First Word

The thesis is that the “Easter belief” of the early Christians (a) refers intentionally to a literal, physical (not merely spiritual) raising of Jesus from the dead, and (b) the mode and breadth of this belief can only be explained on the hypothesis that that is what actually happened. The thesis is pursued in specific and detailed interaction with the Leben Jesu literature, most of which denies the resurrection. The characteristic emphasis that we would expect from Wright is (more…)

Biblical scholars have debated the meaning and types of sacrifices given in Scripture. Calvin says there are two types, sin offerings and offerings of worship (Inst. 4. 18. 13). Aquinas maintains there are three: burnt offerings, sin offerings and peace offerings (ST IaIIae 102.3). Their division differs according to their emphasis. Calvin is more concerned with the purpose of the sacrifice and Aquinas more with how the victim’s carcass is disposed. Both have their merits (and demerits: neither seem to recognize the atoning element in all sacrifices), but for reasons that will become obvious, I shall follow Aquinas. (more…)

Philip Jacob Spener wrote this initially as a preface to an edition of some sermons by J. Arndt; it became popular in its own right and subsequently was published by itself (more…)

Johann Arndt (1555-1621) was a Lutheran minister that was troubled by formalism or dead orthodoxy among the German people. He wrote this book, True Christianity (Wahre Christenthum) to counter this trend, arguing that mere assent to correct doctrines (more…)

The following is an letter I wrote to a friend who had questions about the reformed doctrine of “limited (more…)