In this four-part series, I aim to think about one particular aspect of language: naming. In the introduction, I preliminarily addressed the root of the problem, the Fall. In this post I want to dive deeper into the original ‘scene of the crime' for clues toward the character of the relationship between language and naming. … [Read more...] about Overnaming as The Fall
power
Daniel: Notes for Bible Study Groups, Part 2
Drawing from her own study of Daniel, the knowledge gained while serving as a teaching assistant for Prof. Iain Provan's Regent College course on Daniel, and the insights gained through talks Carl Ellis gave at an InterVarsity conference, Kathy Cooper has compiled study notes for InterVarsity groups exploring Daniel. These notes are designed to be “plug and play.” While we'll make some further study suggestions for those with extra time, these notes are designed to provide the basis for leading a thoughtful … [Read more...] about Daniel: Notes for Bible Study Groups, Part 2
Unroll the Scroll (Scholar’s Compass)
Scripture “Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord” (cf. Isaiah 37:14, NIV). … [Read more...] about Unroll the Scroll (Scholar’s Compass)
Book Review: Playing God, by Andy Crouch
Playing God: Redeeming the Gift of Power by Andy Crouch (InterVarsity Press, 2013). I think many of us have developed our understanding of power from Lord Acton's axiom: Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. For most of us, that is the end of story and this accounts, at least among many Christians I know, for a deep aversion to anything like the exercise of power. … [Read more...] about Book Review: Playing God, by Andy Crouch
Advent and John the Baptist
If Advent is new to you, I don't blame you for feeling a bit confused. Advent as preparation for Christmas is a no-brainer. All these other things, like Jesus' return, that are a part of Advent, can seem beside the point. But in the second week of Advent, a figure takes center stage who both completely makes sense and who stretches our brains: John the Baptist. It makes sense to speak of John in Advent. John the Baptist is the one we know is coming to “prepare the way.” Listen to what the angel says to his father … [Read more...] about Advent and John the Baptist