I CANNOT UNDERTAKE ANALYSIS of a Scripture passage without saying something about exegesis. This process involves careful historical, literary, or theological analysis of a text or passage. Exegesis can be called scholarly reading; reading in a way that determines the essence of the text through complete, systematic examination—grappling with arguments that speak for or against …
The Righteous Shall Live by Faith
IT IS DIFFICULT TO image being clothed in the righteousness of God. Exactly how does that happen? How can we possibly be worthy enough and pure enough? Lauren Daigle opens her song You Say with these lyrics: "I keep fighting the voices in my mind that say I'm not enough" (1). This was my dilemma. …
The Devoutness of Islam
Written by Steven Barto, B.S. Psy., M.A. Theology NO DOUBT THE ABOVE TITLE strikes you as a bit odd coming from a Christian theology blogger. Please know that I believe Islam to be a false religion; that there is only one God, in three persons, and that Jesus Christ is wholly God and wholly man. …
Released From the Law and Sin
KNOWING HOW TO READ the epistles is very important. Twenty-one of the 27 books in the New Testament fall into this category, establishing the importance of their application to Christian living. Specifically, I wish to focus on Romans. Paul noted the critical function of God's righteousness in Romans 1:16-18. Martin Luther struggled personally with this …
History of the Church Part Four: Dissension and the Protestant Reformation
Written by Steven Barto, B.S., Psy., M.A. Theology religious dissension : discord, strife, conflict, contention, variance; a state or condition marked by a lack of agreement or harmony; implies essential lack of harmony producing quarreling and antagonism. THE CHURCH NEEDED DRASTIC reformation even before Martin Luther came on the scene. However, before Luther could hope …
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Having a “Grace-Receiving” Mentality
Written by Steven Barto, B.S. Psy., M.T.S. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF words and phrases we toss around during our lives. Grace is one of those words. Those who have trusted in Jesus for salvation were never meant to live defeated, despairing, boxed-in, unhappy lives; rather to live in victory through grace. In Romans 5, Paul …
Let’s Go To Theology Class: The Thirty Years War
The following summary is from my most recent class in pursuit of my master’s degree in theology at Colorado Christian University. The Thirty Years’ War (1618-48) was the last of the European religious wars and one of Europe’s bloodiest conflicts. Due to casualties, disease, and all other horrors of war, the population of the Holy …
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Let’s Go to Theology Class: Significance of the Reformation and Colonial Expansion
The following summary is from my most recent class in pursuit of my master’s degree in theology at Colorado Christian University. In his book, History of Christianity, Vol. 1, Justo L. Gonzalez writes, “Living as we do, only five centuries after both the Reformation and the colonial expansion of Iberia, it may be too early …
Let’s Go to Theology Class: Calvin vs. Arminius
The following is a summary of my most recent class in pursuit of my Master’s in Theology at Colorado Christian University. Written by Steven Barto, B.S. Psy. For the purposes of this exercise, and not necessarily as a reflection of what you really believe, assume the stance of either an Arminian or a Calvinist. From …
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The Other Texts
EACH OF THE WORLD'S major religions have sacred texts that form the cornerstone of their belief. These tomes typically instill laws, morals, character, and spirituality in its followers. As with the Bible, a religious text might be considered the inerrant Word of God. Texts can be literal, metaphorical, or both. Christianity has combined the Jewish …