“Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.” - Hebrews 2:17, ESV Reflection As you study the creation narrative in Genesis, you'll notice that in the five days leading up to the creation of humanity, the result was good, whereas the result of the sixth day was very good. This suggests that humankind was God's crowning achievement. We, as humans, are made in God's … [Read more...] about Common Grace and Extra-Biblical Knowledge: An Advent Reflection (Scholar’s Compass)
Advent
Cur Deus Homo. An Advent Devotional
In the eleventh century, Anselm and theologians like him began to interact with a larger world of ideas, specifically the Muslim theologians who were challenging some of the central tenets of the Christian faith. In the centuries previous, theology had largely been an increasingly ad intra discussion among the theologians of Christendom. As Muslim writings (and even the occasional Muslim thinker) began their movement into Europe, they began to challenge theological positions which had been taken for granted. It is in … [Read more...] about Cur Deus Homo. An Advent Devotional
Advent: Expecting Our Hope to Be Fulfilled (Scholar’s Compass)
Reading Isaiah 9:5-7, NIV, printed below Reflection As winter begins, the evergreens of traditional Advent decorations remind us that spring is not far. The four candles, representing Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace, are both literal and symbolic lights in the darkness. … [Read more...] about Advent: Expecting Our Hope to Be Fulfilled (Scholar’s Compass)
Science Corner: Good Grief! Even My Dogma Has Gone Commercial!
Well, this is interesting. Over in Science, we have the headline "Wealth may have driven the rise of today's religions." Meanwhile, the Huffington Post's science blog says religious believers will become a world minority, and ultimately perhaps disappear entirely, thanks to economic prosperity. Seems like there's a need to get the story straight. … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Good Grief! Even My Dogma Has Gone Commercial!
Advent Awakening: How The Story of the Wise Men Can Transform Our Worship Once Again (Scholar’s Compass)
Reading Matthew 2:1-12 (Visit of the Wise Men) Reflection As I sank down in my chair, I felt deeply frustrated. Another ‘through the bible in a year' reading finished. My smartphone app congratulated me with a ‘great job,' but it felt hollow and empty. I had read the words, but they weren't transforming me. Have you ever felt that way? Like you understand what you're reading, but that it's doing little to reach the rest of you or impact your life? … [Read more...] about Advent Awakening: How The Story of the Wise Men Can Transform Our Worship Once Again (Scholar’s Compass)