Theologia et Vita

Contending Without Being Contentious: Guarding Truth with a Steady Heart J. Neil Daniels  There’s a strange tension we live with as Christians who care about truth. On the one hand, the New Testament consistently warns us that doctrine is not a hobby but the lifeblood of the church. Paul didn’t tell Timothy to “dabble” in sound words; he told him to guard them as if wolves were already circling the flock. And they were. They still are. Error rarely shows up wearing a neon sign. It creeps along the edges, half-truths stitched to pious language, and before anyone realizes it, the center shifts. So yes, contending for the faith matters. It has always mattered. But contention is easier than contending. Anyone with a keyboard can become quarrelsome. You’ve seen this—some well-meaning brother gets hold of a doctrinal point like a terrier with a rope and forgets that the person he’s speaking to is, well, a person. I’ve done it myself. You fire off a response thinking you’re Luther at Worm...

Engaging Controversy with Christian Integrity: Lessons from John Newton’s On Controversy J. Neil Daniels  Nota Bene: An audio overview is available here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1L6yY8CUxEjWevVAXE2YmlcK0Z0U6IDjF/view?usp=drivesdk Introduction: A Theological Disposition in Disputes Theological controversy is an unavoidable dimension of the Church’s life and history. From the early church councils to the Protestant Reformation, doctrinal disputes have shaped Christian identity, sharpened orthodoxy, and at times caused grievous division. While polemics are sometimes necessary, the manner in which believers engage in them reflects not only upon their theological competence but also upon their conformity to the character of Christ. One of the most profound reflections on this issue comes from the pen of John Newton (1725–1807), the former slave trader turned Anglican pastor, hymn writer, and author of Amazing Grace . After his dramatic conversion, Newton became a ...

The Backfire Effect: Strategies for Christian Apologists J. Neil Daniels  Introduction The backfire effect is a cognitive phenomenon where individuals, when faced with evidence contradicting their deeply held beliefs, reject the evidence and become more entrenched in their original stance. This paradoxical reaction poses a significant challenge for Christian apologists, who aim to defend and share their faith in a rational and compelling manner. By understanding the psychological roots of the backfire effect and adopting thoughtful strategies, apologists can navigate this obstacle and foster meaningful dialogue. This discussion explores the backfire effect’s mechanisms and offers practical approaches for overcoming it, blending insights from cognitive science with principles of Christian apologetics. The Psychology of the Backfire Effect The backfire effect, first highlighted by Brendan Nyhan and Jason Reifler in their 2010 study on political misperceptions, describes h...

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...

Was Jesus Nailed to the Cross? A Summary of the Controversy and Defense of the Traditional View J. Neil Daniels  The recent article by Daniel Silliman in Christianity Today raises the question of whether Jesus was actually nailed to the cross, suggesting that He may have instead been tied with ropes. This thesis, based on the work of Jeffrey P. Arroyo García, rests on the observation that the Gospels do not explicitly describe nails in the crucifixion narratives, and that Roman sources rarely mention nails in their depictions of crucifixion. García argues that while the use of nails is not impossible, it is not certain, and that exploring the ambiguity in the historical and archaeological record may deepen our understanding of the text. He suggests that Jesus may have been crucified by ropes, with nails being a later embellishment or symbol. In response, Benjamin L. Gladd offers a robust rebuttal in The Gospel Coalition , arguing that the biblical, prophetic, archaeolo...