Theology Blog
This Theological Blog is a place to openly discuss and share ideas. All are welcome to participate. It is important to know that these contents do not represent the views of the First Presbyterian Church of Newhall or the greater Presbyterian Church USA.
As Presbyterians we are all encouraged to read, study and pray scripture both alone and in community. We are to also pray that we may be guided by the Holy Spirit to live scripture. Paul tells us we must treat each other with humility and gentleness in our disagreements. We may not always be comfortable with divergent ideas, but that’s alright as we journey together learning to follow Christ.
Postings are public and will not be anonymous. All postings will first need to be approved by the moderator so they will not appear immediately.
Doing Theology in the 21st century
Reported by Jack Irwin, M.Div., May 16, 2014 DOING THEOLOGY IN THE 21ST CENTURY: VISITING WITH BISHOP (RET.) N.T. WRIGHT, ESTEEMED NEW TESTAMENT SCHOLAR On May 1-3, 2014, we (Art Moore, Carol Cogley, John Favalessa, Judy Carter, Jack Irwin, Tim Knox and John’s friend...
Sermon on the Mount series: Takes on Matthew 6:1-16
by Roland - There is something broader going on here. Notice that Jesus repeatedly uses a distinctive rhetorical formula, i.e. "They (the hypocrites) have received their reward…… But you will receive your reward." What is he referring to when he...
Growing in Christ
by Terry Neven - As Presbyterians, specifically those of us who identify with being redeemed by the blood of Christ, the New Covenant doesn’t give us the luxury of doing whatever we want. Just because certain things seem to yield favorable results, does not mean...
Sermon on the Mount series: Takes on Matthew 5:38-48
by Roland Matt 38-48 (Preface to Everything: It seems to me…….) The Beatitudes make sense if viewed through the lens of Jesus ANNOUNCING a New World Order in fulfillment of His Father’s master Plan to restore fallen creation—a setting of the world to...
Sermon on the Mount series: Takes on Matthew 5:17-32
TAKES ON Matthew 5:17-32 by Roland 17 ‘Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. The “law and the prophets” was an idiom (or shorthand for the entirety of scripture). He came not to...
God’s Plan for our good and for our future (Jer 29:11)
I thought about the sermon text today: Jer. 29. (given by Rev Dr Bill Barnes 02/24/14) and I asked myself: What did God mean by his plan for good? When God said, I have plans for you, for your good and for your welfare ... but just wait in Babylon, a...
Old Testament Worldview, murder & war
Roland, I am intrigued by your comments that there is new historical evidence that, in fact, Bonhoeffer was wrongfully accused of plotting to assassinate Hitler, which we have all believed was justified. But you asked how could Bonhoeffer participate in actual...
the Resurrection of the Believers
By Jack Irwin (Revised 2.2.2014) I am reading the well-written book The Cross Is Not Enough: Living as Witnesses to the Resurrection by the Australian theologians Ross Clifford and Philip Johnson, published by Baker Books in 2012. Clifford and...
Fool’s Paradise
By Jack Irwin - My Blog for Jan. 26, 2014: Fool’s Paradise There are a lot of hypocrites all over the town, the state, the nation, and the world. Everyone seems to be an expert on determining who is a hypocrite. If you were to ask what is the best...
Have we gotten heaven all wrong?
By John Favalessa – recently Jack Irwin shared a article featuring N.T. Wright and his thoughts about heaven. My thoughts on this article will be posted as a comment later. “And so it’s not a Platonic, timeless eternity, which is what we were all taught,”...
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How the American Church Took “Christ” Out Of Christmas
By Roland Wrinkle Last month, Jack wrote in this space about a little bit of a different take on Advent, i.e. that Advent is more than the run-up to Christmas but should really be viewed as including Christmas to Easter to Resurrection to Ascension. So, now, we...
New Year
Jack Irwin - My Blog for the New Year. Already the “New” Year seems old. Did you ever have that feeling, too? I am back to my old schedule, my old work, my old bills, my old relationships. But it’s only the sixth – and I don’t mean the sixth month,...
the Millenials
post by Jack Irwin My blog for Sunday, Dec. 15th, as I sit at home this morning, nursing a stiff back and saving energy for the wonderful Chancel Choir's Christmas Concert this afternoon. I read the paper every day. Maybe this is an...
Messiahmas
Posted by Jack Irwin Again, today I was reading my Daily News as I was eating my warm oatmeal. And right on the front page were two examples of people and organizations who persevered in pursuing faith, justice and mercy. Wow! Can you recognize...