February 7, 2010
What I Have Learned in 50 Years as a Theologian (Part 1)
Jack Cottrell reflects on 50 years of theological teaching, contrasting passing fads with enduring fundamentals and defending truth against the rise of relativism in doctrine.
Doctrinal Issues & Debates
Doctrinal Issues & Debates gathers Christian Standard articles that explore key theological questions and areas of disagreement within the Christian faith—especially as they affect church teaching, unity, and practice. Here you’ll find biblical analysis of contested doctrines, thoughtful engagement with differing viewpoints, and guidance for handling theological controversy with conviction, humility, and charity. These articles aim to help readers pursue truth faithfully, interpret Scripture responsibly, and navigate doctrinal differences in ways that honor Christ and build up the church.
December 13, 2009
The Point of Christianity 4: Reconciling Male and Female
Douglas A. Foster explores reconciliation as the point of Christianity and asks how Christ’s work should shape the church’s understanding of Scripture, slavery, and women’s roles.
September 6, 2009
Waiting to Go to Heaven
Ethan Magness reflects on how Bible study transformed his view of Heaven from vague boredom into a hopeful vision of restored earth, meaningful work, and life fully with God.
August 2, 2009
Big C, little c: Building Bridges by Saying “˜Thank You”
Ben Cachiaras urges Christians to approach Roman Catholics with humility, unity, and gratitude, recognizing real differences while appreciating shared commitments to Scripture, compassion, reverence, confession, symbols, and Communion.
To Know and Speak
Joe Bliffen explains why he remains a Bible-believing Disciples of Christ pastor, seeking to serve as “salt” while encouraging faithful ministers and congregations within the denomination.
February 1, 2009
Is It Time to Move Beyond Truth? (Part 3)
Robert C. Kurka critiques nonfoundationalist theology, arguing that Christians can reject modernity’s overconfidence without abandoning truth, biblical authority, mission, and gospel proclamation.
January 25, 2009
Is It Time to Move Beyond Truth? (Part 2)
Robert C. Kurka examines biblical and historical difficulties in post-conservative theology, arguing that Christian truth-talk begins with God’s self-revelation rather than modern human reason.
January 18, 2009
Is It Time to Move Beyond Truth? (Part 1)
Robert C. Kurka examines postmodern theology, Beyond Foundationalism, and the challenge of preserving biblical truth talk while acknowledging legitimate critiques of modern evangelical rationalism.
August 24, 2008
Masculinity, Femininity, and Church Leadership
Kelvin Jones argues for complementarian church leadership, connecting biblical teaching about men’s and women’s roles with biological and behavioral distinctives while rejecting any claim of superiority or inferiority.
August 17, 2008
Two Views: Complementarian””Men Are Authoritative Teachers
By Joe Harvey Joe Harvey and Lana West adapted these articles from presentations they made to a doctor of ministry class at Lincoln (Illinois) Christian Seminary.  Be sure to read Lana West”s article. _________________________ As Christianity moves through the first decade of the 21st century, it has entered a cultural vortex pulling it toward political correctness and moral relativism. It”s only natural that students of the Bible and theology react on many fronts, and some of the most heated discussions revolve around issues of gender discrimination and “traditionalist” (presumably nonprogressive) modes of thinking. The question of women”s role in church leadership
August 13, 2008
Both Sides and a Strong Conclusion
Mark A. Taylor reflects on women in church leadership, differing biblical interpretations, and the Restoration Movement principle of liberty in matters of opinion.
The Christ, the Church, and the Christian
Knofel Staton argues that “Christ yes, but the church no” is impossible, showing from New Testament images that Christians belong to Christ’s body, bride, army, and family.
January 27, 2008
How God’s Word Has Come to Us (Part 2): God’s Word Collected
How did the Bible’s books come to be recognized and collected as Scripture? H. Lynn Gardner explains the canon of the Old and New Testaments, addresses “lost books,” and outlines why confidence in the canon matters for the church.
January 20, 2008
How God’s Word Has Come to Us (Part 1): God”s Word Written
How did the Bible originate? This article explains how God communicated through revelation and inspiration, guiding prophets and apostles to produce God’s Word written, using ancient languages and writing materials across the Old and New Testaments.
November 18, 2007
Why I Take a Premillennial View (Longer Version)
Alex V. Wilson explains why he holds a classic premillennial view, clarifies common misunderstandings, and points to Revelation and other passages as support—while urging charity and unity among believers who disagree.
November 18, 2007
Why I Take a Premillennial View (Shorter Version)
Alex V. Wilson explains why he holds a classic (historic) premillennial view, responds to common accusations, and argues that Revelation 19:11—20:6 and related passages best support that framework.
November 18, 2007
Why I Am an Amillennialist
Robert Lowery explains an amillennial reading of Revelation 20, arguing the “1,000 years” is symbolic and points to the saints’ reign with Christ in heaven, not a future earthly kingdom.
November 18, 2007
Five Books on the Millennium
Robert Lowery introduces three major views of the millennium in Revelation 20 and recommends five reliable resources for studying them with humility, careful interpretation, and an eye toward faithful Christian living.
September 2, 2007
At the Foot of the Cross
By Lee Magness You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:6-8). There they stood at the foot of the cross, stood not kneeled, priests and scribes, their eyes squinting to slits in the noonday sun, squinting like the sightless pretending to see. They were blinded by years of looking through
September 2, 2007
The Meaning of the Cross
By H. Lynn Gardner The death of Christ on a cross stands at the center of human history. James Stalker describes its significance: The spot to which we have come is the center of all things. Here two eternities meet. The streams of ancient history converge here, and here the river of modern history takes its rise. The eyes of the patriarchs and prophets strained forward to Calvary, and now the eyes of all generations and of all races look back to it. This is the end of all roads. The seeker after truth, who has explored the realms of
