This book chapter represents a comprehensive discussion of the theory of cognition found in the ancient Greek philosopher Plotinus. Plotinus was the founder and most significant exponent of Neoplatonism, which represented the interpretation of Plato that was prevalent in late antiquity. His thought had a considerable impact on all three Abrahamic…[Read more]

The study attemps to identify the sources of the Leitourgikon printed at Dealu Monastery (Wallachia) in 1646. Thus, this edition is here compared with some of the most important Ruthenian Sluzhebniki printed in the first half of the 17th century. The Wallachian Leitourgikon is not a simple reprint of a particular Ruthenian edition, having a table…[Read more]

As a new theory in the humanities and social studies, Queer Theory is not limited to matters sexual. Queer theory is a broad understanding which encompasses any understanding that is anti-normativity and anti-fixed identity. It is often discussed as identity politics by contemporary academics, philosophers and social commentators. It is within…[Read more]

The central problem of the doctrine of creation – why did God create the world? – has important parallels with the central problem of the fall – how did sin enter the world? Both problems are essentially problems of freedom, of inexplicable decision – problems, that is, of sovereignty. This chapter will explore these parallel problems of creation…[Read more]

The Black Hebrew Israelite movement claims that African Americans are descendants of the Ancient Israelites and has slowly become a significant force in African American religion. This Element provides a general overview of the BHI movement, its diverse history/ies, ideologies, and practices. The Element shows how different factions and trends…[Read more]

For many Christians, the two words in the English language that don’t seem possible to combine are “faithful” and “disobedience.” For Adventists especially, who have too often grown up hearing an emphasis solely on obeying the commandments of God, such ideas are all too unthinkable. If God says it, the saying goes, that settles it. Yet, Ellen Whi…[Read more]

This article examines two figures from the early twentieth century
beginnings of the Hebrew Israelite movement. Malinda Morris
was a central, though forgotten, figure in William Crowdy’s
Church of God and Saints of Christ but her creation of an
independent Church upon Crowdy’s death has not so far been
discussed. The strongest body of evi…[Read more]

This chapter explores the contribution of the Seventh-day Adventist theologian/preacher Ellen White to Black Theology by comparing her early 19th century work to the later writings of James Cone. An argument is put forward that White intuited many of the insights that Cone would later formulate, demonstrating both that White can be a valuable…[Read more]

An article that explores the theology of Sabbath keeping, and the biblical arguments for when God wishes his laws to be violated. A theology of the Sabbath, if it is to serve God’s desire in Scripture, must focus on the why of Sabbath, not the when. It cannot rely on arguments from authority or the Law as a cheap excuse for not engaging in a…[Read more]

A survey of Adventist church statements regarding church policy in the North American Division and World Church regarding Climate Change. It will be argued that unlike other policies the Adventist church supports, its statements on Climate Change lack the typical biblical support common for other initiatives and indicates a lack of spiritual…[Read more]

Discussions about the history of the reception of the Apocrypha within Protestantism are often mired by blanket negative presumptions that differ markedly from the actual beliefs attested to in available historical sources. This chapter seeks to rectify such historical misrepresentations by presenting an initial attempt to summarize the entire…[Read more]

This essay seeks to introduce briefly the background and idea of what can be called a confrontational approach to theology. It will begin by outlining the biblical background of this often-ignored portrait and then will proceed to outline how this theological approach can breathe new life into various approaches toward God.

In this chapter, a biblical overview of the topic of doubt is provided, focused on the Gospel accounts. A theological argument is made for the necessity and contribution of doubt toward the process of faith.

Although bumper stickers abound that propose otherwise, the Bible itself reveals that just because “God says it,” does not, in fact, mean “that settles it.” On the contrary, a close reading of Scripture reveals that God does not want us to blindly obey him, but rather, invites us to “lock hands” with him and fight. The purpose of this book is to…[Read more]

Review of “Shakespeare, Theology, and the Unstaged God” by Anthony D. Baker, “Great Stage of Fools: A Guide to Six Shakespeare Plays” by Peter J. Leithart, and “Shakeshafte & Other Plays” by Rowan Williams.

Review of “No Flesh Shall Glory: How the Bible Destroys the Foundations of Racism” by C. Herbert Oliver and “How to Fight Racism: Courageous Christianity and the Journey Toward Racial Justice” by Jemar Tisby.

Review essay of “Live Not by Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents” by Rod Dreher and “Red Theology: On the Christian Communist Tradition” by Roland Boer.

Review essay of “Children of the Waters of Meribah: Black Liberation Theology, the Miriamic Tradition, and the Challenges of Twenty-First-Century Empire” by Allan Aubrey Boesak and “Evangelical Theologies of Liberation and Justice” edited by Mae Elsie Cannon and Andrea Smith.

Review essay of “Dare We Speak of Hope? Searching for a Language of Life in Faith and Politics” by Allan Aubrey Boesak, “Awaiting the King: Reforming Public Theology” by James K. A. Smith, and “Politics after Christendom: Political Theology in a Fractured World” by David VanDrunen.