My son wrote an essay recently on the cultural antecedents to the French Revolution and declining belief in absolute monarchy. One of the elements discussed was the availability of Bible translations in languages other than Latin, reducing the role of priests as conduits of spiritual authority and raising questions about the parallel role of monarchs as conduits of civic authority. Presently, we have questions about the role of scientists and science in civic life. Do they stem from a similar shift in the public … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Scientific Reformation
Reformation
Science in Review: Reformation Comes to the Book of Nature
This week we observe the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther's hammer stroke heard 'round the world, a milestone in the broader Reformation movements that redefined the European landscape for centuries. While Luther's concerns were theological, change came to many corners of the cultural world, even the sciences. Thus even a notable scientific journal like Nature is sharing a remembrance of Luther, albeit with the twist that maybe the emergence of Protestantism did not influence science so much as we might think. … [Read more...] about Science in Review: Reformation Comes to the Book of Nature
Book Review: Erasmus and the Age of Reformation, by Johan Huizinga
Erasmus and the Age of Reformation, Johan Huizinga, tr. F. Hopman. New York: Harper Torchbooks, 1957 (first published in 1924). Link is to Dover Publications reprint. This book is now in the public domain and there are free versions for Kindle and other digital formats. Summary: An elegantly written biography of Desiderius Erasmus describing his life, thought and character as a scholar who hoped to awaken “good learning” and to bring about a purified Catholic church, and the tensions resulting from being caught … [Read more...] about Book Review: Erasmus and the Age of Reformation, by Johan Huizinga
Book Response: The Courage to Be Protestant, by David F. Wells
As part of his Doctor of Ministry (DMin) in Ministry to Emerging Generations (Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary), Tom's written a number of book responses and given several short presentations (personal and group). In this series he not only "shares the wealth," but also looks forward to your feedback as he refines his project: An argument for vocational discernment for graduate studies in the context of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (Stay tuned to learn more!). Earlier posts on the program: Ministry to Emerging … [Read more...] about Book Response: The Courage to Be Protestant, by David F. Wells
How should Christians approach catechism?
How should Christians approach catechism? Getting back to basics. A consideration of The Heidelberg Catechism. As part of his Doctor of Ministry (DMin) in Ministry to Emerging Generations (Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary), Tom's written a number of book responses and given several short presentations (personal and group). In this series he not only "shares the wealth," but also looks forward to your feedback as he refines his project: An argument for vocational discernment for graduate studies in the context of … [Read more...] about How should Christians approach catechism?