Roger E. Olson's Blog, page 174

Why I Despise the Mainstream (American) News Media

TV news reporter sticking a microphone into the bloody face of a first responder at a horrible tragedy in which many people died and were severely injured: “Sir! How did you FEEL when you realized you SON might be missing?” Not the exception but the rule. Much of a 20 minute (after commercials) national network [...]

Apology to R. C. Sproul (and Call for Irenic Evangelical Dialogue and Debate)

Apology to R. C. Sproul (and Call for Irenic Evangelical Dialogue and Debate)             Yesterday (April 23) I mistakenly posted a comment to this blog I shouldn’t have. It was from someone calling himself “Paul” and asked me about Arminius and belief in God as “first cause” of everything. The comment ended by accusing evangelical [...]

Is the “Prosperity Gospel” Real Liberation (for Oppressed Minorities)?

Is the “Prosperity Gospel” Real Liberation (for Oppressed Minorities)?             This week I visited a mainline Protestant seminary and sat in on several classes. Teachers should do that from time to time. Being an observer of one’s own profession can be very eye opening. I learned some things to do and not to do. I [...]

Where Was God when the Fertilizer Plant Exploded?

If what many Christians believe about God is true, then the West, Texas disaster (like every disaster) was actually good–”designed, ordained and governed by God” necessarily means “good” in a Christian worldview. Something God designs, ordains and governs (the key is “designs”) has to be good in the larger scheme of things. I say “in [...]

Is Religion Really Declining in America?

Is Religion Really Declining in America?             Everyone’s talking about a recent Pew survey allegedly showing that nineteen percent of Americans say “none” when asked about their religious affiliation.  As a result, one news outlet declared that “religion is declining” in America. Another (headline) stated that the survey shows “unbelief” is growing. I question the [...]

Changes Coming to Patheos Blogs….

Patheos is going to switching to a different blog format, so if you attempt to post a comment and it doesn’t show up, chances are it got lost in the switch. (I’ve been warned this may be possible in the coming few days.) Hopefully the transition will go smoothly. If not, it’s probably my fault [...]

Missio Alliance Book Sale (Really Good Deals!)

I recently attended and spoke at the inaugural gathering of a new group called Missio Alliance. About 700 people attended. Among the speakers were friends Amos Yong, Scot McKnight, David Fitch, Gary Black and many more I had not previously met. It was an invigorating meeting of what I would call postconservative evangelicals. I’m sure [...]

A Non-Calvinist, Relational View of God’s Sovereignty

I gave this talk at this week’s Missio Alliance gathering in Alexandria, Virginia. For those who are watching me carefully (from the Arminian camp) I must say I make no claim for this being “the” Arminian view. It is simply my view and I’m an Arminian.     A Relational View of God’s Sovereignty   [...]

A Non-Calivinist, Relational View of God’s Sovereignty

I gave this talk at this week’s Missio Alliance gathering in Alexandria, Virginia. For those who are watching me carefully (from the Arminian camp) I must say I make no claim for this being “the” Arminian view. It is simply my view and I’m an Arminian.     A Relational View of God’s Sovereignty   [...]

Everyday Theology (Talk at Missio Alliance Gathering April 2013)

“Everyday Theology” Roger E. Olson I believe that discipleship is the field of theology; if theology is worth anything it must be to guide discipleship in the real world of everyday life. By the “real world” I mean the social context in which God has placed you or where you find yourself whether you believe [...]