Category Archives: Modern Doctrines

Staying on the Subject: Penal Substitution

Posted on 01/14/2015 by Paul Pavao

If you read this blog much, you know how much I dislike the doctrine of penal substitution. Not only does it justify a Christian living as an enemy of Jesus, but it makes a monster out of God. Proving penal … Continue reading →

Posted in Evangelicals, Modern Doctrines | Tagged , | 23 Comments

Romans 5:17-18: The Gift of Righteousness

Posted on 01/11/2015 by Paul Pavao

I have been having a great discussion about the definition of “grace” in the Bible. In the midst of it I ran across Romans 5:17-18 and was really touched by it. I am pretty sure I have read those two … Continue reading →

Posted in Holiness, Modern Doctrines, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 14 Comments

Misunderstanding Paul

Posted on 01/09/2015 by Paul Pavao

I wrote a post on mortal and venial sins two days ago. I got a great comment from “Jody,” which included a suggestion that “this may explain why some people accused Paul of preaching an ‘anything goes’ type message.” I … Continue reading →

Posted in Evangelicals, Modern Doctrines | Tagged , | 8 Comments

Mortal and Venial Sins?

Posted on 01/07/2015 by Paul Pavao

Roman Catholicism distinguishes between mortal sins, which lead to hell, and venial sins, which lead to “temporal punishment.” Is this distinction scriptural? Note: This post is the result of thinking about a recent discussion with “Jon.” He mentioned once that … Continue reading →

Posted in Modern Doctrines, Roman Catholic & Orthodox | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

The Second Most Important Question Ever

Posted on 01/01/2015 by Paul Pavao

I just began reading Christus Victor last night. In it, author Gustaf Aulén writes, “There are not different theories of the atonement in the Fathers, but only varient expressions of one and the same idea.” I want to argue that … Continue reading →

Posted in Evangelicals, Modern Doctrines, Protestants, Roman Catholic & Orthodox | Tagged , , , , , , , | 19 Comments

Creationism vs. Evolution: The Spiritual Argument

Posted on 12/20/2014 by Paul Pavao

We’re new creations, not old ones. Who cares how Adam came along? We’re leaving him behind. I want to begin a new thought experiment. Does the New Creation evolve? As I write, I am hooked to four bags of IV … Continue reading →

Posted in Evolution, Holiness, Modern Doctrines | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

The Bible Fact Checker #2: “Word of God”

Posted on 12/19/2014 by Paul Pavao

Tradition can be good (2 Thess. 2:15), but it can also oppose the Word of God (Mk. 7:13). Tradition can also change the meaning of the Scriptures because words change their meaning over time as humans use them. I submit … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Modern Doctrines | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Bible Fact Checker #1: Preachers

Posted on 12/17/2014 by Paul Pavao

Today, one more time, I read a brilliant, educated professor/pastor/national speaker use important biblical terms wrongly. “Wrong” means “not the way the Bible uses them.” I don’t blame them. It’s not part of our tradition to correct our speech and … Continue reading →

Posted in Modern Doctrines | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

No Suffering? Is It Even Good?

Posted on 12/08/2014 by Paul Pavao

At this moment, but soon to be corrected, I have read only one article by Father Stephen Freeman. This is a brilliant insight into, and antidote to, first-world society and Christianity. That may not be a superb sales line for … Continue reading →

Posted in Miscellaneous, Modern Doctrines | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Fear, Faith, and Forgiveness

Posted on 12/06/2014 by Paul Pavao

This is a response to a reader/friend regarding whether a single fall from perfection could cost us eternal life. I hope that what people saw in my post is that the issue with the cross is not a failure here … Continue reading →

Posted in Holiness, Modern Doctrines | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment