Fear and Trembling

I am reading through Mathew Henry’s Treatise on Baptism . It’s a copy I have from a Presbyterian minister friend. I would like to hear your opinion on Henry’s Treastise and on the matter in general. I would like to have some debate. My paedobaptist friends should ‘smell blood in the water’ on this one. Now’s your chance. I’m coming around to the position, but still struggle a bit. Lutherans, now’s your chance to convince me. There is a Missouri-synod Lutheran Church here in town.

After an extended period of soul searching, I have decided to change religious denominations. I have long self-identified as a “ five-point Calvinist .” But I found myself avoiding the term in my Southern-Baptist home church because it was so often misunderstood. Recent conflicts in the SBC over Calvinism have left me even more disillusioned (see here and here ). I am simply tired of feeling like I must hide my beliefs in this area “under a bushel.” I am going to become a Presbyterian. I have become convinced over recent weeks that I can affirm the beliefs held by The Presbyterian Church in America as expressed here and here . I have not decided for certain, but I can see joining that church in the near future. This will begin an adventure, a whole-new phase of my Christian experience. I hope that you will hold me in your prayers.

Al Mohler’s blog recently linked to an article by Stephen Prothero titled “Post-Christian? Not even close.” Reminds me of a quote from a book I read a few weeks back: …Is skepticism or faith on the ascendency in the world today? The answer is Yes. The enemies are both right. Skepticism, fear, and anger toward traditional religion are growing in power and influence. But at the same time, robust, orthodox belief in the traditional faiths is growing as well… …each side should accept that both religious belief and skepticism are on the rise. Ahtiest Sam Harris and Religious Right leader Pat Robertson shouls each admit the fact that his particular tribe is strong and increasing in influence. This would eliminate the self-talk that is rampant in each camp, namely that it will soon be extinct, overrun by the opposition. Nothing like that is imminently possible. If we stopped saying such things to ourselves it might make everyone more civil and generous toward opposing views. ( The Reas...

Ligonier Ministries has a wonderful entry by Greg Bailey on John Calvin’s response to the plague. Here’s a quote referenced in the post: During Calvin's ministry, Geneva was terrorized by the plague on five occasions. During the first outbreak, in 1542, Calvin personally led visitations into plague-infected homes. Knowing that this effort likely carried a death sentence, the city fathers intervened to stop him because of their conviction that his leadership was indispensable. The pastors continued this heroic effort under Calvin's guidance, and they recounted the joy of multiple conversions. Many pastors lost their lives in this cause. Unknown to many, Calvin privately continued his own pastoral care in Geneva and other cities where the plague raged. Calvin's pastoral heart, already evidenced by the provision of hospitals for both citizens and immigrants, was further revealed as he collected the necessary resources to establish a separate hospital for plague victims. When ...

The recent return of A. N. Wilson to the faith has prompted much discussion (see here , here , here and here ). Here is a quote I appreciate: "My belief has come about in large measure because of the lives and examples of people I have known - not the famous, not saints, but friends and relations who have lived, and faced death, in the light of the Resurrection story, or in the quiet acceptance that they have a future after they die." – A. N. Wilson

Ben Witherington provides a detailed analysis of and response to Bart Erman’s “Jesus Interrupted” in his four posts here , here , here and here . [4/16: I forgot to mention this will be an ongoing series for Witherington. The next post is h ere .)

A song from the Easter Service at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee, where I attended this morning: "Oh to see my name written in the wounds, for through your suffering I am free. Death is crushed to death, life is mine to live won through your selfless love! This is the power of the cross: Christ became sin for us. Took the blame, bore the wrath. We stand forgiven at the cross." - "The Power of the Cross" by Townend / Getty