A La Carte (1/9)

  • Tim Challies
  • 01/09/07
  • 3

Tuesday January 9, 2007

Theology: Trevin Wax thinks that “Limited” and “Unlimited” Atonement Debates Miss the Point.

Books: Affections Fixed Above explains how to harness the power of Google’s Book Search to find old books.

Theology: Nathan Busenitz is revisiting the charismatic and cessationist debate in what should be a great series.

Sports: This is what Canadians do for fun: compile lists of the best hockey bullies of all time.

Comments (3)

1
Anonymous's picture
a comment from Michael • 01/09 @ 1:13pm

Greetings!Although I try to read challies.com each morning, and have for about a year, this is my first post. First, I am no theologian, but I am trying to read quality books as fast as possible. As a mid-40’s man, I picked up a copy of Sproul’s Reformed Theology about a year ago to settle an argument, but ended up becoming convinced that I was wrong.

Anyway, on to my question. Often times when I visit this site or many others, I have a tendency to follow links to other sites/articles of interest. Today, I followed the link to Trevin Wax on Limited vs. Unlimited Atonement.

First, based upon other reading, I am not convinced that the intent of the cross was to bring the universe back into Shalom. I do recognize, however, that this line of thinking is being repeated in other writings.

Second, and here is the heart of my true question, Trevin list a book by N.T. Wright on his list of books for 2006. He even seems to recommend this book. My current pastor (looking for a new church) also recommends N.T. Wright. But with his New Perspectives, should I be reading any of his stuff? And if yes, how does a non-theologian like myself learn to discern between truth and lies?

Thank you for the great webite Tim. I appreciate your time and effort.

Michael

2
Anonymous's picture
a comment from Jeri • 01/09 @ 7:53pm
› visit my web site.

Tim, I have a thought or two about the same article mentioned by Michael above. Some of Trevin Wax’s terminology (shalom of God), and statements and thoughts about universal redemption sounds a little like Rob Bell type stuff…maybe not. Anyway, at the end of his article the question of limited vs. unlimited atonement seemed to be just as worthwhile a discussion as before.

3
Anonymous's picture
a comment from Trevin Wax • 01/09 @ 9:19pm
› visit my web site.

Hi Michael,

Thanks for reading the article that Tim linked to. You noticed that I had an NT Wright book on my Top Ten list. I do enjoy much of N.T. Wright’s work, while I have serious issues with him in several areas as well. Usually, his works in defense of the Gospels are terrific. I would avoid his books on Paul, that is, until you have some theological knowledge from other sources.

But… I think it is unwise to read within only one tradition. One who reads D.A. Carson, R.C. Sproul, and J.I. Packer should not be afraid of writers outside the Reformed tradition. As Tim has been writing this week… the key is discernment. And of course, reading Scripture is paramount.