What is the problem in evangelical theology today? Probably more than at any other time in history, there seems to be a deepening chasm between Reformed, Dispensational and Wesleyan theologies. Not that the theologies have changed all that much. In fact, in many ways, they are the same as their founding fathers developed them. But the heels are digging in on all sides to make sure that nothing changes as time goes on.

It is into this battlefield that Ben Witherington III, Professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary, drops a bomb. He certainly helps evangelicals to look at where the other theologies may be going beyond Scripture. But more importantly, he also challenges each of these areas of Protestant theology to take long hard looks at themselves to see where their own theology comes up short of Scripture.

One major area of concern for me throughout the book is Witherington's insistence that it is possible to lose our salvation. He does a wonderful job of showing through Romans 8-11 how our covenant in Christ is as secure as the covenant that God made with Israel even though Israel is hardened right now. However, he does not follow that through with an understanding that there are also significant differences between the covenants whereby believers cannot be outside of the new covenant. The typical passages that he uses to describe those who fall away (or shipwrecked their faith, etc.) could just as easily describe the dire circumstances, the fire that God allows us - even causes us - to go through, is intended by God in order to finally purify us for eternity with Him.

If this point can be overlooked, much of the rest of Witherington's material is excellent in discussing how the various strains of Protestant theology can be improved. Perhaps using his material as a starting point, it could help each of these factions in the family of God to mend their relationships with each other and begin preparing for eternity together.

For a longer review, go to the blog listed in my nickname and click on the 'Reading' category.

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On the New (Really, Old) Post-Modern (Really, Arminian) Center
11/11/2005
posted by Rick Phillips

When critiquing Calvinism, he presents what is in fact the Arminian denial of the entire system. But when, to be fair and all, he critiques Arminianism, he picks on a side issue that is not at all essential to the Arminian system (namely, perfectionism) and pokes at it a little. So what he calls for in abandoning all our evangelical theologies and as the newly discovered humble center is ... Arminianism.

This prompts 3 observations from me: 1) every time someone calls out for an end to theological triumphalism, he or she always (and inevitably) argues for a different triumphant position. They could at least admit that they are doing so -- that someone is right and someone is wrong; 2) In the process, they successfully paint others as negative and mean (notice his concern over martyrdom from the Dispensationalists) and themselves as moderate and humble, yet all the while their writings present the most savage attacks on their theological enemies; 3) yet again, we see that postmodernity is far more about rhetoric than reason, and posturing instead of serious theology. If people are going to advocate the post-modern Arminian position, that is fine, but they could at least stop pretending not to have a theological agenda.