2026-02-23 Lent 1

Intro

What is Lent?
- 40 days
- reflection
- desert time
- anticipating the Cross

A series in 6 parts of the Christian life, sharing in:

worship
prayer
scripture
communion
service
good news

Jesus you are the way, guide us on our journey.

Video

Reading: Luke 11:1-12

¹ One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

Groups

Source - a five session course on prayer for lent - session 2: source of joy - handout

Session 2: Prayer - source of joy

Groups

Source - a five session course on prayer for lent - session 2: source of joy

Session 2: Prayer - source of joy

Posts

Prayer

Introduction to Spirituality and Discipleship"

Deuteronomy - 8 challenges

8 contrasting challenges to the way we choose to live

Synopses

Three key questions

Chapter 1 - What are the keys to understanding the OT?

An overview of OT study: attractions and obstacles

The attractions of the OT

1. Gripping stories

[Contrary to Richter] Longman finds Christians increasingly attracted to OT.

'spell-binding plots', 'vivid characters'

Paul says [1 Cor 10:1-11] that these are warnings against behaviour such as Solomon’s who lost a kingdom as a result of his marriages to foreign wives [1 Kings].

Synopses

The Epic of Eden

Introduction

Most people have a hodge-podge of knowledge of the old testament but no coherent structure. Richter suggests there are three reasons for this:

Never been taught the OT is their story. Both story and God different to the NT and to Jesus, even unnecessary.
OT is inaccessible for historical, geographical, cultural, linguistic etc. reasons.
The 'dysfunctional closet syndrome'.

OT as your story

OT is two thirds of the Bible and redemption story but treated as 'unfortunate preface'. Yet the characters are unknown to us as close relatives may be to an Alzheimer’s sufferer.

Deuteronomy - 8 challenges

8 contrasting challenges to the way we choose to live

Practicing the Way

Dust

Who are you following?

There are no free thinkers

The world is forming us continuously …into what?

Even on days of doubt, I want to believe. I resonate with Peter’s conclusion

Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.

Apprentice to Jesus

Dramatisation of Peter’s calling by Jesus. Conclusion: bizarre, what on earth made him do that?

Rabbi as guru, each with a yoke (Hebrew idiom for briefs and practices).

Groups

Source - a five session course on prayer for lent - session 2: source of joy - handout

Session 2: Prayer - source of joy

Groups

Source - a five session course on prayer for lent - session 2: source of joy

Session 2: Prayer - source of joy

Practicing the Way

Dust

Who are you following?

There are no free thinkers

The world is forming us continuously …into what?

Even on days of doubt, I want to believe. I resonate with Peter’s conclusion

Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.

Apprentice to Jesus

Dramatisation of Peter’s calling by Jesus. Conclusion: bizarre, what on earth made him do that?

Rabbi as guru, each with a yoke (Hebrew idiom for briefs and practices).

Source - a five session course on prayer for lent - session 2: source of joy - handout

Session 2: Prayer - source of joy

Groups

Source - a five session course on prayer for lent - session 2: source of joy

Session 2: Prayer - source of joy

Chapter 12: Money

Chapter 12 of Living Witness: Explorations in Missional Ethics. Leicester: Apollos, 2012. Pages 240-257.

Sources

Introduction to Ethics - Economics, Wealth and Poverty

This session will introduce foundational biblical material and theological concepts for engagement with economic ethical questions and will aim to equip students to consider how Christians and churches should respond to wealth and poverty, and which economic system, if any, is most compatible with Christian teaching.

Sources

Introduction to Ethics - Ethics at the start of life

Aim: to equip students with an informed understanding of the prevalence and experience in contemporary life of abortion and fertility treatment, the pastoral needs of those who experience them, and to enable them to engage with the ethical questions they raise. Trigger warning. You may find some of the material in some of these items distressing.

Sources

Introduction to Ethics - Medical Ethics - Theological Foundations

This session will apply the hermeneutic approach explored in last week’s class to the topic of medical ethics. It will aim to enable students to consider the ways in which biblical, theological and philosophical themes might have a bearing on contemporary medical ethical issues.

Sources

Introduction to Ethics - Session 2

This session will explore possible contemporary hermeneutical approaches to Christian ethics, and seek to equip students to think for themselves about the way in which they use and apply the Bible in ethical deliberation and decision-making.

Sources

Introduction to Ethics - Session 1

Module Introduction

Tag: Money

Sources

Chapter 12: Money

Chapter 12 of Living Witness: Explorations in Missional Ethics. Leicester: Apollos, 2012. Pages 240-257.

Tag: Ethics

Sources

Introduction to Ethics - Economics, Wealth and Poverty

Sources

Introduction to Ethics - Ethics at the start of life

Sources

Introduction to Ethics - Medical Ethics - Theological Foundations

Sources

Introduction to Ethics - Session 2

Sources

Introduction to Ethics - Session 1

Module Introduction

Tag: Personhood

Sources

Christ and the Concept of Person

The concept of personhood is crucial for our understanding of what it is to be human. This article considers the ways that Christological debates in the early Church contributed to the emergence of the concept of person. It then suggests that neglect of the theological roots of this concept is the reason why modern definitions of person are unsatisfactory. The latter typically refer to particular properties of the individual, whereas the Trinitarian concept of person is relational. Finally, some ethical implications are drawn from the Christological insight that the person is a fundamental ontological category. In particular, this perspective defends the personhood of those who do not meet the criteria of modern definitions of person. Asking what it means to be human may be as old as humankind itself. Many conflicting views of human nature are on offer. Philosophy of mind has occupied a significant place in the debates. Much of these debates have been shaped by the monism-dualism dichotomy and varieties of these two opposing conceptions. Although challenging arguments abound, and there is much fruitful discussion, the possibility of consensus appears remote, even among those who share the same religious worldview. The time may therefore be ripe for a change of paradigm, a hunt for new insights that could help us to move out of well-worn ruts of discussion. The present article seeks to meet this challenge, by bringing together two intellectual worlds that hardly ever meet: philosophy of mind, and patristic theology. The hope is that this endeavor might indicate fresh directions to explore in our understanding of ourselves, whilst also throwing new light on old debates. The present article focuses on the concept of person, which is key to our understanding of ourselves as human beings. It also played a decisive role in the fierce controversies that arose concerning the Trinity and the Incarnation, early in Church history. The Council of Chalcedon’s declaration is famous for stating that 'Jesus Christ … must be confessed to be in two natures, … being united in one Person.' What is less well known is the fact that the Church Fathers had to significantly advance the concept of person in order to achieve the fine balance of the Christological creed. If we consider this development carefully, and its thoroughly biblical basis, we may better understand what it means to be a person, which has repercussions for human self-awareness.

Tag: Bioethics

Sources

Bioethics: a primer for Christians

CHAPTER ONE - Christian Vision

Although a great deal of the best work in bioethics has involved the application of certain ethical principles — such as respect for autonomy, beneficence, and justice — to particular issues of concern, there is no way to apply principles in a vacuum. How we understand such principles, and how we understand the situations we encounter, will depend on background beliefs that we bring to moral reflection — beliefs about the meaning of human life, the significance of suffering and dying, and the ultimate context in which to understand our being and doing. Our views on such matters are shaped by reasoned argument and reflection less often than we like to imagine. Our background beliefs are commonly held at a kind of prearticulate level. We take them in with the air we breathe, drink them in from the surrounding culture. It is, therefore, useful sometimes to call to mind simply and straightforwardly certain basic elements in a Christian vision of the world — to remind ourselves of how contrary to the assumptions of our culture that vision may be. Hence, before we turn in the following chapters to complicated issues in bioethics, we do well to reflect briefly upon some of our background beliefs.

Tag: Trinity College, Bristol and Bristol Baptist College

Sources

Bioethics: a primer for Christians

CHAPTER ONE - Christian Vision

Sources

A reader's guide to transforming mission

Chapter 2: Disciple-Making

Matthew’s Model of Mission

(Bosch, TM, pp. 56-83)

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Synopses

Three key questions

Chapter 1 - What are the keys to understanding the OT?

An overview of OT study: attractions and obstacles

The attractions of the OT

1. Gripping stories

[Contrary to Richter] Longman finds Christians increasingly attracted to OT.

'spell-binding plots', 'vivid characters'

Paul says [1 Cor 10:1-11] that these are warnings against behaviour such as Solomon’s who lost a kingdom as a result of his marriages to foreign wives [1 Kings].

Synopses

The Epic of Eden

Introduction

Most people have a hodge-podge of knowledge of the old testament but no coherent structure. Richter suggests there are three reasons for this:

Never been taught the OT is their story. Both story and God different to the NT and to Jesus, even unnecessary.
OT is inaccessible for historical, geographical, cultural, linguistic etc. reasons.
The 'dysfunctional closet syndrome'.

OT as your story

OT is two thirds of the Bible and redemption story but treated as 'unfortunate preface'. Yet the characters are unknown to us as close relatives may be to an Alzheimer’s sufferer.

Sources

Christian Doctrine, Chapter 3

Mike Higton, Christian Doctrine, London, SCM, 2008

Sources

The Twentieth Century

Church development in the 20^th century — war, conscientous objectors, ecumenicalism, Vatican II, pentacostalism, women

Sources

Turning points, third edition, chapter 12

Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity

Sources

The Church in Britain in the 19th Century

Background Factors/Events

The French Revolution (1789)
- An up-ending of tthe status quo that had been in place since medieval times.
- By contrast, Britain had already had its revolution.
- Church and status quo had been very closely linked thus Revolution almost destroyed the church (and it was illegal for a time)
- Initiated on the back of growing disparity between rich and poor and by Descartes, then Voltaire, Russeau whose rational humanism was able to undermine the status quo
- Within the revolution a period when no one was in charge and everything was violently turned on its head
- In Britain, church and aristocracy very threatened and caused them to challenge the rational, enlightenment under-pinnings of revolution.

Sources

The church in the age of reason - chapter 10

Methodism and the Evangelical Revival

The Hanoverian Church of England, despite its redeeming qualities, stood sorely in need of reform. The age of reason had forgotten certain fundamental human needs; natural religion might satisfy the minds of some, but the hearts of multitudes were hungry. The weaknesses of the established church - its failure to provide adequate care, the inflexibility of its parish system, its neglect of the new towns — left a vast and needy population waiting to be touched by a new word of power. ‘Just at this time, when we wanted little of “filling up the measure of our iniquities”, two or three clergymen of the Church of England began vehemently to “call sinners to repentance”’. In two or three years they had sounded the alarm to the utmost borders of the land. Many thousands gathered to hear them; and in every place where they came, many began to show such a concern for religion as they never had done before,’ This is Wesley’s own account of the beginnings of the Methodist revival.

Sources

The English Reformation

Precursors:

Wycliffe and the Lollards (see last week)
Humanism’s influence on scholarship: not just reformers – eg. Thomas More (1478-1532)

The beginning of reform

Henry VIII (1491–1547), King of England from 1509–1547.

Married Katherine of Aragon (daughter of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella) in 1509. K had been married to Henry’s older brother, Arthur, who had died in 1502.

Henry wasn’t a natural ‘reformer’ – tended to be very conservative about belief and practice: wrote Assertio Septem Sacramentorum (asserting there are seven sacraments) against Luther in 1521. Pope bestowed on him the title Defender of the Faith (Fides Defensor) in thanks.

Sources

Calvin

Zwingli (1484-1531)

In Zurich the Reformation came in the way normal among the free cities of the Holy Roman Empire. The leading citizens were influenced by the reforming doctrines; they resisted and repudiated the authority of the Bishop of Constance when he tried to interfere; the city council legislated to reform the churches and parishes, with the advice of its chief pastors, to allow clerical marriage, to remove superstitious images and relics, to suppress. the monasteries and use their endowments for education, and to order a vernacular and simplified liturgy instead of the mass, The process began in 1522 and was complete by 1525, As in other cities, the council followed with reforming regulations to control public morals,

Sources

The Counter-Reformation

CATHOLIC REFORMATION

Tue name of Counter-Reformation suggests a fight against Protestantism; There was a political aspect of the CounterReformation, a league of Catholic powers ready to crusade against the new Protestant states. There was also a true sense in which the fight against Protestantism encouraged the reforming movement within the Roman Catholic Church. But it did not create it. The conflict with Protestantism gave to reform a new edge, to cut through the vested interests and administrative conservatism which 2 frustrated reform. It gave to reform a dynamic, a vitality, an affection for ancient ways, and a mistrust of Protestant ways,

Sources

Martin Luther and the start of the Reformation

Martin Luther and the start of the Reformation. Handout from Paul Roberts as part of his 'Introduction to Church History' at Trinity College, Bristol, Easter Term, 2022

Sources

Turning points, third edition, chapter 4

Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity

Sources

British Christianity after AD 407

The Medieval Church in the West. Handout from Paul Roberts as part of his 'Introduction to Church History' at Trinity College, Bristol, Easter Term, 2022

Sources

The Great Councils

The Great Councils. Handout from Paul Roberts as part of his 'Introduction to Church History' at Trinity College, Bristol, Easter Term, 2022

Sources

The Medieval Church in the West

We will attempt to cover nearly 1000 years in one session - obviously we have to be selective, so we’ll look at how Christianity survived the collapse of Roman rule in the West. We’ll look at how Ireland, Scotland and England were evangelized and also how Britain went on to help re-established Christianity in Europe through the work of missionary monks. We’ll look at the fortunes of the papacy, some key figures and some important developments in theology and culture.

Sources

The African Pilgrim

Extract from "Introduction to Church History" by George Herring.

Sources

An Introduction to St Augustine of Hippo

Handout from Paul Roberts as part of his 'Introduction to Church History' at Trinity College, Bristol, Easter Term, 2022

Sources

The three great Capadoccians

History and writings of the Cappadocian Fathers: Basil the Great, his younger brother Gregory of Nyssa, and their friend Gregory of Nazianzus.

Sources

From Persecution to State Church

Today we’ll look at the major times of widespread persecutions of Christians by the Roman State, together with some of the long-term effects it had upon the Church. Then we will move forward to look at the process whereby the Empire itself became Christian.

Sources

Reading Topic: Christian Faith: Worship, Prayer and Church Order in the Early Centuries

This reading topic gives you a chance to look at how the Early Church worked, in terms of its core activities of worship, prayer and ministry. Patterns familiar in our day were in their earliest stages of development.

Sources

Key early thinkers

The purpose of this session is to give you a taste as to how the first generation of Christian 'theologians' tackled the issues of their day, arising from the existence and mission of the Church. You will be reading these writers in other modules, but this session is to introduce them and give you an idea of their overall context and thought.

Synopses

Chadwick, The Early Church

Chapter 1 from Jerusalem to Rome

Christians were first Jews so necessary to find continuity from Old Testament and old covenant
P9, 10 Jews 'a race apart' but 'ready to dedicate synagogues "to God in honour of the emperor"'
'A million Jews in Alexandria and Egypt' → influential. Often easier to let them have their own way in matters of religion
Admired for monotheism, morality and antiquity
Septuagint (work of 70 authors) dated from Alexandria in 3rd C BC under sponsorships of Ptolemy Philadelphus

Sources

The Early Church

Chapter 4: Justin and Irenaeus

JUSTIN MARTYR

The Gnostic heretics had appealed to the principles of Platonism to provide a philosophical justification for their doctrine that the elect soul must be liberated from the evil inherent in the material realm to escape to its true home and to enjoy the beatific vision. Their deep pessimism about this created order was not quite fairly deduced from the text of Plato, but there was a sufficient plausibility about the argument to make it look impressive. The Gnostic appeal to pagan philosophy did not tend to encourage the study of philosophy among those who feared Gnosticism as a corrupter of the truth. Philosophy came to seem like the mother of heresy. To Irenaeus of Lyons Gnosticism was a ragbag of heathen speculations with bits taken from different philosophers to dress out a bogus, anti-rational mythology. His successor as an anti-heretical writer, Hippolytus, whose mind was a curious mixture of scholarship and foolishness, wrote a lengthy refutation of the sects based on the presupposition that each sect had corrupted the authentic gospel by principles drawn from a pagan philosopher; he incidentally preserved thereby many fragments of classical philosophers like Heraclitus which would otherwise have been lost. Tertullian scornfully mocked those who 'advocate a Stoic or a Platonic or an Aristotelian Christianity'. It was a Gnostic thesis that faith needs supplementation by philosophical inquiries. 'What has Athens in common with Jerusalem?'

Sources

Early Heresies and Movements

This session tracks the early developments in Christian, and not-so-Christian, thought. It looks at the emergence of 'heresy', the emergence of the concept of 'Catholicity' and 'orthodoxy', and the reaction to the increasingly structured nature of the Church.

Sources

After the Apostles

The death of the apostles; an increasingly delayed parousia; a growing Church; state-sponsored persecution and the rise of convincing, but 'false' teaching — all in the midst of a world which had very different ideas to those of the Bible and a culture which was deeply suspicious of monotheism and its implied challenge to the political and social ways of doing things. This was the entry moment for Christianity onto the wider world scene.

Tag: Augustine

Sources

Dowler Theological Ethics

Chapter 1: Sin and Grace

Augustine and Pelagius

The incident of the pears

Theft receives certain punishment by your law (Exodus 20:15) Lord and by the law written in the hearts of men (Rom 2:14) which not even iniquity itself destroys … I wanted to carry out an act of theft and did so, driven by no kind of need other than my inner lack of any sense of or feeling for, justice. Wickedness filled me. I stole something which I had in plenty and of much better quality. My desire was to enjoy not what I sought by stealing but merely the excitement of thieving and the doing of what was wrong. There was a pear tree near our vineyard laden with fruit, though attractive neither in colour nor taste. To shake the fruit off the tree and carry off the pears, I and a gang of naughty adolescents set off late at night after (in our usual pestilential way) we had continued our game in the streets. We carried off a huge load of pears. But they were not for our feasts but merely to throw to the pigs. Even if we ate a few, nevertheless our pleasure lay in doing what was not allowed. Such was my heart, O God, such was my heart. You had pity on it when it was at the bottom of the abyss. Now let my heart tell you what it was seeking there in that I became evil for no reason. I had no motive for my wickedness except wickedness itself. It was foul and I loved it. I loved the self-destruction, I loved my fall, not the object for which I had fallen but my fall itself. My depraved soul leaped down from your firmament to ruin. I was seeking not to gain any thing by shameful means but shame for its own sake.

Sources

A Short History of Christian Doctrine

Lohse, Bernhard 'A Short History of Christian Doctrine.' Trans. F. Ernest Stoeffler. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1966.

Tag: Pelagius

Sources

Dowler Theological Ethics

Chapter 1: Sin and Grace

Augustine and Pelagius

The incident of the pears

Theft receives certain punishment by your law (Exodus 20:15) Lord and by the law written in the hearts of men (Rom 2:14) which not even iniquity itself destroys … I wanted to carry out an act of theft and did so, driven by no kind of need other than my inner lack of any sense of or feeling for, justice. Wickedness filled me. I stole something which I had in plenty and of much better quality. My desire was to enjoy not what I sought by stealing but merely the excitement of thieving and the doing of what was wrong. There was a pear tree near our vineyard laden with fruit, though attractive neither in colour nor taste. To shake the fruit off the tree and carry off the pears, I and a gang of naughty adolescents set off late at night after (in our usual pestilential way) we had continued our game in the streets. We carried off a huge load of pears. But they were not for our feasts but merely to throw to the pigs. Even if we ate a few, nevertheless our pleasure lay in doing what was not allowed. Such was my heart, O God, such was my heart. You had pity on it when it was at the bottom of the abyss. Now let my heart tell you what it was seeking there in that I became evil for no reason. I had no motive for my wickedness except wickedness itself. It was foul and I loved it. I loved the self-destruction, I loved my fall, not the object for which I had fallen but my fall itself. My depraved soul leaped down from your firmament to ruin. I was seeking not to gain any thing by shameful means but shame for its own sake.

Tag: Fresh Expressions

Synopses

Mission Shaped Church

Mission shaped church

Chapter 1:

post-Christendom

Much of Britain’s self-understanding comes from centuries of Christian faith, but many in Britain now have minimal knpowledge of the Christian faith. Mission shaped church start of post-Christendom section

drop from 55 to 4% Sunday school atendence in 20th century.
multi-culturalism reinforces consumerism in faith—whatever 'works' for you.
citation 59 no dormant faith to revive, second of third generation pagans.
a 'diametrically different' approach emerging from 'come' to 'go'

Posts

Stephenson Missiology

Option 2) Fresh Expression in Each New Generation - In 2,500 words discuss how new forms of Church might engage with a consumerist culture whilst being true to the discipleship of Jesus. How might an ‘It-must-fit-me culture’ be discipled? Make reference to wider biblical and theological sources in your answer. Finally, discuss the implications of fresh expressions in the way that mission might be engaged in your current context? As you look at the insights for mission detailed by your mission audit, what actions will you be taking? - How engage consumerist / post-modern? - What does it mean to…

Tag: Ministry

Synopses

Mission Shaped Church

Mission shaped church

Chapter 1:

post-Christendom

Much of Britain’s self-understanding comes from centuries of Christian faith, but many in Britain now have minimal knpowledge of the Christian faith. Mission shaped church start of post-Christendom section

drop from 55 to 4% Sunday school atendence in 20th century.
multi-culturalism reinforces consumerism in faith—whatever 'works' for you.
citation 59 no dormant faith to revive, second of third generation pagans.
a 'diametrically different' approach emerging from 'come' to 'go'

Posts

Stephenson Missiology

Tag: Missio Dei

Synopses

Mission Shaped Church

Mission shaped church

Chapter 1:

post-Christendom

Much of Britain’s self-understanding comes from centuries of Christian faith, but many in Britain now have minimal knpowledge of the Christian faith. Mission shaped church start of post-Christendom section

drop from 55 to 4% Sunday school atendence in 20th century.
multi-culturalism reinforces consumerism in faith—whatever 'works' for you.
citation 59 no dormant faith to revive, second of third generation pagans.
a 'diametrically different' approach emerging from 'come' to 'go'

Posts

Stephenson Missiology

Tag: Mission

Synopses

Mission Shaped Church

Mission shaped church

Chapter 1:

post-Christendom

Much of Britain’s self-understanding comes from centuries of Christian faith, but many in Britain now have minimal knpowledge of the Christian faith. Mission shaped church start of post-Christendom section

drop from 55 to 4% Sunday school atendence in 20th century.
multi-culturalism reinforces consumerism in faith—whatever 'works' for you.
citation 59 no dormant faith to revive, second of third generation pagans.
a 'diametrically different' approach emerging from 'come' to 'go'

Posts

Stephenson Missiology

Tag: Daniel Everett

February 5, 2023

Anxious tribalism and the loss of the metanarrative seen in Daniel Everett's mission amongst the Pirahã

This article works with the notion of 'tribal anxiety' as being a concern over the maintenance of an overarching story and a pressure that causes new identity to emerge. It considers the loss of metanarrative in both the message of the Christian gospel and in its vehicle of universal grammar. The impact of this loss is considered by considering Daniel Everett’s encounter with the Pirahã. Anxious tribalism seen in the challenged Christian constructs of Everett is discussed in relation to the larger tribe (the missional perspectives of Everett). The apparent lack of anxious tribalism is discussed in terms of the unchallenged constructs of the smaller tribe (the Pirahã). The linguistic and theological issues arising for missiology are discussed.

Tag: Metanarrative

February 5, 2023

Anxious tribalism and the loss of the metanarrative seen in Daniel Everett's mission amongst the Pirahã

Tag: Tribal Anxiety

February 5, 2023

Anxious tribalism and the loss of the metanarrative seen in Daniel Everett's mission amongst the Pirahã

Tag: Trinity College Bristol

February 5, 2023

Anxious tribalism and the loss of the metanarrative seen in Daniel Everett's mission amongst the Pirahã

Sources

The Doctrine of Creation

Theology concerns itself with God and all things in relation to God.

Questions
- What is creation?
- How is creation?
- Why is creation?
- Who creates?
An article of faith, not an empirical observation

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth…

‘…the doctrine of creation no less than the remaining content of Christian confession is an article of faith, i.e., the rendering of a knowledge which no man has procured for himself or ever will; which is neither native to him nor accessible by way of observation and logical thinking; for which he has no organ and no ability; which he can in fact achieve only in faith; but which is actually consummated in faith, i.e., in the reception of and response to the divine witness…’ --(Karl Barth, CD III/1, 3-4)

Sources

Doctrine of the Trinity

Pre-reading

God exists as three persons

– Father, Son, and Holy Spirit –

and each is fully God, and there is one God.

Would it matter if God wasn’t triune?

Karl Rahner, 1967

'The treatise on the Trinity occupies a rather isolated position in the total dogmatic system. To put it crassly, and not without exaggeration, when the treatise is concluded, its subject is never brought up again. Its function in the whole dogmatic construction is not clearly perceived. It is as though this mystery has been revealed for its own sake, and that even after it has been made known to us, it remains, as a reality, locked up within itself. We make statements about it, but as a reality it has nothing to do with us at all.'

— Karl Rahner
The Trinity

Sources

Holy Scripture

Required reading

Recap: My own approach

Theology is rational reflection on the person, nature, and works of God which is guided by the witness of scripture, informed by tradition, and in conversation with culture.
Primarily systematic
- diverse views
over time and
over place

Opening discussion: What is Scripture?

Ideas:

66 books + ?
inspired/revealed word of God, written by people
a guide
a gift
points to God, not to itself

Sources

What is theology?

A brief introduction to Christian doctrine: Introduction

Tag: Universal Faith

February 5, 2023

Anxious tribalism and the loss of the metanarrative seen in Daniel Everett's mission amongst the Pirahã

Tag: Universal Grammar

February 5, 2023

Anxious tribalism and the loss of the metanarrative seen in Daniel Everett's mission amongst the Pirahã

Tag: Baptist Mission Society (BMS)

Sources

Historical dimensions of mission

Introduction: The Importance of History

Before we think specifically about mission history, it’s important to get our bearings: why is history important? How do we interpret it, so that it speaks to us today? All Christians should have a strong sense of history since their identity has been forged out of historical events, even if those events, for Anglicans for example, were often politically very ambiguous and even embarrassing. But that is just as true of all history, and no less true of the history which shaped the people of God in Scripture! That was also sometimes very ambiguous and embarrassing. Biblical faith is itself a historical faith, and God reveals himself through its story. As we interpret the past we try to understand what God has been doing in history and therefore how he is at work today. If we believe that the Lord of history was in providential control of past events to fulfil his missio Dei mission purposes, so we trust that 'God is working His purpose out' today, even through the tortuous complexity of human affairs.

Tag: Church Mission Society (CMS)

Sources

Historical dimensions of mission

Introduction: The Importance of History

Tag: London Missionary Society (LMS)

Sources

Historical dimensions of mission

Introduction: The Importance of History

Tag: William Carey

Sources

Historical dimensions of mission

Introduction: The Importance of History

Tag: Covenant

Synopses

Three key questions

Chapter 1 - What are the keys to understanding the OT?

An overview of OT study: attractions and obstacles

The attractions of the OT

1. Gripping stories

[Contrary to Richter] Longman finds Christians increasingly attracted to OT.

'spell-binding plots', 'vivid characters'

Paul says [1 Cor 10:1-11] that these are warnings against behaviour such as Solomon’s who lost a kingdom as a result of his marriages to foreign wives [1 Kings].

Synopses

The Epic of Eden

Introduction

Most people have a hodge-podge of knowledge of the old testament but no coherent structure. Richter suggests there are three reasons for this:

Never been taught the OT is their story. Both story and God different to the NT and to Jesus, even unnecessary.
OT is inaccessible for historical, geographical, cultural, linguistic etc. reasons.
The 'dysfunctional closet syndrome'.

OT as your story

OT is two thirds of the Bible and redemption story but treated as 'unfortunate preface'. Yet the characters are unknown to us as close relatives may be to an Alzheimer’s sufferer.

Tag: Longman

Synopses

Three key questions

Chapter 1 - What are the keys to understanding the OT?

An overview of OT study: attractions and obstacles

The attractions of the OT

1. Gripping stories

[Contrary to Richter] Longman finds Christians increasingly attracted to OT.

'spell-binding plots', 'vivid characters'

Paul says [1 Cor 10:1-11] that these are warnings against behaviour such as Solomon’s who lost a kingdom as a result of his marriages to foreign wives [1 Kings].

Tag: Richter

Synopses

The Epic of Eden

Introduction

Most people have a hodge-podge of knowledge of the old testament but no coherent structure. Richter suggests there are three reasons for this:

Never been taught the OT is their story. Both story and God different to the NT and to Jesus, even unnecessary.
OT is inaccessible for historical, geographical, cultural, linguistic etc. reasons.
The 'dysfunctional closet syndrome'.

OT as your story

OT is two thirds of the Bible and redemption story but treated as 'unfortunate preface'. Yet the characters are unknown to us as close relatives may be to an Alzheimer’s sufferer.

Tag: Doctrine

Posts

Doctrine essay bibliography

Bibliography for Doctrine course’s question on Tradition

Sources

The Doctrine of Creation

Theology concerns itself with God and all things in relation to God.

Questions
- What is creation?
- How is creation?
- Why is creation?
- Who creates?
An article of faith, not an empirical observation

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth…

‘…the doctrine of creation no less than the remaining content of Christian confession is an article of faith, i.e., the rendering of a knowledge which no man has procured for himself or ever will; which is neither native to him nor accessible by way of observation and logical thinking; for which he has no organ and no ability; which he can in fact achieve only in faith; but which is actually consummated in faith, i.e., in the reception of and response to the divine witness…’ --(Karl Barth, CD III/1, 3-4)

Sources

Doctrine of the Trinity

Pre-reading

God exists as three persons

– Father, Son, and Holy Spirit –

and each is fully God, and there is one God.

Would it matter if God wasn’t triune?

Karl Rahner, 1967

'The treatise on the Trinity occupies a rather isolated position in the total dogmatic system. To put it crassly, and not without exaggeration, when the treatise is concluded, its subject is never brought up again. Its function in the whole dogmatic construction is not clearly perceived. It is as though this mystery has been revealed for its own sake, and that even after it has been made known to us, it remains, as a reality, locked up within itself. We make statements about it, but as a reality it has nothing to do with us at all.'

— Karl Rahner
The Trinity

Sources

Doctrine of God

Pre-reading

Aims

To compare and contrast classical and modern intuitions about the being of God.
To become aware of the unique relationship between God and human language.
To gain a basic familiarity with certain issues surrounding talk of divine ‘attributes.’
To instil an impulse of humility and prayer when attempting to speak about God.

God is…

love
almighty?
dead!?
known [revealed] through Jesus?

Sources

Holy Scripture

Required reading

Recap: My own approach

Theology is rational reflection on the person, nature, and works of God which is guided by the witness of scripture, informed by tradition, and in conversation with culture.
Primarily systematic
- diverse views
over time and
over place

Opening discussion: What is Scripture?

Ideas:

66 books + ?
inspired/revealed word of God, written by people
a guide
a gift
points to God, not to itself

Sources

What is theology?

A brief introduction to Christian doctrine: Introduction

Tag: Tradition

Posts

Doctrine essay bibliography

Bibliography for Doctrine course’s question on Tradition

Tag: Creation

Sources

The Doctrine of Creation

Theology concerns itself with God and all things in relation to God.

Questions
- What is creation?
- How is creation?
- Why is creation?
- Who creates?
An article of faith, not an empirical observation

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth…

‘…the doctrine of creation no less than the remaining content of Christian confession is an article of faith, i.e., the rendering of a knowledge which no man has procured for himself or ever will; which is neither native to him nor accessible by way of observation and logical thinking; for which he has no organ and no ability; which he can in fact achieve only in faith; but which is actually consummated in faith, i.e., in the reception of and response to the divine witness…’ --(Karl Barth, CD III/1, 3-4)

Sources

ESSENTIALS OF CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY

Is God in Charge? Creation and Providence

If Christians know anything about the Old Testament, they know the first few lines in which God is said to have cteated heaven and earth, Following the carly ecumenical creeds in which Gods creation of the world is cited first among the acts of salvation history, Christians often express such a belief in the routine course of worship—for example, in the thanksgiving portions of eucharistic services or when renewing baptismal vows.

Tag: Providence

Sources

ESSENTIALS OF CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY

Is God in Charge? Creation and Providence

Tag: Tanner

Sources

ESSENTIALS OF CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY

Is God in Charge? Creation and Providence

Tag: Trinity

Sources

Doctrine of the Trinity

Pre-reading

God exists as three persons

– Father, Son, and Holy Spirit –

and each is fully God, and there is one God.

Would it matter if God wasn’t triune?

Karl Rahner, 1967

'The treatise on the Trinity occupies a rather isolated position in the total dogmatic system. To put it crassly, and not without exaggeration, when the treatise is concluded, its subject is never brought up again. Its function in the whole dogmatic construction is not clearly perceived. It is as though this mystery has been revealed for its own sake, and that even after it has been made known to us, it remains, as a reality, locked up within itself. We make statements about it, but as a reality it has nothing to do with us at all.'

— Karl Rahner
The Trinity

Sources

The Trinity in Africa

Journal of Reformed Theology 3 (2009) 125-143 The Trinity in Africa James Kombo Associate Professor of Systematic Theology; Daystar University, Kenya E-mail: jkombo@daystar.ac.ke (c) Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2009 DOL: 10.1163/156973109X448698 Downloaded from Brill.com

Tag: _NTU_ Metaphysics

Sources

The Trinity in Africa

Tag: African Names for God,

Sources

The Trinity in Africa

Tag: Africanization,

Sources

The Trinity in Africa

Tag: Athanasius

Sources

A Short History of Christian Doctrine

Lohse, Bernhard 'A Short History of Christian Doctrine.' Trans. F. Ernest Stoeffler. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1966.

Tag: Basil the Great

Sources

A Short History of Christian Doctrine

Lohse, Bernhard 'A Short History of Christian Doctrine.' Trans. F. Ernest Stoeffler. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1966.

Tag: Cappadocian Fathers

Sources

A Short History of Christian Doctrine

Lohse, Bernhard 'A Short History of Christian Doctrine.' Trans. F. Ernest Stoeffler. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1966.

Sources

Gregory Nazianzus--The First Theological Oration

Gregory Nazianzus—The First Theological Oration

Introduction

Gregory of Nazianzus (c.329-c.390) was a fourth century theologian who, along with the other so-called 'Cappadocian Fathers' (Basil of Caesarea and Gregory of Nyssa) played a large part in the theological settlement represented in the Council of Constantinople in 381 (which produced the final form of the Nicene Creed). In the years leading up to the Council, Gregory preached what have become known as the the five 'Theological Orations' in defence of the divinity of the Son, and chiefly against a group of heretics known as the Eunomians. The first oration is notable for its development of the following themes: 1. The portrayal of heretics as those who indulge in theological debate merely for 'sport' or amusement. 2. The purity of one’s heart as a prerequisite for doing theology. 3. The need for 'restraining one’s tongue' when it comes to speaking of the divine mysteries. 4. The belief that theology should be protected from becoming too 'common.' 5. The insistence that the agenda for theology should be set by its own subject matter (i.e., God) rather than by debates with opponents. 6. The plea for those interested in simply debating to focus on any subject other than God—since talking about God must always be, in a certain sense, 'dangerous.'

Tag: Christianization,

Sources

The Trinity in Africa

Tag: Council of Constantinople

Sources

A Short History of Christian Doctrine

Lohse, Bernhard 'A Short History of Christian Doctrine.' Trans. F. Ernest Stoeffler. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1966.

Tag: Council of Nicaea

Sources

A Short History of Christian Doctrine

Lohse, Bernhard 'A Short History of Christian Doctrine.' Trans. F. Ernest Stoeffler. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1966.

Tag: Gregory Nazianus

Sources

A Short History of Christian Doctrine

Lohse, Bernhard 'A Short History of Christian Doctrine.' Trans. F. Ernest Stoeffler. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1966.

Sources

Gregory Nazianzus--The First Theological Oration

Gregory Nazianzus—The First Theological Oration

Introduction

Tag: Gregory of Nyssa

Sources

A Short History of Christian Doctrine

Lohse, Bernhard 'A Short History of Christian Doctrine.' Trans. F. Ernest Stoeffler. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1966.

Tag: Origen

Sources

A Short History of Christian Doctrine

Lohse, Bernhard 'A Short History of Christian Doctrine.' Trans. F. Ernest Stoeffler. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1966.

Sources

The Early Church

Chapter 4: Justin and Irenaeus

JUSTIN MARTYR

Tag: Primitive or Diffused Monotheism,

Sources

The Trinity in Africa

Tag: Doctrine of God

Sources

Doctrine of God

Pre-reading

Aims

To compare and contrast classical and modern intuitions about the being of God.
To become aware of the unique relationship between God and human language.
To gain a basic familiarity with certain issues surrounding talk of divine ‘attributes.’
To instil an impulse of humility and prayer when attempting to speak about God.

God is…

love
almighty?
dead!?
known [revealed] through Jesus?

Tag: Scripture

Sources

Holy Scripture

Required reading

Recap: My own approach

Theology is rational reflection on the person, nature, and works of God which is guided by the witness of scripture, informed by tradition, and in conversation with culture.
Primarily systematic
- diverse views
over time and
over place

Opening discussion: What is Scripture?

Ideas:

66 books + ?
inspired/revealed word of God, written by people
a guide
a gift
points to God, not to itself

Tag: Barth

Sources

Scripture

THE OXFORD HANDBOOK OF Systematic theology Edited by JOHN WEBSTER, KATHRYN TANNER, IAIN TORRANCE Chapter 19 - Stephen E. Fowl

Tag: Webster

Sources

Scripture

THE OXFORD HANDBOOK OF Systematic theology Edited by JOHN WEBSTER, KATHRYN TANNER, IAIN TORRANCE Chapter 19 - Stephen E. Fowl

Tag: Theology

Sources

What is theology?

A brief introduction to Christian doctrine: Introduction

Tag: Arminius

Sources

Calvin and Calvinism

Some notes and quotations from Justo Gonsalvez’s "Story of Christianity Vol II" chapters 7 and 21. Key events in Calvin’s life, theology and how this was developed after his lifetime.

Tag: Calvin

Sources

Calvin and Calvinism

Some notes and quotations from Justo Gonsalvez’s "Story of Christianity Vol II" chapters 7 and 21. Key events in Calvin’s life, theology and how this was developed after his lifetime.

Sources

Luther and Zwingli

Some notes and quotations from Justo Gonsalvez’s "Story of Christianity Vol II" chapters 4,5 and 20

Tag: Diet of Worms

Sources

Luther and Zwingli

Some notes and quotations from Justo Gonsalvez’s "Story of Christianity Vol II" chapters 4,5 and 20

Tag: Humanism

Sources

Luther and Zwingli

Some notes and quotations from Justo Gonsalvez’s "Story of Christianity Vol II" chapters 4,5 and 20

Sources

Martin Luther and the start of the Reformation

Martin Luther and the start of the Reformation. Handout from Paul Roberts as part of his 'Introduction to Church History' at Trinity College, Bristol, Easter Term, 2022

Tag: Institutes

Sources

Calvin and Calvinism

Some notes and quotations from Justo Gonsalvez’s "Story of Christianity Vol II" chapters 7 and 21. Key events in Calvin’s life, theology and how this was developed after his lifetime.

Tag: Koornhert

Sources

Calvin and Calvinism

Some notes and quotations from Justo Gonsalvez’s "Story of Christianity Vol II" chapters 7 and 21. Key events in Calvin’s life, theology and how this was developed after his lifetime.

Tag: Luther

Sources

Luther and Zwingli

Some notes and quotations from Justo Gonsalvez’s "Story of Christianity Vol II" chapters 4,5 and 20

Sources

Martin Luther and the start of the Reformation

Martin Luther and the start of the Reformation. Handout from Paul Roberts as part of his 'Introduction to Church History' at Trinity College, Bristol, Easter Term, 2022

Tag: Melanchathon

Sources

Luther and Zwingli

Some notes and quotations from Justo Gonsalvez’s "Story of Christianity Vol II" chapters 4,5 and 20

Tag: Reformation

Sources

Calvin and Calvinism

Some notes and quotations from Justo Gonsalvez’s "Story of Christianity Vol II" chapters 7 and 21. Key events in Calvin’s life, theology and how this was developed after his lifetime.

Sources

Luther and Zwingli

Some notes and quotations from Justo Gonsalvez’s "Story of Christianity Vol II" chapters 4,5 and 20

Tag: Servetus

Sources

Calvin and Calvinism

Some notes and quotations from Justo Gonsalvez’s "Story of Christianity Vol II" chapters 7 and 21. Key events in Calvin’s life, theology and how this was developed after his lifetime.

Tag: Synod of Dort

Sources

Calvin and Calvinism

Some notes and quotations from Justo Gonsalvez’s "Story of Christianity Vol II" chapters 7 and 21. Key events in Calvin’s life, theology and how this was developed after his lifetime.

Tag: Westminister Confession

Sources

Calvin and Calvinism

Some notes and quotations from Justo Gonsalvez’s "Story of Christianity Vol II" chapters 7 and 21. Key events in Calvin’s life, theology and how this was developed after his lifetime.

Tag: Zwingli

Sources

Luther and Zwingli

Some notes and quotations from Justo Gonsalvez’s "Story of Christianity Vol II" chapters 4,5 and 20

Sources

Martin Luther and the start of the Reformation

Martin Luther and the start of the Reformation. Handout from Paul Roberts as part of his 'Introduction to Church History' at Trinity College, Bristol, Easter Term, 2022

Tag: Alpha Course

Sources

The Twentieth Century

Church development in the 20^th century — war, conscientous objectors, ecumenicalism, Vatican II, pentacostalism, women

Tag: Ecumenicalism

Sources

The Twentieth Century

Church development in the 20^th century — war, conscientous objectors, ecumenicalism, Vatican II, pentacostalism, women

Tag: Pentacostalism

Sources

The Twentieth Century

Church development in the 20^th century — war, conscientous objectors, ecumenicalism, Vatican II, pentacostalism, women

Tag: The Great War

Sources

The Twentieth Century

Church development in the 20^th century — war, conscientous objectors, ecumenicalism, Vatican II, pentacostalism, women

Tag: Vatican 2

Sources

The Twentieth Century

Church development in the 20^th century — war, conscientous objectors, ecumenicalism, Vatican II, pentacostalism, women

Tag: Women

Sources

The Twentieth Century

Church development in the 20^th century — war, conscientous objectors, ecumenicalism, Vatican II, pentacostalism, women

Tag: World Council of Churches

Sources

The Twentieth Century

Church development in the 20^th century — war, conscientous objectors, ecumenicalism, Vatican II, pentacostalism, women

Tag: WWII

Sources

The Twentieth Century

Church development in the 20^th century — war, conscientous objectors, ecumenicalism, Vatican II, pentacostalism, women

Tag: Methodism

Sources

The church in the age of reason - chapter 10

Methodism and the Evangelical Revival

Tag: The Clapham Set

Sources

The church in the age of reason - chapter 10

Methodism and the Evangelical Revival

Tag: Wesley

Sources

The church in the age of reason - chapter 10

Methodism and the Evangelical Revival

Tag: Whitefield

Sources

The church in the age of reason - chapter 10

Methodism and the Evangelical Revival

Tag: Benedict

Sources

Turning points, third edition, chapter 4

Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity

Tag: Gregory I

Sources

Turning points, third edition, chapter 4

Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity

Tag: Jan Hus

Sources

Martin Luther and the start of the Reformation

Martin Luther and the start of the Reformation. Handout from Paul Roberts as part of his 'Introduction to Church History' at Trinity College, Bristol, Easter Term, 2022

Tag: John Wycliffe

Sources

Martin Luther and the start of the Reformation

Martin Luther and the start of the Reformation. Handout from Paul Roberts as part of his 'Introduction to Church History' at Trinity College, Bristol, Easter Term, 2022

Tag: Nominalism

Sources

Martin Luther and the start of the Reformation

Martin Luther and the start of the Reformation. Handout from Paul Roberts as part of his 'Introduction to Church History' at Trinity College, Bristol, Easter Term, 2022

Tag: Thomas Aquinas

Sources

Martin Luther and the start of the Reformation

Martin Luther and the start of the Reformation. Handout from Paul Roberts as part of his 'Introduction to Church History' at Trinity College, Bristol, Easter Term, 2022

Tag: Anglo-Saxon

Sources

British Christianity after AD 407

The Medieval Church in the West. Handout from Paul Roberts as part of his 'Introduction to Church History' at Trinity College, Bristol, Easter Term, 2022

Tag: Celtic Christianity

Sources

British Christianity after AD 407

The Medieval Church in the West. Handout from Paul Roberts as part of his 'Introduction to Church History' at Trinity College, Bristol, Easter Term, 2022

Tag: St Aidan

Sources

British Christianity after AD 407

The Medieval Church in the West. Handout from Paul Roberts as part of his 'Introduction to Church History' at Trinity College, Bristol, Easter Term, 2022

Tag: St Columba

Sources

British Christianity after AD 407

The Medieval Church in the West. Handout from Paul Roberts as part of his 'Introduction to Church History' at Trinity College, Bristol, Easter Term, 2022

Tag: St Cuthbert

Sources

British Christianity after AD 407

The Medieval Church in the West. Handout from Paul Roberts as part of his 'Introduction to Church History' at Trinity College, Bristol, Easter Term, 2022

Tag: St David

Sources

British Christianity after AD 407

The Medieval Church in the West. Handout from Paul Roberts as part of his 'Introduction to Church History' at Trinity College, Bristol, Easter Term, 2022

Tag: St Illtud

Sources

British Christianity after AD 407

The Medieval Church in the West. Handout from Paul Roberts as part of his 'Introduction to Church History' at Trinity College, Bristol, Easter Term, 2022

Tag: St Patrick

Sources

British Christianity after AD 407

The Medieval Church in the West. Handout from Paul Roberts as part of his 'Introduction to Church History' at Trinity College, Bristol, Easter Term, 2022

Tag: Chalcedon

Sources

The Great Councils

The Great Councils. Handout from Paul Roberts as part of his 'Introduction to Church History' at Trinity College, Bristol, Easter Term, 2022

Tag: Constantinople

Sources

The Great Councils

The Great Councils. Handout from Paul Roberts as part of his 'Introduction to Church History' at Trinity College, Bristol, Easter Term, 2022

Tag: Ephesus

Sources

The Great Councils

The Great Councils. Handout from Paul Roberts as part of his 'Introduction to Church History' at Trinity College, Bristol, Easter Term, 2022

Tag: Nicea

Sources

The Great Councils

The Great Councils. Handout from Paul Roberts as part of his 'Introduction to Church History' at Trinity College, Bristol, Easter Term, 2022

Tag: St Augustine of Hippo

Sources

The Confessions of Saint Augustine

The importance of the Confessions (Confessiones), written in 397-8, is as a personal document and statement of faith. This translation is in modern English found at the Stanford website. However it is incomplete and does not make clear its copyright.

Sources