While that's disturbing, if accurate, but the theological drift had already been underway by an ostensibly evangelical institution hiring an Eastern "Orthodox" professor. "Orthodoxy" is idolatrous.
Mark, thanks in advance for the "next few weeks"; this week was a treat. This Sunday's gospel reading of Luke 17:5-10 sounded fresh to my ears thanks to your insights and those of your commentators. I was particularly riveted by the words 'We are unprofitable servants'. What deep humility they convey! Clearly, to me at least, this saying of Jesus is meant to remind us that we are always in service to God and that our proper disposition is one of both obedience and obeisance.
I suggested covering this story to an editor at the Christian Reformed Church's publication The Banner. The editor said they would wait for Religion News Service to pick up the story first. There is one gatekeeper.
Your commentary on the Luke passage is the common one. But one thing I learned from that spiritual master, Dallas Willard -- peace be on his house -- is that interpretation is badly mistaken. The common reading would in no wise increase anyone's faith. What Jesus is saying is : You are NOT slaves. You are masters. The problem is, Jesus says sadly shaking his head, is that you put yourself in the shoes of slaves, saying "We only do what we're obliged to do," what we're told by our masters." That's too bad, Jesus is saying. You are not people who simply do what you're commanded. No, you give commands. You say to this mountain, be moved and it is moved.
THAT increases our faith.. The trouble is, as Jesus could see, we have a hard time believing it.
While that's disturbing, if accurate, but the theological drift had already been underway by an ostensibly evangelical institution hiring an Eastern "Orthodox" professor. "Orthodoxy" is idolatrous.
See:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/article/answering-eastern-orthodox-apologists-regarding-icons/
Mark, thanks in advance for the "next few weeks"; this week was a treat. This Sunday's gospel reading of Luke 17:5-10 sounded fresh to my ears thanks to your insights and those of your commentators. I was particularly riveted by the words 'We are unprofitable servants'. What deep humility they convey! Clearly, to me at least, this saying of Jesus is meant to remind us that we are always in service to God and that our proper disposition is one of both obedience and obeisance.
And what is true obedience if not true belief?
I suggested covering this story to an editor at the Christian Reformed Church's publication The Banner. The editor said they would wait for Religion News Service to pick up the story first. There is one gatekeeper.
Mark, Thanks for this exchange. Being an old guy myself it does seem that my peripheral vision gets wider.
Wonderful explanation 😀😇
Your commentary on the Luke passage is the common one. But one thing I learned from that spiritual master, Dallas Willard -- peace be on his house -- is that interpretation is badly mistaken. The common reading would in no wise increase anyone's faith. What Jesus is saying is : You are NOT slaves. You are masters. The problem is, Jesus says sadly shaking his head, is that you put yourself in the shoes of slaves, saying "We only do what we're obliged to do," what we're told by our masters." That's too bad, Jesus is saying. You are not people who simply do what you're commanded. No, you give commands. You say to this mountain, be moved and it is moved.
THAT increases our faith.. The trouble is, as Jesus could see, we have a hard time believing it.