Deus Misereatur

Evangelical Theological Method: Five Views by Stanley E. Porter My rating: 5 of 5 stars It may seem simple, but not everything is as it appears. For example, how does one answer these three questions: (1) What is the task of theology? (2) Why do theology? (3) And how are we to do theology? Though some may be tempted to fleer at what seem to be rather inane questions, yet a recently published 250 page paperback, "Evangelical Theological Method: Five Views," will draw readers up short and make them reflectively pause. Stanley E. Porter, president, dean, professor of New Testament, and Roy A. Hope Chair in Christian Worldview at McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and Steven M. Studebaker, Howard and Shirley Bentall Chair in Evangelical Thought and associate professor of systematic and historical theology at the same institution, have edited this volume, drawing together five theologians who come from different realms of the Evangelical tent to discuss th...

New Testament Christological Hymns: Exploring Texts, Contexts, and Significance by Matthew E. Gordley My rating: 5 of 5 stars There are passages in the New Testament that have a credal feel to them; stanzas that have a texture and tone that seems to lend itself to song. Matthew E. Gordley, dean of the College of Learning and Innovation at Carlow University, examines these portions in his newly released 252 page paperback, "New Testament Christological Hymns: Exploring Texts, Contexts and Significance". It is a mildly specialized manual, but is accessible to most perceptive and thoughtful readers. In "New Testament Christological Hymns" Gordley explores several "hymnic passages" in detail. His aim is "to provide a comprehensive, comparative, and exegetically informed analysis of New Testament christological hymns in light of their cultural, literary, and theological contexts" (11).He begins by giving the genealogy of New Testament hymnic stu...

Early Christian Readings of Genesis One: Patristic Exegesis and Literal Interpretation by Craig D. Allert My rating: 3 of 5 stars How did the earlier pastors and theologians of the Christian Church read Genesis one? Was it univocal or was there a breadth and variety? Craig Allert, professor of religious studies at Trinity Western University in Langley, British Columbia, has pulled together a goodly amount of material on this very subject in his new 368 page paperback, "Early Christian Readings of Genesis One: Patristic Exegesis and Literal Interpretation". It is written more for those who are "in the know," that is, those who (1) have a working knowledge of the patristics, and (2) who are familiar with the program and purpose of Biologos. "Early Christian Readings of Genesis One" is a polemical book. It feels as if it is obsessed with arguing with Answers in Genesis, Institute for Creation Research, and other young-earth organizations who have enlist...

The Rhythm of Life 2nd Edition: Celtic Daily Prayer by David Adam My rating: 5 of 5 stars This second edition is very similar to the first. It's a nice, handy 145 page glossy hardback guide to prayer. It has a simple "rule" for morning, midday, evening and night prayers for each day of the week. David Adam, accomplished author on Celtic spirituality who was vicar of the Holy Island of Lindisfarne for thirteen years, draws from several sources, some historical and others contemporary, to color the daily rhythm. Though it is geared for communal prayer, it is still usable for those who are alone. Each day of the week resounds with a specific theme. Sunday is resurrection; Monday reflects on creation; Tuesday is shaped by incarnation; Wednesday is filled with the Holy Spirit; Thursday thinks about community; Friday gazes at the cross; and Saturday recalls the fellowship of the Saints. There are short litanies; Psalm recitations; small Scripture readings; praises; and co...

O LORD, who created the heavens (you are God!), who formed the earth and made it (you established it; you did not create it empty, you formed it to be inhabited!), you have spoken and said: “I am the LORD, and there is no other. I did not speak in secret, in a land of darkness; I did not say to the offspring of Jacob, ‘Seek me in vain.’ I the LORD speak the truth; I declare what is right” (Isaiah 45.18-19). It is to you we come to seek your face and call for help. We pray for your church world over, including this congregation, Howard Memorial Baptist Church, Iglesia Bautista Emanuel, Iglesia Bautista Hispana de Edmond, and Kelham Baptist Church, that we all may be united together by your Holy Spirit, in your true Truth, and around your Son Jesus. We additionally pray for all of the congregations in our Hills and Plains Presbytery that you would guide us in truly and humbly serving you in order that your name may be glorified before all people. Give wise discernment and di...