Roger E. Olson's Blog, page 38

June Is Men’s Health Month: New Information

June Is Men’s Health Month: New Information For some reason June is designated as several special “months” (i.e., one month with several special designations). I have no idea who identifies particular months as devoted to particular concerns, issues, celebrations, etc. But I have long known June is, among other things much more visibly celebrated, “Men’s […]

“God” in Popular Culture

“God” in Popular Culture I admit it. I watch more TV than I should. I always have, at least since I left home at age 18! My parents monitored my TV watching carefully and limited it severely. And much of the time we didn’t even have a TV. But somehow I have had the ability […]

A Theologian’s Journey

A Theologian’s Journey I have no idea how many, if any, of you are interested in this brief autobiographical reminiscence about my theological journey. But perhaps especially those of you reading “Why?” With me  may be interested—in why (no pun intended) I find the book so fascinating and thought-provoking and even supportive of my own […]

“Why?” Chapter III, Parts 12 & 13 (pp. 121-169)

“Why?” Chapter III, Parts 12 & 13 (pp. 121-169) Thanks to those of you who are persevering with me through “Why? On Suffering, Guilt and God” by Abram van de Beek (here referred to as “vdB”). Now we turn to Chapter III in which vdB says he is going to discuss Christian views of God’s […]

The Difference between the Bible and Bible Interpretation

The Difference between the Bible and Bible Interpretation This is an illustration of critical realism (explained in an earlier but recent post here) and its application in theology, especially theology that seriously attempts to base itself on the Bible as the inspired Word of God written. When I was growing up…my spiritual mentors (pastors, denominational […]

What Does “Destroy Leftism in this Country” Mean?

What Does “Destroy Leftism in this Country” Mean? According to news reports, Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis, governor of Florida, has said publicly that, if elected, he would “destroy leftism” in America. I have no personal opinion about Ron DeSantis either as a person or as a politician. However, assuming news reports are correct, such […]

Can the Trinity Be Explained?

Can the Trinity Be Explained? This train of thought, leading to this blog post, began the other day when I stumbled across a Youtube video entitled “Why Isaac Newton Was Hiding a Deadly Secret” (Channel “Thoughty2”). I was intrigued to see (really, to hear) what the “deadly secret” was. A long time ago I learned […]

Truth and Knowledge: A Critical Realist Perspective

Truth and Knowledge: A Critical Realist Perspective I know I have discussed this here before, but after 2K blog posts I don’t recall when or in what way, exactly, and I have new readers. Even long-time readers may have forgotten this perspectives on truth and knowledge. I am a critical realist. That phrase doesn’t cover […]

“Why?” Chapter II, Parts 9-11: Suffering and God’s Providence

“Why?” Chapter II, Parts 9-11: Suffering and God’s Providence Continuing here my review of and commentary on A van de Beek’s book “Why? On Suffering, Guilt and God.” Some of you are reading the book. Hopefully by now you have read up through Part 11 (“God as Potter”). Next we will go on the Chapter […]

Is Any Religion True?

Is Any Religion True? Most often we hear “Are any religions true?” I’m changing that to “Is any religion true?” There’s at least a slight difference between the two questions. But I won’t go any deeper into that here, now. The question has to be parsed out carefully by defining the words. What does “religion” […]