Monthly Archives: March 2011

A Case for Catechesis

Posted on March 14, 2011 by Darrell Pursiful

The New Testament, particularly the book of Acts, indicates that the usual procedure in the first century was for recent converts to Christianity to be baptized first and then instructed in the Christian faith. By the second century (i.e., the … Continue reading →

Posted in +Apostles' Teaching, Lent, Life as Prayer, Ministry | 2 Comments

Thought for the Day

Posted on March 14, 2011 by Darrell Pursiful

“It is hard to think of a teaching that is more evidence-based than the doctrine of original sin” (John Hobbins) Or, as the old joke says, “I believe in total depravity because it’s the only doctrine I can truly live … Continue reading →

Posted in Theology | Comments Off

Of Prostitutes and the Kingdom of God

Posted on March 11, 2011 by Darrell Pursiful

“Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are going into the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors … Continue reading →

Posted in Ethics, Life as Prayer, Ministry, New Testament | Tagged | Comments Off

The Fallacies Keep on Coming

Posted on March 11, 2011 by Darrell Pursiful

I’ve been thoroughly enjoying Matt Flanagan’s “Fallacy Fridays” feature that he’s been running since January. (I regret not having mentioned it before now!) It’s not quite a full-blown course in logic, but it is an excellent introduction to what counts … Continue reading →

Posted in Wealth of Egypt | Comments Off

It’s Not Harry Potter

Posted on March 9, 2011 by Darrell Pursiful

How to read a scholarly journal, and how to teach students to do so. There is much to learn here, but this is the best part because it’s the most honest: Students register surprise when I confess that I share … Continue reading →

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Of Preschoolers and Theology

Posted on March 9, 2011 by Darrell Pursiful

Why is it that the more trivial something is, the easier it is to explain? Should we be concerned when we can’t put the things that matter most in language a preschooler could understand? Or are some things simply unexplainable … Continue reading →

Posted in +Apostles' Teaching | 2 Comments

The Westminster Catechism…Rap?

Posted on March 9, 2011 by Darrell Pursiful

Word. (H/T: Euangelion) Share this: Digg this postRecommend on FacebookTweet about itSubscribe to the comments on this postTell a friend

Posted in Theology, Tomfoolery | Comments Off

The Biblical Origins of Lent

Posted on March 8, 2011 by Darrell Pursiful

Admirably explained by Michael Barber at The Sacred Page. I hope Michael understands that a growing number of Baptists thoroughly embrace the Lenten season. Readers may also want to read a brief rant on the subject I wrote about this … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Lent, Life as Prayer, Mere Catholicity | Comments Off

A Rant from a Loser in the Worship Wars

Posted on March 7, 2011 by Darrell Pursiful

Robert Webber used to paraphrase the ancient dictum lex orandi lex credendi (“the rule of prayer/worship is the rule of faith) as, “You show me how you worship and I’ll tell you what you believe.” I think Chaplain Mike of … Continue reading →

Posted in Church Music, Ministry, Praying Together | 1 Comment

The Preacher Who Could Have Prevented an Epidemic

Posted on March 7, 2011 by Darrell Pursiful

…except the medical and scientific community wouldn’t listen to him. (H/T: Pseudo-Polymath) Share this: Digg this postRecommend on FacebookTweet about itSubscribe to the comments on this postTell a friend

Posted in Ethics, Wealth of Egypt | Comments Off