S. Mark Heim reviews a number of recent books on the Atonement, some of which argue that Christianity should jettison the doctrine altogether, others arguing for a revised understanding of the Atonement, and others defending a more traditional understanding. One pet peeve of mine is that in discussions of the Atonement Anselm’s theory is often…

Wesley J. Smith (mentioned here) is something of a one-man think-tank on end-of-life issues, euthanasia, bioethics, etc. Turns out he also has a blog. As you would expect, he’s all over the Schiavo case (which, sadly, will likely soon be “resolved”). I found his book Forced Exit horrifying and enraging. And I mean that as…

In the bonds of Death He lay,Who for our offense was slain,But the Lord is risen today,Christ hath brought us life again.Wherefore let us all rejoice,Singing loud with a cheerful voiceHallelujah! Of the sons of men was noneWho could break the bonds of Death,Sin this mischief dire had done,Innocent was none on earth;Wherefore Death grew…

I just noticed that Democrats for Life has provided a link to this humble site under “Progressive, Liberal and/or Democrat Oriented Pro-life Blog Sites.” Though I’ve expressed qualms with the “progressive” label in the past, I do adhere to what I hope is a consistently pro-life view (a.k.a. the “seamless garment” perspective). And I certainly…

Good post at Here We Stand on the question of the soul and the “intermediate state.” I generally try to remain agnostic about such after death matters, though I did find this book pretty persuasive. Best, though, to remember that our hope is in the promise of the Resurrection and God’s love, not in some…

Interesting. Ralph Nader, Wesley Smith call Upon Florida Courts, Gov. Bush, Citizens to Take any Legal Action Available to let Schiavo LiveThu Mar 24, 6:49 PM ET To: National DeskContact: Ralph Nader (news – web sites), 202-387-8034; Wesley Smith, 510-886-8609WASHINGTON, March 24 /U.S. Newswire/ — Consumer Advocate Ralph Nader and Wesley J. Smith, author of…

A few things worth reading: “Which Enlightenment?” by Keith Windschuttle. Discusses the differences between the French and British-Scottish versions of the Enlightenment, including how the latter was far more favorably disposed toward religion. “How Liberalism Failed Terri Schiavo” by Eric Cohen. Procedural liberalism, ideological liberalism, and what we owe to those who can’t make their…

Surprisingly good article on the Resurrection in Newsweek by Jon Meacham (via Get Religion): Yet the journey from Golgotha to Constantine, the fourth-century emperor whose conversion secured the supremacy of Christianity in the West, was anything but simple; the rise of the faith was, as the Duke of Wellington said of Waterloo, “the nearest-run thing…

My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, And from the words of My groaning? O My God, I cry in the daytime,but You do not hear; And in the night season,and am not silent. But You are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel. Our…

CT has an excerpt from Stanley Hauerwas’ latest – Cross-Shattered Christ: Meditations On the Seven Last Words. The Gospel of John makes explicit what all the Gospels assume—that is, the cross is not a defeat but the victory of our God. Earlier in the Gospel of John a voice from heaven responded to Jesus’ request…