As iron sharpens iron,
one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)
“The inner ‘workings’ of the Trinity are mysterious to us; we cannot really know them. But, of the two major theological (not Sunday School) analogies, I prefer the social analogy or model of the Trinity” - Roger Olson
Since the 9/11 attack on twin towers, many Christians have been quick to contrast the violent tactics of Islamic Jihad with the gentler tendencies of Christian evangelism. For example, in an article entitled, “Christian or Muslim: What’s the difference?” Lutheran scholar Alvin Schmidt has argued,
Originally published in Detroit Baptist Seminary Journal (DBSJ) 2013. Used by permission. Read Part 1 and Part 2.
“…some prochoice religious groups argue that as Adam’s life began when God breathed into him, so each human life begins when the baby is born and takes his first breath. This demonstrates a misunderstanding of the nature of the unborn’s respiration.” - Randy Alcorn
“ ‘What does the average Muslim believe?’ … Robin Hadaway’s book The Muslim Majority demonstrates that it is harder to answer than one might think. It assumes two things that are not actually true” - TGC
From Detroit Baptist Seminary Journal (DBSJ) 2013. Used by permission. Read Part 1.
The 6000-year-earth position may be questioned on several grounds, some more substantial than others. I would like to suggest, though, that while all of the arguments developed below are load-bearing, the intertextual-exegetical arguments take pride of place in the ensuing material.
The current series by Mark Snoeberger about this subject made me think that this would be a great poll question.
From Detroit Baptist Seminary Journal (DBSJ) 2013. Used by permission (first appearance at SharperIron in 2014).
Bavinck insists, “To do full justice to religion, we must return to the central unity in man that is the basis for differentiating his faculties and which is in Holy Scripture designated the heart, from which proceed all expressions of life in mind, feeling, and will.” - TGC
Jesus said in Matthew 6:2,
“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.”
What is your view as to what “sound the trumpet” means?
Poll Results
What is “sounding the trumpet” in Matthew 6:2
Discussion