Roger E. Olson's Blog, page 14

Walter Lippmann and Liberal Theology

Walter Lippmann and Liberal Theology Conservative Presbyterian theologian J. Gresham Machen’s book Christianity and Liberalism was published in 1923. There he argued that liberal theology is incompatible with biblical, orthodox Christianity and even with Christianity at all. He argued that it is a different religion and liberal theologians should admit it. Soon after that, renowned […]

Is Messianic Judaism Jewish?

Is Messianic Judaism Jewish? I have claimed the right to say, as a Christian theologian, that liberal (Christian) theology, as I understand it and as I have described it in my book Against Liberal Theology, is not authentically Christian. It is a different religion, just as, say, Mormonism is a different religion. Or as Christian […]

Liberal Theology’s Sources and Norms

Liberal Theology’s Sources and Norms Here I continue my discussion of my book Against Liberal Theology: Putting the Brakes on Progressive Christianity (Zondervan) with Chapter 2: Liberal Theology’s Sources and Norms. If you have read the chapter, feel free to comment. If not, feel free to ask a question. However, since the book and the […]

The Prescience of Tony Campolo: He Warned Us

The Prescience of Tony Campolo: He Warned Us The year was 1985. The “Reagan Era” was in full swing. Conservative Christians were shouting Reagan’s praises. In the midst of the noise evangelical writer and speaker Tony Campolo (d. 2024) wrote a chapter that warned about the future. The book was strangely titled: We Have Met […]

Against Liberal Theology: Chapter 1: The Tradition

Against Liberal Theology: Chapter 1: The Liberal Christian Tradition and Its Theology Here I continue my commentary on my own book and my invitation to those who are reading it with me to comment and ask questions. If you are not reading the book, you may ask a question. In this chapter, Chapter 1, I […]

Being in “Inner Exile”

Being in “Inner Exile” What is “inner exile?” I learned the phrase from President George Brushaber of Bethel College and University (now Bethel University) who used it to describe faculty members (and possibly staff) who have “check out” of the institution but who still function in it. In other words, it is a disposition, a […]

Against Liberal Theology: Introduction

Against Liberal Theology: Introduction Here I begin our discussion of my book Against Liberal Theology: Putting the Brakes on Progressive Christianity (Zondervan, 2022). I invite comments and questions from readers of the Introduction, but only questions from non-readers. In some cases I will be able only to say “Read the book.” In about a week […]

Why I Wrote “Against Liberal Theology”

Why I Wrote “Against Liberal Theology” This coming Monday (give or take a day) I will open discussion of my book “Against Liberal Theology: Putting the Brakes on Progressive Christianity” (Zondervan). If you want to participate, read the Introduction. You may comment if you read it but only ask questions if not. Before diving into […]

Who Is A “Good Person?”

Who Is A “Good Person?” New Years Day I was window shopping in a large suburban mall. I saw a new store. I’ve never seen it before. “The Be A Good Person Store.” Think about it for a moment. The store (and its web site) sells tee shirts, sweatshirts and other clothes that all display […]

Either For Or Against Capital Punishment

Either For Or Against Capital Punishment President Joe Biden recently commuted the sentences of about thirty federal prison inmates on death row. Reducing their sentences to life in prison without the possibility of parole. However, he let three death row inmates’ death sentences stand. News reports said Biden is opposed to the death penalty. I […]