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Showing posts from September, 2022

Theological Journals, Part 3: 9/28/2022

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William Whittaker’s “Disputation on Holy Scripture:” the exquisite, epistolary dedication by Dr. Whittaker to Sir William Cecil bristles and brims with energy and vigor as he relates the recent publication of Cardinal Bellarmine in behalf of Trent and Rome. Exquisitely done. Stay tuned. Brace for heavy rolls, shipmates. Bring ‘er around to a 005 degree angle on the beam. John Jewel’s “Apology for the Church of England:” the Preface to this volume retails manuscript-defilements cutting out St. Chyrsostom on the Eucharist as well as Aelfric and Berto of Corbie. ANF1—“Apostolic Fathers and Justin Martyr:” retails the outline of Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians as well as an epistle discussing Polycarp’s martyrdom.

Theological Journals, Part 2: 9/28/2022

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Reformed Faith and Practice (May 2022): in “On Bavinck, the Beatific Vision, and Theological Practice, Prof. Michael Allen or Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando, gives the wonkified discussions of Bavinck and the Beatific vision. He notes that doctoral theses have emerged: Syd Hielema, James Eglinton, Brian Mattson, Nathaniel Gray Sutanto, and Gayle Doornbos. There remains yet much work to be done. Concordia Theological Journal (January 2022), in “Repentance for the Corinthian Community: 1 Clement’s Presentation of Christ in the Old Testament,” Rev. Daniel Broaddus discusses the underlying or subtextual Christology to Clement’s paranesis. Protestant Reformed Theological Journal 55,1 (Fall, 2021): BOOK REVIEW: The Attributes of God: An Introduction, by Gerald Bray. Short Studies in Systematic Theology. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2021. Pp. 160. $15.99 (softcover). ISBN: 978-1433561177. [Reviewed by Marco Barone]. A simplistic book by Dr. Bray that does not impress Rev. Barone. He then

Theological Journals, Part 1: 9/28/2022

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Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society (Mar 2022): in “Socially Derived or Studiously Prosecuted?”, Dr. Christopher Starver introduces Biblical theology in the black community and how black conceptions influenced their perspectives. ??. Anglican Theological Review (May 2022): in “’As if possessing but one mouth’: How Irenaeus Christianizes Classical Harmonia,” Dr. Jack Franicevich argues that Irenaeus speaks of the “one voice of the church” versus the discordancies and deviations of heretics. Anglican Theological Review (Aug 2022): “Editors Introduction:” this edition is dedicated to historical retrieval on Archbishop Tutu. The conflicts and protests of the 1980s are recalled, including some white Dutchmen joining the cause of racial reconciliation and justice. Trinity Journal (TEDS, Spring 2022): in “Biography and Historical Reliability in the Gospel of John,” Dr. Te-Li Lau, NT Prof. at TEDS, discusses John as “biography” as the genre in comparison to Plutarch’s Lives.

Morning Prayer

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Halley’s “Bible Handbook:” discusses archaeology at Mosul in Iraq, including the decipherment of a victory tablet of Darius 1 (536ish BC). For Psalm 31, Prof. Calvin comments on David’s gratitude after a series of deliverances from deadly enemies. Zondervan Pictorial Bible: “Israel:” discusses the Conquest, the superior situation of the Canaanites prior to the Conquest, and the loose colonization of the Egyptians over this area. For Genesis 26: Prof. Keil discusses the story of Isaac being duped by Jacob and Rebekkah. For Judges 16, Prof. Keil continues to discuss Samson and his plaited hair. For Isaiah 14.4-23, Prof. Henry begins to discuss the fall of the monarchial line of Babylon ending with Belteshazzar. ISBE on Johannine Epistles, Prof. I. Howard Marshall discusses in general the five Johannine compositions: John, John’s letters, and the Apocalypse. For Mathew 12.1-10, Prof. Jamieson discusses Jesus’s answer to the Pharisees about the disciples plucking corn on the

Theological Journals, Part 5: 9/27/2022

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The Biblical Repertory/Princeton Review (January 1837). The Editors review “Melancthon’s Letters:” by 1520, Melancthon has turned from profane or classical authors to the exposition of Scripture. William Whittaker’s “Disputation on Holy Scripture:” Dr. Whittaker continues to note to Sir William Cecil that ingenuity of Bellarmine on 1 Cor. 14, the vernacular Bible and his witty but disastrous defenses of Roman claims, making them the worse for it than had Bellarmine not answered the mail. Dr. Whittaker appreciates the ingenuity and learnedness, but he has this “sow by the ear,” to use a Henrician phrase. John Jewel’s “Apology for the Church of England:” the Preface to this volume continues apace to outline Rome’s absolute demand of allegiance and subjection to them. Even the heretics and schismatics still belong to Roman jurisdiction, are anathematized and dispatched to hell. No nice guy, chatty ecumenism with Pius 3 or Paul 4. Nope. ANF1—“Apostolic Fathers and Justin Martyr:” the

Theological Journals, Part 4: 9/27/2022

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The picture is the Rev. Dr. Oswald T. Allis, OT Professor at old Princeton and later at Westminster Seminary. A student of the Rev. Dr. Robert Dick Wilson of old Princeton. “The Fundamentals—A Testimony to the Truth, Vol. 2:” in “Inspiration of the Bible—Definition, Extent and Proof,” Dr. James Gray (Moody Bible Institute and ordained minister in the Reformed Episcopal Church) continues to outline the NT and inspiration. “The Fundamentals—A Testimony to the Truth, Vol. 3: “Chapter 2: Paul’s Testimony to the Doctrine of Sin,” Professor Charles B. Williams (Southwestern Baptist Seminary, Fort Worth, TX): the Professor comments on Romans 5.12-21. “The Fundamentals—A Testimony to the Truth, Vol. 4:” in “Modern Philosophy,” Attorney-at-Law, Philip Mauro laments the turn-over of academies to secularism, or, in our words, the insults to God. “Theologians You Should Know: Apostolic Fathers to the 21st Century,” Dr. Michael Reeves discusses Athanasius’s time at Alexandria, homoousios and

Theological Journals, Part 3: 9/27/2022

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Hedgehog Review (Summer 2022): in “Vladimir and Volodymyr,” Dr. Martha Bayles begins by discussing Putin’s vision of Russian and Ukraine. Global Anglican (Spring, 2022): BOOK REVIEW: “Origen: Homilies on the Psalms” translated and annotated by Joseph Tigg: these homilies were found in the Bavarian library in 2012. The work of translation and annotation of these lost homilies is highly praised with the footnotes alone being worth the purchase. Origen justifies his allegoristic hermeneutic and assumes a Biblically literate audience. Global Anglican (Summer 2022): “Obedience and Submission in 1 Peter,” Dr. Lionel Windsor of Moore College begins by discussing the difficulty of the concepts in the 21st century in view of colonialism and patriarchy. “The Fundamentals—A Testimony to the Truth, Vol. 1: “Chapter 4: The Bible and Modern Criticism, Professor F. Bettex of Stuttgart jibes the hackneyed whiners complaining about dictation theory, as if using the LORD’s Prayer is mechanical and

Theological Journals, Part 2: 9/27/2022

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Table Talk (Oct 2022): “Justice:” OPC minister, Rev. Montgomery, comments on the role of money, prestige, place, and position that can undermine justice, including bribes.   Standard Bearer (September 1, 2022): “The Belgic Confessions and Missions (1):” Rev. Kelyn comments on views that the Reformed are allegedly not interested in missions and evangelism due to their views of predestination and the Three Forms of Unity. Standard Bearer (September 15,2022): “US Congress Seeks to Codify Roe v. Wade and Obergefell:” Rev. McGowen gives the historic backgrounds to both SCOTUS rulings. Bibliotheca Sacra (Jan-Mar 2021): in “Suicide and the Thief in John 10.10,” Dr. James Wisland comments on John 9 and 10, including the statement that the blind will not see and those not seeing will see. Bibliotheca Sacra (April-June 2021): in “Creeds, Canons, Councils and the Contests of Tradition,” Dr. Douglas Sweeney, Dean of Beeson Divinity School, discusses Marcion and his canon that prompted Chur

Theological Journals, Part 1: 9/27/2022

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Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society (Mar 2022): in “Temptation of an Evangelical Theologian,” Dr. R. Albert Mohler weirdly ends this article warning about fundamentalism, Romanism, and Protestant liberalism. He’s offers very few, if any, details. ??. Very general article. Points noted. Anglican Theological Review (May 2022): in “’As if possessing but one mouth’: How Irenaeus Christianizes Classical Harmonia,” Dr. Jack Franicevich argues that Irenaeus is “harmonizing” creation. Weird here too. Anglican Theological Review (Aug 2022): “Editors Introduction:” this edition is dedicated to historical retrieval on Archbishop Tutu. Tutu takes over the SACC in 1978 and liberation theology makes its debut. Trinity Journal (TEDS, Spring 2022): in “Biography and Historical Reliability in the Gospel of John,” Dr. Te-Li Lau, NT Prof. at TEDS, discusses Plutarch’s view of biography and history with John’s Gospel following Plutarch’s concept—a window into the soul of the subject rathe

Morning Prayer: 9/27/2022

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Halley’s “Bible Handbook:” further describes the developments of archaeological research in Babylon in the 1830s. For Psalm 30.10, Prof. Calvin ends this Psalm by noting David’s desire to glorify God—man’s chief end. Zondervan Pictorial Bible: “Israel:” brings the discussion to Moses in the last few months and Deuteronomy. For Genesis 26: Prof. Keil retells the story of Rebekkah and Jacob’s ruse for Isaac’s blessing. For Judges 16, Prof. Keil reveals how Delilah discovers the source of Samson’s strength. For Isaiah 14, Prof. Henry recites the downfall of Lucifer and his corruptions of the nations/ ISBE on Johannine Theology, Prof. I. Howard Marshall discusses the resurrection of the believer and unbeliever in the Day of Judgment. For Mathew 12.1-10, Prof. Jamieson places the account in Jerusalem between Passover and Pentecost. For Romans 8.10, Prof. Hodge further comments on the role of the Holy Spirit as the giver of life. For Acts 2.14-36, Prof. Henry begins, finall

Theological Journals, Part4: 9/26/2022

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The Biblical Repertory/Princeton Review (January 1837). The Editors review “Melancthon’s Letters:” the theological development of Melancthon as a Reformer are on view in his early letters, earnest but gentle. William Whittaker’s “Disputation on Holy Scripture:” Dr. Whittaker of Cambridge opens his volume with an epistolary dedication to Sir William Cecil. He’s hotly tracking the earnest Jesuits, a hot and dangerous sect of Romanists doing warfare for Rome. They are very unlike the rank-and-file monks who produce little, are inactive, doing their daily rounds of prayer, and engage in what Cranmer called “belly cheer.” Rather, the Jesuits are earnest, hot, academic and on the move. Dr. Whittaker brings in Robert Bellarmine. Dr. Whittaker is willing to take up the cudgels against Bellarmine in his sanctuary in Rome. John Jewel’s “Apology for the Church of England:” the Preface to this volume gives a long list of pro-Roman commitments required by Pius 3 and Paul 4 in connection with th

Theological Journals, Part 3: 9/26/2022

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Concordia Theological Journal (January 2022), in “Repentance for the Corinthian Community: 1 Clement’s Presentation of Christ in the Old Testament,” Rev. Daniel Broaddus makes a glorious start on 1 Clement, surveying the provenance and utility to Clement of Alexandria, Irenaeus and others. Timewise, somewhere in Clement’s reign of 80ish-90s, and dated about 96ish AD. ??. A glorious epistle. Protestant Reformed Theological Journal 55,1 (Fall, 2021): BOOK REVIEW: The Attributes of God: An Introduction, by Gerald Bray. Short Studies in Systematic Theology. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2021. Pp. 160. $15.99 (softcover). ISBN: 978-1433561177. [Reviewed by Marco Barone]. A simplistic book by Dr. Bray that does not impress Rev. Barone. Dr. Bray stepped on an IED and lost his legs with this one by putting a distinction between God’s essence and attributes, a quartium quid. Barone is not happy and cites Bavinck, Aquinas, Van Mastricht, Turreting and others. Ouch! We’re not buying Dr. Bray’s simplis

Theological Journals, Part 2: 9/26/2022

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Standard Bearer (September 1, 2022): “Antinomians? With a Doubt (2):” Prof. Ronald Cammenga engages the conflict of the schismatic RPC that branched off from the PRC. The former asserts that forgiveness precedes repentance. He’s working through the Heidelberger, Belgic Confession and Canons of Dordt, the magisterium of the Dutch Calvinists. Bibliotheca Sacra (Jan-Mar 2021): in “Suicide and the Thief in John 10.10,” Dr. James Wisland notes that there are over 160 questions in John’s Gospel with about 33% occurring in John 7-10. The Pharisees are quite unhappy about Jesus. Bibliotheca Sacra (April-June 2021): in “Creeds, Canons, Councils and the Contests of Tradition,” Dr. Douglas Sweeney, Dean of Beeson Divinity School, offers commentary on the Athanasian Creed, probably a product of the 6 th -7 th century. Modern Reformation (Sept/Oct 2022): “Science, Religion and the Nineteenth-Century Protestantism, Dr. James Ungureanu discusses the “conflict thesis:” science v. religion. Once

Theological Journals, Part 1: 9/26/2022

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Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society (Mar 2022): in “Temptation of an Evangelical Theologian,” Dr. R. Albert Mohler has this weird section warning against the temptations towards Rome. Weird. Yes, we read Romanist and Papal literature (CCC 1994, Benedict 16 and JP2), but that temptation does not exist at this household. Weird. Anglican Theological Review (May 2022): in “’As if possessing but one mouth’: How Irenaeus Christianizes Classical Harmonia,” Dr. Jack Franicevich discusses Irenaeus’s observations about heretics’ cherry-picking one Scripture at the expense of another, e.g., Valentinius and Marcion. What’s new? Still happens. Anglican Theological Review (Aug 2022): “Editors Introduction:” this edition is dedicated to historical retrieval on Archbishop Tutu. Trinity Journal (TEDS, Spring 2022): in “Biography and Historical Reliability in the Gospel of John,” Dr. Te-Li Lau, NT Prof. at TEDS, discusses John as a “biography.” Noted, now lets move along. Anglican and

Morning Prayer: 9/26/2022

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Halley’s “Bible Handbook:” describes Napoleon, his team of scholars, their visit to Egypt, the archaeological discoveries and the Rosetta stone with Greek, Egyptian and a their language, a “demotic” language. For Psalm 30, Prof. Calvin comments on David’s conclusion to the Psalm—a return to thanksgiving. Zondervan Pictorial Bible: “Israel:” discusses the final days and approaches to the Promised Land. For Genesis 26: Prof. Keil discusses Isaac’s final days. For Judges 16, Prof. Keil brings us to the final days of Samson with the Philistines. For Isaiah 14, Prof. Henry concludes verses 1-3 as the narrative will return to the Babylonian King. Buckle up. For Romans 8.10, Prof. Hodge comments on the indwelling and conquest of Christ’s Spirit in the believer. For Acts 2.14-36, Prof. Henry, finally, after detours, makes his beginning on Peter’s actual sermon. Frederick Copleston’s “History of Philosophy: Greece and Rome (1.1):” talks about Antithenes again as Copleston commen

Theological Journals, Part 2: 9/25/2022

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Standard Bearer (September 15,2022): “Reporting of Sexual Abuse and Matthew 18:” Prof. Gritters expertly handles the issue of incest, sexual abuse and the duties of the Church to publicly, not privately, rebuke these private sins. A child must report such to parents and elders who take it from there. Well done inquiry by the Professor who advocates for stated policies in the church and Christian schools. Bibliotheca Sacra (Jan-Mar 2021): in “Suicide and the Thief in John 10.10,” Dr. James Wisland comments on “knowing” and “not knowing” the Son in John 5-10, focusing on the murderousness of Jesus’s enemies. Bibliotheca Sacra (April-June 2021): in “Creeds, Canons, Councils and the Contests of Tradition,” Dr. Douglas Sweeney, Dean of Beeson Divinity School, rehearses briefly the history of the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed. Pretty basic. Modern Reformation (July/Aug 2022): in “Travailing We Seek,” the Editor, Joshua Schendel, discusses the interactions of John Owen and Richar

Theological Journals, Part 1: 9/25/2022

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Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society (Mar 2022): in “Temptation of an Evangelical Theologian,” Dr. R. Albert Mohler suggests that ETS theologians avoid “atheism,” or, accommodating oneself to the secularist-atheistic structures of the day. He’s short on description of what, where, when and how, however. Anglican Theological Review (May 2022): in “’As if possessing but one mouth’: How Irenaeus Christianizes Classical Harmonia,” Dr. Jack Franicevich shows that Irenaeus engaged in structural analysis of the false religions tracing them to the foundation of perverting the Scripture and engaging in cherry-picking. Anglican Theological Review (Aug 2022): “Editors Introduction:” this edition is dedicated to historical retrieval on Archbishop Tutu. Trinity Journal (TEDS, Spring 2022): in “Biography and Historical Reliability in the Gospel of John,” Dr. Te-Li Lau, NT Prof. at TEDS, long-talks the issue of genre. Where’s he going? Anglican and Episcopal History (Aug 2022): in “

Theological Journals, Part 3: 9/24/2022

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“The Fundamentals—A Testimony to the Truth, in Vol. 1: “Chapter 4: The Bible and Modern Criticism, Professor F. Bettex of Stuttgart makes his start with creation ex nihilio by God, matter caused by nothing (autogenesis), or the eternity of matter. The basic big questions. “The Fundamentals—A Testimony to the Truth, Vol. 2:” in “Inspiration of the Bible—Definition, Extent and Proof,” Dr. James Gray (Moody Bible Institute and ordained minister in the Reformed Episcopal Church) notes how Peter had all of Paul’s writings and placed them alongside the OT canon. “The Fundamentals—A Testimony to the Truth, Vol. 3: “The Fundamentals—A Testimony to the Truth, Vol. 3: “Chapter 2: Paul’s Testimony to the Doctrine of Sin,” Professor Charles B. Williams (Southwestern Baptist Seminary, Fort Worth, TX): the Professor starts with sin in the human record—inescapable. “The Fundamentals—A Testimony to the Truth, Vol. 4:” in “Modern Philosophy,” Attorney-at-Law, Philip Mauro refers to the sea change