RTS-Charlotte Announces the Harold O.J. Brown Lecture Series
If one were to name the most influential evangelical voices of the 20th century, Harold O.J. Brown would certainly have to be on that list.
Dr. Brown was a towering intellect, with four degrees from Harvard University and author of numerous books including, The Protest of a Troubled Protestant (1969), Christianity and the Class Struggle (1970), Death Before Birth (1977), The Reconstruction of the Republic (1977), Heresies: The Image of Christ in the Mirror of Heresy and Orthodoxy from the Apostles to the Present (1984), and Sensate Culture (1996).
But, even with his brilliant mind, Dr. Brown’s most profound achievements were not in the classroom. Dr. Brown was one … Continue reading...
Humbled to Serve as the President of RTS-Charlotte
As of January 1st, I began my new role as President of Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC (originally announced here). It is a humbling experience to be asked to lead a seminary of this caliber, but I am excited about what the Lord is doing, and what he will do, through this institution.
For the last eleven years I have served as a professor of New Testament here at RTS, and seven of those years I was also Academic Dean. When I was first approached with the opportunity to be the new president, I was admittedly hesitant. But, what persuaded me in the end was my … Continue reading...
The Forgotten Second Coming
As Christians, we are fond of reminding people that the Bible is a book of history. It is not just a book of rules, nor a collection of philosophical treatises, but is decidedly a book about the past. It is about what God has done in real time and space. Indeed, that is the core of the Christmas message we have heard over the last month—two thousand years ago, God became man.
But often forgotten in our zeal to show that the Bible is a book about the past, is the reality that the Bible is also a book about the future. The Christian message is fundamentally eschatological (to use … Continue reading...
A Postmodern Christmas
The other day I was listening to talk radio when the hosts began the inevitable seasonal discussion about the meaning of Christmas. Callers quickly chimed in with their various perspectives and opinions, often intermingled with touching stories and well-intended exhortations toward charity and kindness.
However, the friendly discussion quickly turned confrontational as various callers (and even the hosts) began disagreeing about the real meaning of Christmas. As one host attempted to settle the disagreement, a critical thing happened. Rather than appealing to some authority or truth that would supersede all the opinions offered, the host emphasized that he was only concerned to know what Christmas means “to you.”… Continue reading...
The Real Meaning of Christmas: Presents
What is the real meaning of Christmas? During this festive time of the year, many are busy reminding us that the meaning certainly has nothing to do with presents. Let’s not buy into the materialistic side of Christmas, we are told. Let’s not focus on the gifts.
Now let me say that the sentiment behind such concerns is entirely valid. Few would disagree with the fact that Christmas (especially in America) is overly commercialized and materialistic. And certainly we would want to resist this trend as much as possible.
However, is the denigration of gifts really the way to accomplish this? Are gifts the problem? Not necessarily. I appreciate the … Continue reading...