Reflections of an Undeconstructed Pentecostal
In conversations regarding the role of women in the church it has been said that the issues of women and slavery in the Bible are unrelated. The point being that we should view slavery as a systemic human evil; but the submission of women in the church and society is a matter of God’s order in creation. But, in fact the issues of slavery and women are indeed related. The Apostle Paul says so.
Continue reading “The Issues of Slavery and Women are Related”
I recently posted on Facebook an article that relates Ralph Reed’s conversation with Bill Maher. I commented that this story is “an excellent example of how uninformed Christians are hindering the cause of Christ.” That post provoked a conversation with a dear brother, a conversation that cannot be adequately conducted in a few sentences. So, I extend our conversation here. I have suggested many times that Christians, especially those who wish to engage the public square, must become better exegetes and interpreters of Scripture. This does not mean taking a low view of Biblical inspiration and authority. To the contrary, taking a high view requires serious reflection.
Continue reading “No, the Bible does not Condone Slavery”
So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation,for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God (2 Peter 1:19-21).
In the 1980’s I attended a small Southern Baptist College. This was during the conflict between the conservatives and moderates (liberals?) about the inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture. In our “Gospels” class, I remember telling a small group that the future debate would not be about verbal inspiration or inerrancy, but about hermeneutics. Thirty years later, that statement has proved to have been prophetic.
Continue reading “The Bible – A Dangerous Weapon?”