“Practical theology,” in our still-Schleiermacherian theological curricula, has always been a bit of a stepchild in the seminary–an appendix to the “serious” work of systematic theology and biblical studies, the place in the curriculum for a few tips and tricks about how to conduct a funeral or do hospital visits, the “touchy-feely” enclave down the…
There’s a lot at play just in the title of D.G. Hart and John R. Muether’s Seeking a Better Country: 300 Years of American Presbyterianism. The title itself is a double entendre. On the one hand, it is a backhanded critique of what they discern as a key failure of American Presbyterianism: its assimilation to…
A number of folks have been sending me links to the various viral videos that document “flash mob” performances of Handel’s Messiah in mall food courts and department stores. Here’s a sample: These are coming to me, I’m guessing, because Desiring the Kingdom opens with an extensive analysis of the “liturgy” of the mall–outlining how…
Dear Baptist Reviewer, Thanks very much for your interest in Letters to a Young Calvinist: An Invitation to the Reformed Tradition–and for taking the time to read my little tome of missives. I really appreciate that you’re willing to engage the book. In many ways, it was written with you in mind. I know we…
The good folks at Brazos Press are hosting a little contest. Here’s the deal: 1. Visit their Facebook page and “like” Brazos Press. 2. Submit a question that you’d like to ask me about the “new Calvinism” and the resurgence of Reformed theology amongst the young, restless, and Reformed crowd. 3. They’ll then choose 3…
For those in the vicinity, just a reminder of a couple of upcoming events this week in connection with my new book, Letters to a Young Calvinist: An Invitation to the Reformed Tradition. Friday, December 3, 7:30pm: Talk & book signing at Baker Book House Saturday, December 4, 10am-12pm: Book signing at the Calvin College…