Blogs by Carl Trueman

Karl Barth, as correctly identified by James from Edinburgh, who also raises the question as to why Barthian preaching is, by contrast with the quotation, often deathly dull.My theory is that neo-orthodox writing on preaching is often brilliant because it... continue

Here's an interesting quotation: "Preachers must not be boring.  To a large extent the pastor and boredom are synonymous concepts.  Listeners often think that they have heard already what is being said in the pulpit.  They have long since known... continue

The Vatican's chief exorcist has written his memoirs.  You can read the story here.   He claims ca. 70 000 exorcisms which is, I suspect, a workload which might even make Benny Hinn stop and take notice.... continue

Laughter is generally a social phenomenon; usually, it is very difficult to laugh at, say, a comedy program if nobody else in the room is so doing. It is also even more difficult to do, for some reason, when reading... continue

Todd Pruitt just brought this to my attention.  The list fails to mention two other tell tale signs -- suspects will also cast no reflection in the mirror, and exhibit a strange preference for the earlier, Shatner-dominated series of Star... continue

As William Willimon puts it in his superb book, Proclamation and Theology, page 72:`I believe the roots of clerical sloth are theological rather than primarily psychological.  We become lazy and slovenly in our work because we have lost the theological... continue

I have always been a huge fan of Luther and especially of his pastoral advice, especially the comment he made to the effect that no Christian should ever think they have so mastered the ABCs of the faith that they... continue

What is the most broken vow in the church?   The wedding vow?  Divorce rates among Christians are high, but rates of breach of this vow are probably higher still.   Ministerial vows to preach the gospel?  Conservatives in mainline denominations... continue

A friend has drawn my attention to two articles in the Daily Telegraph (my, you know you are getting old when you start to say `Amen' at the end of articles in the DT).The first concerns Richard Dawkins, who has... continue

The UK has altered its guidelines regarding the matter of assisted suicide, and this in a way which places more emphasis upon the motivation of the agent.   It does not legalise mercy killing and, as the Director of Public... continue