The Ideals and Idols of the Pastor Theologian

The Ideals and Idols of the Pastor Theologian

The pastor theologian would do well to see that the knowledge and wisdom that they possess is not for their soul alone. To be sure, there is a great joy and satisfaction in the work of research and writing. But the joyful quest of the individual is not the driver of ecclesial theology. Its very name denotes otherwise. Ecclesial theology is concerned with imparting truth, beauty, and care to the church. This bears itself both in the immediate, local church context of the theologian, be that in their preaching, counseling, or otherwise, as well as the broader context of the movement towards the universal church, in their writing or teaching. The pastor theologian is a servant of the bride.

The Equality Act and Good Friday

The Equality Act and Good Friday

The presence of God among us posed a question: what do we think of God? The crucifixion of Jesus answers. Since Eden, man has sought to evade God. And the best way to evade God is to do seek to do away with Him. To mock him and to seek to twist Him into our own image. To paraphrase the Gospel of John, the light came into the darkness, and the darkness tried to extinguish Him.

Why Is Good Friday Good?

Why Is Good Friday Good?

“It is finished,” He cried. This work of Christ on the cross is called by theologians the doctrine of the atonement. The atonement is really at the heart of the gospel and the heart of Christianity itself, and I’d like to examine various aspects of the atonement, and show how each one is important for us in our Christian walk.

Rejected and Mocked for Us: A Reflection for Good Friday

Rejected and Mocked for Us: A Reflection for Good Friday

On Good Friday, we arrive at the day that all of human history had been barreling toward since God promised to crush the head of the serpent in Gen 3:15. The day when Jesus, the very Son of God, the man who had never defied God’s law, was crucified in the way usually reserved for the worst criminals in the Roman Empire. By this horrible death, he paid the price for our sin “once for all when he offered up himself” (Heb 7:27).

Broken Masculinity: How Purity Culture Sowed the Seeds of Violence and Abuse

Broken Masculinity: How Purity Culture Sowed the Seeds of Violence and Abuse

The heinous murders of eight people (seven of whom were women) at massage parlors in the Atlanta area have shocked Americans, particularly Americans of Asian descent. Whether or not this proves to be a hate crime motivated by race, at the very least it appears (in my judgment) that it should be deemed a hate crime against women.

As important as the racial dynamics of these crimes are, I want to focus my reflection in this article on the sexual dynamic and its implications for––or, perhaps, its indictment against––Christian men and church leaders.

PhDs in Canada: University, Seminary, or Both?

PhDs in Canada: University, Seminary, or Both?

Many seminaries and theological colleges tethered to partner institutions offer masters degrees or professional doctorates in Canada (Vancouver School of Theology, Montreal School of Theology, Atlantic School of Theology, for example), but it is only in Toronto, through the Toronto School of Theology, in partnership with the University of Toronto and several member colleges/seminaries, that one can study for a conjoint PhD.