Theological Journals, Part 3: 12/2/2022

Bibliotheca Sacra (Jan-Mar 2021): in “Table Briefing: Escaping the Prosperity Gospel and Recovering the Real Gospel,” Darrell Bock continues to host the testimonial and inquiry to/with Costi Hinn Bibliotheca Sacra (April-June 2021): in “Anti-Semitism in the New Testament: New Scrutiny of a Chronic Notion,” Dr. David Mash concludes his article with a unanimous “No” to anti-Semitism in the Gospels. Jews, people, crowds, priests, Sanhedrin, Pharisees and and Sadducees are distinguishable. The originals are examined. The Sanhedrin put Jesus to death, not the crowds. A cheap shot is deflected. Modern Reformation (Nov/Dec 2022): “Does the Augsburg Confession of Faith Teach Anything Outside of Scripture?” Friedrich Balduin is arguing with a Jesuit attacker about clerical celibacy and justification by faith alone. Calvin Theological Journal (Spring 2022): in “Sign or Seal: Baptism in the Christian Reformed Church,” Dr. Ryan Faber has surely shown division in the CRC—between baptismal regenerationists and infant dedicators—going on at congregational levels. Mid-America Journal of Theology (Fall 2021): in a “Balanced Ministry,” Dr. Bill Boekestein concludes his discussion: know yourself, know your limits, take vacations, and spend time with family. Some very practical comments for any Pastor of any age. Global Anglican (Summer 2022): “Obedience and Submission in 1 Peter,” Dr. Lionel Windsor of Moore College is discussing the “elect diaspora” in 1 Peter 1. Hedgehog Review (Summer 2022): in “The Evangelical Question,” Kirsten Sanders discusses “Evangelicalism C” with unhelpful simplifications that would apply far beyond this so-called subset she had unhelpfully defined. Not a glorious ending. “The Fundamentals—A Testimony to the Truth, Vol. 1: “Chapter 5: Holy Scripture and Modern Negations” by Prof. James Orr of United Free Church College, Glasgow, Scotland: Prof Orr continues with a quasi-sarcastic but solid amplification on Ezra and Nehemiah pitching a sales talk about this newly discovered body of the Torah, penned by exilic and post-exilic writers. All made up. It’s a good read and worth re-reading from time-to-time. Willy nilly, all made up by Ezra, Nehemiah and Malachi. “The Fundamentals—A Testimony to the Truth, Vol. 2:” in “Chapter 2: Inspiration,” Rev. L. W. Munhall discusses “the rigid” doctrine of verbal, plenary inspiration of the Canon from Tertullian to quotes from Augustine. He then moves on to Prof. Warfield noting that this view of inspiration is the doctrine of the Church of all ages and of all names. Touche. “The Fundamentals—A Testimony to the Truth, Vol. 4:” “Chapter 3: The Wisdom of the World,” Dr. A. W. Pitzer outlines the height of ancient civilizations in several directions, yet, also the massive, internal corruptions and depravities—apart from the life of God and aliens to the life of God as Paul puts it around Ephesian 4.18, loc.cit. Humorously, he notes that the “tall modern talkers” were/are the same as the ancient talkers, only being newer and not knowing about the old talkers. Funny article. “Theologians You Should Know: Apostolic Fathers to the 21st Century,” Dr. Michael Reeves discusses Augustine, his life, the turbulencies in the Empire, and his profound influence on the western half of the fallen Empire. Reeves proposes to go through some representative volumes of Augustine starting with the Confessions, one of about 200 books from Augustine's pen not to mention letters.