election – The Two Cities

Paul & Supersessionism with Dr. J. Brian Tucker (Podcast)

Mar 23, 2022

In this episode of our Christian Anti-Judaism series, we take a closer look at supersessionism. Specifically, we discuss whether Paul was a supersessionist with Dr. J. Brian Tucker, who is Dean of Faculty and Professor of New Testament at the Plymouth campus of Moody Theological Seminary (Michigan), and the author of Reading Romans After Supersessionism (published by Cascade). In our conversation, Dr. Tucker talks about various problems with supersessionistic readings of Paul that disaggregate Israel...

The Meaning & Telos of Israel’s Election with Dr. Joel Kaminsky and Dr. Mark Reasoner (Podcast)

Mar 16, 2022

In this episode of our Anti-Judaism series we turn to discuss the nature and purpose of Israel’s election. Specifically, we discuss how this may have been understood by the Apostle Paul relative to the kinds of understandings that we find in the Hebrew Bible. Joining us for this conversation we have Dr. Joel Kaminsky, who is Morningstar Professor of Jewish Studies and Professor of Religion at Smith College, and Dr. Mark Reasoner, who is Professor...

Celebrating Prof. N. T. Wright: One God, One People, One Future

Nov 27, 2018

One week ago I had the privilege of presenting Prof. N. T. Wright with a Festschrift (German for ‘celebration writing’), which is a sub-genre of scholarly books comprised of essays from former students, colleagues, and long-time friends. This kind of book celebrates the contributions of a particular scholar, typically on the occasion of a major birthday or retirement. Festschriften are usually intentionally broad, containing a hodgepodge of essays that contributors choose to submit in honor of a particular scholar...

Christ the Cornerstone of Christian Hope: Theological Reflections from 1 Peter 2:4-10

Apr 30, 2018

In the Gospel of St. John, Jesus warns his disciples that those who persecute him will likewise persecute those who believe in him (Jn. 15.20). The encouragement and consolation penned to the recipients of 1 Peter deem these prophetic words true. While the details of their adversity are unclear, 1 Peter addresses the Christian communities throughout Asia Minor suffering local abuse and revilement on account of Christ. The first few chapters of letter simply gush...

Israel’s Cry for a King, Our Cry for a Nominee: Reflections on 1 Samuel 8 – 12

May 20, 2016

We’re on the home stretch of the next presidential election, and we’re left with three possible candidates: Bernie “Feel the Bern” Sanders, Hillary “Email Extraordinaire” Clinton, and Donald “I Have Big Hands” Trump. I’m sure I’m not alone when I say I don’t fully identify with any particular candidate (though I do have my leanings, of course.) I certainly want the leader that not only represents me best in their speeches, but mostly in their...

Confused in the UK: Rugby, Cricket, and Donald Trump

Oct 5, 2015

The Carroll family is beginning our 4th year here in the UK and there are still a few things that confuse me. It might be that I never took enough time to delve into the mechanics of these things, maybe someday I will. But for now I’d rather rant about their inaccessible (in my eyes) nature of these things. In doing so I join the rest of the naive but strongly opinionated masses that have...

Obama Wins: Now What? (Guest Post)

Nov 20, 2012

On November 6th, Barack Obama was reelected faster than Thai food was delivered to my election night party. Though it is still obvious that our country is split down the middle, the election easily went to the Democratic Party. The people have spoken, and I think it’s time for Americans to accept this shift of American culture. So the question is, what does this mean for the Christian? This past week I saw many reactions...

Called to Fail?

Nov 8, 2012

November 6th, 2012 has come and gone. The monstrous and menacing machine that is the American political and campaign engine has crossed the finish line, and can finally click off (well, maybe for a few months). We have a victor. We all had the privilege of casting our votes for a candidate, and now we get to make our decisions regarding what plans or changes we will make in light of our best surmises of...

A Mormon President?

Nov 6, 2012

Today is the infamous US election day. The current polls seem to point to Obama winning the electoral college vote by 50–100 points. But what if these aren’t entirely accurate and Mitt Romney pulls away? What if America has the first Mormon president in its history? If the ‘Redskin Rule’ proves true, then Romney will be president. Of course, people have to actually get out there and vote for any of the polling to actually matter. So...

I’m (Obviously Not Really But Yeah Mostly) Democrat

Nov 5, 2012

In light of Bryan Magaña’s recent confessions, I begged The Two Cities to let me confess my own “struggles”. Yes, it’s true, I sometimes vote for Democrats. I confess, I did donate money to Obama’s campaign at the chance of winning a trip to meet the Commander-in-Chief and Beyoncé. I do idolize Michelle Obama for her passion to fight for healthy eating in America. And yes, I’m in love with Obamacare. Some may think I’m...