Neo-orthodoxy is a theological movement that emerged in the early 20th century, largely in response to liberal theology and the events of World War I. The term “neo-orthodoxy” was first used in 1920 by Swedish Lutheran theologian Emanuel Hirsch to describe the new theological movement led by Karl Barth and others. Some key features of neo-orthodox theology include: Reaction against 19th century liberal theology Neo-orthodox theologians reacted against the optimistic view of human nature and overemphasis on human reason found in 19th century liberal theology. Liberal theologians sought to reinterpret Christianity according to modern rationalism and jettison doctrines that did…
Author: Aaron Chin
In Matthew 23:27, Jesus calls the Pharisees “whitewashed tombs.” This is part of a series of woes that Jesus pronounces against the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy. To understand why Jesus used this metaphor, it’s helpful to examine the context, the meaning of whitewashed tombs, and the significance of Jesus’ critique. The Context of Matthew 23 Matthew 23 contains Jesus’ lengthy denunciation of the scribes and Pharisees. In this chapter, Jesus points out how the Jewish religious leaders claim to uphold God’s law but fail to practice what they preach (Matthew 23:3). He accuses them of adding extra rules…
Ethan the Ezrahite is a mysterious figure who is mentioned in the book of Psalms. His name appears in the superscriptions or titles of two different psalms: Psalm 89 and Psalm 88. Let’s take a look at what the Bible says about Ethan and see if we can uncover who this man was. Ethan in Psalm 89 Psalm 89 is titled “A Maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite.” The word “maskil” likely refers to a contemplative or instructive psalm. This psalm is a reflection on God’s covenant with David and His promises to establish David’s dynasty forever. Here is how the…
Patience is an important virtue emphasized in the Bible, especially in the book of James. James 1:4 says “And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” This verse teaches us that by letting patience have its “perfect work”, it can help make us mature and complete Christians. So how can we put this into practice in our lives? Understanding True Patience First, it’s important to understand what biblical patience really means. Patience isn’t just gritting our teeth and forcing ourselves to wait. Rather, it’s an active endurance and perseverance in the…
The Doxology is a short hymn of praise to God found in Christian worship services. The word “doxology” comes from the Greek doxa, meaning glory, and logos, meaning word. Doxologies are typically sung, chanted, or recited during worship services and are used to praise and glorify the Christian triune God – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Some key things to know about the Doxology: Origins and History Doxologies originated very early in Christian history as short hymns and verses praising God. Some of the earliest doxologies are found in the New Testament, such as Ephesians 3:21, Jude…
The Greek word charis is an important concept in the Bible that is commonly translated into English as “grace.” It occurs over 150 times in the New Testament and carries a variety of nuanced meanings related to kindness, favor, and benevolence. Here is an overview of the meaning and significance of charis in the Bible: Basic Definition At its most fundamental level, charis refers to the unmerited favor or benevolence shown by God toward humankind. It denotes the gifts and blessings God freely bestows on people, even though they do not deserve them and cannot earn them on their own.…
Marriage is a sacred covenant between a man and woman instituted by God. However, many marriages today are in crisis and on the verge of collapse. If your marriage is struggling, take heart that there is hope to restore it through God’s power and biblical principles. This article will explore key truths from Scripture on how to revive and rebuild a faltering marriage. Acknowledge There is a Problem The first step is to honestly assess the state of your marriage. Many couples live in denial about the extent of the problems in their relationship. They downplay conflicts, sweep issues under…
Misanthropy is the general hatred, dislike, distrust or contempt of the human species or human nature. A misanthrope is someone who holds such views or feelings. The Bible does not directly address misanthropy, but it provides perspective on how Christians should view and relate to other people. Here is an overview of relevant biblical principles: 1. All people are created in God’s image The Bible teaches that human beings, both male and female, are created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27). This affirms the inherent dignity and value of all people regardless of gender, ethnicity, social status…
Inductive Bible study is a method of studying the Bible that focuses on making observations directly from the text and then drawing conclusions based on those observations. The goal is to let the Bible speak for itself rather than approaching it with preconceived ideas or agendas. There are three main steps in inductive Bible study: Observation – Looking closely at the details and making note of anything significant. Interpretation – Analyzing the observations to determine the meaning. Application – Applying the meaning to one’s personal life and circumstances. Here is a more in-depth look at each step: Observation The observation…
David is one of the most well-known figures in the Bible. He started out as a shepherd boy before becoming the renowned King of Israel. David accomplished many great things during his life, including defeating the giant Goliath and unifying the kingdom of Israel. He is described as a “man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14). While we know a fair amount about David from the biblical account, some details about his life are less clear. One aspect that is not directly mentioned is the name or background of David’s mother. The Bible does not explicitly state who she…