Life, Fitness, and the Pursuit of Godliness -

The Need for Freedom in the Academy

Published by Dan in Theology on November 11th, 2011

This past week, I encountered a story concerning Michael Licona, the former apologetics coordinator for the North American Mission Board. He became the “former” coordinator because he broke free from the intellectual prison of his religious tradition and raised a question concerning the historical accuracy of a biblical passage, namely Matthew 27:52-53. From what I can tell, his research led him to propose an apocalyptic reading of the passage best suited the text. Apparently, this caused a number of people to question Licona’s allegiance to biblical inerrancy. Albert Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary said the following (a complete post can be found here):

Licona’s book in question, The Resurrection of Jesus: A New Historiographical Approach, is both massive and important. Furthermore, it is virtually unprecedented in terms of evangelical scholarship. The 700-page volume is nothing less than a masterful defense of the historicity of the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Licona is a gifted scholar who has done what other evangelical scholars have not yet done – he has gone right into the arena of modern historiographical research to do comprehensive battle with those who reject the historical nature of Christ’s resurrection from the dead.

And Licona does so with remarkable skill and great erudition. He also writes with a commendable and quite transparent intellectual honesty. This is a very serious scholar making a very serious case for the fact that Jesus was indeed raised from the dead – and that this event is historically documented and accessible to the modern historian.

…

But, even as Licona dissects arguments against the resurrection of Jesus as a historical fact, he then makes a shocking and disastrous argument of his own. Writing about Matthew 27:51-54, Licona suggests that he finds material that is not to be understood as historical fact.

I find it interesting that Mohler would argue for a literalist interpretation of every single verse of the Bible (at least those he thinks are literal). I doubt he believes in transubstantiation, but that’s OK; he leaves that to the Catholics and Anglicans who choose to. What I find even more interesting are his demands that every Christian interpret every verse the same way he does. Ultimately this leads to the development of an Evangelical magisterium. Such behaviour demonstrates a desire for power and the need to function as the authority on theological issues. As I think about this situation, I find it appalling that the president of an academic institution would come against an academic—not for denying the doctrine of inerrancy, but—for interpreting a passage as an apocalyptic one. Such an attack makes me question not only Mohler, but the academic integrity of his institution to allow for free thought. I might not always agree with a brother or sister on how he or she interprets a passage, but that does not mean that I should make an attempt to ruin their career.

As a Ph.D. student, I was disturbed to hear “a good number of evangelical seminary professors… have privately expressed support for Mike Licona but cannot do so publicly for fear of punitive measures.” This makes me raise questions about teaching in a Christian environment. I am completely on board with the idea of upholding doctrine, but does that mean I can’t apply critical thinking skills when I analyze the biblical text? God help me as a Pentecostal scholar! Actually, God help every Christian scholar!

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Why Settle for Less?

Published by Dan in Biblical Theology, Pentecost, Theology on October 21st, 2011

This past week, I have had a number of interesting thoughts concerning the issue of theological study. I have been warned to maintain a separation between Scripture and the Academe. I have also been questioned concerning the fate of my salvation as I study God’s Word in the midst of an advanced degree program. What I find shocking is the approach many Christians have to advanced theological study. This is an approach I would dare say they would never want in any other area of their lives.

Would you go to a doctor who has not remained up to date on the medical practices of the time?
Would you go to a dentist who has not kept up with his or her field?
Would you hire a lawyer who doesn’t know anything about cases that have happened in the past ten years?

I would dare say the answer to all these questions is a resounding “NO!” So why do we criticize, question, and challenge those who seek to continue their education in this one area? Why is it that the pulpit is the one place we seem willing to settle for ignorance? Please do not misunderstand me, I am NOT saying that those who do not continue their formal education are ignorant. What I am saying is that it seems extremely shocking that we would expect for people in other fields to continue their education, yet when it comes to what many would consider the most important issue in their lives, their faith, they discourage such education.

If we are truly one body and able to function for the edification of the Church, we should be able to accept the diversity of gifts God has placed within the Church and embrace the role of each. As I have thought about this topic, I remember my own commencement response from when I graduated from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. Having had classes with people training for different types of ministry (I believe in the priesthood of all believers), I believe that a false bifurcation between biblical scholastic study and ministry MUST be obliterated if we are to reach a lost and dying world.

For those who may be interested I have included my 2010 Commencement Response. It is approximately 5 minutes. If you have a moment, please take time and listen to it, as it will serve as the launching pad for my next post.

Grace and Peace,

Dan

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Back in the Gym

Published by Dan in Fitness on October 12th, 2011

Monday was Canadian Thanksgiving! After eating quite a bit of food, I realized I hadn’t consistently been to the gym in a LONG time. This was not good. First of all, I paid for a membership at the university gym. To not workout is a huge waste of money that could have been used on other things. Second of all, this also meant I was not getting the exercise I need. I have come to realize that a lot of my time is spent sitting. This is generally what I do as I read and write. I have seen the effects of people sitting and not engaging in physical activity for quite some time. This leads to weight gain, potential health problems, and can have lasting effects on the body.

Knowing these things, I decided to make a change. Yesterday I prepped clothes for the gym and went to workout. It was AMAZING! This one experience reminded me of the fact that we all need balance in life. Thinking back on my blog a couple of months ago concerning “A Theology of Fitness?”, I realize that my fitness level does not necessitate I go overboard, but it does require that I put forth due diligence for the care of my body. On one level, I think maintaining a healthy level of physical activity throughout my doctoral program may be quite difficult. At the same time, I am trying to think of this as a regular, healthy break from my studies that will allow me to regroup, collect my thoughts, and move forward to the task ahead.

May God have mercy upon me in my quiet times, my study times, and my fitness times.

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More Theological Education? What’s the Point?

Published by Dan in Uncategorized on October 5th, 2011

Most academicians are stereotyped as introverts who spend their time reading books and writing more books. Though this is true on some level, I would dare say, these individuals, especially those who study theology, are involved in a very important ministry in the life of the Church. I remember just last week sharing what I was learning in my own studies and received an amazing response. She said, “That’s really interesting. Now tell me how that practically applies to life.” As soon as I told her, she said, “OK.” We moved on in the conversation from there. The whole point of her question was to remind me that the study of Scripture was for the sake of it being applied to daily living. I appreciate that kind of challenge. Often, study—even the study of Scripture—can become little more than a mental exercise with no real purpose besides obtaining a degree. Though that is a real danger, no matter one’s field of study, I find people who discourage education to have their own issues with which they need to wrestle.

Being in the fourth week of my Ph.D. program, I have experienced great joy in my studies. I recently told a friend that my studies are encouraging me to write sermons. He explained that if they weren’t, I needed to quit now. It’s amazing how the idea of what a friend calls “loving God with your mind” seems to lead to demonstrating God’s love through your deeds. Admittedly, some I have encountered to not find Christian academicians to be ministers, but I recently heard an amazing quote that “writing is preaching with your hands.” As I thought about this statement, I asked myself, “How many pastors (even those who condemn higher education) utilize commentaries in their study for sermons?” Simply thinking about this has encouraged me in my pursuits. I realized that even if a Bible scholar never personally speaks from the pulpit to a local congregation, he or she will impact that congregation greatly, as they will likely provide some pastors with pertinent information they need for their sermons.

What’s the point? The point is to edify the body of Christ through thoughtful reflection, prayer, study, and writing. I was recently talking to my doctoral advisor about the whole question of “the point.” A statement I heard her make definitely sticks with me. Though not a direct quote, the heart of the statement was “If the Bible is truly the rule of faith and practice for our lives, does it not deserve the detailed attention we in theological education give it, and then some?” Besides sensing my educational endeavors as part of God’s divine call on my life, I find it to be an honor and a joy (though sometimes difficult) to dedicate my life to the study and instruction of God’s Word. God has called each person in the body of Christ to bear witness to him. I am thankful for those who declare his word orally and in writing and hope to be counted among the ranks of both, one day!

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A Theology of Fitness?

Published by Dan in Fitness, Theology on May 29th, 2011

I’ll admit I enjoy a good workout. Achieving new goals in physical fitness and seeing my body change is a great incentive to this activity. At the same time, I have had friends ask me, “Why do you workout?” Though there are some benefits concerning how my body looks, overall strength, and physical ability, many are surprised to hear my drive for fitness has its foundation in my theology.

This drive for a healthy lifestyle comes from a question I asked while seeking God’s will for my future. I asked myself, “Are you at a point where you would have the physical capability to go WHEREVER God calls you and do WHATEVER God calls you to do?” Hearing stories of missionaries climbing and hiking their way to unreached people groups made me want to be able to do whatever the call of God required. I didn’t want to do anything to spiritually disqualify myself from the work of God. In the same way, I didn’t want to do anything that would physically disqualify me from whatever God might call me to do.

I have seen how unhealthy living can cut short a life of fruitful ministry. People who were empowered by the Spirit to do wonderful things have died prematurely because of a disregard for their bodies. I have heard of people praying for high blood pressure, diabetes, and many other health issues. I believe in divine healing and believe that prayer is effective. The only problem is that they want God to fix something that is within their power. This reminds me of a quote I once heard: “God will do for you what you cannot do for yourself!” When issues are beyond your control, I trust God will supernaturally intervene. When you can do something about your situation, I believe God expects those individuals to change their lifestyles in order to be healthy.

Admittedly, I don’t always eat and/or exercise the way I should. At the same time, I am making an effort to bring my practice in line with my beliefs. I’m currently considering a plan to begin natural bodybuilding. No I don’t plan on competing or anything. It is simply a personal fitness goal I have to push myself a bit more in my quest for healthy living. For this reason, I want to explain that fitness is not about how you look. It is about one living a healthy life before God.

This week, ask yourself what you are doing to live a healthy lifestyle.