Geoffrey Holsclaw
As theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar says, “Most Christians are convinced that prayer is more than the outward performance of an obligation, in which we tell God things he already knows” (Prayer, 13). If prayer is more than an obligation, why do we pray? Why Pray? Well, we spontaneously pray when we are filled with […]
To the question, “Why pray?” I’ve heard the answer, “Because God commanded it.” This is pretty is pretty confusing, unsatisfying for me, and dangerous for the faith. Sure we can there are passages in the Bible that commands us to pray. “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful […]
Christian Fundamentalism is like an autoimmune disease. I know it sounds harsh. And I was raised Fundamentalist, and I’ve suffered under its effects. So let me explain. An autoimmune disease is when the immune system attacks the body it is meant to protect. This is what Fundamentalism has been doing to the Evangelical body […]
Evangelicals are known for sharing their faith and standing for truth. But these virtues can turn into vices that threaten our gospel witness. Are Christians especially primed for conspiracy theories during this crisis? Are evangelical especially susceptible? Many are shocked (or not shocked at all) with how frequently conservative Christians share conspiracy theories online. Why […]
What Can Wash Away My Sin? Our view of the Jesus’ death—of the blood of Jesus—is colored by what makes sense to us, by our experiences, by what we understand to be possible. And the reality is that COVID-19 has opened up many terrible possibilities for all of us. But these terrible realities are reminding […]
In his baptism, Jesus didn’t prove his sinlessness, his purity, his righteous, or wokeness (even though he was). Jesus was willing to be NUMBERED among the SINNERS. Will we do the same? In a time of self-esteem fortification and polarized vilification, we rarely admit we when we are wrong, that we are broken, that we—indeed—are […]
Discover the Story of the Bible in 16 pictures (from our new book, Does God Really Like Me? Discovering the God Who Wants to Be With Us). In four parts, this walks through Creation, the history of Israel, the coming of Jesus, and the establishment of the Church. Please check our the entire book (with […]
Wars and rumors of war are nothing new. On a dangerous journey at great cost to themselves, the Magi (Wise Men or Kings) were pressing through the difficult and the danger. They were looking for something. They were “seekers.” Or as some say, they were “searchers.” Aaron Bjerke notes the neglected “searcher” demographic. Seekers […]