- Mark Greene - Myal Greene - Mike Greenfield - Adam Greenway - Steve Gregg - Joel Gregory - Crawford Gribben - Wendell Griffen - Lydia Griffiths - PJ Grisar - Emanuel Grozea - Wayne Grudem - Ernest Gruen - Anna Grummitt - Michael Gryboski - Matthew Gunter - David Gushee - James C Guy - David Guzik -
==mark greene===========
Feb 15, 2023: Religion News Service: A 300-year-old church hopes to connect with spiritual but not religious neighbors
It’s also hosted speakers, including Kimberly Wilson, who performed “A Journey,” her one-woman show about Black women who shaped American history; writer Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, author of “Hollywood to the Himalayas,” which details her life as a Hindu convert; and the Rev. Matthew Wright, an Episcopal priest and Sufi practitioner who teaches about contemplation. A current series features author Mark Greene, host of the “Remaking Manhood” podcast.
It’s also hosted speakers, including Kimberly Wilson, who performed “A Journey,” her one-woman show about Black women who shaped American history; writer Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, author of “Hollywood to the Himalayas,” which details her life as a Hindu convert; and the Rev. Matthew Wright, an Episcopal priest and Sufi practitioner who teaches about contemplation. A current series features author Mark Greene, host of the “Remaking Manhood” podcast.
==myal greene============
Evangelical leaders beg DeSantis and Florida Legislature not to make them criminals for transporting immigrants to church
The minsters who participated in the call included three Southern Baptists, an Assemblies of God pastor, a Church of the Nazarene official and the leader of an Evangelical Free Church congregation. Moderator Myal Greene, president of World Relief, joined them in pleading for a rewording or rescinding of the legislation. “We’re praying Gov. DeSantis and the Florida legislature will abandon this misguided bill — and that our federal lawmakers will finally pursue the reforms supported allowing undocumented immigrants to earn permanent legal status and eventual citizenship if they meet appropriate requirements,” Greene said. “Having been born and raised in Florida myself, it’s heartbreaking that this assault to religious liberty has been proposed — a proposal that would criminalize sharing the love of Jesus with someone, some of the most vulnerable people in society.”
(Jeff Brumley/Baptist News Global 3/31/23)
Read More>>>>>
The minsters who participated in the call included three Southern Baptists, an Assemblies of God pastor, a Church of the Nazarene official and the leader of an Evangelical Free Church congregation. Moderator Myal Greene, president of World Relief, joined them in pleading for a rewording or rescinding of the legislation. “We’re praying Gov. DeSantis and the Florida legislature will abandon this misguided bill — and that our federal lawmakers will finally pursue the reforms supported allowing undocumented immigrants to earn permanent legal status and eventual citizenship if they meet appropriate requirements,” Greene said. “Having been born and raised in Florida myself, it’s heartbreaking that this assault to religious liberty has been proposed — a proposal that would criminalize sharing the love of Jesus with someone, some of the most vulnerable people in society.”
(Jeff Brumley/Baptist News Global 3/31/23)
Read More>>>>>
==mike greenfield================
First Baptist Abilene Pastor Brandon Hudson resigns after arrest
Mike Greenfield, the pastor for administration and spiritual development at First Baptist Church Abilene, told The Christian Post on Thursday that the church is navigating the sudden change in the best way it can because the news was unfortunate and unexpected. "The resignation was just received Sunday. We've just had a couple of days to digest it," Greenfield said. "This all just happened. It's still pretty raw and fresh."
Greenfield said it's unclear who the next senior pastor will be as the church must follow its bylaws during the selection process. (Christian Post 4/12/24) READ MORE>>>>>
Mike Greenfield, the pastor for administration and spiritual development at First Baptist Church Abilene, told The Christian Post on Thursday that the church is navigating the sudden change in the best way it can because the news was unfortunate and unexpected. "The resignation was just received Sunday. We've just had a couple of days to digest it," Greenfield said. "This all just happened. It's still pretty raw and fresh."
Greenfield said it's unclear who the next senior pastor will be as the church must follow its bylaws during the selection process. (Christian Post 4/12/24) READ MORE>>>>>
==adam greenway==================
May 12, 2023: Baptist News Global: The hidden battle in Christian higher education: A conversation with Scott Okamoto
Additional stories of power struggles in Christian higher education continue with Joe Rigney’s resignation at Bethlehem Seminary due to his embrace of Christian nationalism, Adam Greenway’s resignation at Southwestern Seminary due to financial liabilities and declining enrollment, the potential closing of The King’s College amidst financial chaos and a lack of transparency, and Karen Swallow Prior leaving Southeastern Seminary while citing that she does not share “the same vision for carrying out the Great Commission” and believes she is “not well-suited to the politics of institutional life in the SBC.”
Additional stories of power struggles in Christian higher education continue with Joe Rigney’s resignation at Bethlehem Seminary due to his embrace of Christian nationalism, Adam Greenway’s resignation at Southwestern Seminary due to financial liabilities and declining enrollment, the potential closing of The King’s College amidst financial chaos and a lack of transparency, and Karen Swallow Prior leaving Southeastern Seminary while citing that she does not share “the same vision for carrying out the Great Commission” and believes she is “not well-suited to the politics of institutional life in the SBC.”
==steve gregg==================
Evangelical leaders beg DeSantis and Florida Legislature not to make them criminals for transporting immigrants to church
The legislation presents a potential dilemma for churches accustomed to obeying the law and living out their callings at the same time, said Steve Gregg, associate pastor at Creekside Community Church, an Evangelical Free congregation in Gainesville. “Our church is currently helping to launch a ministry that gives legal aid to folks trying to navigate an often-complicated path toward immigration legal status. We are committed to following the law and helping any client served to do the same. The way this bill seems to be written could put volunteers at risk of criminal prosecution for simply bringing clients to church or to other functions.”.
(Jeff Brumley/Baptist News Global 3/31/23)
Read More>>>>>
The legislation presents a potential dilemma for churches accustomed to obeying the law and living out their callings at the same time, said Steve Gregg, associate pastor at Creekside Community Church, an Evangelical Free congregation in Gainesville. “Our church is currently helping to launch a ministry that gives legal aid to folks trying to navigate an often-complicated path toward immigration legal status. We are committed to following the law and helping any client served to do the same. The way this bill seems to be written could put volunteers at risk of criminal prosecution for simply bringing clients to church or to other functions.”.
(Jeff Brumley/Baptist News Global 3/31/23)
Read More>>>>>
JOEL GREGORY |
Dr. Joel C. Gregory holds the George W. Truett Endowed Chair in Preaching and Evangelism and serves as the Director of the Kyle Lake Center for Effective Preaching at George W. Truett Theological Seminary of Baylor University. Last year he spoke or taught 170 times in 32 churches and 20 conferences in 18 states, Greece and Oxford, UK. He has just completed a sabbatical at Regent’s Park College, Oxford University where he did research in applied homiletics and 19th century British Baptist history for a forthcoming book and article. He will bring the concluding message at the Baptist World Congress in Durban, South Africa this summer. He also serves on the BWA Commission on Worship and Spirituality.
New director appointed at Kyle Lake Center for Effective Preaching
Alcántara succeeds professor of preaching Dr. Joel Gregory, who has already taken some steps with the Compelling Preaching Initiative. Alcántara said Gregory, who has ties with Black churches, launched an African American Preaching Conference, which has been successful and continues to grow. Part of Alcántara’s draw to Baylor was the university’s focus on preaching. In 2018, the year of his arrival, Baylor approved a Ph.D. in preaching. (Abigail Gan/Baylor Lariat 11/13/23) Read More>>>>>
Alcántara succeeds professor of preaching Dr. Joel Gregory, who has already taken some steps with the Compelling Preaching Initiative. Alcántara said Gregory, who has ties with Black churches, launched an African American Preaching Conference, which has been successful and continues to grow. Part of Alcántara’s draw to Baylor was the university’s focus on preaching. In 2018, the year of his arrival, Baylor approved a Ph.D. in preaching. (Abigail Gan/Baylor Lariat 11/13/23) Read More>>>>>
July 8, 2021: Baptist News Global: Where’s the line between finding inspiration in another pastor’s sermon and plagiarizing it?
Joel Gregory, professor of preaching at Baylor University’s Truett Seminary and arguably one of the best-known Baptist preachers of the late 20th century, offered some basic principles on how preachers can avoid confusion and stay out of trouble.
Mar 6, 2016: LinkedUp Church: The Blessing of Answered Prayer, Finale – Pastor Joel E. Gregory
Aug 4, 2015: Ethics Daily: Best, Worst, Most Unexpected Moments at Baptist World Congress -
The most captivating sermon - the one most likely to be repeated scores of times across the world - was preached by Truett Seminary's Joel Gregory. He developed the Congress theme of "Jesus Christ, the Door" from 1 Corinthians 16:9, where Paul wrote that a great and energetic door had been open to him and that there were many adversaries. "God has a door for you ... He is the opener of that door. ... Don't leave the door that God has given you," he said. Gregory warned, "If you are going to live and work for Jesus Christ, opportunity and opposition will always go hand in hand."
Joel Gregory, professor of preaching at Baylor University’s Truett Seminary and arguably one of the best-known Baptist preachers of the late 20th century, offered some basic principles on how preachers can avoid confusion and stay out of trouble.
Mar 6, 2016: LinkedUp Church: The Blessing of Answered Prayer, Finale – Pastor Joel E. Gregory
Aug 4, 2015: Ethics Daily: Best, Worst, Most Unexpected Moments at Baptist World Congress -
The most captivating sermon - the one most likely to be repeated scores of times across the world - was preached by Truett Seminary's Joel Gregory. He developed the Congress theme of "Jesus Christ, the Door" from 1 Corinthians 16:9, where Paul wrote that a great and energetic door had been open to him and that there were many adversaries. "God has a door for you ... He is the opener of that door. ... Don't leave the door that God has given you," he said. Gregory warned, "If you are going to live and work for Jesus Christ, opportunity and opposition will always go hand in hand."
May 2, 2018: Christianity Today: Tim Keller, John Piper, and Andy Stanley Among the 12 ‘Most Effective’ Preachers
Joel C. Gregory, endowed chair in preaching and evangelism at the George W. Truett Theological Seminary of Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Gregory—a contributor to Preaching Today—recently celebrated 50 years of preaching around the world, and through his ministry, he taught 170 times in 32 churches and 20 conferences last year alone. October 1994: Texas Monthly: The Private Hell of Joel Gregory
All his life, Joel Gregory strove to become pastor of Dallas' First Baptist Church. What torments then drove him to cast aside his position as the most powerful Baptist in the land and mysteriously flee from his pulpit? |
==crawford gribben============
April 28, 2023: 9 Marks: Book Review: Survival and Resistance in Evangelical America, by Crawford Gribben
Amidst growing societal pressure and a waning consensus on the best manner of Christian political engagement, American evangelicals face a torrent of suggestions for how to relate to the public square. Some opt for direct action on local, state, and national levels. Others avoid such activism. Some seek to build think tanks, schools, and other institutions in global centers of power. Others call for a strategic retreat in order to build a new society.
Each movement has its arguments and growing body of literature. But it’s this last group that forms the subject of Crawford Gribben’s Survival and Resistance in Evangelical America: Christian Reconstruction in the Pacific Northwest. What’s appealed to survivalists in previous generations has now found a following among American evangelicals. In particular, hundreds of evangelicals have moved northwest in the hopes of building a better society.
Amidst growing societal pressure and a waning consensus on the best manner of Christian political engagement, American evangelicals face a torrent of suggestions for how to relate to the public square. Some opt for direct action on local, state, and national levels. Others avoid such activism. Some seek to build think tanks, schools, and other institutions in global centers of power. Others call for a strategic retreat in order to build a new society.
Each movement has its arguments and growing body of literature. But it’s this last group that forms the subject of Crawford Gribben’s Survival and Resistance in Evangelical America: Christian Reconstruction in the Pacific Northwest. What’s appealed to survivalists in previous generations has now found a following among American evangelicals. In particular, hundreds of evangelicals have moved northwest in the hopes of building a better society.
wendell griffen
Wendell Griffen is a Baptist News Global columnist and pastor of New Millennium Church in Little Rock.
Griffen and Ravitch warn Floridians of dangers of DeSantis’ attack on public education
Baptist minister and retired Arkansas judge Wendell Griffen stood before an audience of faith leaders and education advocates in Tallahassee, Fla., March 9, pointed to his lapel and dared Gov. Ron DeSantis to have him apprehended for being politically and racially aware. “I wore a ‘woke’ button on purpose. I want to get arrested for being woke. I plead guilty to being woke. I want to be convicted of being woke,” Griffen said during a prayer breakfast sponsored by Pastors for Florida Children.
(Jeff Brumley/Baptist News Global 3/10/23)
Read More>>>>>
Baptist minister and retired Arkansas judge Wendell Griffen stood before an audience of faith leaders and education advocates in Tallahassee, Fla., March 9, pointed to his lapel and dared Gov. Ron DeSantis to have him apprehended for being politically and racially aware. “I wore a ‘woke’ button on purpose. I want to get arrested for being woke. I plead guilty to being woke. I want to be convicted of being woke,” Griffen said during a prayer breakfast sponsored by Pastors for Florida Children.
(Jeff Brumley/Baptist News Global 3/10/23)
Read More>>>>>
==lydia griffiths==================
Lydia Griffiths is a writer, storyteller mythologist and holds an M.A. in mythology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. She is a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Young Adult Volunteer alum (South Korea 2016-2017) and currently lives in Brooklyn, New York, where she is pursuing a Ph.D. in mythology.
Is there room for mysticism inside the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)?
Presbyterians have a reputation of being a stoic and serious group of Christians. Fueled by a history of reform, and a stripping away of anything deemed non-Biblical and not found within Scripture, Presbyterians practice within the austere Protestant and Reformed traditions that shaped Christianity for the last 500 years. Many early and modern Protestant churches, with their whitewashed walls, lack of religious iconography and spare architecture, stand in blunt contrast to the sensory-infused worship of Orthodox and Catholic traditions. In most Protestant denominations, stern pastors lead sober congregations to salvation through Scriptural literalism, and their doctrines shape the Christian landscape of the United States. Of course, much of this image is a perceived stereotype that does not encompass the rich and nuanced cultures and histories of Protestant and Presbyterian traditions. One element of early Christianity that Reformers discarded was the practice of mysticism, or direct, personal spiritual experiences of God. The term “mysticism” is fraught with misunderstanding and due to its very nature, cannot be captured by one concise definition. Mysticism, as written about by theologians like Origen of Alexandria, Margery Kempe and Teresa of Avila, had been a core part of Christianity until the Reformation rejected it. Until recently, scholar-theologians maintained that Reformers Martin Luther and John Calvin had no need for mysticism and held it in disdain. Influential theologian Adolph von Harnack proclaimed mysticism to be “medieval,” “Catholic” and more Neoplatonic than Christian. The 2019 book Protestants and Mysticism in Reformation Europe, by Vincent Evener and Ronald K. Rittgers, asserts mysticism “always and everywhere obliterated the distinction between God and creation and minimized the fallenness of human beings, all in order to commend human ascetic and contemplative effort as a path to essential union with God.”
(Lydia Griffiths/Presbyterian Outlook 12/7/23) READ MORE>>>>>
Presbyterians have a reputation of being a stoic and serious group of Christians. Fueled by a history of reform, and a stripping away of anything deemed non-Biblical and not found within Scripture, Presbyterians practice within the austere Protestant and Reformed traditions that shaped Christianity for the last 500 years. Many early and modern Protestant churches, with their whitewashed walls, lack of religious iconography and spare architecture, stand in blunt contrast to the sensory-infused worship of Orthodox and Catholic traditions. In most Protestant denominations, stern pastors lead sober congregations to salvation through Scriptural literalism, and their doctrines shape the Christian landscape of the United States. Of course, much of this image is a perceived stereotype that does not encompass the rich and nuanced cultures and histories of Protestant and Presbyterian traditions. One element of early Christianity that Reformers discarded was the practice of mysticism, or direct, personal spiritual experiences of God. The term “mysticism” is fraught with misunderstanding and due to its very nature, cannot be captured by one concise definition. Mysticism, as written about by theologians like Origen of Alexandria, Margery Kempe and Teresa of Avila, had been a core part of Christianity until the Reformation rejected it. Until recently, scholar-theologians maintained that Reformers Martin Luther and John Calvin had no need for mysticism and held it in disdain. Influential theologian Adolph von Harnack proclaimed mysticism to be “medieval,” “Catholic” and more Neoplatonic than Christian. The 2019 book Protestants and Mysticism in Reformation Europe, by Vincent Evener and Ronald K. Rittgers, asserts mysticism “always and everywhere obliterated the distinction between God and creation and minimized the fallenness of human beings, all in order to commend human ascetic and contemplative effort as a path to essential union with God.”
(Lydia Griffiths/Presbyterian Outlook 12/7/23) READ MORE>>>>>
==pj grisar=================
Oct 21, 2022: Religion News: Best In Religion Journalism: Religion News Association Presents Its Annual Awards
Among the highlights:
Other big winners included Jack Jenkins of Religion News Service for Excellence in Religion Reporting at Large Newspapers and Wire Services, Peggy Fletcher Stack of the Salt Lake Tribune for Excellence in Religion Reporting at Small-to-Mid-sized Newspapers and PJ Grisar of The Forward for Excellence in Religion Feature Writing.
Among the highlights:
Other big winners included Jack Jenkins of Religion News Service for Excellence in Religion Reporting at Large Newspapers and Wire Services, Peggy Fletcher Stack of the Salt Lake Tribune for Excellence in Religion Reporting at Small-to-Mid-sized Newspapers and PJ Grisar of The Forward for Excellence in Religion Feature Writing.
==emanuel grozea===========
March 9, 2023: Baptist Press: WEEK OF PRAYER: Romanian planter starts multicultural church in diverse area of New York City
When the Romanian-speaking Maranatha Baptist no longer spoke the language of the majority of their neighbors, they lost their ability to engage people with the gospel. Most of the remaining members didn’t live in the neighborhood. It seemed to be only a matter of time before the church folded.
That’s when the church called Romanian Pastor Emanuel Grozea as the next pastor.
When the Romanian-speaking Maranatha Baptist no longer spoke the language of the majority of their neighbors, they lost their ability to engage people with the gospel. Most of the remaining members didn’t live in the neighborhood. It seemed to be only a matter of time before the church folded.
That’s when the church called Romanian Pastor Emanuel Grozea as the next pastor.
==wayne grudem=================
Are all sins the same in God’s eyes, or are some sins worse than others? All sins are the same in the sense that each renders a person guilty and worthy of God’s wrath. The root of all sin is autonomy and replacement of God with self. However small a sin may seem, it is an assertion that the person is acting independently of God. Eating fruit from a tree in a garden, like Adam and Eve did, might not seem immoral and may seem minor compared to other crimes, but it was an act of iniquity that had grave consequences for the human race. Breaking any command is an assault against the divine Lawgiver. James declared, “For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. For he who said, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ also said, ‘Do not murder.’ If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law” (James 2:10–11). Grudem is correct that “in terms of our legal standing before God, any one sin, even what may seem to be a very small one, makes us legally guilty before God and therefore worthy of eternal punishment.” Even one sin against an infinitely holy God demands an infinite punishment. --John MacArthur
==ernest gruen===============
Pastor Ernest J. Gruen is the son of a devout Baptist deacon. He was converted at the age of nine and called to preach at age 19. He pastored Baptist churches for ten years in the Wichita and Kansas City area. Pastor Gruen graduated from Friends University in Wichita, Kansas, with honors and received his Masters of Divinity from Central Baptist Seminary in Kansas City, Kansas. He founded Full Faith Church of Love, which grew to an average Sunday morning attendance of 2,500. This spirit-filled inter-denominational church became a teaching center for the heart of the United States. He managed a staff of over ninety, including twelve pastors, Christian schoolteachers, and support personnel. He pastored that church for twenty-seven years. Pastor Gruen and his churches have always been strongly committed to missions. He also mentored and discipled younger pastors, while overseeing a network of fifteen churches in the Kansas City area. He has ministered extensively in the United States and internationally in Holland, Germany, England, Israel, Kenya, Mexico, Canada, and the former Soviet Union. He has ministered extensively in the United States and internationally in Holland, Germany, England, Israel, Kenya, Mexico, Canada, and the former Soviet Union. He has over twenty-eight years of radio experience, with his own daily radio program. He had a weekly television broadcast for eleven years. Pastor Gruen is the author of five books and a tract: "Freedom to Choose"—a national bestseller concerning deliverance. This book has been translated into Spanish, Afrikaans, Chinese, and Urdu.
"Freedom to Grow"—a selection of meaningful sermons. "Touching the Heart of God"—a detailed study of prayer. "The Giver and His Gifts” was released in 2001. This book is an exhaustive study of the 25 gifts of the Holy Spirit and the Baptism into the Holy Spirit. It is being translated in the language of Pakistan—Urdu; Spanish, and the nation of Indian in the language Malayalam. "But God Gives More Grace"—a detailed study of humility as a spiritual law. The tract is entitled “Have you received the Holy Spirit?”—which has enabled thousands to receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.
"Freedom to Grow"—a selection of meaningful sermons. "Touching the Heart of God"—a detailed study of prayer. "The Giver and His Gifts” was released in 2001. This book is an exhaustive study of the 25 gifts of the Holy Spirit and the Baptism into the Holy Spirit. It is being translated in the language of Pakistan—Urdu; Spanish, and the nation of Indian in the language Malayalam. "But God Gives More Grace"—a detailed study of humility as a spiritual law. The tract is entitled “Have you received the Holy Spirit?”—which has enabled thousands to receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.
'All of our sins, rottenness, and filthy, everything that we have done wrong, was laid on Jesus, and God could no longer look at His Son because of our sin. Therefore, Jesus cried out with this pathetic cry "Eloi, Eloi, Lama Sabachthani?.." ("My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?" --Ernest Gruen; Freedom to Choose
"Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Jehoshua, which means, 'he will Save'" --Ernest Gruen; Freedom to Choose
==anna grummitt===============
Youth Editor at Centre for Public Christianity
Studies at Sydney Missionary & Bible College
Studied TESOL at UTS: University of Technology Sydney
Studied BA Media Communications at University of Sydney
Lives in Sydney, Australia
Studies at Sydney Missionary & Bible College
Studied TESOL at UTS: University of Technology Sydney
Studied BA Media Communications at University of Sydney
Lives in Sydney, Australia
Outsider and unbeliever though I am, he made me feel like a member of his search party. … And he made me feel loved—by him and by his God.”
Last Friday, Timothy Keller, one of this generation’s best-known Christian leaders, died after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Although I never met him, Tim Keller had a profound impact on my life. His 2008 bestselling book The Reason for God solidified my faith and became a go-to gift for friends with questions about Christianity. His small-group studies helped me integrate my beliefs with my whole life. His sermon on Psalm 42 encouraged me in a period of doubt, and his Atlantic article ‘Growing my Faith in the Face of Death’ strengthened me when cancer hit my own family.
But after reading tributes to him, I’ve been struck not just by the huge influence he had on Christians like me, but also by how he is remembered by those who aren’t in his camp.
In particular, the above quote from journalist Jonathan Ranch stood out to me. As an atheist, Ranch admits he “can’t understand Tim’s world.” But through Keller, he says, he got “glimpses of it”—glimpses of a world with humility, love, and grace at its core. -Anna Grummitt; CPX: May 23, 2023
Last Friday, Timothy Keller, one of this generation’s best-known Christian leaders, died after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Although I never met him, Tim Keller had a profound impact on my life. His 2008 bestselling book The Reason for God solidified my faith and became a go-to gift for friends with questions about Christianity. His small-group studies helped me integrate my beliefs with my whole life. His sermon on Psalm 42 encouraged me in a period of doubt, and his Atlantic article ‘Growing my Faith in the Face of Death’ strengthened me when cancer hit my own family.
But after reading tributes to him, I’ve been struck not just by the huge influence he had on Christians like me, but also by how he is remembered by those who aren’t in his camp.
In particular, the above quote from journalist Jonathan Ranch stood out to me. As an atheist, Ranch admits he “can’t understand Tim’s world.” But through Keller, he says, he got “glimpses of it”—glimpses of a world with humility, love, and grace at its core. -Anna Grummitt; CPX: May 23, 2023
michael gryboski
March 9, 2023: Christian Post: 'Full of surprises': Understanding stunning moments, realities at the heart of the Asbury revival
Americans are still discussing, dissecting and exploring the impact of the massive revivals that unfolded last month at Asbury University and other American campuses.
Christian Post reporter Michael Gryboski joined the most recent episode of “The Inside Story” to give the full scoop on what unfolded, why it matters — and to explain why these spiritual moments and movements were filled with so many surprises.
Americans are still discussing, dissecting and exploring the impact of the massive revivals that unfolded last month at Asbury University and other American campuses.
Christian Post reporter Michael Gryboski joined the most recent episode of “The Inside Story” to give the full scoop on what unfolded, why it matters — and to explain why these spiritual moments and movements were filled with so many surprises.
matthew gunter
Mar 7, 2023: Christian Post: Frank Griswold, former head of Episcopal Church, dies at age 85
The Rev. Matthew Gunter, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, took to Twitter on Sunday to give his condolences, noting his personal history with the former presiding bishop.
The Rev. Matthew Gunter, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, took to Twitter on Sunday to give his condolences, noting his personal history with the former presiding bishop.
Nov 22, 2023: ENS: Wisconsin Dioceses Launch Cooperative Ministry
“For many years, there has been conversation about coming together for camp,” Bishop Matt Gunter of Fond du Lac notes. “The positive comments about this idea has grown, especially these past two years. I’ve heard from youth and adults, clergy and laity, campers and staff, asking why we aren’t doing camp together” Bishop Jeff Lee of Milwaukee also heard similar comments. Fond du Lac summer camp sessions in 2021 and 2022 included campers and staff from the Dioceses of Eau Claire and Milwaukee.
“For many years, there has been conversation about coming together for camp,” Bishop Matt Gunter of Fond du Lac notes. “The positive comments about this idea has grown, especially these past two years. I’ve heard from youth and adults, clergy and laity, campers and staff, asking why we aren’t doing camp together” Bishop Jeff Lee of Milwaukee also heard similar comments. Fond du Lac summer camp sessions in 2021 and 2022 included campers and staff from the Dioceses of Eau Claire and Milwaukee.
david gushee
David P. Gushee (born June 17, 1962, Frankfurt, West Germany) is a Christian ethicist, Baptist pastor, author, professor, and public intellectual. Growing up, Gushee attended and completed his college years at College of William and Mary in 1984. After college, he received his Ph.D. in Christian ethics from Union Theological Seminary in 1993. Among the titles listed, Gushee has shown hard work and dedication in different parts of his job and was awarded for his achievements. Gushee is most known for his activism in climate change, Torture, LGBT inclusion, and Post-evangelicalism.
Christian ethics professor says Trump, evangelical voters ‘enemies’ of democracy
A new book by Mercer University Christian ethics Professor David Gushee makes the case that evangelical Christians have become “enemies” of democracy, “seduced” by authoritarian leaders like Donald Trump. In an interview with Business Insider this week, Gushee discussed his book, “Defending Democracy from its Christian Enemies,” and his own decision to stop identifying as an evangelical Christian, believing the cultural group has become “toxic.” (Micaiah Billger/The College Fix 1/16/24) READ MORE>>>>> |
“In the US, the immediate crisis is the phenomenon of Donald Trump and the strong conservative Christian support for Trump, which continues to this day,” he told Business Insider. |
Christian scholar urges evangelicals to abandon church as it's lost 'moral credibility'
A leading religious scholar said Tuesday he was using his father to halt the "manifest surrender" of American Christians to Trump — and the fascism he expects him to bring. Dr. David P. Gushee, a distinguished university professor of Christian ethics at Georgia's Mercer University and chair of Christian social ethics at the Free University of Amsterdam, spoke with Salon's Chauncey Devega about what he says is a crisis in "White Christianity" as it slowly submits to Donald Trump. (Sarah K Burris/Raw Story 1/9/24) READ MORE>>>>> |
“If evangelical gatekeepers can swallow keeping children in cages, mocking the Sermon on the Mount, and following leaders in thrall to Trumpist bigotry, why would anyone respect their discernment, value their praise, or fear their critique?”
― David P. Gushee, After Evangelicalism: The Path to a New Christianity
“Evangelicals are driving out their exiles. They are losing their young disproportionately. So God-oriented, Christ-following folks are heading into post-evangelical spaces. That is what is being built right before our eyes. I believe that evangelicalism is definitely shrinking, post-evangelicalism is definitely coalescing – and I believe it will become a significant part of U.S. religion.” --David Gushee
“I don’t think that—in the United States today—there is any other single figure who poses as big a threat to democracy and who has anything like the hold on people’s loyalty that we see in Donald Trump,” said Gushee in an interview this week about his new book. “Donald Trump will be a threat to American democracy for as long as he is alive. I think at this point he could be sent to prison and, even in his jail cell, millions of his followers would continue to support him...........That fine-tuning of the terminology used to describe this danger is one of the major points in Gushee’s new book that is intended to further develop warnings found in books by sociologists of religion that include:
- Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States by sociologists Andrew L. Whitehead and Samuel L. Perry
- American Idolatry: How Christian Nationalism Betrays the Gospel and Threatens the Church by Whitehead
- The Flag and the Cross: White Christian Nationalism and the Threat to American Democracy by sociologist Philip S. Gorski with Perry as co-author.
“The category I pioneer in my new book is ‘Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity,’” Gushee said. “I realize that this term may not be as useful in newspaper or magazine headlines as the simpler Christian Nationalism. And I do respect the usefulness of this term Christian Nationalism to get a national conversation going that is much needed right now. But, I think there is more we need to think about, to study and to discuss, if we hope to understand these movements that are raising really ugly forms of hatred and are threatening violence.
“Adding the word ‘reactionary’ to our description is a very important way to name what is often articulated on the Right: These people are reacting to changes in culture that they believe are wrong—which makes them reactionary. And the word ‘authoritarian’ names this desire we are now seeing for the election of a Christian-leaning strongman who will demand or decree the recovery of a world that has been lost. There’s a really troubling loss of confidence in this movement in the democratic process itself to solve the problems they think that only a strongman could address. So, we get this desire to elect someone who will act as a defender of what some people think of as Christian civilization through traditional values—and through opposing modern liberalizing and pluralizing trends. That’s why we we often hear people sum up this appeal as: ‘Taking back our country back.’
“It’s a fierce negative reaction that goes all the way back at least to the Supreme Court’s prayer in schools decision in 1962, to the Civil Rights movement, to the feminist movement, to the sexual revolution, to Roe vs. Wade, to immigration liberalization in the mid 1960s, to the protests against the Vietnam War, to the gay rights movement, to the trans movement—and even that list leaves out a half dozen other movements that have fueled this fierce reaction.
“The reactionary part of this movement isn’t new. We saw it way back with Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, but they tried their best to cozy up to the Republican Party in a more traditional strategy of getting people elected. They supported and were working through the democratic process. What we’re seeing in the last few years is a radicalizing that has moved beyond a democratic process. We’re now seeing some of these groups supporting political violence, militia violence—and even trying to set aside an entire national election because you don’t like the results. That’s a dangerous new development and that really is what has motivated me to write my book.
“So those are some reasons I prefer this new phrase I’m using in this book. The other usefulness of this term of ‘Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity’ is that this category applies to what is happening in a number of other countries around the world.”
--David Gushee; Read The Spirit; Dr. David Gushee joins historians and sociologists in warning against the dangers of Christian extremism 10.1.23
“Adding the word ‘reactionary’ to our description is a very important way to name what is often articulated on the Right: These people are reacting to changes in culture that they believe are wrong—which makes them reactionary. And the word ‘authoritarian’ names this desire we are now seeing for the election of a Christian-leaning strongman who will demand or decree the recovery of a world that has been lost. There’s a really troubling loss of confidence in this movement in the democratic process itself to solve the problems they think that only a strongman could address. So, we get this desire to elect someone who will act as a defender of what some people think of as Christian civilization through traditional values—and through opposing modern liberalizing and pluralizing trends. That’s why we we often hear people sum up this appeal as: ‘Taking back our country back.’
“It’s a fierce negative reaction that goes all the way back at least to the Supreme Court’s prayer in schools decision in 1962, to the Civil Rights movement, to the feminist movement, to the sexual revolution, to Roe vs. Wade, to immigration liberalization in the mid 1960s, to the protests against the Vietnam War, to the gay rights movement, to the trans movement—and even that list leaves out a half dozen other movements that have fueled this fierce reaction.
“The reactionary part of this movement isn’t new. We saw it way back with Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, but they tried their best to cozy up to the Republican Party in a more traditional strategy of getting people elected. They supported and were working through the democratic process. What we’re seeing in the last few years is a radicalizing that has moved beyond a democratic process. We’re now seeing some of these groups supporting political violence, militia violence—and even trying to set aside an entire national election because you don’t like the results. That’s a dangerous new development and that really is what has motivated me to write my book.
“So those are some reasons I prefer this new phrase I’m using in this book. The other usefulness of this term of ‘Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity’ is that this category applies to what is happening in a number of other countries around the world.”
--David Gushee; Read The Spirit; Dr. David Gushee joins historians and sociologists in warning against the dangers of Christian extremism 10.1.23
==james c guy================
"I realize it is possible to practice masturbation without lusting. It is undoubtedly difficult, but yet, possible. Some say they do it as a “biological release,” but without thinking about anyone or lusting over anyone in particular. However, many find it difficult to do so without lusting, especially those who are addicted to the practice. This is because they feel there is a "need" to do it on a regular basis to fulfill lustful desires. Christians (usually) understand sex outside of marriage to be sinful. The Bible teaches that it is (Hebrews 13:4; II Corinthians 12:21; Galatians 5:19-21). So, we may “substitute” the adultery and fornication with masturbation in such a way that it simply replaces the act itself. Jesus says that in doing so, you have committed it in your heart (Matthew 5:28). You lusted and desired that person in such a way that you thought about and even acted out what you might do with that person if it were not a sin. One sin does not justify another. " --James C Guy
==david guzik===================
David Guzik is widely known for his popular online, verse by verse commentary on the entire Bible, used by many thousands of pastors, teachers, and everyday Christians worldwide.
The troublemakers among the Corinthian Christians who stirred up contention against Paul didn’t only attack Paul; they also attacked the true Jesus by preaching another Jesus. Who was this “other Jesus?” Because of the way the Corinthian Christians despised Paul’s image of weakness and unimpressive appearance, the false Jesus promoted among them was probably one who knew no weakness, persecution, humiliation, suffering, or death. This “super Jesus” was another Jesus, not the real Jesus, and another Jesus isn’t real and cannot save.
The Jesus different from what Paul and other faithful apostles had preached was from a different spirit andpresented a different gospel. This was the dangerous, even spiritually deadly error that Paul had warned the Christians in Galatia against (Galatians 1:8-9). In that Galatians 1 passage, Paul explained that those who preached a different gospel should be accursed by God.
Paul described these “different gospel” preachers as he who comes. This set them in contrast to God’s true apostles. An apostle is “one who is sent.” These troublemakers were the opposite of apostles. One could say of them, he who comes. Of an apostle, one would say “one who is sent” by God. These false apostles had simply come; they were not really sent by God.
The problem wasn’t so much that these false teachers had come among the Christians in Corinth. The more significant problem was that the Corinthian Christians put up with them when they should have rejected them and cast them out. These false teachers were a bad influence that were accepted among the Corinthian believers.
--David Guzik; Enduring Word
The Jesus different from what Paul and other faithful apostles had preached was from a different spirit andpresented a different gospel. This was the dangerous, even spiritually deadly error that Paul had warned the Christians in Galatia against (Galatians 1:8-9). In that Galatians 1 passage, Paul explained that those who preached a different gospel should be accursed by God.
Paul described these “different gospel” preachers as he who comes. This set them in contrast to God’s true apostles. An apostle is “one who is sent.” These troublemakers were the opposite of apostles. One could say of them, he who comes. Of an apostle, one would say “one who is sent” by God. These false apostles had simply come; they were not really sent by God.
The problem wasn’t so much that these false teachers had come among the Christians in Corinth. The more significant problem was that the Corinthian Christians put up with them when they should have rejected them and cast them out. These false teachers were a bad influence that were accepted among the Corinthian believers.
--David Guzik; Enduring Word
Against the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt: Israel’s rejection and disregard of God were all the more inexcusable in light of God’s great deliverance. When He brought Israel up from the land of Egypt, God proved His love and care for Israel; for God to speak against them shows He must have been sorely provoked. God made a clear connection between the great privilege of Israel (you only have I known) and the great responsibility this privilege brings (therefore I will punish you). If Israel thought that their standing as a specially chosen nation made them less responsible before God, they were tragically mistaken.
--David Guzik; Enduring Word
--David Guzik; Enduring Word
. The repeated use of fire to express judgment is continued in the New Testament. Without doubt, Amos meant material fire coming against material walls and palaces, but the Bible also uses fire in a spiritual way, to describe the purifying work of God in the believer. The Bible says that God will test the works of each believer with fire, to burn away what is unworthy (1 Corinthians 3:13-15). The Bible says believers will be tested by fire (1 Peter 1:6-7). -David Guzik; Enduring Word commentary
Built her house: Adam Clarke described the general understanding of this figure from the early church fathers and medieval theologians: “The house built by wisdom is the holy humanity of Jesus Christ; the seven pillars are the seven sacraments, or the seven gifts of the Holy Ghost, or the whole of the apostles, preachers, and ministers of the Church; the slain beasts are the sacrifice of Christ’s body upon the cross; and the bread and mingled wine are the bread
and wine in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper!” Of this, Clarke wrote: “men have produced strange creatures of their own brain, by way of explanation.” Hewn out her seven pillars: The primary idea is that wisdom’s house is large, well-appointed, and unshakable. Through the centuries, various commentators have not been able to resist seeing some symbolic meaning in her seven pillars. “i.e. many pillars; whereby is intimated both the beauty and the stability of the church.
Pillars; prophets, and apostles, and ministers of holy things, which in Scripture are called pillars, as Galatians 2:9, and elsewhere.” -David Guzik; Enduring Word
and wine in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper!” Of this, Clarke wrote: “men have produced strange creatures of their own brain, by way of explanation.” Hewn out her seven pillars: The primary idea is that wisdom’s house is large, well-appointed, and unshakable. Through the centuries, various commentators have not been able to resist seeing some symbolic meaning in her seven pillars. “i.e. many pillars; whereby is intimated both the beauty and the stability of the church.
Pillars; prophets, and apostles, and ministers of holy things, which in Scripture are called pillars, as Galatians 2:9, and elsewhere.” -David Guzik; Enduring Word