Irenic – What?

There are two terms that define how we approach and discuss theology. They are irenic theology and polemic theology. The latter former is peaceful, while the other is war like.

Michael Patton posted the following points on Irenic Theology:

Characteristics to being irenic in theological conversation and controversy:

• You accurately represent all theological positions, even when you strongly oppose them.
• Your tone of engagement comes from a humble respectful attitude.
• Your primary goal is not to win an argument, but to contribute to understanding.
• Your defense of your position recognizes that strengths of the opposing side.
• You are gentle.

As I have become older I enjoy this method much more. Especially the part on “…the primary goal is not to win an argument, but to contribute to understanding.”

That is what we are trying to accomplish at PBI, and through Inquiring Minds Lecture Series. I think that it is unfair to discuss a topic without properly, and fully understanding what the other position is.

I encourage all of you to be irenic in your approach, and refrain from polemic theology.

2 Timothy 2:24-26 The Lord’s slave must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance to know the truth. Then they may come to their senses and escape the Devil’s trap, having been captured by him to do his will. – CSB

God’s Attributes: Eternity

Last week we talked about what God’s attributes are and I gave an introduction to their meaning, and also gave some examples of what they are not.

I started with an introduction to God’s eternity and gave this definition from Wayne Grudem:

“Eternity: “God’s eternity may be defined as follows: God has no beginning, end, or succession of moments in his own being, and he sees all time equally vividly, yet God sees events in time and acts in time.”, [Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology]

I want you all to think about this and what it means. If God is eternal and is not bound by time (time is created) what does this mean, and what are the implications? Below is an illustration from Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology: What do you think this illustration is trying to show us?

Translations, why so many?

In the last 10 years we have seen so many translations that ones starts to wonder if I have the right one.  I have discussed this issue at various different blogs, and here is what I have concluded.

1. You need to own at least one literal translation
   1. This is the bible you use to study with.  I would say that it is almost mandatory that you study with a literal bible
   2. Ones I recommend:
      1. ESV, NASB, HCSB
      2. Only recommending newer translations
      3. The NASB is really in a class of it’s own as it is the most literal English bible you can read.
      4. The reason I can recommend the HCSB is because of the footnotes.  If the main reading is a optimal translation, the footnotes will always give you the literal translation
2. Everyday bible
   1. This is the bible you use to read and memorize verses
   2. This is really a matter of choice
   3. Find one you like and read it!
   4. Recommendations:
      1. HCSB, TNIV, ESV, NLT, (Second Edition)
3. Causal Bibles:
   1. These would be Paraphrase bibles, and the only one I can think of would be the Message Bible.  I would not use this to memorize verses with, which is virtually impossible to do anyhow.  But I would use it to get a better understanding of the meaning, and to add color to the bible.  Makes for interesting reading, that’s for sure.

If you notice I have left the NKJV and the NIV.  For one, and this is personal I never warmed up to the NIV.  I think that the TNIV is a much better translation, and has improved the NIV.  I only recommend the NKJV to those of you that love the KJV.  The KJV is old, and does not take advantage of any of the latest scholarship.  So if you love the KJV that much, read the NKJV.  Otherwise I would recommend any of the above translations.

Just to be clear if you just love the NKJV, or the NIV, more power to you.  I read the NKJV for 20 years, and most scriptures I have memorized are from that translation.  But I encourage you to take a bold step and buy, read, and compare these different translations, you will gain so much by doing this.

Which is the best translation?  The one you read!

I’ll post more later on the each of the translations and try to give you pros and cons to each one.

Account

I have been asked by several individuals how they can get a picture to go with their comments. All you have to do is create a wordpress account. The account gives you a profile that you can keep updated with personal information if you want to. It Also gives you the freedom to start your own personal blog. I encourage all you bloggers from PBI to make an account. To sign up just click on the link below and create a login:

WordPress

Enjoy,
Rob Santiago

Gender

The hottest debate in the evangelical church today is the debate on the role of women in the church. In June I will be conducting a seminar on this Gender Debate and we will be discussing some important issues about the role of women in the church. I would hope for us to talk about 1 Timothy2:1-20 on this blog as an introduction to this seminar.

How should we interpret this verse today?

1 Timothy 2:1-20

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time. And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles.

I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.

I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.

Godbless,

Rob Santiago

To Boast or Not to Boast

Last week we discussed the topic of knowing God.  We look at why it is important to know God, but also important to know about God, and how he has revealed himself to us through his word, & nature.

I was thinking some more about this verse (Jeremiah 9:23-24) and what it means to boast.  It says that we should not boast in our wisdom, our might, and our riches.  But we are encouraged to boast in the fact that we know and understand the Lord.  It says that he delights in this.

This should encourage all of us to continue to study, pray, be faithful to church, and keep learning about God.  Many will take on the attitude that all we need is to just know Jesus.  Why bother with theology, or doctrine, why do we need to read the Old Testament?  Because God takes great delight in us knowing, and understanding him.

God did not intend for us to only know him as a baby would know her parents.  All healthy baby grows up to be mature men and women.  So should we as Christians.  A baby cannot boast about her parents, only a mature person can.  It is implied that we learn and grow in our understanding of God.  Without learning we cannot come to an understanding of God, and without an understanding of God we cannot boast.

What do you think when you read this scripture?

Jeremiah 9:23-24

Boast in the LORD

23 This is what the LORD says:
The wise must not boast in his wisdom;
the mighty must not boast in his might;
the rich must not boast in his riches.

24 But the one who boasts should boast in this,
that he understands and knows Me —
that I am the LORD, showing faithful love,
justice, and righteousness on the earth,
for I delight in these things.
[This is] the LORD’s declaration.