Theopolis Logo

Writing

Explore our collection of theological essays, biblical studies, and reflections on faith and culture.

See all
james-coleman-qej5dhl4mwq-unsplash
Galatians

Getting the Galatian Heresy Right

Misunderstanding “Galatianism” has caused several problems in the Reformed church. Because circumcision is at issue in the Galatian epistle, some have fallen into thinking that ritual per se, rather than anything uniquely Mosaic or Jewish, is the object of Paul’s critique. Likewise, his polemic against “works of the law” is…

by Rich LuskJune 6, 2003
screenshot-2023-09-21-at-3-59-23-pm
Romans

Jewish Rejection of the Gospel

Many texts in the NT become more perspicuous if we keep in mind the possibility — and indeed ubiquity — of Gentile God-fearers in the Old Covenant. After the special covenant with Israel is set up, Gentiles are not altogether excluded from the hope of salvation. Israel’s special status in…

by Rich LuskJune 6, 2003
aaron-burden-1ebsmyrau-s-unsplash
Ephesians

An X-File

I was once trying to get a sermon out of Ephesians 1.12-14 and it seemed obvious that I should look for two parallel statements both ending with the phrase, “to the praise of his glory.” Paul here begins talking about two groups of people (“you” and “we”), and he later…

by Mark HorneJune 5, 2003
screenshot-2023-12-12-at-10-36-28-am-2
New Perspective on Paul

The PCA and the New Perspective on Paul

WHY A DENOMINATION WITH SOUTHERN PRESBYTERIAN ROOTS SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE “NEW PERSPECTIVE ON PAUL” In my denomination, the PCA, we are continually haunted by the sins of our racist Southern past. It has become an annual rite at General Assembly for the issue to be addressed one way or…

by Rich LuskJune 5, 2003
screenshot-2023-09-21-at-3-59-23-pm
Justification

The Centrality of Justification

Recent debates over whether or not, “justification is central” to Paul’s theology have reminded me of a sermon I once heard by a Presbyterian seminary student. This African American student challenged his audience on the sin of racism and the ways it might manifest itself among us. Like any good…

by Mark HorneJune 5, 2003
charles-hodge-islandora6062_crop_0
Ecclesiology

Charles Hodge’s Deficient Idea of the Church

In Charles Hodge’s 1853 article, “Idea of the Church,” his stated aim is to analyze the idea of the Church proposed in the Apostles’ Creed, in which, “the Church is declared to be “the Communion of the Saints.” He writes: The conception of the Church as the communion of saints…

by Mark HorneJune 5, 2003

Showing page 231 of 309

See all

Showing page 20 of 43

See all

Introduction to Christology

Below are some notes for an introductory lecture on Christology. INTRODUCTION Christology is frequently divided into two sections, the first dealing with the person of Christ and the second dealing with the work of Christ. That division is far from sharp; Jesus?Ework depends on Jesus?Eidentity. But I will accept this…

January 25, 2005
Literature

“Plague All”: Timon of Athens

INTRODUCTION In style and form, Timon of Athens more resembles a medieval morality play than a Shakespearean tragedy. Timon is mentioned briefly in Plutarch?s life of Marc Antony and was the subject of a drama by Lucian, and by Shakespeare?s time was already a proverbial misanthrope. Shakespeare?s depiction of him…

January 25, 2005
Literature

“Plague All”: Timon of Athens

INTRODUCTION In style and form, Timon of Athens more resembles a medieval morality play than a Shakespearean tragedy. Timon is mentioned briefly in Plutarch?s life of Marc Antony and was the subject of a drama by Lucian, and by Shakespeare?s time was already a proverbial misanthrope. Shakespeare?s depiction of him…

January 25, 2005

Cross and Culture: Sacrifice and the Redemption of Society

This is based on a lecture delivered at NSA several years ago. I have not been able to prepare this for publication, though I hope to do so someday. My title is ?Cross and Culture,?Ebut that needs to be made more specific. The cross is described in the New Testament…

January 25, 2005
Literature

Thoughts on Midsummer Night’s Dream

These comments reflect and build upon some private correspondence from James B. Jordan, August 2004. 1) Like many of Shakespeare plays, MSND works on an opposition between city and country, between the civilized world and a natural ?green world?E(Northrop Frye). Within the city, law rules, even thought it inhibits desire,…

January 25, 2005
Literature

Thoughts on Midsummer Night’s Dream

These comments reflect and build upon some private correspondence from James B. Jordan, August 2004. 1) Like many of Shakespeare plays, MSND works on an opposition between city and country, between the civilized world and a natural ?green world?E(Northrop Frye). Within the city, law rules, even thought it inhibits desire,…

January 25, 2005

Showing page 2015 of 2212

Browse by Category

In Medias Res

Your weekly digest for all things Theopolis.

Donate

Theopolis is nearly 100% donor-supported. Consider joining us on our mission.