Category Archives: Index

Roland Muller’s Honor & Shame, Pentecost, Part 1

Posted on August 22, 2013 by Jay F Guin

[This my own analysis — kind of an experiment to see how Acts 2 might be read from an honor-culture perspective. If the Jews of the First Century were truly an honor culture, then we should be able to discern that … Continue reading →

Posted in Honor & Shame, by Roland Muller, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Roland Muller’s Honor & Shame, Summary

Posted on August 21, 2013 by Jay F Guin

As promised, I’ve ordered and read Roland Muller’s Honor and Shame: Unlocking the Door. Muller served many years as a missionary in Islamic countries, and so understands the honor culture of the Middle East very well indeed. Most importantly, he’s wrestled with how … Continue reading →

Posted in Honor & Shame, by Roland Muller, Uncategorized | 6 Comments

Further on Elders (“The People Demand a King”)

Posted on August 20, 2013 by Jay F Guin

There is this theory that elders with positional authority are the equivalent of a king — and God is opposed to our having a king. (1Sa 8:6a NET)  But this request displeased Samuel, for they said, “Give us a king to … Continue reading →

Posted in Elders, Uncategorized | 12 Comments

Further on Elders (The Authority of Preachers)

Posted on August 19, 2013 by Jay F Guin

The argument is being made more and more frequently that the preacher has authority to ordain elders because Timothy and Titus had the authority to ordain elders. Maybe. But we really have to approach these questions with the greatest of humility … Continue reading →

Posted in Elders, Uncategorized | 25 Comments

Further on Elders (On Moralistic Therapeutic Deism)

Posted on August 18, 2013 by Jay F Guin

Some time ago, I posted a series on Moralistic Therapeutic Deism (MTD), a term coined by Christian Smith, who wrote Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers, with Melinda Lundquist. Smith and Lundquist found that most Christian American … Continue reading →

Posted in Elders, Uncategorized | 22 Comments

Further on Elders (Getting Rid of Bad Elders: Cure, Part 2)

Posted on August 17, 2013 by Jay F Guin

A church has a good eldership, except one elder really doesn’t belong. He should never have been ordained. Experience shows that he really doesn’t have the qualities of a shepherd/overseer/elder and the giftedness from the Spirit for the task. Most … Continue reading →

Posted in Bad Elders, Elders, Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Further on Elders (Getting Rid of Bad Elders: Cure, Part 1)

Posted on August 16, 2013 by Jay F Guin

Now, let’s suppose we have man called “elder” who is not qualified. What do we do? Well, the Bible says very little on the subject, but there is some significant guidance. We begin with — (1Ti 5:19-20 ESV)  19 Do not admit … Continue reading →

Posted in Bad Elders, Elders, Uncategorized | 18 Comments

Further on Elders (Getting Rid of Bad Elders: Prevention)

Posted on August 15, 2013 by Jay F Guin

I’m not finished with the series on Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes, but it’s time for a break. We’ll return in short order. One of the questions I’m most frequently asked is how to deal with bad elders. After all, even … Continue reading →

Posted in Bad Elders, Elders, Uncategorized | 30 Comments

Misreading Scripture With Western Eyes: Honor, Part 6 (Public vs. Private; Examples; Conclusion)

Posted on August 14, 2013 by Jay F Guin

We’re considering Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible, by E. Randolph Richards and Brandon J. O’Brien — an excellent book. In summarizing the chapter, the authors explain, In the meantime, pay attention to … Continue reading →

Posted in Elders, Misreading Scriptures with Western Eyes, Misreading Scriptures with Western Eyes, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Misreading Scripture With Western Eyes: Honor, Part 5 (Church Discipline)

Posted on August 13, 2013 by Jay F Guin

We’re considering Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible, by E. Randolph Richards and Brandon J. O’Brien — an excellent book. There are a handful of references in the New Testament regarding church discipline. … Continue reading →

Posted in Elders, Misreading Scriptures with Western Eyes, Misreading Scriptures with Western Eyes, Uncategorized | 9 Comments