Posted by John L. Rothra on January 18, 2009 under General | 
About two years ago I started FaithTag, a Christian social bookmarking site with visions of it becoming a social networking site as well. However, my PhD studies, ministry, family, and other jobs have prevented me from being able to dedicate the time to FaithTag that it deserves. Below is the link to the auction.
Update: The auction for FaithTag is officially closed because an offer was made regarding the site outside the SitePoint auction system.
Posted by John L. Rothra on January 15, 2009 under Devotional/Teaching |
I was recently asked by a friend who had read my article whether I disapproved or approved of the debate over hermeneutical methods. We sat down and talked about the issue for about an hour–and the time was fruitful, uplifting, and a blessing.
As I listened to and pondered his questions, I thought it necessary to add a point of clarification to my article on hermeneutics. I am not opposed to debate over hermeneutics, but find it a worthwhile, necessary, and critical aspect of spiritual growth, scriptural knowledge, and fellowship with God. The debate, though, should never become the dominant issue.
Civil discussion, respectful debate is healthy; arguing for the sake of arguing or in order to make sure you are proven right is unhealthy. The best way to ensure the discussion is educational and civil is to (1) try to understand the position of those with whom you disagree, (2) respect other views, and (3) ensure all you do brings glory to God and will contribute to his mission.
Posted by John L. Rothra on January 12, 2009 under Theology |
During my last semester of German this past summer, each of us had to present the German works we selected to translate. As we each went up, we kept the mood light and fun for all. The class was made up mostly of students seeking doctoral degrees in theological studies, which opened the door to some interesting, light-hearted, and playful ‘arguments’ between biblical theologians and systematic theologians—both claimed to be the most true to the text and, thus, the most accurate.
I know what you’re thinking: tuh-mey-toh, tuh-mah-toh. However, there are some differences. Put simply (very simply), biblical theologians examine the original language of a particular passage and gain their theology from that passage; systematic theologians look at multiple passages. view them together, and gain their theology from the whole. Systematic supporters argue that biblical theologians sometimes ignore other related passages and, thus, ignore the whole of Scripture; biblical theologians argue that systematic supporters sometimes ignore the original context and often cherry pick verses that fit their views. I’m sure that supporters of both sides who read this may want to explain the more detailed nuances differentiating the two, but that would be evidence for the problem: the civil war between the two rages on.
In class, supporters of each side jovially picked on the other (biblical theologians were in the vast minority), but this playful banter evidenced an underlying argument over which one is the most accurate hermeneutic. Is one method better than the other? Can one fully and accurately understand Scripture with only one? It seems that both sides, though they may claim that each is necessary, in fact argue that one is far superior to the other.
As one of the only evangelism students in the class, I sat back and listened to the barbs and thought, “What’s being accomplished in all this?” The debate between biblical and systematic theology seems silly, trite, and unproductive. How many people will be led to Christ by arguing whether Romans 1 should be understood only within Romans itself or if it is best understood in light of Galatians 5? How is the Gospel proclaimed by arguing whether biblical or systematic theology is better? It reminds me of fourth graders arguing in the schoolyard over the universal and paramount question about whose daddy is strongest.
Ending the Civil War Civilly
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Posted by John L. Rothra on January 6, 2009 under General |
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