Monthly Archives: October 2014

Christian Reproof

Posted on October 31, 2014 by jamesbradfordpate

Sirach 32:17 states: “The sinner will shun reproof, and will find a decision according to his liking” (NRSV). When I read this verse yesterday, it got me thinking about Christian reproof. Here’s my problem with it: A lot of time, … Continue reading →

Posted in Religion, Sirach | 1 Comment

The coming vindication of Martin Luther – mystic-induced doubt (part II of V)

Posted on October 31, 2014 by jamesbradfordpate

Originally posted on theology like a child:
Johann von Staupitz instructs and comforts Luther in the 2003 Luther movie, urging him to look from his sin to Christ Preface, Part V, Part IV, Part III, Part II, Part I I…

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Forgiven Yet Not Regenerated?

Posted on October 30, 2014 by jamesbradfordpate

I read a post by Arminian theologian Roger Olson this morning entitled, Is It Possible to Be Forgiven (Reconciled) but Not Born Again (Regenerated)?  It’s a long post, and that was daunting to me, at first.  But I am glad … Continue reading →

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Scattered Ramblings on an Atheist Podcast and Believing in God

Posted on October 29, 2014 by jamesbradfordpate

I was listening to an atheist podcast yesterday.  I was initially hesitant to do so.  Why?  Was it fear that they might persuade me to abandon my belief in God?  It’s not as if I hadn’t heard their sorts of … Continue reading →

Posted in Atheism, Religion | 3 Comments

Book Write-Up: Religion of the Romans

Posted on October 28, 2014 by jamesbradfordpate

Jӧrg Rüpke.  Religion of the Romans.  Trans. and ed., Richard Gordon.  Cambridge and Malden: Polity Press, 2009. This book is about the religion of the ancient Romans: their rituals, their festivals and who attended them, their votive offerings, their sacrifices, … Continue reading →

Posted in Greco-Roman, Religion | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Movie Write-Up: Grace Unplugged

Posted on October 27, 2014 by jamesbradfordpate

I watched a Christian movie a few days ago: Grace Unplugged, which came out in 2013.  Although the movie is Christian, Lionsgate Films and Roadside Attractions released it, and they release a lot of secular movies. The movie is about … Continue reading →

Posted in Desperate Housewives, Joan of Arcadia, Movies, Religion, Television | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Book Review: The Christian Doctrine of Apokatastasis

Posted on October 27, 2014 by jamesbradfordpate

Not sure to what extent I agree, but I’m reblogging this for future reference.

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Book Write-Up: The Foundation of Communion with God

Posted on October 27, 2014 by jamesbradfordpate

Ryan M. McGraw, ed.  The Foundation of Communion with God: The Trinitarian Piety of John Owen.  Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage Books, 2014. John Owen was a seventeenth century English Puritan.  Ryan M. McGraw’s Ph.D. work was about John Owen.  In … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Religion | 2 Comments

Book Write-Up: Look and Live, by Matt Papa

Posted on October 27, 2014 by jamesbradfordpate

Matt Papa.  Look and Live: Behold the Soul-Thrilling, Sin-Destroying Glory of Christ.  Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers, 2014.  See here for Bethany House’s page about the book. Matt Papa is a Christian recording artist and a minister.  His book Look and … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Religion | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Love Sermons—-I Should Expect Them!

Posted on October 26, 2014 by jamesbradfordpate

At church this morning, the pastor preached a love sermon: a sermon about how we should love other people.  That’s not my favorite kind of message, but I should expect it!  That sort of message is a salient part of … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Church, Love, Religion | Comments Off on Love Sermons—-I Should Expect Them!