Gap Theory
Introduction In the early twentieth century, a footnote in The Scofield Reference Bible made popular a theory of creation recognized as the “Restitution Theory” or the “Gap Theory.” The theory proposed a significant gap of time between Genesis...Niphal Verb Form
Introduction A dispute continues among modern scholars regarding the translation value of the Niphal verb נִבְרְכ֣וּ in Genesis 12:3. The final phrase of verse 3 presents the translation challenge:...Heaven, Hell, and Resurrection According to Paul
The background of Paul’s idea of the life to come.
Paul’s Doctrine on Death
Paul’s doctrine regarding what happens to humans at death.
Paul’s writings to Thessalonica
The occasion and purpose for the writing of 1 & 2 Thessalonians. Who were the opponents of Paul in Thessalonica? What was the nature of the opponents’ teaching, and how did Paul respond to it?
Christ is the End of the Law- Paul’s View
According to Paul was Christ the “goal” or the “end” of the law?
Paul a Mystic?
In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul writes of his personal experiences of visions and revelations (1 Cor. 12:1 [NASB]). Paul continues by explaining a time where he was “caught up to the third heaven” (1 Cor. 12:2). Accordingly, an important question is whether one could categorize Paul as a mystic.
The Apostle Paul’s Perspective on Jewish Law
Paul’s encounter with Christ on the Damascus Road caused a tectonic shift in Paul’s religious paradigm.
Paul’s meaning of in Christ
Paul’s theology behind the meaning of being “in Christ.” What he means and the authority he uses to explain the terminology.
Luke as Author of the Book of Acts
Give the evidence to support Luke as author of Acts. How could Luke become aware of privileged information such as found in Acts 23:25–30, 25:14–22, and 26:30–32? How important are the “we” passages in Acts to determining authorship?
Book of Acts- Author & Date
Present an overview of the evidence for determining the date Acts was written. What indicators of historical reliability are found in Acts? What role does Luke as author play? Why are the issues of date and author important to a proper interpretation of Acts?
Paul’s Perspective on “Works of the Law”
Since 1977, when E. P. Sanders’s Paul and Palestinian Judaism landed on traditional Pauline scholarship with a thud, a raging debate over Paul’s perspective of the Law ensued. Central to the ongoing debate is the interpretation of the Pauline phrase “works of the Law.”
Martin Luther’s Righteousness of God
One of the most theologically rich phrases in the corpus of the Apostle Paul’s writings is the “righteousness of God.” In many ways, Martin Luther’s breakthrough interpretation of the phrase provided the impetus for the Protestant Reformation. However, modern scholars have disputed Luther’s interpretation, which has potentially put a core construct of Protestant theology at risk.
A Rulebook for Arguments- God’s Existence
In his book, A Rulebook for Arguments author Anthony Weston explains the rules for good argumentation. The following analysis provides three examples of the author undermining his own recommendations followed by a brief analysis of David Hume’s argumentation against the teleological argument for God’s existence.
Pastoral Counseling – Dichotomy of Faith and Reason
One practical example of the dichotomy of faith and reason facing Christianity today is in the sphere of pastoral counseling.
History of Confession
How does the history of confession relate to periods of persecution and integrate into the early church’s thought about the doctrines of salvation and the church? That is, if a baptized believer succumbed to persecution and gave up his/her faith, did the church believe salvation was lost as a result? Also, could the church include Christians who denied their faith?
C. S. Lewis Psalms
The Reflections on the Psalms may be C. S. Lewis’ most forthright attempt at Biblical commentary and theology. This article reviews C. S. Lewis’ most famous book on the Psalms.
Barth Revelation
This research will show that Barthian revelation is manifested in a transcendent, operative, and triune God. First, it will be shown how God exists in Barthian revelation by exploring God’s transcendence. Second, the question of how God is known in revelation will be investigated by exploring the specific forms of God’s operative work. Third, the topic of how God is present within revelation will be addressed by exploring the triune nature of God. Finally, an analysis of two notable critiques will be provided followed by a brief defense of each accusation.
Barth on Revelation
Journal Article Critique of “Barth on Revelation” by T. H. L. Parker