What makes Christian theology distinctive?

Welcome to The Theology Whisperer,  a series of short blog posts on theology and theological education. Why is theology viewed as a distinctive realm of knowledge, and what is distinctive about Christian theology? The answer to both questions lies in the strong reliance of religious traditions on scriptures and other sacred writings, for which an …

Everyone is a theologian

Welcome to The Theology Whisperer,  a series of short blog posts on theology and theological education. Your contributions are important – please join the conversation! Those who know me in “real life,” and perhaps especially those who know me primarily on social media, will be aware that I love to cook. I have a lot …

On writing about oneself

“A person can write about himself from angles that are charmed, fond, delightfully nervy; alter the lens just a little and he crosses over into gloating, pettiness, defensiveness, score settling (which includes self-hate), or whining about his victimisation. The truck is to realize that one is not important, except insofar as one’s example can serve …

The power of repentance

A sermon by Rod Benson Jonah 3:1-10 No sooner have Jonah’s wrinkled, fishy hands gripped the coarse sand of a Jewish beach, than he hears the now familiar voice of God once more. It is the same message, the same words – a message previously disregarded, presenting a challenge previously disobeyed: “Go to the great …

How to turn blame into blessing

A sermon by Rod Benson Matthew 5:23-24 None of us likes to be blamed for things we did not do or say, especially if we are sure it’s not true. And we don’t like to be blamed for things we did say or do either! This is especially the case when the words or actions …