A sermon preached at Ginter Park Baptist Church, Richmond VA 12/1/19
Category Archives: war and peace
Concerning Violence in the Old Testament
“…you must utterly destroy them…” (Deut 7:2)
Many people, non-believer and believer alike, regard the Old Testament as particularly bellicose. For many, in fact, this perception justifies a devaluation of the Old Testament generally or especially in comparison to the New Testament. This entry will examine whether the Old Testament deserves its reputation for ruthless violence, especially with Continue reading Concerning Violence in the Old Testament
Misconceptions continued (Lecture 3)
Misconceptions concerning the Arabi/Israel Conflict and the Bible
Is Election the Same as License?
“I will curse those who curse you…” (Gen 12:3)
I anticipated some negative reactions to the most recent blog entry and have gotten them. In it, I argued that the United States, driven largely by evangelical Christian misunderstandings of the Bible, effectively taking sides, treats Israel as though it were untouchable. Generally, objections center around Israel’s status as God’s chosen people and seem to reflect the idea derived from God’s promise of protection to Abraham that Israel enjoys almost untouchable status in God’s eyes. To be “on Israel’s side” is to be on God’s side; to Continue reading Is Election the Same as License?
A Post-Memorial Day Reflection on the Lord’s Prayer
Matt 6:9-13; Luke 11:2-4
Memorial Day always elicits in me a sense of profound gratitude mixed with deep sorrow, the sentiments appropriate for prayerful contrition. Wars are tragic, irrefutable evidence of human courage and human evil. Memorial Day calls for gratitude and repentance. The Lord’s Prayer came to my mind repeatedly Monday. This blog will offer a brief reflection on Continue reading A Post-Memorial Day Reflection on the Lord’s Prayer