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This paper will present the iconography and architectural statement of the Sebasteion, a first century Roman temple complex in Aphrodisias dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite and the Julio-Claudian imperial family. Over 200 marble reliefs depict the Roman conception of “all nations” and celebrate their subjugation to Roman power. This complex, and others like it, were … Read more
Interpretation of Jesus’s sayings in Luke 5:36–39 and its parallels (Mark 2:21–22 || Matt 9:16–17) is frequently done without sufficient appreciation for the context of the sayings (Luke 5:33–35 || Mark 2:18–20 || Matt 9:14–15). This leads to conclusions that these sayings are about the incompatibility of the religious practices of the new covenant and … Read more
In his classic essay on fictional narrative and Biblical revelation, “On Fairy Stories,” J. R. R. Tolkien famously states: “The Gospels contain a fairy-story, or a story of a larger kind which embraces all the essence of fairy-stories … Because this story is supreme; and it is true. Art has been verified.” C. S. Lewis … Read more
Genesis 1-2 depicts an idyllic world in which humans occupy the prominent place of bearing God’s image and ruling over all creation. Notably, God creates these image-bearers as “male and female” (Gen 1:27), and his commission to multiply and rule well over the earth is directed to “them” (Gen 1:28), not just “him” or “her.” … Read more
The theological and ethical controversies surrounding Hillsong, Bethel Music, Elevation, and Jesus Culture have led many church leaders (especially Southern Baptists) to discuss whether the controversies of the churches sourcing these worship songs should dictate their validity. While much of this discourse has taken place in popular theology circles (via blogs, magazine articles, and popular-level … Read more
The Salvation Army is often and rightly recognized as an early egalitarian ministry. In 1860, a year before William and Catherine Booth broke away from the Methodist New Connexion and five years before they started The Salvation Army in 1865, Catherine Booth preached her first sermon at Bethesda Chapel in Gateshead. From its inception, The … Read more
Christological Anthropology is a methodological approach to Theological Anthropology which identifies Christ as the proper and primary model of true humanity rather than pre-lapsarian Adam. Within this methodological approach, it would be proper to ask whether Christ’s three-fold office of prophet, priest, and king popularized by Calvin and codified in the Westminster confession may apply … Read more
This paper will argue that priesthood is the best imagery for understanding a Spirit-empowered eternity. All the church’s priestly service flows from the fountain of Spirit-empowered worship, adoration, and passion for the glory of the Triune God to be known by others in the face of Christ (Rom 12:1; Heb 13:15; Eph 5:18–20). This means … Read more
Co-authored Proposal (with Jason McMartin) As Western Christians seek to discern their contribution to and benefit from global evangelicalism, we need to understand our unique cultural outlooks. Social science can be of some utility, but its findings must also be carefully sifted and evaluated theologically. Social scientists increasingly note that the methods and the findings … Read more
Central to St. Paul’s theology is the concept of δικαιασύνη and its cognates. Over the years, scholars have promoted differing ideas on the essence of δικαιασύνη and how one should understand the term. The present study will begin by exploring, in brief, the history of the theological conceptions of δικαιασύνη and what St. Paul is … Read more