Roger E. Olson's Blog, page 72

The Untold Story of How Hitler Came to Power in Germany

The Untold Story of How Hitler Came to Power in Germany (Wikimedia Commons) “Untold story” doesn’t mean what it sounds like. Of course the stories have been told. What “untold story” usually indicates is that the story is not widely known—and should be. Personally, I don’t know of any one “place” (book, film) where this […]

Jesus versus Paul: A Sign of Liberal Theology?

Jesus versus Paul: A Sign of Liberal Theology? Let me just say right off the bat that, as a scholar of modern theology, pitting Jesus against Paul and Paul against Jesus has been a hallmark of liberal Protestant theology since the Enlightenment. But even Thomas Jefferson couldn’t accept everything Jesus said so he created what […]

Evangelicals and Trump

Evangelicals and Trump According to a recent news report, Pew Research says that approximately 75% (give or take some) of white evangelicals think Trump is currently doing a good job as president—indicating they will vote for him again this year. (The new report said “about seventy percent but the web site said about eighty percent […]

Now I Support Government Funding of Religious Schools (Not)

Now I Support Government Funding of Religious Schools (Not) *Satire Warning* *Note: I had to put “satire warning” after the title above just because hard experience has taught me that many people are satire-challenged. Even with the strongest hints they don’t get that something is satirical. Also: IF you choose to comment on this blog […]

Non-Violent Revolution Is Possible

Non-Violent Revolution Is Possible *Note: Here I speak only for myself. If you choose to comment, know that I will not approve any comment that is uncivil, misrepresents what I wrote, is off topic, is hostile, is overly long. Keep it brief, on topic, and address only me. Be kind. This is not a discussion […]

Words of Caution and Advice for the Protesters

Words of Caution and Advice for the Protesters *Note: If you choose to comment make sure your words are civil, respectful (of others here and elsewhere) and non-inflammatory. Hostile, angry, vicious diatribes will not be posted here. This is a space for calm, rational discussion of theology and ethics—especially from an evangelical Christian perspective. Do […]

Is Racism Ignorance or Disease?

Is Racism Ignorance or Disease? Of course these are not the only two options; it’s possible that racism is both ignorance and disease or neither. But I have been wondering this: Does even really good education about race work to eradicate racism from people? Obviously, one answer is—yes, some people. But what about others? Are […]

Whatever Happened to Shame?

Whatever Happened to Shame? Some of you, my dear readers, may be old enough to remember a television program hosted by journalist Arnold Diaz (one version on CBS and another version on Fox Network) in which consumer fraud was exposed and each segment ended with a large finger pointing at the name of the company […]

History Repeating Itself?

History Repeating Itself? History does not really repeat itself, but there are patterns and similarities to epochs within history. Here is what I think and how I feel. I think I know what it felt like to be a “real Christian” (not a gnostic or pretend Christian) during the first years of the reign of […]

The Problem with “All Lives Matter”

The Problem with “All Lives Matter” “Black lives matter!” Predictable response from some white people: “All lives matter.” What’s the problem? The problem is that not everyone believes black lives are included in “all lives.” So responding to “Black lives matter” with “All lives matter” in this context where unarmed, innocent black people are being […]