Monthly Archives: July 2009

Book Review: Constructive Theology- A Contemporary Approach to Classical Themes

Posted on July 31, 2009 by Earl Barnett

Constructive Theology: A Contemporary Approach to Classical Themes reads like a rolodex of prominent living theologians. Edited by Serene Jones and Paul Lakeland, this introduction to Christian theology provides both a broad and a narrow window to doing theology in a contemporary context. Continue reading →

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Artists I Love: Jeff Hein

Posted on July 30, 2009 by Earl Barnett

[This post has nothing to do with theology. I occasionally take a break from talking theology to discuss other adjacent interests... hence, the 'Artists I Love' series] Continue reading →

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Thoughts on God and Sex-Changes

Posted on July 23, 2009 by Earl Barnett

What does God think about folks who decide to have gender reassignment surgeries? What about folks who manipulate their gender via prescribed chemicals? Consequently, what are Christians to think about such practices? Continue reading →

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Should Evangelicals Reconsider Same-Sex Marriage?

Posted on July 21, 2009 by Earl Barnett

In recent memory, few issues have stirred the ire and hostility of evangelicals like homosexual marriage. The sheer mention of homosexuality, in many circles, is enough warrant to display some of the basest human reactions conceivable. Behind closed doors, where it is assume one can speak freely, otherwise loving people transform into bastions of hate. In an instantaneous transformation, otherwise loving people turn and vehemently bellow, “Homosexuality is an ABOMINATION!” Extended descriptions of how “sickening” and “perverse” such behavior is generally follow such outbursts. These descriptions are often capped with proposed solutions for handling the problem. In my experience, murder is often a solution offered. Continue reading →

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Book Review: Jesus, Interrupted by Bart Erhman

Posted on July 20, 2009 by Earl Barnett

In case you’ve lived under a rock (or just outside of Evangelical circles) for the past few months, Bart Ehrman (the James A. Gray Distinguished Professor at UNC: Chapel Hill) has been the topic of much Evangelical controversy. The reason for this controversy? His newest book Jesus, Interrupted, is a cataloging of major historical and logical inconsistencies in the New Testament. I hate to over-simplify the work of someone such as Bart Ehrman, but the book really is that simple.

Luckily for me, Ehrman even opens the book by acknowledging that material covered is nothing new to Seminary and Graduate School students. And he is correct. Ehrman’s book really does present what we’re all taught regarding the Historical- Critical method and its critique of the Scriptures. It’s chalk fully of problems. And when one judges the Scriptures according to the Historical-Critical method, it especially does not meet the bar that many church folk would like it to. Continue reading →

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Book Review: Beyond Foundationalism: Shaping Theology in a Postmodern Context

Posted on July 19, 2009 by Earl Barnett

Is an Evangelical faith still possible in light of the rise of postmodernity? Must one choose between universal standards or radical relativism? Or can postmodernity provide a new form of foundation from which an Evangelical theology can grow? Continue reading →

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Book Review: Notes from the Tilt-A-Whirl by N.D. Wilson

Posted on July 19, 2009 by Earl Barnett

Notes from the Tilt-A-Whirl: Wide Eyed Wonder in God’s Spoken World by N.D. Wilson is an untraditional, yet still fabulous read. The premise of the book is, essentially, Wilson’s meandering through topics such as life and death, the existence of God, the existence of evil, and a weird fascination with Friedirch Nietzsche. Continue reading →

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This couldn’t wait for the review…

Posted on July 18, 2009 by Earl Barnett

I’m presently reading Notes from the Tilt-a-Whirl by N.D. Wilson and just stumbled across a paragraph that couldn’t wait for my review… Continue reading →

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Book Review: A Lover’s Quarrel with the Evangelical Church

Posted on July 16, 2009 by Earl Barnett

A Lover’s Quarrel with the Evangelical Church instantly reminded me of the ominous opening to a popular album: “The car is on fire, and there’s no driver at the wheel…” Continue reading →

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‘A Million Miles in a Thousand Years’ Preview Now Available

Posted on July 8, 2009 by Earl Barnett

Don Miller, author of Blue Like Jazz and Christian heartthrob sensation, just posted a 20 page preview of his newest book: A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. Continue reading →

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At Least If I Die in Raliegh, I Will Die Free…

Posted on July 7, 2009 by Earl Barnett

(Cheesy title taken from an Old Crow Medicine Show song: Wagon Wheel) Sorry for the lack of posts lately.  I’ve been reading up a storm and should be posting a few new essays and book reviews soon. In the meantime, … Continue reading →

Posted in Random Bloggings | 3 Comments