The Unsolvable Problem of Evil – Bradley Jersak
QUESTION: How do you solve “the problem of evil?” RESPONSE: I don’t. We can’t. To clarify for readers, the problem of evil refers to the question of how we can reconcile the reality of evil and suffering with belief in an all-powerful and all-loving God. Unlike ‘apologists’ for faith (Christian or otherwise) who try to […]
Unforced Love: God’s unforced welcome & our unforced confession – Bradley Jersak
In previous posts, here and here, I have argued that intrinsic to the all-inclusive claims of passages such as Philippians 2:10-11 and John 12:32 is the companion truth that God honors human freedom and our voluntary faith response to Jesus’ work of reconciliation. My reading of St. Maximus the Confessor is that for human freedom […]
New Year Tidings of Sorrow & Joy – Bradley Jersak
“One of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. (He who saw this has testified so that you also may believe).” (John 19:34-35) “Oh blood and water, which gushed forth from the heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You! […]
A good God who doesn’t always heal? – Bradley Jersak
In A More Christlike God, I describe the self-revelation of God in Christ, who is self-giving, radically forgiving, and co-suffering Love. That image of God is cruciform, uncontrolling, but still deeply caring. So how do we hang onto the image of God as a loving heavenly Parent when (1) Jesus told us to pray with […]
“Vengeance is Mine”? Bradley Jersak
QUESTION I was wondering if you could comment even briefly on Romans 12:9. It says, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” I totally reject the interpretation that God is going to punish our enemies […]
“He ran, fell on his neck, and kissed him.” – Bradley Jersak
“He ran, fell on his neck, and kissed him.” “Fell on his neck” is such a strange idiom. My inner literalist chuckles if I picture it out of context. It sounds more like a professional wrestling move than an affectionate hug. That said, in my early college days (circa 1982), when my roommate returned from […]
Guest Post – Gathering – by Kerri Martens
The sun is a ball of overeager energy; its bright, fat, fingers of heat clutching the small windows and doors, trying to push their way inside, the smell of hot dirt and clashing cooking spices wafting through the air already, though it’s only morning. I sit, resting my head against the cool, clay bricks of […]
Q&R: Maximus “Freed Will” response to the “Free Will” defence of hell – Bradley Jersak
Question I have been reviewing PTM’s summary of the dozens of Scriptures that dare us to hope. Among these, I see Jesus’ stated intention to draw ALL people to himself, along with Paul’s prophecy that “EVERY knee will bow and tongue confess that Jesus is Lord,” not to mention Peter’s expectation in the “restoration of […]
“Attack & Extract” Evangelism – No More – Bradley Jersak
Moving on from Attack & Extract Evangelism Definitions Proselytism – to induce someone to convert to one’s faith. Evangelize – to preach the gospel to someone. The Great Commission – “Then Jesus came to [the eleven apostles] and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of […]
Union & “Interbeing”: Buddhist Tradition & Christian Faith in Conversation – Bradley Jersak
Some conversations should not be quickly forgotten. I shall not forget the conversation Eden once had with Jesus in contemplative prayer. Like Teresa of Avila before her, Eden is a practical and organized leader who is proof that an ordered mind is no barrier to mystical insight. “In-sight” describes a vision she shared over twenty […]