Introduction In this and the next several posts, I intend to explore the question, ‘What Enticed Israel to Go After Other Gods?’ The Old Testament reads as a multi-author, historical record over hundreds of years about Israel going after other gods.   It is also a theological study, looking into why Israel was so enticed.   While this series of studies will focus on the Old Testament, lessons for today are clear.   ‘What Entices Christians to Go After Our Changing Culture?’   Some in our day have actually recommended a purposeful inclusion of other religions—even in the churches—and a blessing of post-Christian sexual practices.   We have many lessons to learn, then, from a study of the Old Testament on this question.  They remind us of what it means to be God's holy, treasured possession in the world. Part 1: The pressure and desire to be like other nations The narrative of Israel’s desire to be like other nations began concurrently with God calling her to be a separated peo

 The following two books are offered through the bookshop on this blog.  They are presently offered for free as e-books that can be accessed through the links provided. Separated Unto God: Biblical Studies on Division and Unity for the Church  (63 pages) This book pulls together various of my writings on the topic of 'unity' in light of concerns for unity as the Church experiences so much division.  A Biblical understanding of unity, not the popular understanding of it, provides a healthy and orthodox understanding for the Church. Calling Evil 'Good': The Anglican Revisionists  (139 pages) This book contains short essays written over the years in response to the challenges to orthodox Anglicanism from revisionist Anglicans, particularly in the Church of England.    

  Introduction A theology of unity in the Church presupposes a theology of division.  The two are not opposed to one another but inter-dependent.  The current essay follows on from previous essays on a Biblical understanding of unity that stand over against false teaching about unity in our day. Mainline, Protestant denominations have been in the process of schism over several decades. [1]   Currently, the United Methodist Church is dividing, while the Anglican Communion is solidifying its divisions from liberal, Western provinces, including the Church of England.   Throughout the process, theological concerns over schism itself have been a part of the debates.   Liberals and theological revisionists have argued that the orthodox should not leave the denominations because unity is an essential doctrine for the Church.   In saying this, they have diverted attention away from the issues causing division.   By ‘unity’ they mean loyalty to an institutional community, not theological unity.

  Introduction Just what is the Church?   We find several answers in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians.   In the first chapter, Paul provides us with twelve important theological and ethical understandings of the Church.   The following list of these characteristics separates each for consideration, but the chapter itself is not a list.   The characteristics of the Church relate to one another.   Also, the characteristics of the Church relate the Church as God’s people to the three Persons of the Trinity.   Indeed, the highly relational understanding of the Church in this chapter continues throughout Ephesians, always with a focus on how relationships are theological and not merely communal.   After listing the twelve characteristics of the Church in Ephesians chapter one, the theological focus of Ephesians will be considered in regard to the nature of unity.   This is important in our day as denominations divide.   Many have claimed that the importance of the Church’s unity is so gre

Introduction The promotion of prayers and blessings for same sex unions in the Church of England continues to rely on old arguments that have often been shown to be faulty over the past sixty years.  This is certainly true of arguments in a recent article by Savitri Hensman in the Church of England Newspaper entitled, ‘Why Synod should say yes to prayers of love and faith.’ [1]   Her article is brief but raises several points worth a response as long as debates continue and view of the upcoming synod discussing prayers for same sex unions.  The present essay responds to twelve points (by my arrangement) raised by Hensman and offers a Biblically informed, theological and logical response. Point 1: Progressive Enlightenment or Ecclesial Enculturation? Hensman claims that there ‘has been a major shift in Christian thinking about same sex love and partnerships.’  More accurately, only mainline denominations in the West, which have seen dramatic and consistent shrinkage in size and i