Theologia et Vita

How to Make a Good Biblical Argument (and How to Avoid Making a Bad One) J. Neil Daniels   In an age where opinions are exchanged at the speed of a scroll, many believers feel compelled to stand for the truth of God’s Word in the public square. Whether discussing doctrine with friends, responding to challenges online, or teaching in a church setting, Christians are increasingly aware of the importance of being able to articulate their convictions clearly and biblically. Yet, the difference between a good biblical argument and a bad one is not always obvious, especially when passion and personal experience enter the equation. The goal of this article is to provide guidance in making sound, faithful, and edifying arguments from Scripture, while also highlighting common errors to avoid. The Nature and Purpose of Biblical Argument A biblical argument is not merely a logical contest or a display of rhetorical prowess. At its core, it is an effort to persuade others of the truth of divin...

Martin Chemnitz’s Typology of Tradition: A Polemical Response to the Council of Trent in Reformation Theology J. Neil Daniels  In the theological ferment of the 16th century, the Lutheran theologian Martin Chemnitz (1522–1586) emerged as a formidable critic of the Council of Trent’s doctrinal formulations, particularly its stance on the authority of tradition relative to Scripture. In his Examen Concilii Tridentini ( Examination of the Council of Trent , 1565–1573), Chemnitz articulates a sophisticated sevenfold typology of traditio (tradition), designed to defend the Lutheran principle of sola Scriptura  (Scripture alone) while systematically dismantling the Tridentine assertion of tradition’s coequal authority. This brief study explores Chemnitz’s distinctions, their Latin terminology with translations, and their polemical significance in the Reformation debates. By comparing Chemnitz’s framework with the Council of Trent’s Decree on the Canonical Scriptures (S...

Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth: The Art and Discipline of Grammatical-Historical Exegesis J. Neil Daniels  Introduction The Apostle Paul's exhortation to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) encapsulates the sacred responsibility entrusted to every sincere student of Scripture: "Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." This powerful directive transcends time and culture, speaking with equal urgency to contemporary believers as it did to the young pastor in first-century Ephesus. The verse is not merely suggesting casual reading or superficial engagement with biblical texts; rather, it calls for deliberate, disciplined, and dedicated study that yields divine approval. At the heart of such study lies the discipline of grammatical-historical exegesis. Grammatical-historical exegesis is the method of interpreting Scripture by analyzing its original grammar, syntax, and vocabulary within its historica...