Special Topics

Coffee With Bonhoeffer

Jared Myer
With culture shifts and upcoming generations sometimes focusing more attention on the present and future, earlier teachings from wise men and women worth learning from can be overlooked. Perhaps one of these teachers being German theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, widely known for his writings amidst his actively anti-Nazi stance in the World War II era. In this week's piece, Jared Myer, a student at Southeastern University, invites us on a personal journey into Bonhoeffer's letters, and shares his takeaways from engaging with teachers from the past.... Read More...
4 min read

How Then Shall We Address Impeachment?

Zach Tackett
We should expect our politicians to extend a loving heart and concern for those who need a lifting hand. In our call for caring politicians, we as a community participate through our political commitments in lifting-up the whole of society. In this week’s post, Dr. Zachary Tackett, church history and theology professor at Southeastern University, discusses the modern impeachment relevance in today’s political climate and how we as believers might react in response. ... Read More...
5 min read

The Significance of the Holy Spirit at Christmas

Andrew Gabriel
The biblical stories of Jesus’ birth aren’t there just to tell us about how Jesus happened to come into the world. They are there to remind us of Jesus identity. As the angels told the shepherds, Jesus was not just any baby; he is “the Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:11). In this week’s post, Andrew Gabriel, author and theologian, discusses the significance of the Holy Spirit during a time when its relevance is often forgotten amidst the busyness from the holiday season. ... Read More...
3 min read

Why Christian Pedagogy Matters

Jamin Metcalf
Education reform is one of those hot-button issues that nearly everyone has an opinion about. People from all different walks of life, political leanings, and faith backgrounds tend to agree that our education systems in the U.S., and in the West in general, need some significant improvements. This week, Jamin Metcalf, M. Ed. student, elaborates on a constructive reclaim of education’s core values within our capitalistic system and presents a renewed understanding of what these values should mean for modern pedagogy and Christian praxis. ... Read More...
6 min read

John Crist, Sexual Harassment, and the Church

Lauren Raley
The current reports of Christian Comedian, Jon Crists’ manipulative behavior towards women has brought to light an important question for the Church: How are we to address situations of abuse and exploitation from within our own faith-learning community? This week Lauren Raley, religion professor at Southeastern University, discusses how we can confront issues of this importance before the entire community becomes affected. ... Read More...
5 min read

Affirming Women in Modern Spirituality

Zach Tackett
The gospel writer Luke speaks of the Spirit coming upon all people … including women … that they may proclaim the prophetic word of God (Acts 2:17-18). Jesus authenticated women for leadership in ministry when he commended Mary of Bethany as she sat at his feet. In this post’s relevant discussion, Dr. Zach Tackett, professor at Southeastern University and ordained AG minister, unravels the significant and crucial role women play in Pentecostal circles while biblically endorsing their leadership in ministry. ... Read More...
6 min read

The Merciful Minimalist: Clement of Alexandria on Living Minimally

Barrie Rose William
The contemporary minimalist movement is deeply invested in practicing a renunciation that coincides with the reorientation of one’s desires. Its aim is to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. According to two prominent leaders of this movement, Joshua Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, the primary goal of minimalism is to live a meaningful life. While contemporary minimalists draw from the wells of Greek stoicism, there are deep resources that the earliest Christians of North Africa provide when addressing the topic of wealth and simplicity. The Christian theologian and teacher Clement (his name meaning merciful) of Alexandria (150-215 CE) developed a rich understanding of renunciation. This week’s article explores his vision of the Christian life focused on the reorientation of a person’s desires such that simplistic living, where giving becomes normative in one’s personal and communal practice.... Read More...
6 min read

The Groaning of a Prisoner

Peg de Alminana
Grace can cost everything you have to offer and more, but in the end you will declare with Paul, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us,” (Rom. 8:18, NASB). In this week's discussion Dr. Margaret de Alminana, associate professor of theology at Southeastern University, shares her rationale of spiritually rescuing prisoners based on her many years serving as Senior Chaplain of Women at the Orange County Jail. ... Read More...
6 min read

Christ, the Savior is Born!

Alan Ehler
Christmas is the season when families share gifts with one another, hope with those around them, and memories that last a lifetime. The holidays also represent a responsibility to share the good news with others under the firm biblical-grounded belief that Jesus Christ is Savior. In this week's article, a fresh perspective carries believers into new areas where our attention can be refocused during this busy winter season.... Read More...
5 min read

A Kinder and Gentler Nation: A Tribute to George H. W. Bush

Zach Tackett
At his inauguration in 1989, Bush implored that Americans have a responsibility “to make kinder the face of the nation and gentler the face of the world.” In this week's discussion, Dr. Zack Tackett reminisces the impact of George H.W. Bush's presidency on our nation and dispenses a powerful parallel to how the church may learn from his gentle, political posture.... Read More...
3 min read

Looking Back to Forge Ahead

Aaron Ross
This year ECCLESIAM launches anew seeking to explore larger issues. Quite a few noteworthy things happened within the church and around the world this summer. What methods can the church employ to cultivate an accountability culture and a confessional environment that invites healing? From mental health to creativity to personal temptation from the pedestal of leadership, we seek to cover and provide pensive, theological, and biblical answers forward through the many struggles that currently confront the church.... Read More...
3 min read

How Should the Church Use Technology?

Lindsey Croston
As the implementation of technology within churches grows exponentially, Croston explains why ecclesiastical communities must tread analytically under its influence. Our nation idolizes a relentlessly “plugged-in” gravitation, which emphasizes the constant pressure to engage with our technological distractions. Through embedding media heavily in church services around the globe, it remains the clerical responsibility to probe the question: is it molding us into a people of God, or is it diverting us from fulfilling our ontological and eschatological intent? ... Read More...
7 min read