All in Theology

On Temples and Tabernacles

On Temples and Tabernacles

Michael Wadsworth
Devotional, Discipleship, Theology, Church

John’s gospel doesn’t begin with the birth of Jesus. There are no stories of controversial conceptions, angelic messengers, or various unexpected visitors to be enjoyed. But he does give us a beautiful, poetic account of Jesus’ identity and the significance of his coming, describing Jesus as the God who chose to ’tabernacle amongst us’. I believe this brief and simple phase communicates the same essential message that the nativities of Matthew and Luke are trying to get across. I also believe that if we meditate on this line from John, we might appreciate those classic Christmas stories afresh…

Solomon the Fool

Solomon the Fool

Michael Wadsworth
Biblical Studies, Deconstruction, Theology

The biblical writers are creative, artistic, and clever with their use of words. They don’t just want to report facts and events, they want to move and shape the way that we think about them. One of my favourite examples of this is the way that the author of 1 Kings writes about Solomon. If we look closely at his use of artistic flair, an interesting picture begins to emerge; one that changes the way that we think about Solomon entirely…

What if God was one of us?

What if God was one of us?

Michael Wadsworth
Biblical Studies, Discipleship, Genesis, Theology

The early chapters of Genesis contain a number of stories about people attempting to become God(s) in their own right and on their own terms. In each case, the narrative exposes both the foolishness of and the deeply painful consequences of such ventures. What’s strange and ironic though, is that these people were invited to enjoy god-like status, power and authority. In fact we all are… But what does that truly mean? And how can we learn from the stories of those who have reached for it and failed?

Take a (Holy) Hike

Take a (Holy) Hike

Michael Wadsworth
Biblical Studies, Church, Devotional, Discipleship, Theology

We should approach the Bible like we we would exploring a new landscape… not looking to conquer but to soak it all in and enjoy it. Not trying to dictate what we will find there but open to discover all that is has to offer. Respecting that it is unfamiliar, unpredictable, strange, but seeking to grow in familiarity, confidence and awareness of how to navigate it well. Seeking to follow others and lead trips ourselves in the hope that those we journey with fall in love with landscape for themselves.

Moses' Selective Memory

Moses' Selective Memory

Michael Wadsworth
Biblical Studies, Theology

At the beginning of Deuteronomy, Moses recounts the people’s journey through the wilderness. What is interesting though is that his retelling of events appears to involve a rather – what shall we call it – creative? – relationship with the truth! He certainly appears to have a somewhat selective memory of events. How should we respond to this and what lessons might we learn from it…?

An Invitation to Outrage

An Invitation to Outrage

Michael Wadsworth
Biblical Studies, Church, Deconstruction, Discipleship, Genesis, Prophetic Literature, Prophecy, Relationships, Theology

As I’ve reflected on the many distressing stories filling up my social media this week, of those I know and love being on the receiving end of such toxic-masculine culture, I have been reminded of the various biblical accounts of women who’s stories have been uncomfortably exposed for all posterity. In many ways, nothing has changed… To those men reading; we have to stand up and take notice…

This is the Way

This is the Way

Michael Wadsworth
Biblical Studies, Discipleship, Genesis, Theology

There is a beautiful linguistic quirk in the Bible that I’ve been mulling over for a while now. It has to do with the continual use of subtle directional language. It turns out this is all over the canon but is often subtle and so not always linked up and fully appreciated. The more I’ve followed this grammatical thread through the scriptures the more intriguing, pervasive and profound it has become.

Pursuing Theos not Logos

Pursuing Theos not Logos

Michael Wadsworth
Deconstruction, Theology

Too often theologians can become preoccupied with categories, and doctrines and systematised ideas. Too often theologians distort or even forget altogether that God is a being, a person to be known, and instead (albeit unintentionally) turn him into a concept that needs to be figured out and explained. To put it bluntly, we can easily end up idolising theology, our talk of God, over and above God himself.

Gospel

Gospel

Michael Wadsworth
Deconstruction, Theology, Archive, Gospel, Soteriology

I have been mulling over my understanding of the Gospel for a while now. Without a firm grasp of what the gospel is, how can living a life in response to it ever make sense or ever have meaning? I wonder whether a lack of depth in their gospel understanding is the reason why thousands of young people leave the church dissatisfied. Is it just that they’ve not been helped to properly see it as, not just “good news”, but the best news?

Suffering

Suffering

Michael Wadsworth
Suffering, Theology, Archive

“God shows himself not by leading Christians out of suffering, but actually in the suffering itself.”

This sentence is short and simple. I’ve heard it before. What it’s saying isn’t new and yet I don’t think I’ve properly understood at all.

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