Applied Theology
(Continued from Part 1) From the earliest stages of the Old Testament, instructions were given for people by God concerning miracles and their proper functions. In Deuteronomy 13:1-3, God’s people received a succinct, yet irrefutably clear, annunciation of the function of miracles. There are two primary functions of the signs and wonders. First, the signs... Continue Reading →
This article is part one of a three-part defense of miracles. Against the backdrop of growing skepticism in Britain and the west, C. S. Lewis wrote an important little treatise in defense of miracles. As the progress of science became more and more intertwined with Darwin’s evolutionary schemes of human origin, philosophers and academics became... Continue Reading →
There’s a new controversy a-brewing, and it’s all by design. Professor Karen King is promoting the novel idea that Jesus had a wife. She has found a fragment—supposedly from the 4th century (though not yet attested)—which contains the line, “Jesus said to them, My wife….” Whether anyone in the 4th century actually wrote that line,... Continue Reading →
Earlier in the week, I noted how the largest American mosque is equivocating on free speech. Now, two more stories have erupted which keep the issue on the table of concern for anyone who cares about basic human rights. First, the U. N. Secretary General (Ban ki-moon) asserted that stringent limits should be placed on... Continue Reading →
William Law once said, "There is nothing that makes us love a man so much as prayer for him.” Nothing is more natural or loving for the Christian than prayer. Jesus, early in His ministry, taught His disciples how to pray (Matthew 6). The Apostle Paul later taught Christians to “pray without ceasing,” (1... Continue Reading →
Well it is good to hear the largest mosque in America speaking out against the violence Muslims are perpetrating around the globe. Al Qazwini, imam at the Dearborn mosque, has even stated that Muslims cannot tolerate killing. Yet, even with this ostensible condemnation of Muslim violence, Al Qazwini offers three very troubling remarks for those... Continue Reading →
Chris Stevens and three other U.S. Embassy officials are dead. Murdered. Who did it? According to most journalists, a movie did it. I’ve watched a great many “Who Done It” movies, but I think this is the first time the movie “done it.” How can a movie kill? In the twisted logic of news outlets... Continue Reading →
I will have a fuller article posted later (and maybe a podcast or video), but I felt the need to get this thought out: Films do not kill people. Why must this be said? Because article after article makes it sound as though the Muhammad Film is responsible for protests, violence, and murder. Whatever one... Continue Reading →
A friend recently asked me to explain what the sign of the new covenant is for Christians today. That can be a thorny question. A few years ago, another blogger sought to answer the question and hinted that it might be the Lord’s Supper. Most have supposed the sign of the new covenant to be... Continue Reading →
Is it okay to watch a movie in your church sanctuary? What about the Holy Land, is it really holy? These are but two of the practical questions I sprung on my Sunday school class recently. How would you answer? Your answer would betray your allegiance to your concept of sacred space. Do you believe... Continue Reading →
Are Muslims in Denver taking us back to the Reconstruction days of Plessy v. Ferguson? Americans instinctively recoil nowadays at the thought of “separate but equal” laws. How can we possibly single out a group of Americans based on their skin color, ethnic background, or religious preference? Such separation denies basic freedoms inherent in... Continue Reading →
Although in Islam there are debates about the nature of Jihad and legitimacy of carrying out attacks in the name of Allah, there is not that much of a debate about whether Muslims ought to practice abortion. The general consensus is that abortion is haram, forbidden. The reason offered for the prohibition against abortions is... Continue Reading →
There was a much-hyped Muslim prayer rally sanctioned and embraced by the Democrat National Convention in Charlotte. (Pre-rally hype estimated participants exceeding 20,000. Apparently, only 200 or so showed up). Muslims were invited and welcomed by the DNC. Christians were shunned. Much has been made of the difficulty the DNC has had believing in God... Continue Reading →
Reviewing the various articles about 2016: The Movie leaves one wondering what we ought to think about Dinesh D'Souza's recent portrayal of our President. NPR thinks it's the work of a Right-Wing political hack (which D'Souza is not. He is a principled conservative with a compelling argument, whether he is correct or not). ABC... Continue Reading →
As a Christian, my greatest joy in life is found in my children who believe. More than any other ambition (besides my own salvation) is my great desire for my family to follow Jesus Christ. I know I am not alone in this desire. Yet, not every father wants his daughter to follow Jesus Christ.... Continue Reading →
Gregory C. Cochran 