Beyond Bebbington: Who Is An Evangelical?
The Bebbington Quadrilateral is an insufficient framework for defining evangelicalism because of its overemphasis on doctrine over practice, lack of connection to historic Christianity, and narrow focus on Christ's crucifixion. I offer an alternative framework that includes transformative faith, activism, the five Solas of the Protestant Reformation, and Trinitarianism, aiming to provide a more nuanced and historically grounded definition of evangelicalism while acknowledging the complexity of the term.
“He Has Done It”: Christological Reflections on Psalm 22
Would God really turn away His face (would He cease His affections) from His son in whom He is “well pleased,” especially at the epicenter of redemption history, the cross on Calvary? Never was God more pleased than at that pivotal moment when His Son forever redefined true power—not through force but through sacrifice—as He inaugurated the new covenant, loosened sin’s grip, defeated Satan, and forged lasting peace, reconciliation, and unity between God and humanity.
Dwight L. Moody’s 1899 Mormon Tabernacle Sermon
On a snowy Easter Sunday, April 2, 1899, Dwight Lyman Moody stood from his chair to approach the pulpit. Most heads in the congregation were bowed in prayer as the famous evangelist shuffled across the stage. There were thousands of them—upwards of 6,500—and they were quite unlike the people to whom he was accustomed to preaching. Moody, the Protestant evangelist, was in Salt Lake City, standing in the famous Mormon Tabernacle, facing a sea of Latter-day Saints.
Eunice Ross Kinney, Part 1
Eunice Ross Kinney, Part 1 explores the early life, conversion, terrible losses, and unexpected gains of one of Mormon history’s most resilient women.
A Brief Theology of Thanksgiving
Let’s think about Thanksgiving. No, not the middle child of holidays, that neglected sibling born after Halloween and before Christmas. I’m talking about the virtue, the state of the heart that recognizes its dependence, is open to receiving and expressing gratitude in affection, words, and action.
How do Latter-day Saints View the Bible?
The Bible is foundational to Mormonism, but as an authority it is not final, so the difference between Christians and Latter-day Saints concerning the Bible isn’t whether it is important but why.
What Do Mormons Believe About the Holy Spirit?
In Mormonism, the Holy Ghost is the Spirit of God, the divine Comforter. He’s not holy simply because he’s pure and sinless; he’s holy because he sanctifies or ‘makes holy.’
On Deconstruction and Faith
What if we didn’t see faith in a binary constructed-deconstructed status? What if we riffed off the “construction” theme to better frame how we approach faith and doubt? And, in making that discovery, learn better ways to frame our faith journey and shepherd others in doubt?
The Lost Love of Angry Apologists
In the end, God will ask all of us to give an account for our gospel encounters. I imagine there will be two questions. First, “What did you say?” Did you stand for truth even when it was “out of season” or did you scratch itchy ears (2 Tim. 4:2–3)? Angry apologists will be happy to report their stalwart loyalty, but then the second question comes. “How did you say it?”
An (Un)Obvious Difference Between Evangelicals and Latter-day Saints
What are differences between Latter-day Saints and evangelicals that aren’t readily apparent? Here’s one: Latter-day Saints tend to see themselves as part of a history while evangelicals tend to see themselves as part of a theology.
The (Proposed) State of Deseret
In 1849, Latter-day Saints proposed to Congress the formation of the State of Deseret, the 31st state in the union, but Congress had different ideas. Check out this map of the Mormon state that never was.
Does Orthodoxy Really Lead to Orthopraxy?
While it’s true that sound doctrine is inseparably linked to godly living, it’s not true that mere knowledge alone automates godly living. Here’s why.
It’s Time to Develop a Biblical Ufology
The UAP phenomenon is real. Are Christian leaders ready to address it?
Why Apatheism is More Challenging than Hostility (Interview)
Maybe you imagine the biggest problem facing Christians in the West today is hostility, whether from media or government or schools. You wouldn’t be wrong to notice how these venues don’t usually look kindly on orthodox, observant Christians these days. But what if we actually face a bigger problem?
Returning to the Joy of Salvation
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Are you perplexed by these words from the apostle Paul?
Sharing the Gospel With Apatheist Friends and Neighbors
Have you ever tried to strike up a conversation about faith with someone who didn’t care about God?
Apathy Toward the Discussion of God (Interview)
Kyle and Josh discuss the difficulties of sharing the gospel when people don’t really care at all about God.
Easing Political Tension at Home (Interview)
How does one maintain civility when children and parents may be ideological opposites?
“Athens Without a Statue to the Unknown God”
What if we live in an Athens without a statute to the unknown god?