Taking Stock Over the last few posts, I feel there are a few different avenues we’ve opened up worth continuing to explore. There’s the issue of Marxist historical theory and methodology, the merits or downfalls of such a theory, and possible further clarifications on it. Then, there’s the broader question of epistemology – agnosticism, skepticism, Read More…
Christianity and Marxism
I don’t think any reasonable person could deny that it is important to consider the impact of socioeconomic factors and class struggle in history. I would also certainly agree that there are lots of gaps in the historical record, which frequently included the now-lost voices of marginalized people. I think it is also good that Read More…
On Marxism
Hello again, and thanks for your most recent post. I’m sure I’ll try and formulate a more direct response to it, but I wanted to get this stuff on Marxist historical theory out there first:1Disclaimer: I do not in any way fancy myself an expert on the views of Karl Marx, Marxism, or Marxist historical theory Read More…
Imagination, Authority, and Knowledge
Epistemology I sense that in some ways we have significantly different epistemological approaches. I think we would both agree that one should have a healthy balance of skepticism and trust, but I think we disagree about where that balance lies, with you leaning significantly more towards skepticism. I recently ran across a quote by Phillips Read More…
The Trouble with (Traditional) Worldviews
I’m still planning to get to the Marxism stuff, and I want to clarify some of the relationship between Paul’s authority and the guidance of the Spirit. But, right now, let me try and clarify what I meant about not needing to buy into any particular worldview because it probably makes a huge difference to my Read More…
On Belief
I have to admit that you raise a lot of good points in your last post on the Holy Spirit. I can really understand where you’re coming from, but I think you go too far in saying that the past 2,000 years of church history back up the hypothesis that Jesus did nothing to ensure Read More…
On the Holy Spirit
I believe I understand what you mean that the Spirit is a key topic related to everything else we’ve been discussing. It also could very well be the thing about which I am most skeptical — maybe not so much that some sort of Spirit could or does exist that influences people and groups, or Read More…
On Christian Origins
Belief I suppose I would have to agree that belief that an extraordinary event has occurred requires somewhat stronger evidence than belief that an ordinary event has occurred. I would also have to agree that agnosticism can be a reasonable position to hold on an issue; everyone is agnostic about certain matters. On important issues Read More…
3 Points of Departure
Jed, Thanks for all your responses and for the post on the resurrection. I think it it’s especially brilliant! You cover a lot in a few words, and I like the way you set it up by addressing each of the alternative hypotheses in turn. So, I guess we could start with that. You have Read More…
The Historical Case for the Resurrection of Jesus
I. Presuppositions When assessing the historical evidence for Jesus’ resurrection, the matter of presuppositions is of fundamental importance. If someone believes that miracles are in principle impossible, no amount of evidence will convince them that Jesus rose from the dead, since they have ruled out this possibility a priori. If someone believes that miracles might Read More…