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BISHOP'S BLOG
In Honor of Fleming Rutledge
...I reread Fleming’s book on the cross, and was struck by how many different topics it covers- schools of Biblical scholarship, archeology, social and political theory, the prophets on social justice, modern liberal theology, apocalyptic, the pitfalls of the preacher, etc. How then are we to explain her interest singularly in one thing, and yet in many things? The Biblical image of the tree planted and flourishing by the river (Psalm 1:3, as well as Revelation 21) comes to mind. The tree spreads its branches and provides space for a myriad of the birds of the air (Matthew 13:32). This is first of all Christ, of course, but also the space which His Gospel creates, for the diversity of the Church, but also for a diversity of concerns, ministries, pursuits, etc. Justification is not narrow, though it is singular, and that in turn provides a lens through which to see Christian life together and Christian thought. (continue reading)
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The Joy of Words
Our nation’s dropping of bombs in Iran last weekend raises again the desire for some points of theological orientation regarding war. A theologian has no claim for wisdom on whether a particular course of action was justified. But there is a rich tradition of Christian thinking about war that is, unfortunately, largely forgotten. So—as an exercise of remembering—here are a few points to help take our theological bearings. (Of course, about each of these much more could be said!) (continue reading)
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