In response to my post about the future of Churches of Christ as a theological question, a friend texted me this pithy observation: “For us theology = hermeneutics = exegesis.” To which I responded, “Tell me about it. I’m a PhD candidate in systematics writing on hermeneutics.” And that is very much the point. ForContinue reading “Theological Interpretation in an Anti-Theological Tradition”
Author Archives: Greg
On Discovery Bible Study: A Conversation with John King
This video records a long-form conversation in which John King tells his story as the lead developer of the Discovery Bible Study method (see additional resources below), and I air some of my doubts and concerns about DBS, especially in view of hermeneutical issues that face our shared tradition as members of Churches of Christ.Continue reading “On Discovery Bible Study: A Conversation with John King”
The Future of Churches of Christ
The future of Churches of Christ is a theological question, full stop. I’m struck anew by how unconventional, even peculiar, this claim is for the tradition. And that is why it is necessary to assert unequivocally that what happens next will be a response to our vision and experience of who God is. It willContinue reading “The Future of Churches of Christ”
My First Semester of University Teaching
My first semester of teaching in the hallowed halls of academe is in the rearview, and I’ve caught my breath enough to begin reflecting. It has been a learning experience for all of us! As an adjunct professor at Lipscomb University, I taught three courses in the Fall 2019 term—almost a full load for full-timeContinue reading “My First Semester of University Teaching”
Mission Journal Archive
Mission, a journal associated with Churches of Christ that was published from 1967 to 1988, has been fully digitized by Mac Ice and the team at Abilene Christian University Special Collections. I wrote about Mission a couple of years ago when the project began, and Missio Dei published a few other articles about the journalContinue reading “Mission Journal Archive”
The Move, the Diss., the Book
I’ve been pretty well off the radar for a while—not that anyone would accuse me of being a regular blogger. Reason #1 is our recent move to Murfreesboro, TN. Later this month I begin teaching as an adjunct professor in Lipscomb University’s College of Bible and Ministry. To say I’m excited would be an understatement.Continue reading “The Move, the Diss., the Book”
In Memoriam Don Haymes
Because truth is hard to come by. I didn’t know Don, but he was a legendary provocateur among my tribe and therefore a hero to me. Here’s to more sheep in wolves’ clothing. Below are his portrait of one moment in the history of Churches of Christ and an article titled “The Silence of theContinue reading “In Memoriam Don Haymes”
The Easter Sermon of John Chrysostom
John Chrysostom (d. AD 407), Archbishop of Constantinople, is widely acknowledged as one of the church’s greatest preachers.[1. See https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-John-Chrysostom, https://www.theopedia.com/john-chrysostom, https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/people/pastorsandpreachers/john-chrysostom.html%5D Among Eastern Orthodox churches and various other Christian traditions, this sermon is traditionally read on Easter morning.[2. This translation is from the Fordham University Internet Medieval Source Book. See also Orthodox, Anglican, Reformed,Continue reading “The Easter Sermon of John Chrysostom”
Irenaeus, On the Apostolic Preaching 33–34
For Good Friday [From St. Irenaeus of Lyons, On the Apostolic Preaching, Popular Patristics Series 17, trans. John Behr (Crestwood, NY: St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1997).] And the transgression which occurred through the tree was undone by the obedience of the tree—which [was shown when] the Son of Man, obeying God, was nailed to theContinue reading “Irenaeus, On the Apostolic Preaching 33–34”
Athanasius, On the Incarnation 24
For Thursday of Holy Week [From Athanasius the Great of Alexandria, On the Incarnation, Greek Original and English Translation, Popular Patristics Series 44a, trans. John Behr (Yonkers, NY: St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 2011.] . . . The Life of all, our Lord and Savior Christ, did not contrive death for his own body, lest heContinue reading “Athanasius, On the Incarnation 24”