Authors:Donald C. McIntyre Abstract: A book review of Reformed Systematic Theology: Spirit and Salvation by Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley. PubDate: Thu, 29 Dec 2022 13:16:38 PST
Authors:Kent T. Maitland Abstract: Yinger, Kent L. The Pharisees: Their History, Character, and New Testament Portrait. Eugene, OR: Cascade Books, 2022. ISBN 978-1666723786. $29.00. PubDate: Thu, 29 Dec 2022 13:16:34 PST
Authors:Donald C. McIntyre Abstract: A book review of ESV Expository Commentary: Matthew-Luke by By Daniel M. Doriani, Hans F. Bayer, and Thomas R. Schreiner. PubDate: Thu, 29 Dec 2022 13:16:31 PST
Authors:Matthew H. Hamilton Abstract: A book review of three recently released titles from IVP Academic related to the volume theme. PubDate: Thu, 29 Dec 2022 13:16:28 PST
Authors:Michael Zigarelli Abstract: To travel the road of religious freedom, a society requires firm guardrails. To the left of the road looms the cliff of “state suppression of religion.” To the right looms the cliff of “state establishment of religion.” During the life of Roger Williams (1603'-1683), the problem in the American colonies was the latter, the inextricable entanglement of religion and civil authority. Known as “The New England Way” in Williams’ colony of Massachusetts Bay, its main tenet of governance was that social stability required religious uniformity. Williams could not disagree more, embarking on a life’s mission to proclaim that government possesses no power over spiritual affairs, and that it was in fact religious liberty, not uniformity, that produced lasting social stability. One might call that “The Williams Way,” as he became the original architect of the American road to religious freedom, and of those indispensable guardrails, with later figures like Jefferson and Madison codifying similar parameters in the Bill of Rights. After describing the backstory of Williams’ upbringing, emigration to America, and banishment for his radical ideology, this article argues that The Williams Way of religious freedom—the narrow road between state establishment and state suppression of religion—is every bit as imperative today as it was 400 years ago, when Roger Williams first forged it. PubDate: Thu, 29 Dec 2022 13:16:25 PST
Authors:Donald C. McIntyre Abstract: Previously, Donald C. McIntyre has argued for a reappraisal of the typology of the Old Testament Well scenes contrary to popular interpretations espoused by Alter and Sailhamer.[1] This reappraisal has implication for John 4:1-45 with the meeting between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well. Evangelical theologians have typically failed to apply their understanding of the Old Testament well scenes consistently to the text of John 4:1-45 because of the implications that would have on Christ’s marital desires. Other theologians, particularly feminist theologians, have been more consistent in their application of the type scenes of the Old Testament to the text of John 4, but have created other theological problems for the understanding of the marital status of Christ. It is this very tension which has necessitated a reappraisal of the well scenes in total. The similarities between the accounts of Old Testament well scenes and the well scene in Samaria are too apparent to be accidental; and therefore, one must assume a rhetorical purpose for John’s inclusion of this story for his account. This article will seek to show that the understanding of well scenes as a hero-narrative, where the well scene identifies a deliverer of the Abrahamic line from imminent danger, best satisfies the textual evidence of John 4, while offering a consistent interpretive method for all of the well-scenes.[1] For more on this see Robert Alter, The Art of Biblical Narrative (New York: Basic Books, 2011), pp. 60-61; and John Sailhamer, The Pentateuch as Narrative: A Biblical-Theological Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1995), 243. PubDate: Thu, 29 Dec 2022 13:16:21 PST
Authors:Bronwyn M. Gray Abstract: Dracula by Bram Stoker is an amazing piece of writing that is often misrepresented. Some Christians dismiss it because of the skewed belief that to enjoy life and literature is somehow less holy, and Dracula is also dismissed because of the judgment that books with blood, horror, and monsters cannot possibly grow us in holiness or teach us anything good. Not only is it forgotten that God created us to enjoy beauty, but also, to the second reason, the Bible itself contains blood, horror, and monsters; indeed, the Bible contains much more! Another unfortunate reality is that in the Western Church in general spiritual warfare is treated too lightly and perhaps not even addressed Biblically. Resisting sin to the point of shedding blood' (Heb. 12:3-4). Destroying arguments and every lofty opinion raise against the knowledge of God' Taking every thought captive' (2nd Cor. 10:3-5). We coast instead of swim against the stream. We fall asleep when Jesus has asked us to pray and be on the alert (Mt. 26:41). Besides captivating you with its beautiful prose, Stoker’s Dracula has the power to arouse you from spiritual slumber if you would only believe. Theologically enriching all the way through, Stoker’s Dracula presents its readers with Biblical truths they desperately need such as the reminder that real evil beings exist as formidable foes outside of oneself, the truth that the only way to fight the evil is by loving one another and fighting against it together, and lastly, the hope that evil, no matter how frightening, can be thwarted if one gives the battle his or her all. Good will win but not without the loss of much blood. PubDate: Thu, 29 Dec 2022 13:16:17 PST
Authors:Jordan P. Ballard Abstract: What Friedrich Schleiermacher is most known for is his theological method of deriving doctrine from religious experience. He believed that religious piety is to be found in the “feeling of absolute dependence”, and all subsequent doctrines must be discovered through reflection upon religious experience. Understanding and critiquing Schleiermacher’s theological method requires examining his theological influences, his “feeling of absolute dependence,” and a few examples from his systematic theology. In the end, Schleiermacher’s theological method is ingenious but misguided because it is based on a faulty religious epistemology of human experience. What is needed instead is an objective standard of truth from outside of human nature–namely, God’s revelation found in the Bible. PubDate: Thu, 29 Dec 2022 13:16:13 PST
Authors:Bronwyn M. Gray Abstract: In a culture of moral relativism, Faulkner's novel Sanctuary shocks us with an ancient perspective on the nature of man. Not only is the villain Popeye evil, the "good guy" is infected as well, and this is seen through Faulkner's comparison of our hero Horace with Popeye, parallels drawn between Horace's festering desire for his stepdaughter and Popeye's lust for his rape victim Temple Drake. But it is not only the adult men who are at fault. Temple Drake herself is shown to be in the throes between childlike innocence (temple) and evil desire (drake, meaning dragon or serpent). Perhaps worst of all is the hypocrisy of the minor religious figures. At its heart, Sanctuary is an in-depth and devastating study of moral evil, and it reveals evil's complexity. This is something worth examining no matter how frightening for the humility, empathy, wisdom, and grace that can be evoked from realizing the potential to be a villain is within us all. PubDate: Thu, 29 Dec 2022 13:16:09 PST
Authors:Donald C. McIntyre Abstract: This article will examine the Good Shepherd discourse attempting to analyze whether the Pharisees were in purview as false-shepherds as commonly assumed and finding that interpretation lacking. Given the events of inter-testamental history, septuagintal usage of μισθωτὸς, and the setting of the discourse occurring during the feast of dedication, this article will find that Jesus is drawing a contrast between the foreign false-shepherds found in the political rulers, as well as the hireling pharisee and himself as the true shepherds. Through a careful reading of the text, it becomes apparent that Jesus is not solely disappointed in the Pharisees actions, but that he is also offering a kingdom that contrasts to the foreign oppression that Israel had been subjected to for centuries by the political powers of the day. This slight nuance will aid the exegete in finding the root cause of the Pharisees eventual rejection of Jesus, as they seek to preserve their own office, abandoning the sheep by conspiring with the false-shepherds to kill the Good Shepherd in the remaining narrative of the Gospel. PubDate: Thu, 29 Dec 2022 13:16:06 PST
Authors:Charles D. T. Miller Abstract: It is common for critics of the New Testament to cite William Harris’ 10% literacy rate for first-century Greco-Romans as evidence for the implausibility of Jesus’ followers to write, publish, and circulate the New Testament. This “evidence” is often used to dismiss the entire New Testament as a second-century fabrication that cannot accurately represent the true teachings of Jesus. Is this an accurate portrayal of Galilee during the time of Jesus' The purpose of this article is to demonstrate that Jesus’ followers possessed the “‘Write’ Stuff”—the ability to read, write, and memorize, as well as, access to the technology needed to produce and publish the New Testament. PubDate: Thu, 29 Dec 2022 13:16:02 PST
Authors:Matthew H. Hamilton Abstract: Apologetics at the Cross is a guidebook designed for contemporary times. It teaches students how to perform apologetics in a respectful manner while orienting them to an others-centered approach developed in cruciform communities. Chatraw and Allen’s central conviction is that “Christian [apologetics] must arise from the gospel of Jesus Christ. Otherwise it could not be Chrsitian [apologetics]” (318). It explores the biblical and historical foundations of apologetics, practical guidance concerning engagement, and various methods/theological structures for apologetics. Ultimately, the authors put forth their very own inside/out approach to apologetics, which seeks to engage unbelievers in their cultural frameworks while drawing them to Christianity. PubDate: Thu, 29 Dec 2022 13:15:59 PST
Authors:Isaiah B. Parker Abstract: In The History of Apologetics, the authors examine a variety of noteworthy Western apologists throughout seven distinct historical eras: Patristic, Medieval, Early Modern, Nineteenth Century, Twentieth Century (American), Twentieth Century (European), and Contemporary. Each chapter presents four essential elements relating to the life and work of one apologist: historical background, theological context, apologetic methodology and response, and critical contribution(s) to apologetics. They aim to provide an overview of influential apologists within their unique cultural contexts. This review structures its content in the same manner, albeit with some necessary minor changes to the elements for ease of reading. The historical era is shown in bold, and each review is on one apologist in that particular era. These are presented in the same chronological order seen in the book. PubDate: Thu, 29 Dec 2022 13:15:56 PST
Authors:The Editors Abstract: In the article that follows, we give special remembrance to Mark W. Foreman, professor of philosophy and religion at Liberty University, who went to be with the Lord on Friday, June 17, 2022, in his sleep. We gave space for several co-laborers in academia to pay tribute and recount their experiences of him, ordered by length. We also attach his, then-present, curriculum vitae given at the time of his passing (with sensitive information redacted). PubDate: Fri, 01 Jul 2022 16:20:59 PDT
Authors:The Editors Abstract: News from various organizations in related disciplines. Announcements from Eleutheria editors about internal matters. Remembrances of people and events that include in memoriams, retirements, interesting lookbacks, etc. PubDate: Fri, 24 Jun 2022 20:21:26 PDT
Authors:Robert Snitko Abstract: Ryan A. Brandt and John Frederick. Spiritual Formation for the Global Church. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2021. ISBN 978-0830855186. $23.78. PubDate: Fri, 24 Jun 2022 20:21:24 PDT
Authors:Matthew Hamilton Abstract: A review of the recent book publications related to the spring theme, "Reconciliation." We include the following titles. Marsh, Charles. Evangelical Anxiety: A Memoir. New York, NY: HarperCollins. 2022. ISBN 978-0-06-286273-0. 245 pages. $27.99. Siebeling, John and Wayne Francis. God and Race: A Guide for Moving Black Fists & White Knuckles. New York, NY: HarperOne. 2022. ISBN-13: 978-0063087224. 272 pages. $26.99. Wright, Nicholas Thomas. On Earth as in Heaven: Daily Wisdom for Twenty-First Century Christians, edited by Oliver Wright. HarperOne. 2022. ISBN-13: 978-0063210899. 400 pages. $29.99. Lewis, Clive Staples. A Preface to Paradise Lost. HarperOne. 2022. ISBN-13: 978-0063222137. 192 pages. $23.99. Evans III, Jimmie “Tri”. Learn to Preach the Bible: The Titus Project Method. Three Trees Press. 2019. ISBN-13: 978-1086082548. 119 pages. $9.99. Ortlund, Gavin. Why God Makes Sense in a World that Doesn’t: The Beauty of Christian Theism. Baker Academic. 2021. ISBN-13: 978-1540964090. 240 pages. $22.99. PubDate: Fri, 24 Jun 2022 20:21:21 PDT
Authors:Christopher W. Peters Abstract: Mark’s use of a secrecy motif is well known to commentators. This article explores the messianic secret by analyzing its most common violators, the demons of the Gospel of Mark. Mark’s various exorcism accounts function to provide a working demonology of the Evangelist, and this biblical theology is correlated with other extant Second Temple Period Jewish literature, primarily 1 Enoch and its Watchers tradition. Mark relies upon both Leviticus and the Book of Watchers to describe the function and identity of demons, explaining their own supernatural knowledge of the identity of Christ, knowledge which necessitates his commands to keep silent. This article analyzes each exorcism account in Mark, places them in their larger literary context, and provides a synthesis of Markan demonology and its relationship to the secrecy motif of the Gospel. PubDate: Fri, 24 Jun 2022 20:21:14 PDT
Authors:Donald C. McIntyre Abstract: The chief concern of this paper is to examine how one can integrate archaeological data into the exegetical and theological processes so that one might profitably learn how to understand and rightly apply the text. This paper will argue that archaeology informs the exegetical process through providing historical and literary context to the study of the Bible when properly understood, and that it can also be useful in the theological process as one seeks to rightly integrate illumination from other sources. After an analysis of how archaeology can be rightly integrated in the exegetical and theological processes the paper will assess the profits and dangers of archaeological integration offering a current case study exemplifying the risks of integrating archaeological findings in the exegetical and theological processes from William Lane Craig's most recent work on the Historical Adam. PubDate: Fri, 24 Jun 2022 20:21:06 PDT
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