You’ve all heard the old adage, ‘the only two certainties in life are death and taxes’ (Ben Franklin, 1789). Taxes, we agree. But death? Not so sure. As Christians, we think differently about death. Of course, we agree that we’re all destined to die, but that’s merely physical death. Surely, a major premise of our […]
The Continuity of Creaturely Death in the New Creation Read More »
What are we made of? Skin, bones and innards? You’ve probably heard that human beings are over 60% water – a solid majority. A more scientific approach might suggest ‘chemicals’. To delve even deeper, atoms and molecules. But apart from the infinitesimal particles of nuclei, the vast majority of atoms are empty space. For that
Is there a theology of conflict? Tough one. If theology is the consideration of anything and everything in relation to God, then there must be. Conflict exists. But what would such a theology look like? I have no answer to that question, but it’s nevertheless worth reflecting on – not only because of the horrific,
A Theology of Conflict Read More »
Amidst all the major world events vying for attention recently, I’m not surprised that I barely heard a whisper about the passing of Jürgen Moltmann. His death took place just as preparations for the 80th anniversary of D-Day were in full flow – and that was somehow appropriate. Moltmann’s life and theology journey were profoundly
A Tribute to Jürgen Moltmann Read More »
Christians sometimes assume that animals were sort of an optional extra in the biblical story of God and humanity. Maybe created for fun, or for our benefit – so we could have an interesting environment to live in, filled with useful and beautiful creatures, to name, eat, swat, watch, keep as pets, or use for
God and the Animals Read More »
Here’s a radical idea; fasten your seat belt. Will there be death in the new creation? ‘Of course not’ (we think), and our minds instantly turn to Rev 21:4, ‘there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away’. Hmm… Are we perhaps taking
Life & Death(?) in the New Creation Read More »
The Greek word erchomenos is a strange one. It means both ‘coming’ and ‘going’. You only know which meaning is in view by its context. Was Jesus coming to Jericho or going from Jericho when he healed blind Bartimaeus? Jericho had two sections, an old section, and a new administrative zone (built by Herod) a
The Already… and the Not Yet Read More »
So, how does the story of the Bible end? It’s best to think back to the beginning…. In the beginning, God creates… and in the end, he’s still creating! See, ‘I am making everything new!’ (Rev 21:5). The story of the Bible isn’t the story of humanity (although we feature throughout), and it’s not the
10) The Future: Where Are We Heading? Read More »
The story of Israel takes a dramatic turn after Jesus’ resurrection. For those who believe, their worldview shifts from centripetal (Israel at the centre) to centrifugal (spreading the message outward to the world). Jesus’ resurrection demonstrated the power of God, the truth of Jesus’ message of salvation, and validated the claims of his identity: Messiah,
9) Messages of Love & Truth Read More »
In the Old Testament, we met Judges, Kings, Prophets, Priests and a Temple at the centre of Israel’s religious life. In the New Testament we suddenly encounter Pharisees, Sadducees, Scribes, Teachers of the Law, and Synagogues (not to mention Romans). It’s difficult to understand the connections until we realize how drastically the Exile changed Israel’s
8) Christianity Spreads its Wings Read More »
