Pilgrim Thinking
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The Rise and fall of Logical Positivism
Logical positivism emerged in the 1920s, advocating a scientific philosophy led by the Vienna Circle. It aimed to eliminate metaphysical claims, deeming them meaningless through the verification principle. However, its rigid criteria led to internal contradictions, ultimately collapsing. This allowed for renewed discussions in Christian philosophy and questioning of anti-metaphysical stances.
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The Story of Scripture Part 7: A King Like David
When people witnessed Jesus heal a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, their immediate response was to question whether he was the Messiah, the expected “Son of David” (Matt 12:23). Their question revealed the hopeful expectation first century Israel had of the coming Messiah. The title “Son of David” was not only a genealogical…
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Christ Crucified
I recently re-watched the debates between John Lennox and Richard Dawkins. Dawkins levelled a specific complaint against Lennox regarding the Christian faith. He described the essence of the message as “petty”. He contrasts the grandeur of the observable universe with the specific details of Christian theology regarding the cross. He cannot reconcile the Creator of…
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The Story of Scripture Part 6: “These Things are Written for You”
The Relevance of the Old Testament Understanding the relationship between the two testaments of the Bible is essential, yet the relevance of the Old Testament can be difficult to grasp, especially when distinctions are drawn between it and the New Testament. Many have come to neglect the Old Testament, dismissing it as stories for Sunday…
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The Zeal of Moses
Moses was defined by a zeal that drove his greatest victories and tragic failures. It distinguished him from apathetic contemporaries who merely professed faith. Moses lived as if God was truly real. His life challenges us to move beyond hypocrisy to active, obedient trust.
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The First and Last Adam: Two Archetypes of Humanity
Adam stands as humanity’s primal prototype. Formed from dust, he bears the divine image yet failed in innocence. Christ, the Last Adam, succeeds through virtue. This comparison reveals how redemption restores our realised value, transforming us from mere bearers of the image into active reflectors of the Creator’s holiness.
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Pilgrim Primer: Prophet
A prophet, or navi, serves as God’s spokesperson, communicating divine messages rather than personal thoughts. While often associated with predicting the future, their main role focuses on forth-telling, confronting sin, and calling for repentance. True prophets must pass strict biblical tests, with theological fidelity prioritized over miraculous signs. In Christianity, Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment…
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Reflections on Chuck Colson: The Watergate Argument
Christianity demands historical verification instead of blind faith. Paul asserts that without a physical resurrection, belief is futile. The apostles’ willingness to die for their testimony contrasts sharply with modern conspirators. This psychological evidence suggests they witnessed a tangible reality rather than fabricating a lie to preserve a movement.
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Pilgrim Primer: Apostle
The term “apostle,” derived from Greek, means “one who is sent,” equating to a missionary. In the New Testament, it describes those sent to preach and establish churches, including figures like Paul and Barnabas. However, the unique role of “The Twelve,” eyewitnesses of Jesus, remains distinct and closed, unlike the ongoing missionary function of apostleship.
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Why I Trust the Bible: The Self-Deprecation of Israel’s National Texts
The Christian faith promotes reason and examination of evidence rather than dismissing it. Unlike other ancient narratives that glorify leaders, the Bible candidly presents Israel’s failures, attributing them to human sin rather than divine weakness. The preservation of self-critical texts supports the argument for divine authorship amid human authorship across centuries.
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