Links of Interest
Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL)
One of the best theological research sites on the internet. Hundreds of classic theological texts in various formats (including some in audio). Don't miss the complete translation of Calvin's biblical commentaries on this site!
History of Biblical Interpretation up to 1700 (English translations, John L. Thompson)
An up-to-date bibliography of English translations of biblical commentaries in English before the year 1700. A great resource for pastors and scholars.
An online conversation center hosted by Baker Academic and led by James K. A. Smith and other Christians who are thinking through "postmodernity" in western culture. It attracts a lot of Emergent folks and an intriguing band of theologians.
An introduction and bibliography to one of the most significant theological movements, or "sensibilities," in the last few decades. The movement is Anglo-Catholic in origin, but has implications for a wide range of communions. Radical Orthodoxy is a movement which seeks to recover the centrality of Christian confession and witness in a way that provides alternatives to the reductionisms of modernity and the commodification of global capitalism.
The main academic society for the study of work and influence of John Calvin. The website has links to other Reformation studies resources, including the Meeter Center at Calvin College, a fantastic study center on Calvin and Calvinism.
An excellent site maintained by the Jonathan Edwards center at Yale University. Edwards is one of America's greatest, yet most misunderstood theologians.
The RCA site, with easy links under "about us" and then "beliefs" to the Belgic Confession, Heidelberg Catechism, Canons of Dort and the Belhar Confession. Also check out the RCA's very thoughtful theology commission paper on the place of Christ in a pluralistic world, "The Crucified One is Lord."
The PCUSA is a sister denomination to the RCA (and provided my own introduction to the Reformed tradition). It has a very competent and active Office for Theology and Worship.
Periodicals with Online Discussion
Christianity Today is the flagship magazine for the mainstream forms of American evangelicalism, with an interactive website that allows for comments and dialogue.
Books and Culture is one of the many periodical published by Christianity Today International. It is a thoughtful and provocative "Christian review" of trends in culture and academia. Highly recommended for pastors and thoughtful Christians.
The Christian Century has a long-established reputation for being a thoughtful periodical for mainline Protestants. They have become increasingly self-critical – and thus increasingly interesting – in their account of liberal Protestantism in the last decade. Theolog is an interactive Blog connected with Christian Century.
A thoughtful – if at times predictable – magazine on Christianity, politics, and justice connected with the likes of Jim Wallis. If it becomes a tad predictable at times, you may want to check out The Acton Institute website for some counterpoints.
Ron Sider heads up this group, which has a periodical called Prism which combines historic orthodoxy in Christian theology with an active posture toward social justice and social needs.
An engaging journal of religion with Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish voices in a search to recover a theological and public voice for communities of faith. In general, the setting for this "search" is seen to be the shortcomings of enlightenment versions of faith.
A creative and provocative journal on Christianity and culture. The journal provides exposure to a wide range of theological thinkers in an accessible manner. For a great read, check out Daniel M. Bell's article on "The problem with the problem with capitalism."
Blogs
A very interesting "group blog" of theologians who might be described with the phrase "progressive evangelicals."
Smith is a thoughtful and provocative commentator on matters philosophical, theological, and political. He has two blogs, What I'm Reading, and Fors Clavigera.
What's a PCA pastor doing by getting a doctorate studying under an Anglo-Catholic, "Radical Orthodoxy" figure like John Milbank? I don't know, but the results are both provocative and interesting. Leithart is a prolific writer and an active blogger, trying to recover the Catholicity of the church from within the Reformed tradition.
There is a lot of ferment on Shults' blog – from theology and science, the doctrine of the Holy Spirit to the Emergent church. Shults has a wide theological range, as his blog reflects.
©2007 J. Todd Billings