Form and Matter The terms “form” and “matter” are used often in philosophy for a variety of references. Very broadly speaking, form picks out something general/universal and matter picks out something specific/particular. So, for example, one might say that the form of “treeness” accounts for a thing being a tree, while matter is the principle … Continue reading »
Filed under Theology …
Can the Grammatical-Historical Method of Interpretation Determine Christian Orthodoxy?
Introduction In a previous post I argued that Norman Geisler’s inclusion of the Grammatical-Historical Method [GHM] of interpretation in his “Logical Method” for discovering Christian orthodoxy was problematic. Here I will expand on this issue, for it is often at this stage that related debates get hung up. This is not a critique of the GHM itself. … Continue reading »
Is Christian Orthodoxy a Logical Deduction?
A Parsimonious Orthodoxy? Norman Geisler’s online debates with various parties have become widespread, and much has been said about “the orthodox Christian faith” regarding them. The term “orthodox” has been thrown around so much, it seems it is simply being taken for granted that everyone agrees on what it means. Given the tenor of many … Continue reading »
Conformation, Transformation, Legalism, Gnosticism, Justification, Sanctification, and Glorification
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will … Continue reading »
Dante’s Dante’s Divine Comedy, Inferno: Canto 19, Circle 8, Ditch 3 – Black Hole Stone
Canto 19 Simon the Magician (“Simon Magus”) was the person in Acts who tried to purchase the gifting of the Holy Spirit for gain (Acts 8:9-24). Since then, persons who try to buy/sell ecclesiastical favors/positions are known as simoniacs. In ditch three, the simoniacs are placed upside down in holes which Dante says are the … Continue reading »
