As a pastor, I make theological reading a priority. The truth contained in these books informs my teaching and writing, undergirds and permeates my counseling, and enables me to discern harmful doctrinal trends that may be influencing my people and the greater church. Earlier this year I read The Holy Trinity by Robert Letham and Inerrancy … Continue reading The Importance of Devotional Reading for Pastors and Theologians
Spiritual Maturity and Doctrinal Debate
A few years ago I made my way through John Frame's excellent book on theological method, The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God. It was helpful in many ways. In particular is Frame's section on "cognitive rest" and how genuine growth in our knowledge of God comes by way of spiritual maturity and growth in sanctification. … Continue reading Spiritual Maturity and Doctrinal Debate
Nuance
Nuance is a word Christian lay people and theologians alike should cherish. A nuance is defined as a "subtle distinction or variation." In theology, nuances usually develop from a need to better clarify a particular teaching and often carry significant doctrinal weight. For example, take the doctrine of justification. We would be correct in stating … Continue reading Nuance
Before You Can Say, 'I Disagree,' You Must Be Able To Say, 'I Understand'
I am currently reading New Testament Exegesis by Gordan Fee for my Greek Exegesis class. As I was perusing the section about the use of commentaries and secondary resources, I found a paragraph that was extremely helpful to me; not only in writing exegetical papers, but for writing in general and for verbal communication as … Continue reading Before You Can Say, 'I Disagree,' You Must Be Able To Say, 'I Understand'
Why Do You Study Theology? Thoughts from Packer's 'Knowing God'
I recently started Knowing God by J.I. Packer. I had previously heard many encouraging things about this book from Christians of all ages (as it is, of course, a book that can be considered a true contemporary classic), but it wasn't until just recently that I started reading it. What's more, it seemed that when someone would ask whether or not I had … Continue reading Why Do You Study Theology? Thoughts from Packer's 'Knowing God'
Studying Scripture and Theology for the Right Reasons
In the introduction to Marriage to a Difficult Man, John Piper writes, Edwards made it plain in his preaching and in his living that he believed great thoughts about God without great love towards people are sure evidences of hypocrisy and the pathway to hell. For Edwards there was no separating high views of God … Continue reading Studying Scripture and Theology for the Right Reasons
From the Study 