On a Yahoo! discussion list for debate between atheists and theists (which you can find here), the topic came up of God’s commanding Israel to commit genocide and even to kill the women and children of particular people groups. How can a loving, moral God command such atrocities? And guess who took up the task [...]

While perusing a used bookshop in Philadelphia this week, I stumbled upon a theological dictionary compiled by Karl Rahner and Herbert Vorgrimler.  Titled Kleines Theologisches Wörterbuch in the original German, I happened upon the Herder and Herder English edition from 1965.  Out of curiosity, I quickly made my way to the entry on “sanctifying grace.” [...]

Including a great introductory price on the newest edition to the series from Andrew Dearman on Hosea, which you can get here. I have several volumes in this series already and have used them in my sermon prep and study. While I haven’t seen the Dearman volume yet, it has already received some good reviews, [...]

Well, by the grace of God I have now been ministering the Word of God as a pastor for 8 years. I’ve learned a lot over that period of time. Mostly from mistakes I’ve made. But I’ve also learned a lot about God’s Word. And the more I live – and consequently see people I [...]

John Frame is back picking the kind of intramural debates he decries in his famous article about the subsequent generations of Machen devotees. He does it in this article, and it is a review of this book by Dr. Van Drunen on Natural Law.

Actually, there may be more to that notion than you think. Check out the discussion over at Christ the Center on the history of Presbyterianism in America. It is clear to me that Thornwell in his debate with Hodge has won the day in the OPC today, whereas the PCA seems more Hodgean. Ironic? Perhaps [...]

The Law of Centralization is a key feature of Deuteronomic and Deuteronomistic theology.  It stems from the polemical and apologetic thrust of Deuteronomy’s monotheism.  YHWH is God, he is the only (Deut 4:32-40).  There is none other.  The earlier sections of Deuteronomy are concerned to distinguish YHWH and appropriate worship from all other deities worshiped [...]

Martin Noth developed an extraordinarily influential hypothesis regarding the shape and function of Deuteornomy and the books of Joshua-Kings.  His view (or at least versions of it) has received a grand reception, so much so there is a general consensus among biblical scholars – a feat many would consider practically impossible. Noth built upon the [...]

Strictly speaking, Torah is law.  It is the codification of God’s commands so that his chosen people would live faithfully.  In the Old Testament canon, Torah is considered as the Pentateuch – or Genesis through Deuteronomy.  It is a collection of historical accounts and precepts recorded for the people of God. In a more theological [...]

The Zion tradition or Zion theology is a development in redemptive-history that casts the hope of God’s blessing upon the place of Mt. Zion.  The tradition is based on the storyline of David as he progresses as king of Israel.  David is anointed king of Judah in 2 Samuel 2 as a king of God’s [...]