Andy Naselli

Thoughts on Theology

Andy Naselli

How Should We Interpret the New Testament’s Graphic Descriptions of Hell?

by

I attempt to answer that question in the latest 9Marks eJournal: Hell: Remembering the Awful Reality [PDF | HTML].

“Hellfire and Brimstone: Interpreting the New Testament’s Descriptions of Hell.” 9Marks eJournal 7:4 (September–October 2010): 16–19. [PDF | HTML]

Introduction:

The New Testament graphically and horrifically describes hell. And that raises a thorny question: How should we interpret those dreadful images? May we simply label them “metaphors” to soften their bite?

Outline:

  1. How does the New Testament describe hell? [five ways]
  2. How do people interpret the New Testament’s horrific descriptions of hell? [three ways]
  3. How should we interpret the New Testament’s horrific descriptions of hell? [two of the three ways are plausible]

Conclusion:

We may disagree about some finer nuances of our literal and metaphorical interpretations of hell’s darkness, fire, and suffering, but we should agree that, at the very least, the New Testament teaches that hell is eternally miserable, terrifying, and painful. It’s certainly no better than being cast into literal “outer darkness” or being tormented with literal “fire and sulfur.”

More.

Preaching Christ in a Postmodern World

by

I just listened to “Preaching Christ in a Postmodern World,” a D.Min. course that Tim Keller and Ed Clowney co-taught at RTS about a decade ago. It’s 22.4 hours long, and it’s stimulating, especially the Q&A and the lectures by Keller.

Related: “Tim Keller: Preaching to the Heart“

Introducing Biblia.com

by

Biblia.com = Bible Study Online.

The president and CEO of Logos Bible Software explains:

  • Biblia.com is “a super-simple Bible for the web that’s backed up by the incredible technology (and massive library!) of Logos Bible Software.”
  • “Logos 4 users can access their library online, complete with synchronization of ‘last read’ position between Logos 4, the iPhone/iPad, and Biblia.com!”
  • “With shared licenses between Logos Bible Software 4 for Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPad, Mobile Web, and Biblia.com, your content is available wherever you are.”

Two Books on Politics by Theologians Coming out Next Month

by

One short (144 pages)

Carl R. Trueman. Republocrat: Confessions of a Liberal Conservative. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2010.

(Sample pages, video interview, and endorsements here.)

One long (624 pages)

Wayne Grudem. Politics according to the Bible: A Comprehensive Resource for Understanding Modern Political Issues in Light of Scripture. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010.

My Contributions to the Evangelical Drudge Report Last Week

by

Here is what I contributed to Justin Taylor’s blog last week:

  1. Academic Administration
  2. Free Audiobook: Tim Keller’s Ministries of Mercy
  3. Recommended Resources in Carson’s Leader’s Guide: Introduction | Chapters 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10–14
  4. Interview with Simon Gathercole on the Gospel of Judas and the Gospel of Thomas
  5. 2010 Resolved Conference
  6. Interview with Desi Alexander on Biblical Theology
  7. Interview with Chris Morgan on the Glory of God
  8. Mike Bullmore on the Gospel and Pastoral Ministry
  9. Interview with Stephen Dempster on Old Testament Theology
  10. Jim Hamilton Reviews Sailhamer on the Pentateuch
  11. Humorous Headlines
  12. Advice for Busy People, Especially College Students
  13. Interview with Peter O’Brien on the Letter to the Hebrews
  14. Should pastors separate the Christian wedding ceremony from the civil rite?
  15. Interview with Michael Lawrence on Biblical Theology and the Church
  16. Do You Love Your Spouse?

Previous contributions:

  1. early August 2008
  2. late August 2008
  3. August 2009