Category Archives: Theology

Scripture Alone, but not a Scripture that is Alone

Posted on January 30, 2015 by Matt

Like any doctrine or teaching, the various Sola’s of the Reformation have provoked some misunderstandings from time to time. This is perhaps most common for sola fide—that we are saved through faith alone and not by our works. Because of … Continue reading →

Posted in Heresy, Lutheranism, Theology | Leave a comment

We Proclaim; We do not Include

Posted on November 21, 2014 by Matt

 Among theological liberals desperate to “fix” Christianity lest it die in obscurity and obsolescence (say, how is membership in liberal “churches” doing again?) one of the key goals is to make Christianity more inclusive. Why are American congregations so white? … Continue reading →

Posted in The Modern Church, Theological Liberalism, Theology | Leave a comment

That’s Just Your Reading Comprehension

Posted on March 1, 2014 by Matt

Any Christian who has ever argued theology with people has probably, at some point, heard the phrase, “That’s just your interpretation” in response to a citation of what God actually teaches in His Word. It’s the “whatever” of the literary … Continue reading →

Posted in Apologetics, Theological Liberalism, Theology | 1 Comment

No Need to Choose Between Doctrine and Love

Posted on September 29, 2013 by Matt

“Doctrine divides” became a popular refrain in Theological Liberalism, and its popularity continues as this heresy is rebranded as the “Emergent Church.” The idea is basically that when people believe different things about the world, it gets in the way … Continue reading →

Posted in Apologetics, Ethics, Theological Liberalism, Theology, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Let Exceptions Be Exceptions

Posted on July 15, 2012 by Matt

Perfection in design is achieved not when there is nothing more to add, but rather when there is nothing more to take away. –Antoine de Saint-Exupéry As a software engineer, I can appreciate this statement.  Good engineering isn’t cluttered and … Continue reading →

Posted in Lutheranism, Theology | Leave a comment

Abusing Sola Scriptura

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Matt

“The Bible doesn’t say it’s wrong, so I can do it if I want to.” Unfortunately, this is a common refrain among protestants and Lutherans looking for some kind of license.  We can see this very clearly when it comes … Continue reading →

Posted in Ethics, Law, The Modern Church, Theology | Leave a comment

Chief of Sinners?

Posted on February 4, 2012 by Matt

Human pride can be a funny thing.  We routinely make ourselves out to be better than we truly are by whitewashing our sins and character flaws.  Of course the realization that things like pride and self-righteousness are also sinful leads … Continue reading →

Posted in Law, Theology | Leave a 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

Suffering or Settling?

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Matt

The suffering and persecution of Christians for the sake of Christ and the Gospel is a recurring theme throughout the New Testament.  God gave no pretense that the Christian life is one of worldly success but one of glory in … Continue reading →

Posted in Lutheranism, The Modern Church, Theology | Leave a comment

No Such Thing as a Non-Institutional Church

Posted on July 16, 2011 by Matt

When religion in general and Christianity in particular catch flak from the culture, everyone other than hardcore atheists generally make exceptions for personal spirituality. The problem, we hear, is really organized religion–the institutional church–not religion or church as such. Many … Continue reading →

Posted in The Modern Church, Theology, Tradition | Leave a comment