Classic iMonk Post by Michael Spencer From August, 2004 One of the axioms of my critique of evangelicalism is this: methodology creates theology. By this I mean that when evangelicals have adopted particular methods, such as the evangelistic sales pitch or the powerpoint designed sermon, they will soon develop an accompanying theology, generally morphed in [...]
How the Lutheran Tradition Answers Many Post-Evangelical Concerns (2)
14 Nov by
I continue this overview of how emphases in the historic tradition of Lutheranism have helped me with many concerns I’ve expressed about American evangelicalism. Thus far, I have introduced the following elements… How I came to peace with finding a tradition, How I appreciate the priority of Word and Table liturgical worship in the Lutheran [...]
Creation Wars Update
8 Nov by
Today, your faithful iMonk correspondent reports from the front lines of the “Creation Wars” about recent articles on issues related to science and Biblical interpretation. Duck and cover. • • • 1. October saw Peter Enns move his blog to the Patheos evangelical portal. Enns dived right in and wrote about the ongoing debate on [...]
Good News is Just the Beginning
2 Nov by
Over the past decade, a cottage industry has grown and and is now flourishing among American Christian leaders and teachers that has focused on defining the Gospel. Many factors account for this. We live in a decidedly non-doctrinaire age, and the “Gospel” discussion has formed in response to that. Through the influence of the church [...]
When Christians Won the Culture War
1 Nov by
I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died, and the very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. (Romans 7:9-10, NRSV) • • • There was a time in the United States when Christians got deeply involved in the political process over [...]
The Naked Emperor
25 Oct by
I am going to spend a little time talking about what I see in the evangelical world. I believe I can write about this from a well-informed viewpoint. For thirty-some years now I have been involved in mass media in one form or another, with much of that time involved in Christian radio, TV, and [...]
Open Mic: The New Apostolic Reformation
5 Oct by
C. Peter Wagner was interviewed this week by Terry Gross on NPR’s Fresh Air. Gross is a seasoned interviewer who through kindness draws out what many other interviewers would never even get to in a subject. Perhaps we found out more from Wagner than we ever wanted to hear. Wagner is the leader of the [...]
Hooray for Shaun King!
20 Sep by
Last night I read that Shaun King resigned on September 1 as pastor of Courageous Church in Atlanta, GA. Here’s what he said to the congregation: After much prayer and many discussions with my family, friends, and mentors, I have decided that it is time for me to transition out of my role as Lead [...]
Complementarian Gymnastics
12 Sep by
By Chaplain Mike UPDATE: This was posted via scheduling before it was finished, and I have more to say. I will be editing and adding over the next hour or so, and then it will be complete. UPDATE 2: Editing and updating now complete. UPDATE 3: Further editing to make point 4 of my comments [...]
9/11 — Reflections on Disappointing Reactions
6 Sep by
Note from CM: Regular iMonk readers will recognize the voice of Eagle, one of the faithful members of our online discussion community. Eagle says he is an agnostic, and he has certainly been through the wringer when it comes to negative experiences with religious types, including the “fundagelicals.” We love having him here. He keeps [...]
