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Argula von Grumbach: Speaking Truth to Power
What should be done when those in authority misuse their God-given power? The most striking example is that of Jesus’ willing submission to the human systems that persecuted him and ultimately crucified an innocent man. Pilate reminded Jesus, “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” Yet, Jesus’s reply…
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Understanding Cultural Dynamics: Power Differences
Exploring cultural dynamics with regard to differences in what is viewed as appropriate power distances.
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Above Board or Overboard? Healing from Purity Culture
Using mature discernment and wisdom in applying scriptural principals is essential to a healthy relationship with the Lord and others. It is not a new trick to abuse God’s word by using it to justify abhorrent behavior. The Father of Lies twisted scripture for self-serving means to tempt Jesus to follow him into sin…
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Spiritual Bypassing
Spiritual Bypassing is the use of spiritual practices and beliefs to avoid or suppress unresolved personal or emotional issues.[1] In the community of my ministry setting (white, American, southern, evangelicals) emotions and physical reactions to situations are often treated as things to get over instead of clues that lead to better mental health.…
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Doctrine of the Church (Ecclesiology and Sacramentology)
Doctrine of Ecclesiology What is the fundamental nature of the Church? As a divine institution composed of redeemed humans, there will always be a challenge to describe the paradoxical essence of the church. We know church is not a building but rather comprises the gathering of people therein. Yet any assembly of believers…
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Doctrine of Salvation – Applied and Objective Soteriology
Doctrine of Objective Soteriology An essential part of theology is finding the best way to articulate in words the paradoxical truths about God. In the study of soteriology there are a myriad of different words the Bible uses to speak on the basic truth that Christ’s death saves us. Aspects of salvation are described…
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Doctrine of Humanity (Creation and Fall)
God willingly created the universe and humanity to display his glory. He had no need to do so but did so voluntarily. In creating mankind in his image, we were to serve as a mirror reflecting his glory. However, we have turned from him into sin with grave consequences. Exploring the Doctrine of Creation…
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Doctrine of the Holy Spirit
Doctrine of Pneumatology The work done to understand the doctrine of Christ is foundational in formulating the concept of the Trinity. However, it seems this effort is so extensive it uses up much of our theological energy to the neglect of the Holy Spirit. Scripture is not as explicit about the person of…
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Doctrine of Christ
Doctrine of Christology The doctrine of Christology is a challenging area to define in specific terminology. Over the years countless theologians have attempted to balance the paradox and explain in words how God became man. How did a finite human contain the infinite God? The substance of our Christological doctrine is like a concrete…
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Doctrine of God
Have you ever tried to look directly at the sun? It is not possible to look at it with the natural eye as the brightness is overpowering and can cause damage. However, if the sun is partially obscured by hazy clouds, one can look through them and get a sense of its shape and…
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