In the dark days of World War I, British soldiers carried with them in the trenches an epic poem they treasured deeply. It cast a spiritual meaning to the war, providing a national and religious icon. G.K. Chesterton’s The Ballad of the White Horse retold the AD 878 victory of Alfred the Great over the…
EDITOR’S NOTE: In what follows, Gregg R. Allison, professor of Christian theology at Southern Seminary, discusses his new book, Roman Catholic Theology and Practice: An Evangelical Assessment, with Towers editor S. Craig Sanders. CS: What was your methodology for assessing Roman Catholic theology and how did you engage with it in this book? GA: Most…
Gregg R. Allison, Roman Catholic Theology and Practice: An Evangelical Assessment (Crossway 2014, $28) The Roman Catholic Church has arguably reached a zenith in its cultural relevance and worldwide presence. In less than two years, Pope Francis has reversed public approval of the Vatican and captured the affections of the media. But how should evangelical Christians respond…
Mike Cosper, The Stories We Tell (Crossway 2014, $15.99) Review by Andrew J.W. Smith Christians are storytellers. At every church gathering, we reenact in vivid, intentional ways the story of God’s redemption of his people. The best stories resonate because they prick hearts that were made for another world, and the imprint of eternal reality…
Every person has a worldview and every worldview is a story. The Christian story is simply better, and to borrow a pet phrase from Henry Kissinger, “it has the added advantage of being true.” The Owlings is a worldview adventure for readers young and old alike about a young boy named Josiah who discovered an…
The Archives & Special Collections staff is pleased to announce the opening of one of Southern Seminary’s most important historical collections. Simply titled “The Reports of the President,” this collection bears witness to the diligent work of the seminary’s earliest faculty, trustees, and employees as they labored to ensure the financial and theological health of…
From Haifa, Israel, to Louisville, Kentucky, Scott Bridger devotes his life to the people of the Middle East. He lives, breathes, and teaches Islamic studies, and after living in the Middle East for 12 years, he now instructs Southern Seminary students about a Christian understanding of Islam. Bridger’s devotion to studying Islam and its people…
EDITOR’S NOTE: Three hundred years ago, the father of modern evangelicalism was born in Gloucester, England. George Whitefield (1714-1770) is widely regarded as a powerful preacher and the greatest evangelist in modern times. His ministry consisted of innovative methods to reach the masses and tireless travels to spread the gospel. In 1835, two prominent English…
Three hundred years after his birth, George Whitefield is regaining prominence for his role in the Great Awakening and American revivalism. Towers editor S. Craig Sanders asks historian Thomas S. Kidd about Whitefield’s influence and Kidd’s new biography, George Whitefield: America’s Spiritual Founding Father. 1. What most intrigued you about George Whitefield to write this…
Although the name George Whitefield is not readily associated with Christian hymnody, he left his own mark on one of the most famous Christmas carols, penned by his friend and contemporary, Charles Wesley. The Wesleys had an enduring friendship and connection with Whitefield, beginning with their Oxford “Holy Club,” followed by separate missionary journeys to…
The Second Letter to the Corinthians Mark A. Seifrid Other than Jesus himself, there is perhaps no more important figure in Christian history than the Apostle Paul. As the one given as a “light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth” (Acts 13:47), Paul embodies a unique role…
Edwards on the Christian Life: Alive to the Beauty of God Dane C. Ortlund Review by Colton Guffey In Edwards on the Christian Life: Alive to the Beauty of God, Dane C. Ortlund reflects on how Jonathan Edwards understood the Christian life in hopes that the reader may grow more aware of the beauty of…
EDITOR’S NOTE: Below, Mark Seifrid, Mildred and Ernest Hogan Professor of New Testament Interpretation, discusses his new commentary, The Second Letter to the Corinthians, with Towers writer Andrew J.W. Smith. AJWS: Second Corinthians tends not to garner the same popular attention among evangelicals as Romans, Ephesians, or even 1 Corinthians. What makes 2 Corinthians important…
As Boyce College’s enrollment increases, Dave DeKlavon’s family continues to grow. In the eyes of the world, DeKlavon is childless. However, the associate dean knows there is more to the story. “Sometimes the hardships of life have their own benefits. My wife and I weren’t able to have any children, so we like to joke…
“Do you have the kind of trust in God that allows you to face death?” Boyce College professor Denny Burk posed that question in Alumni Memorial Chapel on Sept. 18, 2012, saying that “God can transform your pain into someone else’s comfort.” The sermon preyed on my conscience throughout the day. I questioned whether or…
From “nowhere and everywhere,” with a heart set on missions, Shawn Wright did not expect to stay long-term at Southern Seminary. Born in France, with a father in the Air Force, Wright grew up constantly moving. At the age of 10, while living in England, Wright professed faith in Jesus Christ. Twoyears later, he was…
