Theology and Bible

Is Religious Freedom a Privilege or Christian Value?

Jesus and his disciples were not granted religious freedom, nor was that their priority. Regardless of a nation's favor, the primary mission of Jesus was to share the good news of salvation. Join us this week as Daniel Montañez, professor for the Hispanic Ministries Program at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, discusses religious freedom in the context of the early church. ... Read More...

ReReading Romans 13

Many Christians in our society are drawn to “law and order,” thinking that such a decisive and forceful approach will address problems of social and political corruption and confusion. Romans 13 is often misused as justification for this perception. In this week’s article, Dr. Chris Green, theology professor at Southeastern University, discusses several findings from Romans 13 commonly misunderstood and advocates that Christians believe not in law and order, but in the Spirit.... Read More...

A Vision for a Humble Christian Candidate

The revelation of Jesus Christ as a human was an ultimate act of humility as He set aside His rights and privileges to live and be like us. As Christians, we aspire to follow this standard of Christ’s humility and incorporate it into all areas of our life; however, the political world seems to always lack being one of them. In this week's discussion, Jackson Hirsch, theology student at Southeastern University, elaborates on his perspective of how a heart that is willing to truly take root in humility could change the way that Christian candidates engage with the political world.... Read More...

An Exploration of Biblical Commentary

For some, biblical commentaries might seem intimidating; however, they are just as essential spiritually for the individual as they are communally for the church. In this week’s feature, we explore achievable methods that will enable you to deepen your exegetical study by using commentaries. Through sharing these four simplified steps, we encourage you to stand upon your own researched findings instead of solely upon others’ thoughts.... Read More...

3 Things You Didn’t Know About Patriarchy

The creation narrative in Genesis has long been used to justify patriarchy as God's intended plan for humanity. However, a closer reading of the text belies such a reading, leaving us with very different conclusions with powerful implications for today. While there are sure to be many more, here are three facts about patriarchy in biblical perspective that point us closer to the reality of God's mission for the world.... Read More...

From Here to There and Back Again

One of Donne’s more famous poems is “At the round earth’s imagined corners.” This title, also its opening line, demonstrates a hallmark of his poetry--the ability to combine elements of our experienced world (“the round earth”) with powerful and often Biblical imagery (its “imagin’d corners,” a reference to Revelation 7:1) to produce startling insights into the relationship between this world and the next. But what exactly connects the vast and expansive “there” of heaven with the lowly “here” of earth and what are the practical implications for our lives as Christians?... Read More...

Passing by on the Other Side

The parable of the Good Samaritan is a compelling story to reflect on for Black History Month. The story, based on conflict between Jews and Samaritans, speaks to us about prejudice, stereotypes, and the power of love across ethnic lines. Reading this story this month, we might encourage one another to reach, like the good Samaritan, out to those who may disdain and slander us because of our ethnicity. When it comes to black history, who has played the role of priests, Levites, and the Good Samaritan? Who, after seeing people in dire need, has passed by on the other side?... Read More...

Winning the Peace

“We must win the peace,” advocated the associate editor of the Pentecostal Herald in the wake of World War II. The writer’s concern was for those persons who became the rubble of war. With what seems to be the constant threat of terrorism, killings of civilians in the Middle East, and the atrocities of war, what does it mean for Christians to "win the peace" in a time where peace can be hard to come by?... Read More...

Why I Became A Pentecostal Theologian

Snake-handlers … tongue-talkers … holy rollers, jumpers, runners … and prosperity gospelers … this is what comes to mind for many when hearing the term Pentecostal. Well, there is a certain amount of truth within these statements. And yes, within the stereotypes there are legitimate concerns to be considered. So why did I decide to become a Pentecostal Theologian? ... Read More...