Roger E. Olson's Blog, page 39

“Why?” Chapter II, Parts 6 – 8: My Commentary

“Why?” Chapter II, Parts 6-8: My Commentary This blog post continues my commentary/review of Dutch theologian A van de Beek’s book “Why? On Suffering, Guilt and God.” This is part of a series, a kind of “book club” within this blog. I have already commented on Chapter I a couple weeks ago. Whenever I read […]

Can a Christian Be “Defender of the Faiths?”

Can a Christian Be “Defender of the Faiths?” King Charles III of the UK is by law “The Defender of the [Christian] Faith” as well as “Chief Governor of the Church of England.” However, in the past, before he became king upon the death of his mother, he has declared that he intends to be […]

About Reading More of “Why?” Setting a Date

About Reading More of “Why?” Setting a Date An old saying goes “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” well, don’t judge “Why?” By the first few chapters. Although Beek drops clues to his conclusions in these early chapters, mostly he is “clearing the ground,” so to speak, eventually to build his own theodicy. This […]

“Why? On Suffering, Guilt and God” Part 1

“Why? On Suffering, Guilt and God” Part 1 Today I begin my commentary and critique of A van de Beek’s book “Why?” Some of you are reading it along with me. Others can listen in and ask questions, but please do not make any judgments about the book or what others who are reading it […]

Comments and Cautions Regarding “Why?”

Comments and Cautions Regarding “Why?” My announced plan is to post a first commentary on “Why? On Suffering, Guilt and God” by A van de Beek this Thursday (May 4). But, as they say, “Man plans and God laughs.” So, God willing and (as they say in the South) “the creek don’t rise,” I still […]

Is America Becoming a Failed State?

Is American Becoming a Failed State? Recently, a few political scientists have suggested that America may be the world’s first “greatest” or “strongest” failed state. “Greatest” or “strongest” refers to America’s economic and military might in the world. It is still the only “super-power.” China is closing in on being the other one. But America […]

“Faith Healing” : What Is It?

“Faith Healing” : What Is It? This subject has come to my attention through reading and hearing the phrases “faith healing” and “faith healer” in journalism and popular culture. They are phrases often used to label, among others, Pentecostal evangelists who claim to have some special “gift” of transmitting God’s healing power to sick, injured, […]

Announcement of First Reading/Discussion of “Why?”

Announcement of First Reading/Discussion of “Why?” My plan is to begin discussing I Introduction (pp. 1-23) of “Why? On Suffering, Guilt and God” by A. Van de Beek on May 5. That day, God willing, I will post my thoughts about the Introduction. Then I will space out discussion of other portions of the book, […]

Churches and Denominations; Why Hide?

Churches and Denominations; Why Hide? During the last twenty-five to thirty years I’ve noticed a trend among American churches and I’ve discussed it here before. It is churches hiding their denominational identities and using vague, often one word names that tell nothing about them. When I was growing up in a city of about 100 […]

What Is “Church?” Any Group that Calls Itself “Church?”

What Is “Church?” Any Group that Calls Itself “Church?” Not far from where I sit there is a “Church of Cannabis.” It is a church, nobody can deny that. But in what sense is it TRULY a “church”—from a Christian theological perspective? Something that has been bothering me for years is that MOST of my […]