I’ve gotten a number of insightful and thought-provoking comments here on the blog since I started it in April. And honestly, it’s the biggest thing keeping me going on this at times. If I felt like this was just an echo chamber for people who already felt the same way that I do, I’d have… Continue reading Some Comments on Total Depravity
Tag: faith
Claptrap!
Often, Catholic practices are analyzed with the “where does it say to do THAT in the Bible” lens. Sometimes, this is on legitimate practices: knowing where sacramental confession or the ministerial priesthood comes from in the Bible is fundamental to understanding their import. But other times, it’s to things which are almost irrelevant. For example,… Continue reading Claptrap!
Does Tobit 12:9 Contradict the Rest of the Bible?
Protestants often raise Tobit 12:9 to argue against the authenticity of the Deuterocanon. The argument goes something like this. Tobit 12:9 says that, “For almsgiving delivers from death, and it will purge away every sin. Those who perform deeds of charity and of righteousness will have fullness of life.” This, they argue, is works-righteousness. This… Continue reading Does Tobit 12:9 Contradict the Rest of the Bible?
The Evangelical Lutheran Church and Sola Scriptura
From the New York Times: The denomination, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, is considering lifting a ban on noncelibate gay and lesbian pastors, permitting the ordination of people in committed same-sex relationships. At issue is how the Bible should inform policy, how the denomination can best serve its mission, and how a vote to… Continue reading The Evangelical Lutheran Church and Sola Scriptura
A Beautiful Nighttime Contemplation
“Here dies another day during which I have had eyes, ears, hands, and the great world around me. And with tomorrow begins another. Why am I allowed two?” – G.K. Chesterton.
ELCA Moves to Allow Homosexual Clergy…
… and a freak tornado destroys their church. (Apparently, the tornado passed through downtown Minneapolis, right as they were beginning their conference). To which the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America’s Rev. Steven Loy, who was helping oversee the convention, remarked, I kid you not, “We trust that the weather is not a commentary on our… Continue reading ELCA Moves to Allow Homosexual Clergy…
The Effects of Original Sin: What About Unbaptized Babies?
In two previous posts (here and here), we looked at the possibility of inheriting sin. Based on deeply-rooted cultural assumptions we have here in the West, we think that everyone starts (or should start) tabula rasa. It’s an assumption that ignores lots of complicating factors, like genetics and upbringing, but it’s got some merit: everyone… Continue reading The Effects of Original Sin: What About Unbaptized Babies?
The Biblical View of Inherited Sin
This is part 2 of a three-part series on original sin. This continues yesterday’s theme of exploring the counter-intuitive notion of inherited sin. Tomorrow, we’ll look at the implications of original sin. III. The Problems With the Two Extremes The American view imagines that each of us are autonomous individuals, who spring forth fully formed,… Continue reading The Biblical View of Inherited Sin
Catholics, Know Your Rights!
See some weird stuff at Mass, and want to know if it’s legit? By “weird stuff,” I mean priests leaving the altar to shake hands during the Sign of Peace, having announcements in the middle of the Mass, or letting a layperson give the homily, etc.? Or a church building with the Tabernacle hidden in… Continue reading Catholics, Know Your Rights!
Can You Inherit Sin?
I want to do a three-part series on original sin, but before I do, I’d like to thank both of the guys who pointed out the problems with the blog comment feature, and Jess Rezac (who, incidentally, helped design the header) for fixing it so quickly. So… thanks! Feel free to check out her blog… Continue reading Can You Inherit Sin?