I've started Counterfeit Gods by Timothy Keller (2011). Here's a telling realization from sociologist Beatrice Webb that Keller quotes: "Somewhere in my diary--1890?--I wrote 'I have staked all on the essential goodness of human nature…" [Now thirty five years later I realize] how permanent are the evil impulses and instincts in man--how little you can count on … [Read more...] about No One Is Born Good
Theology
Imputation
"In the same way in which Adam's sins were imputed to us, so God imputed our sins to Christ; that is, he thought of them as belonging to Christ, and, since God is the ultimate judge and definer of what really is in the universe, when God thought of our sins as belonging to Christ then in fact they actually did belong to Christ." (Grudem, 1995, p. 574) That is why Good … [Read more...] about Imputation
Moralistic Therapeutic Deism
Michael Horton has recently described his concern about the rise of Moralistic Therapeutic Deism in the church. His concern is quite valid. Lately, I’ve been thinking about the distinction between preaching behaviorism and preaching Jesus. Behavioral teaching goes like this: "You should not steal, but you steal. So stop stealing, and here are some tips to help you stop" … [Read more...] about Moralistic Therapeutic Deism
Mind Your Own Business
Christ is in all parts of life, even the mundane activities. Unfortunately, we have lost sight of God’s accessibility in the simple. In the gospels, when John the Baptist says the kingdom of heaven is at hand, he is literally saying it is in our midst. It’s everywhere, all around us and in us. God took all his ‘possessions’ (so to speak) and moved into the world with us. Now … [Read more...] about Mind Your Own Business
Exercise for Theologians
Thielicke’s book, A Little Exercise for Young Theologians, has many big ideas contained in its small pages. As a theologian speaking to other theologians (though I would not consider myself in that category), his words resonate. He warns that theology can indeed be a threat to us. It can actually cause us to sin if we are not careful; we can become prideful and … [Read more...] about Exercise for Theologians