The relation of the last two columns of the Hexapla in Ra 1098

In his Editio Princeps Mercati dedicates a space to discuss the relationship and textual profile of the last two columns of the Hexapla of the Psalms extant in Ra 1098 (Ambrosiano O. 39 sup.). His discussion is extensive and detailed. In this proposal the main objective is to review Mercati’s original question of whether the last … Read more

Theology of Religious Freedom: The Oncken Paradigm

Religious liberty and its cognates, religious toleration and separation of church and state, are fundamental in the development of Western nations. However, in Eastern Europe, the principles and practices of religious liberty evolved much later. It was first in the missionary context that advocates of religious liberty met the obstacles of civil authorities and the … Read more

Reference and Inference: The Ruler(s) in Dan 9:25-26

The identification of נגיד (ruler or leader) in Daniel 9:25–26 is contested. Some scholars believe they are one and the same person (see Gentry 2018; Steinmann 2008), whereas others identify two different people (Hamilton 2014; Harmann 2007). Gentry (Gentry 2018, 623) appeals to the lack of “contextual signs” indicating a change of subject. Hamilton (Hamilton … Read more

Theological Engagement in Africa in the Shadow of St. Athanasius

As we celebrate the 17th anniversary of the council of Nicaea, we do well to remember those who did all that they could to contend for the faith that was once for all given to the saints. One of those men was a well-respected African theologian and Church father, Athanasius 1 of Alexandria. As a … Read more

Invincible or inVincentable? The Commonitorium & Infallibility of Councils

Vincent of Lérins is commonly employed by Roman Catholics as a stalwart defender of the Magisterium’s infallibility (e.g. Guarino, 2006, 2013; Congar, 1997, 2004; John Henry Newman, 1845; etc.). His Commonitorium provides an early intellectual case for the rule of orthodoxy: universality, antiquity, and consent. More specifically, ecumenical councils provide judgments of the Church as … Read more

The Virgin Mary: First, but not Final Theotokos

The virgin Mary’s obscurity in modern evangelicalism outside of Christ belies the significant role she played in early Christian debates, doctrine, and creeds. Though absent from the 325 A.D. version of the Nicene creed, Mary appears in the Constantinople version as well as the earlier Apostle’s Creed. Though she did not formally receive the title … Read more

Between Sectarian and Secular: Calvinism, the New Divinity, and 19th Century Baptist Academia

Over the first half of the nineteenth century, the American academic emphasis on character building and the demand for professional training solidified within many of the new nation’s outposts of higher education. In college and university contexts, most with substantive religious and denominational moorings, preserving orthodox theological commitments became a subservient goal in light of … Read more

Free to Confess: Taking Up the Nicene Creed in the Free Church Tradition

It has long been observed that churches in the Free Church tradition, with its emphasis on ‘the autonomy of the local church,’ often see little value in creedal affirmations and prefer to ask the question: ‘Where stands it written [in Scripture]?’ In fact, Donald Durnbaugh in his classic ‘The Believers’ Church: The History and Character … Read more

Defining “The Pride of Life” for a New Generation.

1 John 2:16 reminds us, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. (1 John 2:16, NASB). This is an important part of discipleship, but what hermeneutic do we … Read more