Focusing on Adam and sin in Romans 5 is similar to focusing on the shadows and background of a painting to the detriment of seeing the brightness and centrality of the subject matter. Paul’s proclaims the gospel of the risen Christ and not to answer the question of why we sin.
Lewis’s teaching is that if we can begin to wrap our heads around the idea that the movement of time is simply an illusion, then the stark difference between creation/annihilation, universalism/election, and predestination/freedom disappears.
The Great Divorce, Ch. 12-14, pt.1 Read More »
One of the issues Johnson raises without pursuing it too far is that if we believe in one all-powerful good God, then what of evil?
The Creed – One God, pt.2 Read More »
As you read through these chapters pay attention to how the writer uses the word “rest” in 4:1-13. The writer will use the word literally, allegorically, and eschatologically.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
The Beatitudes – Putting Our Trust in God, pt.1 Read More »
Within these chapters, á Kempis emphasizes our humility, not as an end unto itself, but as the means of emptying ourselves so that we can, as Peter writes, become partakes of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).
Imitation of Christ – Book 1, Ch.5-9, pt.1 Read More »
When we look at the nature of evil, we see the ultimate sacrifice of the Son. Him who is pure light is handed over to and assumes our darkness. Him though whom all things came to exist, is handed over to and assumes our non-existence.
Looking Through the Cross – The Cross and Evil, pt.1 Read More »
Within his struggle with scriptural interpretation, Augustine concludes his discussion with the idea that all of Scripture and any reading we would give to a particular passage must be ordered by the two great precepts of love of God and love of neighbor “for otherwise we make God a liar.”
1 Corinthians 11, pt.2 Read More »
Although Augustine says we should be open to alternative interpretations of Scripture, one of the rules he lays down is that the Scriptures should not be given a nonsensical interpretation that contradicts our reason and observations of the natural world.
1 Corinthians 10, pt.2 Read More »
A person’s insistence that their interpretation of Scripture is the “correct one” stems not from “vision but from vanity” and love of themselves and not of God. True humility and charity requires we be able to equally love someone else’s true opinion of the Scriptures. Augustine – On Christian Doctrine
