Doing Evangelism together (2)

Why should we do evangelism relationally? Acts suggests several reasons: • to have fellowship (Acts 9:19, 26-28); • to have companionship (18:18; 19:29; 20:34; 27:1-2; 28:15); • to have protection (9:30; 17:15; 20:2-4); • to have encouragement (28:15); • to form an official delegation to attend the Jerusalem Council (15:2) and • to deliver famine [...]

Puritanism: The Shaping of America

As part of the iconography and symbology by which a sense of the American past is constructed, the entry of the Puritans into 17th century New England has been interpreted and re-interpreted as a shaping force of what has been recurrently described as that peculiar and essential figure, the being somehow common to every component [...]

Puritanism: The roots of Americanism?

Early in the 17th century some Puritan groups separated from the Church of England. Among these were the Pilgrims, who in 1620 founded Plymouth Colony. Ten years later, under the auspices of the Massachusetts Bay Company, the first major Puritan migration to New England took place. The Puritans brought strong religious impulses to bear in [...]

Using the Internet at Bible College (2)

Another instalment of academic sites of particualr interest to the postgraduate class.

Ready to go? The second semester looms…

Now that the next semester is looming (!) and the holidays all but gone, I present a short book list for those intending to take the courses I am offering in February. 1. PENTATEUCH This is a first year course: an over-all sketch study of the first five books of the Bible. The textbook is    [...]

Early Church History: Introducing the Module

This module covers the period 100 AD to 325 AD. The start date is (approximately) the close of the New Testament period. Though we refer back to NT writings, our main concern is with the next generations. The close date is the date of the Council of Nicea, under the Emperor Constantine, when Christianity entered [...]

A song for Reformation Day

Note for all my Reformation class to check out out the historical references in this piece. Probably needs a new chorus?  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WU0f_qJLkLg

Early Church History: Overview lecture

This week’s seminar/ lecture ech-lecture-5.ppt is something of an overview of the entire period (100-325 AD Christ to Constantine) so we will be revisiting some territory already covered, and hopefully laying down the parameters for your assignment on the developing ideas about Jesus. (Check the category Assignments 07 for more detail) .It’s been good to read [...]

Early Church History: Practices and Customs (Notes)

Practices of the early church Baptism “Catechumens” were men and women who had declared their interest in Christ, and had come under training by the church, but had not yet been baptized. For various reasons, usually related to poor doctrine (e.g. believing that forgiveness after baptism was much harder than the forgiveness given in baptism), [...]

Early Church History: Men and Movements

MEN and MOVEMENTS: An EARLY CHURCH HISTORY TIMELINE  c95 AD Gospel of John completed; Clement’s letter to the Corinthians written  100 Last books of NT (probably 2 Peter, 1 John) written. Patristic period begins   110 Letters & Martyrdom of Ignatius of Antioch  144 Marcion is excommunicated by the Church of Rome  151 1st Apology of [...]