Judging Jesus by His Followers

German philosopher and atheist Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900) was the first to proclaim, “God is dead.” Nietzsche holds an important position in the history of philosophy, serving as a forerunner to the secular movements of atheistic existentialism and secular postmodernism.

While Nietzsche remained very critical of institutionalized Christianity and Christians in particular, on occasion he spoke respectfully of Jesus Christ and of his character.

Quote of the Week: Kenneth Samples, 4

You may have an:
iPod,
iPhone,
iPad,
iTunes,
But only Jesus is the I Am (John 8:58).

–Kenneth Samples, Sunday school class, Christ Reformed Church

Quote of the Week: David Neff

Jaroslav Pelikan, an important historical theologian who became [Eastern] Orthodox late in life, once told me, ‘You evangelicals talk too much about Jesus and don’t spend enough time thinking about the Holy Trinity.’

–David Neff ed., “The Fullness and the Center,” Christianity Today (July 20, 2011) 41.

The Trinity’s Biblical Basis

Some people challenge the idea that the Bible supports God’s Triune nature. However, six simple statements show how this doctrine is indeed derived from Scripture:

Quote of the Week: Anthony A. Hoekema, 2

It was only because man had been created in the image of God that the Second Person of the Trinity could assume human nature.

—Anthony A. Hoekema, Created in God’s Image (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1986), 22.

Future Things: Christian Responsibility, Part 12 (of 12)

How does the follower of Christ appropriately balance present things with future things?

In part 8 of this series I explored the historic Christian eschatological principle known as “already, but not yet.” This enigmatic expression conveys that while Christ’s kingdom has “already” been inaugurated by his first coming (John 1:14), it has “not yet” been fully consummated. This final stage will take place only at Jesus’ glorious second coming (Matthew 25:31-32).

Future Things: Dying Well, Part 10 (of 12)

What is a “good death”?

What does it mean to “die well”?

In part nine of this series I raised the question concerning the meaning of a “good death” within the context of the historic Christian faith.

Future Things: Five Eschatological Essentials, Part 3 (of 12)

Some people think that because Christendom has some sharp differences when it comes to certain doctrinal matters this is a sign that Christianity cannot be true. It’s just too divided.

Yet the truth of the matter is that while historic Christians of various theological stripes have important differences, they also share significant common doctrinal ground on essential beliefs. To the casual observer, the differences among denominations seem dominant. But upon closer inspection, the common unity of belief presents a truer characterization of historic Christianity.