Terms You Might Hear

Terms You Might Hear

Certain terms that get thrown around in theological conversation sometimes perplex novices. In fact, they sometimes perplex more advanced students, too. One reason is that these terms can be used in multiple senses. A word may have a more general meaning but also a...
Terms You Might Hear

Perpetual Virginity?

According to Matthew’s gospel, Jesus’ mother remained a virgin until He was born (Matt 1:25). Christians treat the virgin birth as a fundamental for at least two reasons. First, it is essential to Jesus’ claim on the Davidic throne. Second, it is...
Terms You Might Hear

Analogy and Accuracy

We know God through analogies. We know ourselves through analogies. We know the world through analogies. In each case, what we already know provides some parallel to help us grasp what we do not. But how can we have confidence that these analogies are giving us...
Terms You Might Hear

Knowledge and Analogy

Some theologians grow concerned about the use of analogical language. They think that all our statements about God must be meant literally. By literally they mean that words we use of God must mean exactly what they mean when we use those words of ourselves. They fear...
Terms You Might Hear

Analogy and Theology

Much, and perhaps all, of what we say about God, we must say by analogy. We use the same words when we talk about God that we use when we talk about ourselves. But we do not use those words in precisely the same way. We say that God exists, for example, or that God...