Category Archives: Theological Pietism

Theological Pietism Part 2: What Is Theological Pietism?

Posted on November 1, 2013 by Matt

Part 1 of this series can be found here. So what do I mean by “theological pietism?” Well, the adjective modifies the noun, so let’s begin with ‘pietism.’ To put it briefly, pietism was a practice that grew out of … Continue reading →

Posted in Lutheranism, Theological Pietism | 2 Comments

Theological Pietism Part 1: A Lesson from History

Posted on October 31, 2013 by Matt

As the name of this blog implies, I believe reformation is a continuing task in the Church. As a Lutheran, this is obvious when I look at the Church as a whole, for from the Lutheran perspective, most Christians depart … Continue reading →

Posted in Lutheranism, Sanctification, Theological Pietism | 1 Comment

Preaching the Law vs. Preaching About the Law

Posted on July 25, 2012 by Matt

About a month ago, I posted a comment over at Brothers of John the Steadfast on a thread regarding legalism and a high view of the law.  The gist of the original post (with which I completely agree), is that … Continue reading →

Posted in Law, Lutheranism, Theological Pietism | Leave a comment

In Defense of Thomas Kinkade

Posted on May 25, 2012 by Matt

First, let me make it clear that I am not defending Thomas Kinkade’s artistic talent or sensibilities.  I am neither an art critic nor an art conisseur, and am entirely unqualified to make such a defense if, indeed, one is … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Lutheranism, Theological Pietism | 1 Comment

Sanctification is not the Think System

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Matt

Let’s begin by making one thing clear.  Some Christian communities apply a great deal of pressure on their members to take up the impossible task of making themselves more Christlike.  The gospel of self-improvement, of course, is not the Gospel … Continue reading →

Posted in Lutheranism, Sanctification, Theological Pietism, Theology | 2 Comments

Tim Tebow & Theological Pietism

Posted on December 10, 2011 by Matt

For those of you who, like myself, don’t follow football,  Tim Tebow is a quarterback for the Denver Broncos who is drawing a great deal of contempt from football fans because of his overt expressions of his Christian faith.  He … Continue reading →

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Paradoxology Part 4: The Consequences of Rejecting Reason

Posted on May 19, 2011 by Matt

Last time, we saw that it is not reason that destroys a paradox; it is when we put reason in God’s place by allowing it to overrule God’s promises. And so paradox is not protected by rejecting reason, but by … Continue reading →

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Paradoxology Part 3: Lutherans Mishandling Paradox

Posted on May 15, 2011 by Matt

As we saw in Part 2, paradoxes are not contradictions and therefore accepting them does not necessitate rejecting reason. Nevertheless, paradox is difficult to accept primarily because our reason wants—nay, needs—to understand; understanding is, after all, the very thing our … Continue reading →

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