Why Words Are Adequate To Describe the Indescribable

“Language as a gift from God makes it adequate for the tasks he has given us and the goals he has for communicating with us. This gives theology an appropriate place in human knowledge and makes it equal to the other sciences as valid human knowledge even though its basis is in God’s self revelation and not in human senses or reason. Beware of saying, “Words cannot express…” While this is true to some extent, God still chose to reveal Himself to us. Ours is not a mystical, experiential, or immediate religion. Words are adequate, though not exhaustive.”

       - Tim Miskimen, ABTS Systematic Theology Lecture 2008, Sydney Campus.

 

Is blogging and email impersonal?

Will communications technology render relationships superficial or change the dynamic?

Would a luddite philosophy help or hinder a personal / pastoral ministry today?

 

Theology that makes sense

When approaching theology, there is a distinct difference between contemporising your message and contextualising it. The concern of a theologian is how to maintain balance in presenting the message of Christianity from scripture amidst (and often against) the constant flux of culture and technology whilst avoiding obsolescence (i.e. contemporising) and compromise.

 

The Method of Communicating Theology

In preparing or planning a theological methodology there are some basic steps that can be beneficial as sound guidance as noted by Erickson and can also double up as a basic hermeneutic philosophy:

 

The Starting Point of Theology

Erickson proposes a thesis though that enables belief concerning God and the bible to be both reasonably established and scrutinised. Both God and his self-revelation are presupposed together as a single presupposition. There is no single antecedent. He quotes Bernard Ramm:

“There exists one Triune God, loving, all-powerful, holy, all-knowing, who has revealed himself in nature, history, and human personality, and in those acts and words which are now preserved in the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.”

From this a theology is formulated which in turn reflects in an adherents’ worldview and can be tested for veracity. On the basis of this thesis the Christian Presuppositionalist can stand with confidence as having a reasonable basis to present the reality of God as presented in the bible and account for man’s responsibility towards God.

 

Absolutely No Absolutes

This is the catch-cry of the post-modern superior being

As noted in a discussion by Phil Johnson:

So long as an individual sets themselves as the ultimate authority you cannot have a reasoned discussion or debate with them. Check the meta on the previous post for an example.

 

Christ’s Superiority

A recent study in the New Testament book of ‘Hebrews’ has given rise to consideration of why anyone should accept Christ as superior to other religious leaders and their teachings and beliefs.

The How & Why of Receiving Christ – Matthew 20:17 – 21:17

I presented a talk at Allowera Baptist Church on Palm Sunday 2008, March 16.

 

The beat of a “different” drum

Our Church just recently started a new service called “Sunday Nite Live”. Including, *shudder* a drum kit!

I thought the presentation was balanced and effective and honouring to the Lord. Well done to all involved! I hope they don’t wait so long for the next one

Sunday Nite Dead

Most who attend an evangelical church are familiar with the practice of the church hosting multiple services each Sunday.

The church I attend only has one Sunday service at the moment.

However there are some who desire to step out of the box. They wish to introduce an additional service held in the evening. How disappointing, and on some level, mildly amusing, that there are those in membership of the church that oppose the idea.