Category Archives: American Evangelicalism

James K A Smith: Speech and Theology (Review)

Posted on December 2, 2018 by J. B. Aitken

This is the old Jamie Smith, before he went full-blown NPR.  This book is quite brilliant, actually.  I fully endorse it. Phenomenology:  I am no longer concerned with the thing, but how the thing appears to me.  We are concerned … Continue reading →

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Saving Calvinism (Oliver Crisp)

Posted on November 21, 2018 by J. B. Aitken

Crisp, Oliver.  Saving Calvinism: Expanding the Reformed Tradition.  Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsityPress, 2016. The Reformed theological tradition is like inheriting a large, albeit old house.  It has many rooms and in these rooms are old treasures. The Young, Restless, and … Continue reading →

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Dallas Willard: Knowing Christ Today

Posted on October 26, 2018 by J. B. Aitken

Thesis: A life of steadfast discipleship to Jesus Christ can be supported only upon assured knowledge of how things are, of the realities in terms of which that life is lived (Willard 7).  Correct knowledge gives us secure access to reality. … Continue reading →

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Dallas Willard: Hearing God

Posted on October 25, 2018 by J. B. Aitken

We all get nervous when people say “God spoke to me.” And sometimes rightfully so. Willard deconstructs both sides of the reaction and gives us a tour-de-force in philosophy as well. While we Evangelicals want to preserve the Bible’s integrity … Continue reading →

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Dallas Willard: Renovation of the Heart

Posted on October 25, 2018 by J. B. Aitken

It’s hard to write a new book on spiritual formation. Even the books that are good seem to have covered already-covered ground. What more is there to add? Dallas Willard takes a different angle. Rather than aiming for spiritual formation … Continue reading →

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Review: Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview

Posted on October 13, 2018 by J. B. Aitken

Moreland, J. P. and Craig, William Lane.   Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview.  Downers Grove, IL: Inter Varsity Press, 2003. This is one of those books in which I have spent more time over the past ten years than any … Continue reading →

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Review: Grudem, Politics According to the Bible

Posted on October 11, 2018 by J. B. Aitken

Grudem, Wayne. Politics According to the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2010. This book was a pleasure to read. It combined warm piety with robust, pinpointing analysis. It addressed almost every relevant issue. As it was written in 2010, it is … Continue reading →

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Grudem on Economics: Govt and the Poor

Posted on October 11, 2018 by J. B. Aitken

Whenever someone says “The Rich should pay their fair share,” probe them on it.  What does “fair” mean? We’ll get to that. Does the Bible support this? It does not.  It says “to impose a fine on a righteous man … Continue reading →

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Review: Powers of Darkness (Clinton Arnold)

Posted on October 9, 2018 by J. B. Aitken

Arnold, Clinton. Powers of Darkness: Principalities and Powers in Paul’s Letters. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsityPress, 1992. In many ways this is a shortened version of his dissertation. But it can also function as a supernaturalist, evangelical response to the then (and … Continue reading →

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Grudem on Economics

Posted on October 9, 2018 by J. B. Aitken

From Politics According to the Bible. Thesis: The Bible defends a system where property belongs to the people (262).  This is implied in 8th commandment. “On reason why communism is so incredibly dehumanizing is that when private property is abolished, govt … Continue reading →

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