Wyatt Graham | Faith | Books

Review: Brian Tabb’s “All Things New”

October 29, 2020 by wagraham Leave a Comment

Brain Tabb’s All Things New aims to provide a biblical-theological commentary on the book of Revelation. While overall quite successful, one design choice frustrated me and (I suspect) will also frustrate other readers. All Things New reads like a commentary but does not comment on the text in sequence. For that reason, it may annoy those who want to see Tabb’s interpretation of a specific passage since such comments are not always easy to locate.

That said, despite this flaw or design choice, Tabb’s work ably and clearly interprets the book of Revelation, while paying attention to biblical and theological themes throughout. Tabb sees Revelation as the climax of biblical prophecy (following Bauckham somewhat, see p. 24), which finds its end in Christ’s reign (2). He calls his perspective on Revelation a redemptive-historical idealism (10). In this way, he takes an eclectic approach to Revelation (9). [Read more…] about Review: Brian Tabb’s “All Things New”

The Responses to John Piper’s Article Reveal Three Deeper Conflicts than Mere Politics

October 27, 2020 by wagraham Leave a Comment

John Piper’s recent explanation for why he chose to write-in his vote rather than choose one of the two main presidential candidates has resulted in a whole host of responses. Some partially seem to misunderstand Piper, while others have expressed well-reasoned counter-arguments.

In today’s politically charged climate, I think we can appreciate the differences of opinions. That said, I am not here interested in defining who Americans should vote for. I am entirely interested in pursuing the question of why Christians have agreed or disagreed with Piper. I think the answer to that question reveals quite a surprising set of undergirding differences.

The responses to John Piper’s article reveal deeper oppositions of:

1. Utilitarian consequentialism and virtue ethics (which one takes priority)
2. Pietism and theonomistic reasoning (of a sort)
3. Metaphysics/real natures and nominalism

In this article, I want to briefly explain what I mean and why it matters. [Read more…] about The Responses to John Piper’s Article Reveal Three Deeper Conflicts than Mere Politics

Episode 22: Steven Wedgeworth on Masculinity Gurus

October 27, 2020 by wagraham Leave a Comment

Steven Wedgeworth and Wyatt Graham discuss the masculinity gurus (Jordan Peterson, Joe Rogan, etc.). I enjoyed talking with Steven. I hope you enjoy the conversation too!

Make sure to subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and/or Apple Podcasts. Also, see the host page at Anchor and the Youtube page. And bookmark this page to see every episode.

Did John Piper Wrongly Compare the Sins of the Left with the Sins of the Right?

October 23, 2020 by wagraham 1 Comment

John Piper recently explained that he will not vote for an egregiously immoral leader. Of the two main political parties in the USA, he finds neither presidential candidate viable. So he has decided to write-in his vote.

Some however disagreed with his approach because they felt that the pro-choice actions of democrats amount to much greater evil than the arrogance and deceit of the republican president. The accusation amounts to this: Piper compares apples to oranges or equivocates on the seriousness of sin.

He does not. The objection betrays a misunderstanding of what sin is and does. It further implicitly undercuts the metaphysical reality of sin. If that sounds too abstract, it is not. Let me explain in order to make this response concrete. [Read more…] about Did John Piper Wrongly Compare the Sins of the Left with the Sins of the Right?

Episode 21: Samuel Loncar on Philosophy, Religion, and Science

October 23, 2020 by wagraham Leave a Comment

Samuel Loncar recently released a ten-part podcast called “Becoming Human.” I talk to him a bit about the podcast and some of the key themes, namely, the history and relationship of philosophy, religion, and science.

Over a decade ago, we shared a meal together! It was fun to be able to talk to Samuel again after many years. He is a great thinker, a kind human being, and I hope that we have an opportunity to talk again soon even if we’d argue over some key differences!

Make sure to subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and/or Apple Podcasts. Also, see the host page at Anchor and the Youtube page. And bookmark this page to see every episode.

Character and Consequences (Thoughts about John Piper’s Article on Politics)

October 22, 2020 by wagraham 2 Comments

John Piper recently released an article that reflects upon the 2020 election. As might be expected in the current political climate, people have begun to discuss the article.

As I read it, I perceive that Piper is making the claim that a good leader leads to a good society. Proverbs 29:12 says, “If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked.” Positively, Jesus affirms that good fruit grows from a good root (e.g., Matt 15:19). When one’s heart is right, then he or she will do right.

Here then it seems that Piper emphasizes a traditional and biblical way to understand moral character and leadership. Christians generally have underscored the importance of virtue (character) in their leaders because virtuous people created virtuous laws.

Conversely, it is almost impossible to predict the future or the consequences of one’s vote for an immoral person. And even if it were possible, it seems morally grey to vote for an immoral person because of an expected just end (i..e, the end does not justify the means). [Read more…] about Character and Consequences (Thoughts about John Piper’s Article on Politics)