Reformation Reading

Christian Criticism of Critical Theories Critical Theory (CT) is a philosophical framework for understanding the world in ideological forces that are either categorised as oppressed or oppressor groups. Consequently, CT argues that the problem with the world is the oppressive group and seeks to perceive the world’s problems through that lens, and posits solutions in light of it. It is important to note that CT is the overarching framework, and there are specific Critical Theories (e.g., Critical Race Theory, Critical Gender Theory - a subbranch of Feminist Theory, Critical Legal Theory, etc.) In my university course (Critical and Cultural Theory), I had the opportunity to publish 3x 300-350 word blog posts engaging with various critical theories that we learnt in the course. In this blog, I’ve shared two of my posts from the subject: Verbal, Plenary Inspiration of Scripture: Limitation or Liberation?  To give a text an Author is to impose a limit on that text, to furnish it wi...

“But this dedication is for others to read: These are private words addressed to you in public” -       (T. S. Eliot, A Dedication to my Wife)   These poetic lines capture the essence of Jesus’ Upper Room Discourse in John 13-17. In these chapters, Jesus unveils his heart, speaking tenderly to reassure his apostles of his love for them. We’ve been given the privilege of overhearing the innermost concerns of Jesus’ heart toward his closest friends. We have an echo, a glimpse of Jesus’ mind as he dedicates these private words to be read publicly all around the world. To put it another way, Thomas Goodwin called John 13-17 a “window into Christ’s heart”, an idea that Sinclair Ferguson himself borrowed in his book, Lessons from the Upper Room: The Heart of the Saviour . As the subtitle suggests, Ferguson guides our gaze toward Jesus’ heart, providing a heartfelt comfort amid all the tumult in the world around us. In an age of rapid technological changes, g...

Resource Recommendations Why should we leverage extra-biblical resources? Before recommending two extra-biblical Christian resources that will help you in your walk as a Christian, I endeavour to answer the ‘why’ question. Why should I bother with these theological resources? If I’m not a professional theologian, why should I consider digging deeper into theology? Why can’t I just read the bible? These are legitimate questions, and this preface will not comprehensively answer all those questions, but my simple answer is this: why would you not want to be helped to grow in your knowledge and love of God? We are commanded by God in the Scriptures to love him with all our mind, heart, soul, and strength, and that our lives are transformed by our knowledge of Christ. As such, why wouldn’t I leverage every possible resource to help me in becoming more like Christ? That being said, these extra-biblical resources are not a replacement for our communion with Christ, and our communal fellowship...

August 2021 Competing Spectacles by Tony Reinke One Sentence Summary:  This book aims to equip Christians to treasure Christ in the Media Age. Audience:  Readers who are willing to have their technology-saturated lifestyle challenged for a greater affection for Christ. Genre:  Christian Living (Technology) Review Length:  500 words Book Length:  160 pages Note: You can find the full review published on  catechesis September 2021 R. C. Sproul: A Life by Stephen Nichols One Sentence Summary:  This book magnifies the holiness of God through the biographical sketch of the late Dr R. C. Sproul. Audience:  Readers who are willing to have their minds and hearts captivated by God's work in the life and ministry of R. C. Sproul.  Genre:  Biography Review Length:  550 words Book Length:  402 pages Note: You can find the full review published on  AP December 2021 Truth on Fire by Adam Ramsey One Sentence Summary:  This book prom...