Comments for SoCal Theologica: Musings from the West Coast

Comment on Sin versus Sins by Jason

Jason — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 20:35:15 +0000

The wrong focus is not that someone says “the cross saves me from my sins,” whereas they should say “sin” instead. The core problem is the “me” part. Jesus didn’t die for anyone’s sins, he died to reconcile the world to the Father. If Jesus died for sins or sin, than it must be a farce because sin and sins are still here, and will be here for an indefinite amount of time. The focus of the cross is the Father’s will, not the sinner’s need for salvation.

I’m surprised that you didn’t catch that when you work in such proximity to Lewis…

Comment on The Real Test of Ministry Progress by chosenrebel

chosenrebel — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 19:32:31 +0000

Amen. A voice on the west coast that understands discipleship. Keep posting brother. Keep preaching and helping your church become a true disciple-making church.

Comment on Welcome Home SoCal Theologica by Adrian Martinez

Adrian Martinez — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 03:43:39 +0000

“I’m BAAAAAAACK!… I’m BACK in the saddle again.” – Steven Tyler

Comment on Eisegesis 101 by Matt

Matt — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 00:16:35 +0000

I don’t think Jason was trying to argue against the character of those that commented in any way, nor was he necessarily defending or even agreeing with what Ergun said. I think his point was simply that the negativity of the comments on this were targeted at the character of Ergun, and he would have hoped for more positivity and encouragement from fellow Christians. Whether we agree or disagree on more minor doctrinal points seems invalid in determining how we should treat others.

PS I do agree Ergun just butchers Romans 9 in this, but I feel publicly denouncing his character is a bit too far, as some of the comments on this blog have done. However, I did not take Mooney’s blog post or comments to be of that nature at all, they were simply observational remarks.

Comment on Sin versus Sins by Adam Christman

Adam Christman — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 03:31:51 +0000

Amen. Thanks.

Comment on Carl Trueman on the New Temptations to Resist for American Evangelicals by Adam Christman

Adam Christman — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 23:37:12 +0000

This was a well-written piece. Thanks for sharing it. This is a statement and a voice needed in American Evangelicalism today. (I know I’m only finding this article a year and a half after you posted it, but I still think it is relevant. It may, in fact, be relevant for decades to come.)

Comment on Eisegesis 101 by Adam Christman

Adam Christman — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 22:56:13 +0000

Jason, do you really expect someone who puts his name out in larger and influential circles to be approached by everyone who hears his words? Can you expect Dr. Mooney or those of us offended by his misuse of the Scriptures to go physically see him or have a conversation with him?

A preacher is accountable for the words he says, as well as for the Scriptures he preaches. To do our part is sometimes to warn others away from a bad preacher’s sermons.

Is your comment something you think we should do? We should semi-anonymously comment on his website, call him to the carpet, and perhaps never follow up with him? This is all besides the appearance that your comment assumes that none of us have done our part, as people who do not personally know this preacher. What I mean by “our part” is: pray for this preacher, pray for those who hear his words, and warn others against giving his words as much weight as a more responsible preacher of the Word.

Considering one as more important than yourself is not necessarily the issue here. Instead, the issue is the responsibility one has when preaching the Scriptures. If I mishandle the Scriptures, thereby damaging myself and the flock who hear me (as well as pushing away those unbelievers who hear me), I deserve the consequences. Those consequences include my listeners warning others away from me, until and unless I can begin to handle them properly.

Comment on Eisegesis 101 by jeffmooney

jeffmooney — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 22:50:05 +0000

Jason,

Ergun, if we set aside his more recent troubles, has been approached more than anyone else I know. I am not sure that anyone thinks that they are better than Ergun (I don’t share such an extreme self perception). However, the point of the video is to help display what seems to be a horrible blindspot for those who are critics of “Reformed Theology.” I don’t think until recently, on unrelated matters, did anyone actually question his salvation. Once you have placed yourself boldy (brazenly?) in the public eye, criticism, providied it is charitable, cannot be considered unfair or ungodly.

Thanks for your input.

Jeff

Comment on Quote from Why We Love the Church by Lucas Wright

Lucas Wright — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 19:49:36 +0000

I think it is only unhelpful in the same way many people associated with the ‘emergents’ abuse the word postmodern. While their list is perhaps a bit general (and really funny) it displays the same misunderstanding of any conception of postmodern or critical thought that many ‘emergents’ display. On the whole I think this is a funny post but would say that the way in which such folks as the emergents need to be critiqued is probably more adequately undertaken in the work of William Cavanaugh, Hauerwas, and Milbank as their deconstructions of liberal democracy from the traditions and sacraments of the historic Church really cut down the new liberal individualism that many in the emergent camp seem to arrogantly display. I include myself in that as well, at least the ‘I’ who I was 2 years ago

Comment on On Aborting Down Syndrome Babies by Vera

Vera — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:42:19 +0000

socaltheologica.com, how do you do it?