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This paper explores the theological significance of two key reforms identified by Francisco Dryander in his 1549 letter to Thomas Cranmer: the abolition of the Mass and the allowance of clerical marriage. As Dryander wrote, “I also hear that a praiseworthy reformation has taken place in matters of religion: it has not yet seen the … Read more
Jean François Lyotard, who is credited with first applying the term “postmodern” to the world of philosophy, is perhaps best known for his definition of postmodernity as “incredulity towards metanarratives.” This claim, understood as a statement abjuring absolute truth-claims, has produced a certain notoriety both for Lyotard and for Postmodernism in general amongst Christian thinkers … Read more
Theologians commonly appeal to Ephesians 4:23–24 in their expositions of human nature and the image of God. Is this an instance of irresponsible proof-texting, or a valid inference from the discourse of Ephesians? Indeed, there do seem to be good reasons to recognize an anthropological dimension in this text. Christian renewal is envisioned as restoration … Read more
During the late 20th Century, American evangelicals placed renewed emphasis on the spiritual disciplines through influential writings like Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline, Dallas Willard’s The Spirit of the Disciplines, and Donald Whitney’s Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. These books, with combined sales in the millions, have exerted a generational influence regarding Christian spiritual … Read more
Proverbs 8 was a key text in Pro-Arian arguments for the begetting of the Son in time, as seen even in the succinct example from Eusebius of Nicomedia’s “Letter to Paulinus of Tyre.” The refutation of such interpretations in Pro-Nicene argumentation reveals how Pro-Nicene theologians made their own use of Proverbs 8 by placing it … Read more
In “The Psalmist as Historiographer” (T&T Clark, 2018), Jeffrey Leonard concludes his essay on Psalm 78 by claiming that numerous other psalms which allude to earlier Scripture are in need of ongoing research. One of the Psalms that fits Leonard’s call is Psalm 135, particularly with respect to exodus allusions within the Psalm. Psalm 135 … Read more
In this essay, I argue that John Owen’s views of the Old Testament’s inherent Christological frame of reference and the nature of the literal sense of holy Scripture can correct and guide our own reading of Scripture today. Though quality work has been done on John Owen’s hermeneutics (e.g., Tweeddale, Howson, McGraw, Knapp, Hindsman), a … Read more
The question of whether or not metaphysics can be encapsulated within confessional frameworks remains complex and contentious. This paper demonstrates the interplay between metaphysical assumptions and theological convictions, particularly within the Reformed tradition. Drawing upon recent critiques and theological insights, it argues that metaphysics, particularly the concept of actus purus (pure act), has been a … Read more
The doctrine of actus purus—typically associated with Aristotle and Aquinas—finds its inchoate metaphysical assumptions worked out in the Nicene controversy. Figures like Marius Victorinus were instrumental in adapting Neoplatonic metaphysics to defend divine simplicity and immutability in a way that upheld Christian Trinitarianism and refuted Arianism. The Council of Nicaea thus became a defining moment, … Read more
This paper explores the discourse structures of Job 41 in the Masoretic Text (MT) and the Old Greek translations, with a particular focus on the depiction of Leviathan. The discourse features in the MT and the OG translations emphasize Job’s inability to conquer Leviathan. Additionally, the discourse features in the OG provide insight into the … Read more