The End of Ethics
False holiness is always a possession and achievement of the individual in isolation from the good of others. And so it isn’t holiness at all.
Contributors
John W. Hoyum
John W. Hoyum is a graduate of Bethel University (2015) and Luther Seminary (2018), both in St. Paul, Minnesota. He now resides back home in the Pacific Northwest, serving as the pastor of Denny Park Lutheran Church in Seattle. He is also a PhD student in systematic theology at the University of Aberdeen. He spends much of his time thinking about the Reformation, Christian dogmatics, and the relationship between philosophy and theology. He writes about these topics when he can.
Most Recent
Remembering Dietrich Bonhoeffer
An immense amount of ink has been spilled contesting and interpreting Bonhoeffer's significance as a figure of Christian history and a theologian of the church.
What is a Good Work?
Caleb Keith is joined by John Hoyum to discuss articles 20 and 21 of the Augsburg Confession and Apology.
That's a Good Question: When is Baptism Not Valid
Baptism is always valid because no unrighteousness or faithlessness on our part could nullify God’s faithfulness.
The Trinity and the Gospel
What Luther is doing in his Catechism is teaching how the gospel is an action of the whole Trinity, not just one of the persons.
I Believe in God the Father Almighty
Caleb is joined by John Hoyum and Kelsi Klembara to talk about Luther’s explanation of the first article of the Apostles Creed.
Thou Shalt Not Covet
Caleb, Scott, and John wrap up the section on the Ten Commandments in the Large Catechism.
Thou Shalt Not Steal
Scott, Caleb, and John discuss Luther’s extended commentary on the seventh and eight commandments.
Gerhard Forde: A Recommendation
Forde’s work testifies to the liveliness and vitality of confessional Lutheranism, and its promise for the continuing need to preach Christ crucified in this, and every, age until the Lord’s return.
Introduction to the Large Catechism
John Hoyum and Philip Bartelt join Caleb to discuss the preface to Martin Luther's Large Catechism.
Repentance According to the Scriptures: Acts 2:37–39
Repentance means being cut down by the law’s declaration of judgment. It’s not an activity we do to prepare for grace, but a point of despair worked by God himself.
What Happens When the Gospel Isn’t Threatened
Has the modern world taken too strong a dose of the gospel as its inheritance from the Reformation?
Dominus Mortis
Perhaps this past year has prompted the recognition that God is not the tame projection of our highest hopes and dreams. Instead, he is the one who uses even his foes to make a point.
Repent!
The Thinking Fellows talk about repentance.
Post-Christians
Caleb, Scott, and Rod are joined by John Hoyum to talk about reaching out to Post-Christians.
All My Deeds Are Sin
The Fellows talk about good works their necessity and imputation.
Luther at Marburg
Luther's signature insight on the sacraments was that God’s word of promise doesn’t just symbolize an absent reality but that it gives and bestows God’s real favor.
When You Have An Under-Realized Eschatology
Everyone dreads what might happen if political control is captured by the enemy. Paranoia is the characteristic feature of this kind of under-realized eschatology.
The Telos of the Law
Scott and Caleb are joined by John Hoyum to talk about the Reformation shift on the doctrine of the Law.
The Doctrine of Sin
Scott and Caleb are joined by John Hoyum to talk about how Luther and Melanchthon approached the doctrine of sin.
Predestination is for Preaching
Predestination is a promising teaching as Paul teaches it in Romans 8. It’s promising when Christ and his work for us are held firmly in hand.
The Theologian's Craft
Scott and Caleb are joined by John Hoyum to talk about the theologian's craft. What makes one a theologian?
The Difference between Philosophy and Theology: Following in Luther's Footsteps
The gospel does not proclaim the results of our practical reasoning about things we experience, but the horror of God crucified for our sins and at our hands.
The Unreturned Gift
This gospel is not like all other human acts of gift-giving. It doesn’t come with the expectation of a gift in return. His mercy is an unreturned gift.
Gospel Identity is Passive Identity
What fundamentally and truly matters about me is not what I do, but what has been done for me. Discipleship isn’t a virtue or habit that is honed through practice. Instead, the emphasis is placed on the one who has made it his mission to forgive sinners, raise the dead, comfort the troubled, and exorcise the demons that haunt us…
Upcoming Events
2022 Regional Conference in Bentonville, Arkansas
A two day event designed to center your faith in the limitless grace of God found in the gospel of Jesus Christ