Roger E. Olson's Blog, page 27

When Did Character Stop Mattering?

When Did Character Stop Mattering? Today, 2024, most Christian Trump supporters (and others) claim that Trump’s character doesn’t matter because they are not voting for him to be America’s pastor. Wait. Let’s look back in history—just a little way. The year was 1987. The leading candidate for the Democratic nomination for president of the U.S. […]

Tinder: The Prophet Stance

Tinder: The Prophetic Stance These are some of my thoughts about this week’s portion of The Political Meaning of Christianity, Chapter Two: Prophet Hope, The Prophetic Stance Defined and The Individual and the Prophetic Hope (pp. 68-89). I fear that some of you who began this reading and discussion project have given up. I wish […]

Belief in Satan without God?

Belief in Satan without God? A notable feature of contemporary American culture (I won’t speak about any other culture) is a common and growing belief in Satan without any corresponding belief in God. How can that be? The rational mind spins. Popular literature and TV and film show it. Yes, yes, I know. Someone will […]

Christian Zionism Gone Crazy

Christian Zionism Gone Crazy Recently I met a Christian man, an evangelical, who believes the State of Israel ought to commit genocide against Palestinians in “Greater Israel.” He did not specify the precise boundaries of “Greater Israel,” but for him it definitely includes the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. According to him, and I’m […]

The Political Meaning of Christianity: Chapter Two…

The Political Meaning of Christianity: Chapter Two: Prophetic Hope: Community and Society and The Ideal of the Just Society: pp. 53-68 In the part of Chapter Two entitled “Community and Society” Tinder pushes a distinction, if not a conflict, between “community” and “society.” Community, he argues, is compatible with the exalted individual while society is […]

Generational Curses?

Generational Curses? Recently I have been asked about generational curses. Do I believe in them? Before answering I will define my own understanding of “generational curse” which may not be the same as everyone’s. A generational curse is a particular sin passed down from one generation to another within a family. The sin may be […]

Is an Embryo a Baby?

Is an Embryo a Baby? According to news reports, the Supreme Court of the State of Alabama has declared that embryos are babies and thus worthy of legal protection from harm. Does that make sense or is that an over reaction to “pro-choice” attempts to affirm every woman’s right to an abortion? Is it taking […]

The Political Meaning of Christianity: Chapter One cont’d

The Political Meaning of Christianity: Chapter One, cont’d Here, today, I will take up Chapter One, “The Fallen Individual” and “The Man-god versus the God-man” (pp. 35-52). If you are reading the book with me, feel free to comment (following the guidelines below). If you are not reading the book with me, feel free to […]

What I Mean By “White Privilege”

What I Mean By “White Privilege” Conversations about “white privilege” often bog down because of imprecise definitions. One common misunderstanding is that it means that every Caucasian person is automatically privileged socially and economically simply by being white. Some would argue that is the case. I think, however, of my own childhood in poverty. We […]

What Does “Supernatural” Mean?

What Does “Supernatural” Mean? I am often asked what I mean by “supernatural” and many people, including many Christians, reject the term and concept—including many Christians. I understand why. There are two reasons. First, the word itself has come to be identified in the popular mind with the occult. Second, the word itself seems to […]