October 17, 2008 Posted by David NcloseAuthor: David NName: Email: dvnilsen@gmail.com Site:http://reasonfromscripture.blogspot.com About: In 2003 I graduated from high school with no set direction for my life. I spent a year in Iowa before returning to California to attend Junior College. I changed majors 3 times; from Physics to Business to Film (as you can see, no direction). I was a Christian, attending church regularly, but furthering the cause of Christ in this fallen world was not a high priority.
In 2005 I picked up an issue of TableTalk magazine, and I was re-introduced to the work of R. C. Sproul (whom I had read once in high school). Later that year, while taking a biology class with an ardent atheist professor, I picked up a copy of Lee Strobel's "The Case For A Creator." In the Fall of 2006 I came to Biola University and was introduced to the works of J. P. Moreland and John Mark Reynolds. My fate was sealed.
Just a few years ago, I was passionless. Now I have two passions: Studying the Word of God and engaging in the task of Apologetics. 1 Peter 3:15 exhorts all Christians to be ready to give an answer for the hope that we have. My goal is to be able to give my answer articulately and powerfully, but even more importantly, in love. There are many purposes for apologetics, but by far the most important is the opening of minds and the softening of hearts for the work of the Holy Spirit. If we don't care about and pray for those with whom we engage in apologetics, we fail to fulfill this purpose. As a wise man once said, "Take a stand for the Truth, but do it in love fool!"
Education Info:--Currently: M.A. in Historical Theology student, Westminster Seminary California
--2008: B.A. in Philosophy, Biola University
--2006: A.A. in Liberal Arts, Palomar CollegeSee Authors Posts (75)
Well, for those of you who've decided that it's OK to lust after appreciate high quality Bibles, Mark Bertrand over at BibleDesignBlog.com has posted his extensive review of Cambridge's new Pitt Minion ESV. Here's an excerpt:
“What I love about the ESV is the way it splits the difference between
the traditional language I grew up with and the need for clarity and
comprehension today. No translation is perfect, but this one has served
me pretty well the past few years. In the beginning, there were so few
options, and now we're spoiled for choices. In a sense, the Pitt Minion
is a great vehicle for the ESV, because it represents a similar attempt
at compromise. No, it doesn't have the largest type, and it doesn't
have the most features, but for all around use, it cheats out the
competition more often than not. It's small enough to carry,
full-featured enough to use, and does one thing better than any other
leather-bound edition I've reviewed: it opens flat like it really wants
to stay that way. And Cambridge has made it available in an
unprecedented range of cover options.”
October 14, 2008 Posted by David NcloseAuthor: David NName: Email: dvnilsen@gmail.com Site:http://reasonfromscripture.blogspot.com About: In 2003 I graduated from high school with no set direction for my life. I spent a year in Iowa before returning to California to attend Junior College. I changed majors 3 times; from Physics to Business to Film (as you can see, no direction). I was a Christian, attending church regularly, but furthering the cause of Christ in this fallen world was not a high priority.
In 2005 I picked up an issue of TableTalk magazine, and I was re-introduced to the work of R. C. Sproul (whom I had read once in high school). Later that year, while taking a biology class with an ardent atheist professor, I picked up a copy of Lee Strobel's "The Case For A Creator." In the Fall of 2006 I came to Biola University and was introduced to the works of J. P. Moreland and John Mark Reynolds. My fate was sealed.
Just a few years ago, I was passionless. Now I have two passions: Studying the Word of God and engaging in the task of Apologetics. 1 Peter 3:15 exhorts all Christians to be ready to give an answer for the hope that we have. My goal is to be able to give my answer articulately and powerfully, but even more importantly, in love. There are many purposes for apologetics, but by far the most important is the opening of minds and the softening of hearts for the work of the Holy Spirit. If we don't care about and pray for those with whom we engage in apologetics, we fail to fulfill this purpose. As a wise man once said, "Take a stand for the Truth, but do it in love fool!"
Education Info:--Currently: M.A. in Historical Theology student, Westminster Seminary California
--2008: B.A. in Philosophy, Biola University
--2006: A.A. in Liberal Arts, Palomar CollegeSee Authors Posts (75)
For those of you who don't know yet, Cambridge Bibles (pretty much the best Bible maker in the world!) is about to release their very first edition of the ESV. The edition is a familiar one in other translations: the Pitt Minion. It's a small, hand-sized Bible with a center reference column. The type size is large and clear for such a small Bible. But the best part: it comes bound in beautiful, supple goatskin leather (of course, you'll have to pay a bit more for that!). The goatskin will be available in both black and brown, as well as a burgundy French Morocco leather and a two-tone imitation leather (see all 4 side-by-side in the image below). The nice thing about goatskin (besides the way it feels) is that it's extremely pliable and durable. So if you decide to spend the extra cash, it's well worth it, as you're likely to be keeping the Bible around for many more years to come.
I used to be your average Bible consumer. All of my Bibles were bonded leather. My first ESV was “tru-tone” (basically just imitation leather). Then I found this site. Ever since I first read the insightful aesthetic comments of J. Mark Bertand, I have been a “Bible snob.” Unfortunately I am also a “poor graduate student”, so that means I'm still using bonded leather bibles. However, when I learned of Cambridge's plan to release an ESV, I decided to save up and spring for my first really nice Bible. Mark will be reviewing all four editions of the Cambridge Pitt Minion ESV some time next week, so make sure to check back for that (in the mean time, browse his blog. He's probably written something witty and interesting about your Bible!).
Now that I've admitted to buying one of these expensive things, I have a question for you (and I'm a philosopher who probably overthinks things, so you can take this or leave it). I've found there to be something of a paradoxical conundrum to the “nice Bible.” On the one hand, I can see how it would be far more worthy to spend $80 on a Bible than on useless junk I don't need. And further, buying a Bible that has obviously taken great skill and care to make seems to say something about how important God's Word is to you. But is there something all too modern and Western about the “Cambridge goatskin Bible” market? After all, the words are the words. I can be spiritually fed just as well by a paperback Bible, and give the other $70 to my church, or to a homeless shelter. Then again, is there something about that very sentiment that is equally “modern” and “Western”? Can anything be said for a Bible that is, in itself, a work of art?
So what do you think? Am I still a good Christian? 😛
October 13, 2008 Posted by David NcloseAuthor: David NName: Email: dvnilsen@gmail.com Site:http://reasonfromscripture.blogspot.com About: In 2003 I graduated from high school with no set direction for my life. I spent a year in Iowa before returning to California to attend Junior College. I changed majors 3 times; from Physics to Business to Film (as you can see, no direction). I was a Christian, attending church regularly, but furthering the cause of Christ in this fallen world was not a high priority.
In 2005 I picked up an issue of TableTalk magazine, and I was re-introduced to the work of R. C. Sproul (whom I had read once in high school). Later that year, while taking a biology class with an ardent atheist professor, I picked up a copy of Lee Strobel's "The Case For A Creator." In the Fall of 2006 I came to Biola University and was introduced to the works of J. P. Moreland and John Mark Reynolds. My fate was sealed.
Just a few years ago, I was passionless. Now I have two passions: Studying the Word of God and engaging in the task of Apologetics. 1 Peter 3:15 exhorts all Christians to be ready to give an answer for the hope that we have. My goal is to be able to give my answer articulately and powerfully, but even more importantly, in love. There are many purposes for apologetics, but by far the most important is the opening of minds and the softening of hearts for the work of the Holy Spirit. If we don't care about and pray for those with whom we engage in apologetics, we fail to fulfill this purpose. As a wise man once said, "Take a stand for the Truth, but do it in love fool!"
Education Info:--Currently: M.A. in Historical Theology student, Westminster Seminary California
--2008: B.A. in Philosophy, Biola University
--2006: A.A. in Liberal Arts, Palomar CollegeSee Authors Posts (75)
Teacher and youth pastor, Michael Ferber, has written a book that attempts to interact with current philosophical trends in Christianity and address them from a Biblical perspective, using Paul's first letter to Timothy as his guide. Part commentary, part theological guidebook, with a little philosophy thrown in, Pomo Timmy is sure to capture much interest and attention among Christians seeking a Biblical perspective on postmodernism (and modernism, for that matter). While I don't fully agree with all of Mr. Ferber's theological conclusions (he comes down on the egalitarian side of the gender debate, for example), I can heartily recommend this book!
I recently asked Mr. Ferber a few probing questions to help introduce us to the purpose and subject of his book:
1. “Pomo Timmy” isn't exactly like a typical Bible
commentary. Briefly, what IS this book, and what do you hope to
accomplish with it?
Pomo Timmy is essentially a Biblical commentary with a strong
philosophical bend. My hope in writing the book was to mine I Timothy to
craft a response to some of the philosophical challenges present today,
particularly the contrast between the relativism of postmodernity and the
fundamentalism of approaches to faith rooted in more modern paradigms (modern in
a philosophical sense).
2. You've worked in youth ministry for a number of years.
Is “Pomo Timmy” geared more towards a youth audience, or do you
hope to reach all ages?
Pomo Timothy is definitely NOT geared to a youth audience. Some
of the later chapters are concrete enough to keep their attention, but most youth
get bogged down in the introduction. However, it is appropriate for youth
leaders and pastors who are trying to help youth and young adults navigate the
various meanings of “truth” in our society.
3. Many Christian leaders believe that the church needs to adopt
postmodernism wholesale or it will die. Others simply dismiss
postmodernism as an irrelevant fad. Why do you believe that
postmodern thought poses a real threat to the church, and how serious do you
think the threat is?
I believe the “wholesale” acceptance of the relativism of postmodernism
does indeed pose a threat to the church. However, I find it ridiculous to
argue that much of life is not relative. The distinction I try to draw in
Pomo Timmy is that there is some truth that is as real as real can be, while
other aspects of “reality” are undeniably socially
constructed. I Timothy is a helpful tool to work through this
complexity. The church does need to embrace and study postmodernism, but
it needs to chew the meat and spit out the bones, so to speak. I believe
postmodernism is a threat only to the degree that we allow the absolute truths
of the faith to be replaced by absolute relativity.
4. In the introduction to “Pomo Timmy” you distinguish
between knowledge and actual reality, and you suggest that both modernism and
postmodernism simply collapse these two into each other. If my knowledge
of reality is not the same as reality as it actually is, what is left of
objective truth? How can I, as a Christian, claim to know anything as
being actually true?
I would argue that the frameworks with which we view the world and reality
are constantly changing and that “reality” or “truth”
can be viewed from many situated perspectives, which therefore generate many
different kinds of descriptions of the same reality. Yet, changes in
perspective do not negate the reality of the observed object. To argue
that I am finite, limited, and situated in a specific context at a particular
time is to make an argument about me – not the reality I am
observing. If enough people, situated in many different times in many
different contexts, also describe what I am observing eventually there will be
enough understanding to move toward objectivity – this is what critical
realists would call aletheic truth. I personally believe that God has
revealed Himself to enough people consistently over enough time that we can
trust the Biblical account.
To purchase a copy of Pomo Timmy, or find out more information, simply click the amazon.com link above.
Michael Ferber has served as pastor, youth pastor, Christian school
administrator, college professor, and development director at
organizations including World Vision, Regent University, and West
Virginia University. He is a Ph.D. candidate studying geography of
religion at West Virginia University. He holds a Master of Arts in
Education from West Virginia University and a Master of Divinity from
Asbury Theological Seminary. Michael lives with his wife, Christina,
and their children, Leah and Brendan, in Clarksburg, West Virginia.
October 9, 2008 Posted by Roger OvertoncloseAuthor: Roger OvertonName: Roger Overton Email: rogeroverton@hotmail.com Site:http://ateamblog.com About: Roger Overton is currently pursuing a Masters degree at Talbot School of Theology. He has addressed various churches, schools and youth camps throughout the United States. Roger was co-editor of The New Media Frontier (Crossway, 2008) and God and Governing (Wipf & Stock, 2009).
Roger can be emailed at rogeroverton@hotmail.com.See Authors Posts (570)
Here's the final segment of my interview with Justin Taylor on the ESV Study Bible:
October 8, 2008 Posted by Roger OvertoncloseAuthor: Roger OvertonName: Roger Overton Email: rogeroverton@hotmail.com Site:http://ateamblog.com About: Roger Overton is currently pursuing a Masters degree at Talbot School of Theology. He has addressed various churches, schools and youth camps throughout the United States. Roger was co-editor of The New Media Frontier (Crossway, 2008) and God and Governing (Wipf & Stock, 2009).
Roger can be emailed at rogeroverton@hotmail.com.See Authors Posts (570)
Here's part two of my interview with Justin Taylor on the ESV Study Bible:
October 7, 2008 Posted by Roger OvertoncloseAuthor: Roger OvertonName: Roger Overton Email: rogeroverton@hotmail.com Site:http://ateamblog.com About: Roger Overton is currently pursuing a Masters degree at Talbot School of Theology. He has addressed various churches, schools and youth camps throughout the United States. Roger was co-editor of The New Media Frontier (Crossway, 2008) and God and Governing (Wipf & Stock, 2009).
Roger can be emailed at rogeroverton@hotmail.com.See Authors Posts (570)
Here is part one of my interview with Justin Taylor, Managing Editor of the ESV Study Bible:
October 6, 2008 Posted by Roger OvertoncloseAuthor: Roger OvertonName: Roger Overton Email: rogeroverton@hotmail.com Site:http://ateamblog.com About: Roger Overton is currently pursuing a Masters degree at Talbot School of Theology. He has addressed various churches, schools and youth camps throughout the United States. Roger was co-editor of The New Media Frontier (Crossway, 2008) and God and Governing (Wipf & Stock, 2009).
Roger can be emailed at rogeroverton@hotmail.com.See Authors Posts (570)
The ESV Study Bible will be coming out next week, so this week I'll be posting my 3-part series with Managing Editor Justin Taylor. Here's a teaser to whet your appetite:
September 27, 2008 Posted by Roger OvertoncloseAuthor: Roger OvertonName: Roger Overton Email: rogeroverton@hotmail.com Site:http://ateamblog.com About: Roger Overton is currently pursuing a Masters degree at Talbot School of Theology. He has addressed various churches, schools and youth camps throughout the United States. Roger was co-editor of The New Media Frontier (Crossway, 2008) and God and Governing (Wipf & Stock, 2009).
Roger can be emailed at rogeroverton@hotmail.com.See Authors Posts (570)
For those who have only seen John Piper preach in one coat, this weekend at the Desiring God conference Mark Driscoll gave him a new one:
Last weekend's GodBlogCon was a great finale. There will be a conference next year, but it will have a renewed vision and name. Coordinator Dustin Steeve offered some reflections on the past few years.
I’m very frustrated by McCain’s lack of response to Obama’s charge that “Republican policies” of deregulation are responsible for the current financial crisis. I know that many of you disagree with McCain and are against Republican policies in general, but I do ask that in the interest of intellectual honesty and clarity, you all take a few minutes to review some facts so you can argue fairly for your position.Â
The Bush administration today recommended the most significant regulatory overhaul in the housing finance industry since the savings and loan crisis a decade ago….
Â
Among the groups denouncing the proposal today were the…Congressional Democrats who fear that tighter regulation of the companies could sharply reduce their commitment to financing low-income and affordable housing.
Â
”These two entities — Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac — are not facing any kind of financial crisis,” said Representative Barney Frank of Massachusetts, the ranking Democrat on the Financial Services Committee. ”The more people exaggerate these problems, the more pressure there is on these companies, the less we will see in terms of affordable housing.”
Here’s another excerpt from the Wall Street Journal about who endorsed and who opposed legislation to prevent this crisis:
In 2005, the Senate Banking Committee, then under Republican control, adopted a strong reform bill, introduced by Republican Sens. Elizabeth Dole, John Sununu and Chuck Hagel, and supported by then chairman Richard Shelby. The bill prohibited the GSEs from holding portfolios, and gave their regulator prudential authority (such as setting capital requirements) roughly equivalent to a bank regulator. In light of the current financial crisis, this bill was probably the most important piece of financial regulation before Congress in 2005 and 2006. All the Republicans on the Committee supported the bill, and all the Democrats voted against it. Mr. McCain endorsed the legislation in a speech on the Senate floor. Mr. Obama, like all other Democrats, remained silent….
Â
If the Democrats had let the 2005 legislation come to a vote, the huge growth in the subprime and Alt-A loan portfolios of Fannie and Freddie could not have occurred, and the scale of the financial meltdown would have been substantially less. The same politicians who today decry the lack of intervention to stop excess risk taking in 2005-2006 were the ones who blocked the only legislative effort that could have stopped it.
It turns out that the Democrats put pressure on Fannie and Freddie to lower their standards in order to enable people to buy homes who really couldn’t afford to. This was done out of compassion, but as I’ve explained before, misplaced compassion can have disastrous consequences when it directs government policy at the expense of standards and justice. Â
Â
In terms of the debate itself so far, I’m really interested to know what health care has to do with foreign policy. What’s going on with these questions?
The Emerging Church is officially dead…at least, the name is dead. Dan Kimball says of the term, “I can't defend or even explain theologically what is now known broadly as 'the emerging church' anymore, because it has developed into so many significantly different theological strands. Some I strongly would disagree with.”
“Emerging Church” is being dropped by people across the theological board. It's no surprise that the term has become useless, for it doesn't define what must be the most central aspect of any church movement: the God they worship. The many conceptions of God and Christianity that evolved without boundaries among the emerging churches couldn't be united on the lesser issues of evangelism and mission, as important as those issues are. And when such a thing (uniting as an “Emerging” movement) was attempted, the result was often a greater focus on people and community (the subject of evangelism and mission) rather than on God simply because of the nature of the way the movement defined itself. Beginning with defined doctrine is a much better way to make Christ the foundation–the focus–of a movement.
Dan has a new network in the works that will try to make a fresh start in the direction he originally intended when he created the “Emerging Church” term:
The still unnamed network has agreed to start with the inclusive but orthodox theological foundation of the Lausanne Covenant, and they intend to emphasize mission and evangelism. They appear to have learned from the emerging church’s mistake–define purpose and doctrine early so your identity doesn’t get hijacked.
How often we approach the throne of grace as desperate beggars. Yet He never once turns us away, but lavishes the richest of riches upon us. 2009-10-06
October 17, 2008 Posted by David N 
Posted in Book Reviews, David's Posts, Main Page, Poetry/Scripture/Liturgy/Etc. 
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