Author Archives: Seth

Columbo and Apologetics?

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The first things you probably think of when you hear “Columbo” are a cigar and head scratching. How can this have anything to do with Apologetics?
I was encouraged by this video posted on another blog.

Greg Koukl: Christianity Worth Thinking About, Part 1 – “Columbo” from Metropolitan Bible Church on Vimeo.

His website is here with more information.
And he also has a book. I have not read it, but from the reviews, his talk seems to mirror the content of the  book.

I would encourage you to play the movie and listen to it as you are working on mondane tasks. The strength of the video is found in his use of questions to open up conversations, and seek to “put a stone in your shoe.”He encourages the listener to “go on the offensive in an inoffensive way by using carefully selected questions to productively advance the conversation.”

He doesn’t stress continued follow up, which I think is a weakness.

The Heresy of Orthodoxy by Andreas J. Köstenberger and Michael J. Kruger

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The Heresy of Orthodoxy: How Contemporary Culture’s Fascination with Diversity Has Reshaped Our Understanding of Early Christianity 
by Andreas J. Köstenberger and Michael J. Kruger
Product Details
Paperback: 232 pages
Publisher: Crossway 2010
    Point: Diversity over unity. Who needs orthodoxy? The authors of this work confront the ever increasing thought pattern that truth is a relevant term. What is known as Christian orthodoxy was not merely the tallest weed in the garden of philosophy around 100 AD, it holds the truth.
    Path: Looking at the teachings of Walter Bauer, the authors address his presuppositions in three segments. First the authors deal with “Pluralism and the origins of the New Testament.” The second section discusses “Tracing the development of the New Testament Canon.” The final section answers questions concerning “Manuscripts, scribes, and textual transmission.”
    Sources: The authors are constantly addressing Bauer and Ehrman (the popularizer of Bauer). They cite primary sources in the early Church fathers, secondary sources, and current literature. The notes supplied are very helpful.
    Agreement: I appreciated their work on this pervasive teaching of Bauer. Their discussion seemed to be fair and reasoned, avoiding petty attacks and shallow rebuttals.
    Personal App: The teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ has been faithfully preserved through the text of the New Testament. Praise God!
    Stars: 4 out of 5
    It would be worth another read and I would recommend it for someone interested in the studies of the Early Church and Heresy.

    Who Killed Mr. Boddy?

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    The teens arrived at church on Sunday night to find that poor Mr. Boddy had been killed in the multipurpose room. Some acted surprised, others indifferent, and a few beastly fellows were quite content. The suspects were interrogated, the evidence reviewed, and the verdict proclaimed. It was Mrs. Peacock and Professor Plum. 

     

    Another key finding was made as well. No one in the youth group should seek a career as a private investigator…at least not one who has to work after 9 pm.

    Early Christians Speak by Everett Ferguson

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    Early Christians Speak, vols 1 and 2
    by Everett Ferguson

    Point: The early Church fathers can greatly enhance our understanding of Scripture and Church life.
    Path:  Ferguson sets up his chapters by providing quotations from the fathers followed by an explanation or summarization, and ending with a bibliography.
    Sources: Primary sources, but addresses pertinent secondary sources.
    Agreement: I like the format. Seeing the fathers this way is a good way to be introduced to them. Helpful bibliographies.
    Disagreement: The fathers are not best read in small snippets, but doing this has made them more accessible.
    Personal App: I need to read more of what the fathers had to say. Their devotion and piety challenges my own lack of it.
    Stars: 4 out of 5
    It would be worth another read and I would recommend it.