Roger E. Olson's Blog, page 196

Catholic-Evangelical Dialogue

Report on Another Evangelical-Catholic Dialogue Event (Part 1) About a year ago I reported here on an Evangelical-Catholic (or Catholic-Evangelical) dialogue event. Last year I only heard the plenary address which was public. This year I was invited to participate … Continue reading →

Truly caught on the horns of a theological dilemma

When it comes to Christian social ethics I have two heroes, but the problem is they are widely considered antithetical. John Howard Yoder and Reinhold Niebuhr. Much of Yoder's reputation is gained from contradicting Niebuhr. And of course, much of … Continue reading →

Why I like the Amish

Last evening I watched a three hour documentary on the Amish on Public Television. For the most part it was excellent, although it felt a little like voyeurism. The Amish don't like to be photographed and they obviously were being … Continue reading →

Regarding Old Testament "Texts of Terror"

Regarding the Old Testament and Its "Texts of Terror" Recently I reported and commented on a conversation with a Ph.D. student (not of the institution where I teach) who confronted me about "inclusivism" and the fact that he would not … Continue reading →

My "litmus test" for "true Christianity"

Of course, I don't have an infallible litmus test; only God does. Only God knows a person's heart. So I gladly reserve to God the final say about whether someone has genuinely experienced his love and received the Holy Spirit … Continue reading →

Thoughts about "Renewalism"

I spent Tuesday of this week (February 21) at Regent University in Virginia and learned a new word–"Renewalism" (and phrases like "Renewal Studies" and "Renewalist"). Of course, the term "Renewal" isn't new to me. In fact, I read a paper … Continue reading →

Rick Santorum, Barak Obama and theology

According to news reports, presidential candidate Rick Santorum is not bringing theology into the presidential campaign. (Of course, it has already come up with regard to Mitt Romney's LDS membership.) Apparently, Santorum has said that Obama's theology is wrong because … Continue reading →

Some Lenten meditations for baptists

I grew up Pentecostal and became Baptist. I tell Baptists attracted to high church worship that "Baptist is as high church as I can go." I composed this little axiom to explain much of what goes on in American Christianity: … Continue reading →

Who Is (or Might Be) an Arminian?

Who Is (or Might Be) An Arminian? One of my favorite visitors and frequent commenters here has challenged me to say what I think is necessary to believe in order to qualify as an Arminian. I hesitate to do that … Continue reading →

Confession Time: My Guilty Pleasures and Secret Heresy Revealed!

Confession Time: My Guilty Pleasure and Secret Heresy Revealed! Wednesday evening is my "television night." It's time to put aside all the books and writing and laugh. They say that laughter is the best medicine. Well, I should be very … Continue reading →