Roger E. Olson's Blog, page 76

What I Mean by “Moderate” or “Progressive” Evangelical

What I Mean by “Moderate” or “Progressive” Evangelical I often identify myself as an evangelical Christian, but especially these days—since at least 2016—I have to modify “evangelical” because so many Americans misidentify the label and the category. I have explained here many times before why I will not simply give up the label. Historically-theologically, even […]

Advice to Democrats about the Presidential Nomination

Who Should Be the Democratic Nominee for President of the United States? Advice to Democrats Once again I will dare to go out on a limb (or thin ice) and strongly suggest to the Democratic Party, in this nominating cycle of state caucuses and primaries, that they do not nominate anyone except former Vice President […]

A Series: Christian Theology–Answers to Questions: Seven: Bible Interpretation

A Series: Christian Theology—Answers to Questions: Seven: Bible Interpretation It would be utterly foolish of me to claim to explain “Bible interpretation” in a brief essay such as this. So many books have been written about it and even among conservative Protestant Christians there is so much disagreement about it. I simply laugh at anyone […]

“Oh Lord! Please Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”

“Oh Lord! Please Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” One of the things I have learned from writing on controversial subjects for public audiences is how easy it is to be misunderstood. Writing to be understood is difficult. I consider myself a pretty good writer and others have confirmed that to be true. Yet, I struggle […]

What I Appreciate about Methodism

What I Appreciate about Methodism Roger E. Olson *This is a presentation I gave to a Baptist-Methodist dialogue event held at Truett Theological Seminary of Baylor University on February 20, 2020.* I recently endorsed a new book entitled The Spirit of Methodism by Jeffrey Barbeau. It’s one of several books with that title. Reading this […]

The Possibilities and Perils of Gene Editing

The Possibilities and Perils of Gene Editing Here I will be talking only about gene editing of humans. That is, to be more specific, editing the genes of human embryos. If you are not familiar with the science, please watch the Youtube video of Antony Perry performing a TedTalk about the subject. I know very […]

A Series: Christian Theology: Answers to Questions: Six: What Is the Bible

A Series: Christian Theology—Answers to Questions: Six: What Is the Bible? In my immediately preceding essay in this series I wrote about “revelation” and argued that good Christian theology is based on revelation reasonably interpreted using tradition, reason, and experience. I suggested also that the Bible is the primary source of revelation for “doing theology” […]

Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid…

Why We Should All Be Afraid There are many reasons why we should all be afraid. No, I don’t mean our lives ruled by fear. I mean reasonable fear of the reasonably possible. For example, in this sense of “fear” I fear that a reckless driver will run his or her red light whenever I […]

A Series: Christian Theology–Answers to Questions: Five: What Is “Revelation?”

A Series: Christian Theology—Answers to Questions: Five: What Is “Revelation?” In my most recent essay in this series I discuss what Christian theology is based on and I said “revelation.” For the most part, with some notable exceptions, Christian theology has always begun with belief in God’s revelation to people. At the center of revelation, […]

Should I Doubt God?

Should I Doubt God? Recently I made an admission—to a group of fellow Christian believers—that was met with some surprise, a little shock and perhaps some dismay. Here it is: I can honestly say that I have never doubted God. I mean that I have never doubted God’s existence or God’s goodness and love. Wait, […]