The Little Friar

Teaching theology classes is some of the most exhilarating things I've ever had the joy of doing.  And teaching Trinity and Christology are why  that's true.   In teaching Christology, I always draw together what I call my "12 grammatical rules".   I mention them here today because much of what I've been reading lately -- on preaching -- has had so much to contribute to thinking about Christian speech, that I think these bear repeating for pastors on occasion.  (This post is really Karl Barth's "fault", since I just finished Dogmatics in Outline  again this month.) Each of these rules are offered here in both a negative and a positive affirmation.  The negative addresses temptations of Christian speaking that don't speak of Jesus Christ biblically.  These are temptations of preaching that preachers must avoid.  The positive is the simple message of the Good News we proclaim.  1.   Not to speak of Christ in any way that sidelines his...

1.  Some years ago, among the examinations of postulants for ordination, I interviewed a young lady, a seminary graduate (!) who confessed doubts about the resurrection of Jesus.  When I pressed her -- But what'll you preach on Easter Sunday? for starters -- she admitted that "resurrection" is a theological category that doesn't make sense.  It isn't "logical".  And I have to admit, on one level I agree.  Me issuing forth theological musings about the resurrection will have every Christian poet rolling over in their graves.  The mysterious demands open mouthed, gaping astonishment, then doxology, then  theo logic.  Forgive me, great poets, where I trespass here.  2.  The best apologetic for the resurrection is Law & Order  or Perry Mason .  The gospel authors invite gospel witnesses to take a public stand,  elicit their testimonies, cross-examine them, explain away any inconsistencies or contradictions, dismiss the cou...