POSSIBLE INFLUENCE OF GENETIC FACTORS ON SIN, SANCTIFICATION, AND THEOLOGY by Burton Webb and Keith Drury

An Abstract:
"Emerging evidence in both the scientific and medical literature seems to indicate that several addictive behaviors some Wesleyans traditionally have recognized as sinful may be linked to mutations in specific genetic sequences. Although this does not necessarily indicate a cause-effect relationship, it does raise interesting questions regarding the nature and inheritance patterns of these behaviors. Genetic predispositions toward alcoholism, smoking, drug abuse, and gambling have all been suggested. Schizophrenics are more likely to commit petty crimes and assault than the general population. Some research supporting a genetic link for homosexuality has been in the literature in the last several years. This paper will explore the theological implications of this genetic research by raising important questions for Wesleyan theologians to consider: To what extent is an individual culpable for sin influenced by genetic factors? Should genetic predispositions change the church’s view of sin? If we learn to manipulate genes, will "genetic sanctification" be possible?

For the full paper click here: http://didache.nts.edu/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_view&gid=771&Itemid=

Neo-Fundamentalism and The Modern Inerrancy Debate

Hi People,

Here are two great articles i recommend to read!

Neo-Fundamentalist
http://www.crivoice.org/neofundamentalism.html

The Modern Inerrancy Debate
http://www.crivoice.org/inerrant.html

Let me know your thoughts...

Scriptural Innerancy: an open letter by C.S Cowels from PLNU

This is an amazing piece of work and a MUST read, for too long our peopl have misunderstood the churches position. I belive this letter helps point us in the right direction!
See Link Below!!!

http://www.naznet.com/inerrant.htm

What is the best theory of Atonement for Nazarenes, and does it even matter?

Anyone want to step up to the plate and give their personal views that we can discuss? and does it even really matter how we view the atonement?
I will post several views another time.
Peace

N.T. WRIGHT'S RESPONSE TO JOHN PIPER ON JUSTIFICATION

Here below (see the link) is an interesting but all too brief interview of Tom Wright as he talks about his forthcoming book on "Justification". What Tom is stressing is that final justification when the Christian stands before the judgment seat of Christ, does indeed involve the review of our moral actions inspired and empowered by the Spirit as well as our immoral acts as well. This contrasts with initial justification which is by grace and through faith. In addition he argues that Paul does not suggest that Christ's moral righteousness is imputed to the believer. Rather initial justification has to do with forensic or legal right standing with God, not the imputation of Christ's moral righteousness to the believer.
anyway...check out the link.

http://trevinwax.com/2009/01/13/interview-with-nt-wright-responding-to-piper-on-justification/

Is the Church of the Nazarene in danger of losing its 'Wesleyanism'?

I for one love the 'Big Tent' image thatn is often portrayed in the church of the Nazarene. We have a more inclusive approach to church and ministry. This is evident in how the church of the Nazarene came to be over 100 years ago (only just). But in recent times i have been having more and more conversations with church people, and hearing some interesting views on our district assembly floors, that leads me to think something is missing.

So, Are we (Australian nazarene church) in danger of losing our 'Wesleyanism' when it comes to our understanding on issues such as Bibilcal Innereancy, the Atonement, Sin, Baptism just to name a few?
With the ever increase of people from other denominations joining the CotN(which is a great thing, not a bad thing and i welcome it) we increasingly have people 'objecting' or 'misunderstanding' our churches view and stance on MANY issues which can and does divide communties of faith and puts pastors and preachers in difficult positions.

Do we, the Australian church of the Nazarene, need to educate our people about our 'Wesleyan 'views of scripture, missions and the world?

The CotN position on Scripture:
We believe in the plenary inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, by which we understand the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments given by Divine inspiration, inerrantly revealing the will of God concerning us in all things necessary to our salvation, so that whatever is not contained therein is not to be enjoined as an article of faith."

What are your thoughts? Are we in danger? Have we come across this in our ministry? What are the ways forward? Do we as pastors need to be 're-deucated'?
Many have 'dissagreed' with our Theological college, however, we are in desperate need (in my opinion) of some deep discussions with our people and the support and teaching from our college (which they are more than happy to help with if we pick up the phone) in our Local churches if we are to remain 'Wesleyan' at the Local church level.
Peace

Emerging Nazarenes 'White Paper' (long but a GREAT read)

it is self explanatory when you read it...
http://ragingbhull.wordpress.com/2009/06/02/emerging-nazarenes-white-paper/
Peace

What is the role of Art in our Nazarene Churches in the 21st Century?

What is the role of art in our churches?
I would like to think that we have many talented people in our church across australia. Unfortunately i believe we have not tapped into this talent in ways that could provide greater faith amoung our people.
Sally and i recently visited St Mary Cathedral in Sydney, WOW!
What an amazing church building, what amazing artworks depicting the final hours of Jesus life on earth. Sure, we could easily fall into the temptation of worshiping art, but really i found that the art in St Marys Church evoked/inspired a deeper faith and awe of God.
The artwork in St Marys may be of more of an 'ancient flavour', but i think there can be an immense power in images, sounds, or 'art' that we could use to provde opportunity for thought, dialogue, conversation with others about spiritual things and ultimately Jesus.
We have lost alot from our desire to be seperate from 'catholics' or anything that is not 'evangelical'. Can we recapture the use of art in our ministry, worship, evangelism in expressing things that cannot be communicated with words? Is there any place for 'art' in our Nazarene churches or is it too far removed? Can art seriously help our faith? Can art help us to live the life of holiness?
Your thoughts, ideas, rebuking is valued
Peace

What does it mean to be a 'holiness people' in Australia in the 21st Century?

Let me start by stating that i believe 100% in the message of heart holiness and am committed to finding the best ways to communicate it to the 'next generation'.

My problem is this:
Our current models of communicating holiness to our people (at least in my australian experiences) are outdated, often unbiblical, wrapped up in language and old 'jargon' that many theology students struggle to articulate and understand and frankly, focus too much on the 'personal experience' and individual 'discovery' without communicating the social responsibilty(tell us what you really think caine!).

Is Holiness just about me and the Holy Spirit having a supernatural connection that gives me a 'clean' feeling and turn from sin? or does that very experience also require my social justice eyes to open up, my frustration at gossip and slander eyes to open up, my legalistic desires to fall away, my focus on Jesus to narrow and my awareness of the mission of God to broaden?

See, my problem is not with God or Holiness, my problem is we have often (not always) not fully and in my opinion correctly articulated what the Holy life looks like and looks like in a 21st century culture.
It is no longer about whether one has a tattoo or drinks a beer occasionally (i am sure this will fire some of you up!), it is no longer about whether we go to the movies or have fun dancing. It is no longer about these little things (yes i admit for some these could be issues for individuals to work through), because the mission of God is far greater than the 'issues'.

Holiness is not something we deserve or can demand, it is a way of life.
Is it wrapped up in an experience of the past? or a continual experience of what it means to be 'awakened' to the things of God and have his love 'flood us, forgive us, cleanse us'?
Is Holiness just for our own personal enjoyment? Is it the empowerment of our lives so we can serve Jesus and be his hands and feet?

What does it mean for us to be a holiness people in Australia?

We can no longer hide ourselves in our little denmoination called the church of the nazarene anymore. The banter of being the 'cream of the crop' is sinful and frankly an arrogant way of dissmissing the lack of impact into our churches local communities and thus the lack of growth in our churches (tell us what you really think caine!).

In my opinion, to be a holiness people in australia means to be SALT and LIGHT to the world around us, it means to work TOGETHER with other churches in the greater mission, it means releasing our people to DO the work God is calling them too and not judging them cause they have friends and collegues who are not 'Christian' or heaven forbid not 'Nazarene'. It means having these types of discussion on blogs, over coffee, at district assemblies, at meetings anyway we can. We are in this together and have an AMAZING message to communicate!

what are your thoughts? Let's journey together on this or am i ramling alone?
I want to know peoples passions and views about holiness and what it will look like in n21st century OZ.
Let us dream a new dream for what our 'holiness' denomination in Australia will look like in this 21st century society and stop trying to make it what it was and embrace what where God may be leading....

I have gone on enough. :)

The soap box is now free...who wants to step up?