This Week in Word from the Bird
Ancient Agnosticism. How Paul addressed disputable matters. Are we living in a post-secular age? The case for Just War Theory. More ANTWA podcasts.
Monday: Ancient Agnosticism (Free Sign-Ups)
I have been reading Minucius Felix’s Octavius, in which the protagonist argues that the world is governed by purposeless forces and that there is no moral rhyme or reason in the universe. It sounds very much like an argument for atheism, except that in the end, Octavius says, theology and nature are uncertain, so we might as well just go along and worship the gods of our ancestors.
Tuesday: Paul's Advice on "Disputable Matters" (Aviary Members)
If you read 1 Corinthians 8 and Romans 14.1–15.7 you will notice that Paul often has to negotiate between different consciences and convictions. In most cases, this applies to topics like food offered to idols, vegetarianism, wine, or observing holy days.
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Wednesday: A Post-Secular Age? (Free Sign-Ups)
Many now argue that our age is post-secular in that religion has not dissipated but is simply part of the cultural plurality in many constituencies. Therefore, religion must be taken seriously as a facet of democratic polity and reasoning.
Thursday: Why I Believe in Just War Theory (Aviary Members)
Just War Theory (JWT) provides a framework from within the Christian tradition for determining when warfare can be morally justified and how wars should be fought.
Friday: Latest ANTWA Episode (Free Sign-Ups)
The latest episode of ANTWA and something I dug up from my YouTube collection.