Roger E. Olson's Blog, page 60

Let’s Talk Some More about Cults–Theologically (Follow Up/Part 2)

Let’s Talk Some More about Cults—Theologically (Follow Up/Part 2) This is a follow up to the immediately preceding blog post with the same title. There I talked about meanings of the word “cult” and marks of cults. Again, let me remind everyone that neither I nor you can name specific organizations as cults because of […]

Let’s Talk about Cults–Theologically

Let’s Talk about Cults—Theologically The word “cult” has been stretched to the breaking point. Today, many people label any group a “cult” if they think it is strange. It may be religious or no-religious; either way it is a “cult” if it appears to them “weird.” This is the pedestrian notion of “cult.” On the […]

Let’s Talk about Compatibilism–Theologically

Let’s Talk about Compatibilism—Theologically What is “compatibilism,” you ask? Most simply defined, it is the belief that determinism and free will are compatible. That is, it is possible to believe in both without contradiction. What is “determinism?” Any belief that everything that happens is determined to happen; it could not happen otherwise. Everything happens according […]

Let’s Talk about Critical Race Theory–Theologically

*Note: This is a guest post by my friend, Lutheran theologian Ted Peters, one of the most notable and influential Protestant theologians in America. He does not speak for me. He may or may not respond to comments or questions. I will not respond for him. If you choose to respond, know that I (the […]

Let’s Talk about Correctness (Political)–Theologically

Let’s Talk about Correctness (Political)—Theologically The term “political correctness” has been around a long time. I think I first heard it used about language in the early 1980s. Generally speaking, “political correctness” is the idea and practice of using language in ways that promote equality and liberation from oppression. I will offer here, initially, just […]

Let’s Talk about Circumcision–Theologically

Let’s Talk about Circumcision—Theologically *I realize this is an extremely sensitive subject and some people may not want to read this essay for that reason. Please stop now if you might be offended by this essay or the ensuing discussion (which I will monitor and moderate very carefully). I promise to avoid all vulgarity, but […]

Let’s Talk about Cremation–Theologically

Let’s Talk about Cremation—Theologically Many Christians and others are opposed to cremation. Why? I have heard several reasons offered. First, some conservative Christians (and other religious people) are worried about cremation and resurrection. How will they be raised if they are cremated? Second, some people, including some Christians, think cremation is simply disgusting; they are […]

Is There Such a Thing as a “Sin of Empathy?”

Is There Such a Thing as a “Sin of Empathy?” Recently Christianity Today has carried a story (online) about division in a very well-known conservative evangelical mega-church in the Upper Midwest. The pastor, successor to a major conservative, Calvinist, evangelical pastor who retired (but is still writing and speaking), resigned under pressure from some portion […]

Let’s Talk about COVID-19 Theologically

Let’s Talk about COVID-19 Theologically COVID-19 has been one of the major topics of conversation, to say nothing of research and confusion, for the past year and a half. (I’m writing this in August, 2021.) I first heard of it while at a conference on science and theology in Seattle. I was co-writer of a […]

Experiences of an Evangelical Theologian 9 (Final)

Experiences of an Evangelical Theology 9 (Final) *If you have not read the previous installments of this series, this final one may not make much sense.* I came to Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary in Waco, Texas with excitement and some trepidation. I looked at it as an adventure and one where I […]