Highly influential church growth consultant, Lyle Schaller, taught sociological principles to churches, which made them more attractive and effective in gaining audiences. His approach helped shape modern churches, although it also raised concerns about whether sociology should trump biblical theology’s emphasis on God’s role in conversion and the role of tradition in guiding congregational life. Rev. Lyle E. Schaller Dies at 91; Helped Protestant Churches Survive and Grow – NYTimes.com.
These depictions of Jesus provide a pretty good overview. However, when the article asserts that Jesus was not depicted with a beard until the fourth century, I would question that conclusion. The fresco at Dura Europos (second image) might have included a beard on Jesus’ chin. The state of the image makes it difficult to tell. Other early depictions borrowed from existing Greco-Roman depictions of gods or heroes (think stock art), who typically did not have beards. So the evidence is not quite so helpful for determining how to depict Jesus.
Isaiah 50:6 speaks prophetically about Jesus’ suffering and describes Him as bearded. That prophecy may have helped settle early Christian depictions that became standard in later centuries. It would be interesting to research the history of interpretation for Isaiah 50. That Jesus was of Jewish descent is beyond dispute.
The Evolving Look of Jesus – Killing Jesus Gallery – National Geographic Channel.
Julio Ribeiro is a retired police officer who was a leading figure in India’s governance in decades past. He recently offered complaint about religiously motivated violence in India and the role of mass conversions in sparking such violence. This two part article offers analysis in view of India’s history. It is not an easy read but does help one sort through the roles of Hindu, Muslim, and Christian views in the present conflict as well as the history contributing to such conflict. Key to the author’s argument is the role of the caste system in holding people back and that people chose to convert to other religions in order to escape the dominant caste system.
Part 2: Julio Ribeiro and the choice before Indian Christians.
This article begins with news that Christian author, Jonathan Cahn will speak at the United Nations about Christian persecution by radical Muslims. The end of the article provides some history on persecution. However, I think some of the history is a bit off. Early on, the Muslims valued the Christians in the Roman Empire because they needed their help in making functional government after their conquests. There were pressures to convert but the most intense persecution from Muslims came much later.
‘Harbinger’ author to speak at United Nations.
This article describes how a revival is conducted in Africa. Interesting for comparison with historic practices in the U.S.
Zimbabwe United Methodist revival “unrivaled” in district – The United Methodist Church.
Taking the flash mob approach to spreading the Gospel. Not sure what I think about trying this. Sort of like caroling. Cool, or no?
LifeWay has pulled its books on near death experiences and heaven after the Southern Baptist Convention passed a resolution against the subjectivity of such testimonies.
Why evangelicals are divided by afterlife testimonials (COMMENTARY) – Religion News Service.
“Our prelates are hung and not shot. Respect our traditions!” Damaskinos replied to Gen. Jurgen Stroop, SS, when he threatened to have Damaskinos shot for arguing against the deportation of Jews from Greece. The Greek Orthodox Bishop Who Stood Up to the Nazis | Acton PowerBlog.
Valerie G. Rempel gives an overview of Anabaptist history and why the first Anabaptist Baptism was regarded as radical.
Most Pakistani Christians were converts from the untouchable castes who did menial and lower valued forms of labor. The article explains how this history still affects the lives of these Christians today.
Pakistani Christians Fight Back – NYTimes.com.
church history review 