Roger E. Olson's Blog, page 133

Is It “Christianity versus Science?” (What Brunner Said)

Is It “Christianity versus Science?” (What Brunner Said) American conservative Christianity, especially conservative evangelical theology influenced by fundamentalism, still struggles with science. And, of course, many scientists struggle with religion—except that which is completely privatized and makes no truth claims about reality outside the self. Cornell University’s late, former president Andrew White’s “warfare of science [Read More...]

“Help Wanted” (Books, Chapters, Articles Dealing with God and Physics)

“Help Wanted” (Books, Chapters, Articles Dealing with God and Physics) Several times here I have strongly indicated and endorsed my belief that the God of the Bible, Yahweh, the God of Jesus Christ, the only God, condescends to enter time with us. In brief: God is temporal. I base that on the biblical narrative which [Read More...]

An Invitation to Hear Me Speak…with Bill Gaither

I have no sense of how many of my readers live within easy driving distance of the location of this event, but I would be pleased if the attendance were very strong. So I invite you to come and spread the word to others who may be able and interested in coming. On Tuesday, September [Read More...]

Discussion of “Malestrom” by Carolyn Custis James (Part Four)

Discussion of Malestrom by Carolyn Custis James (Part Four) Here I will be responding to Chapters 4 and 5 of Malestrom: “The Rise of Women” and “The Power of Power” respectively. Some of what I say here may not make sense unless you have read the chapters and my previous responses to Malestrom in parts [Read More...]

Can a Pastor Baptize an Infant and Remain Baptist? (Some Thoughts about Identities)

Can a Pastor Baptize an Infant and Remain Baptist? (Some Thoughts about Identities) Recently the pastor of an Ohio downtown First Baptist Church (American Baptist Churches, U.S.A.) baptized an infant. As one might expect, it caused a stir among Baptists of all kinds. This would be like a Lutheran pastor refusing to baptize an infant—advising [Read More...]

Discussion of “Malestrom” by Carolyn Custis James (Part Three)

Discussion of Malestrom by Carolyn Custis James (Part Three) Here I will be responding to Chapters 2 and 3 of Malestrom: “Patriarchy Matters” and “The Father Wound” respectively. Some of what I say may not make sense unless you’ve read the book’s Introduction and Chapter 1 and my responses to those in Parts One and [Read More...]

Please Remove National Flags from Your Christian Worship Spaces: A Plea on Behalf of the Flag

Please Remove National Flags from Your Christian Worship Spaces: A Plea on Behalf of the Flag Notice I didn’t say “American flags.” However, my main concern here is about the prevalence of American flags in American Christian worship spaces. I recently visited a large Baptist church that not only had the American flag hanging on [Read More...]

Discussion of “Malestrom” by Carolyn Custis James (Part Two)

Discussion of Malestrom by Carolyn Custis James (Part Two) In Chapter 1, “The Genesis of the Malestrom,” Carolyn Custis James explains what I have long believed—that men and women share the image of God equally and that patriarchy is a result of the fall, not part of the intended pattern of creation. Also, contrary to [Read More...]

Over Reactions and the Search for Balance

I’m a historical theologian and I tell my students that the history of Christian theology is a series of pendulum swings–reactions that are often over reactions to events, movements, etc. I think this is true of cultural history in general. Let me give some examples. The second century Christian bishops’ response to Montanism was an [Read More...]

What’s with the Popularity of Off-Beat Political Candidates?

What’s with the Popularity of Off-Beat Political Candidates? Many people are scratching their heads over the growing popularity of Donald Trump as a presidential candidate. (To be specific—as a candidate for the Republican Party’s nomination as its presidential candidate next year. However, Trump has made some indications he may run as an independent should he [Read More...]