provocative. Agnostic might be a better word. I have an acquaintance who is a closet agnostic, not wanting to disrupt his family and friends. He...
New Bible and Theology Networking Site
Theologica is a new bible and theology networking site open to everyone. Announce an event to the community. Discuss theology. Network with others Christians. Post your own...
Albania 2008
May 24, 2008: The Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts has sent a team to Albania for the second year in a row. Four of us are here in Tirana as I write this. The...
“A Short Defense of Imputation” or “Am I Really Condemned for the Sin of Another?”
The concept of Original Sin has long been a vital part of Christian Orthodoxy, yet is being challenged and redefined by many in the Church today. Some are beginning...
“Will One Sin Really Send You to Hell for All Eternity?” or “Why is Hell Eternal?”
I have heard this since I was a very young Christian. It seemed somewhat reasonable as it was explained to me by pastors in sermons and by Christians as they explained the...
Oprah’s Millions of Paths to God: Dealing with Religious Diversity
I just returned from a weekend in beautiful San Juan Capistrano, California. I spoke at The Case for the Real Jesus conference, which was centered on Lee Strobel’s recent book...