Resources by Topic: Doctrine and Theology

As a student of theology, writer, and occasional preacher, I loved reading Martin Luther talking about learning theology, and about the “little books” some of us write and the little sermons we preach. 

I love the redemptive message of Les Misérables, from book, to stage, to screen. It reminds me of the song “Amazing Grace,” because it is deeply loved even by those who don’t fully believe its message. 

Though I know and respect Jerry Jenkins and Tim LaHaye, I haven’t read the Left Behind series. There are various orthodox positions as well as countless speculations about the end times, and I’m not certain which are correct. I do know that Jesus is coming and that He will reign over a New Heavens and New Earth. 

A few months ago, our staff ran across this blog post written by a marketing manager for a Christian bookstore. Although he specifically mentions Randy’s book Heaven, the issue his post brings up certainly isn’t limited to Randy’s books or even just the subject of eternity. Blogger Derek Ouellette writes:  

In this eleven minute video, Randy Alcorn takes part in a round table discussion with Pastors Stu Weber and Steve Keels on the book of 2 Timothy at Good Shepherd Community Church. In this clip, they talk about the misuse of scripture.

In this eight minute video, Randy Alcorn participates in a round table discussion with Pastors Stu Weber and Steve Keels at Good Shepherd Community Church. In this clip, they discuss being a people of repentance from 2 Timothy.

Randy Alcorn answers the question "How can the parable of talents be applied to us living in today's society?" in this five-minute video clip.

In this two minute video clip, Randy Alcorn answers the question, "How can we know when to read the bible literally or figuratively?"

In this two minute clip, Randy Alcorn answers the question, "Does God give up on his creation?"

The Biblical doctrine of the afterlife develops through the entire Bible (As God revealed more of his Word to humanity, we learn more about what life is after we die).

Universalism: the belief that everyone will eventually go to Heaven.

In the previous blog I expressed concerns about some doctrines in the new bestselling book To Heaven and Back, by Mary Neal. This is my second and last article on this subject.

After its release two months ago, I guessed Mary Neal’s book To Heaven and Back would become an influential bestseller like its predecessors, so I read it. 

Question from a reader: On page 35 of the revised edition of Heaven, what do you mean when you write that Jesus took on the hell we deserve? I cannot explain this statement biblically. I can say that He took on our sins, that He faced the enemy on our behalf by dying, but did He really? Did He literally?