The Riddleblog

Musings (3/17/22)

So, will Vlad the Invader use nukes? What is current Russian military doctrine regarding the use of tactical nuclear and chemical weapons on the battlefield? There is an informative (if disconcerting) discussion of Russian doctrine in episode 21 of the School of War Podcast. This one is highly recommended, especially as the tides of war seem to be shifting in Ukraine’s favor. The more Vlad the Invader is backed into a corner, the more this becomes an issue.
Another installment of Dr. Godfrey’s great series. Dr. W Robert Godfrey: " What is Going on Right Now?" (11)
Arians beware! Here’s a helpful look at the doctrine of eternal generation: Scott Swain on John 8 and the Eternal Generation of the Son
The prophecy pundits are back! To all who think (and preach) that Vlad the Invader’s attack upon Ukraine is predicted in biblical prophecy, here’s a nice rebuttal. Jesus did predict wars and rumors of wars as a characteristic of the inter-advental age, but many have got the whole “Gog” thing wrong (More End Times Fiction)
Here’s yet another reason why a proper distinction between law and gospel helps us to understand all the Bible. Scott Clark on Luke 18:18-30 and the Rich Young Ruler
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Musings (3/3/2022)

I grew up during the cold war. I remember duck and cover drills in elementary school. Our teacher told us to stay away from the windows during these drills, because if there was a blast nearby, the glass would shatter and injure us. I grew up hearing the monthly testing of civil defense air raid sirens. There was a small Nike-Ajax missile base just a couple of miles from my house—the missiles pointing skyward for all to see. We knew where the local bomb shelters were and the secret hospitals and emergency bunkers (under shopping centers and county buildings) were not terribly secret. I vividly remember Lyndon Johnson’s famed “Daisy Girl” Political Advertisement, which nuked Barry Goldwater’s 1964 presidential hopes—one of the most effective television commercials ever run.

I am so very thankful that my wife and I raised our sons without that kind of fear hanging in the air. Apparently, many Europeans in the EU and NATO-allied nations remember those days too, and have decided that Vlad the Invader’s murderous dream to re-incorporate Ukraine into a revived Russian empire cannot stand. In two short weeks, the world has changed. A truly remarkable turn of events.

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MusingsKim RiddlebargerMarch 3, 2022Comment

Musings ( 02/16/2022)

Dr. Godfrey continues his series, “What Is Going on Right Now?” These lectures are “must listen”

Dr. Robert W. Godfrey: "What Is Going on Right Now?" (9)

Dr. W. Robert Godfrey: "What Is Going On Right Now? (10)

The more progressivism seeks to replace religion (especially Christianity), the more it becomes an alternative religion: Craig Carter: “The Religion of Progressivism”
Critical scholars push the long refuted “Bauer Thesis” yet again. The Jesus of history, and the Jesus of the early church are supposedly not the same person. Here’s a basic response: Michael Kruger Reviews "After Jesus, Before Christianity"
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Musings ( 1/26/22)

Carl Trueman addresses the question, “What do we do when we discover that our favorite theologians have feet of clay? Since they all do, it is worthwhile taking the time to consider what we should think of them when we learn of their flaws and foibles.

While we are on the topic of the flaws and sins of our heroes, what about the accusation of racism raised against Machen? Scott Clark addresses Machen's racist comments in his private correspondence
All partisan opinions aside, it is painfully obvious that Joe Biden simply is not very good at being President. “All of you people get off my lawn!”
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Musings (12/14)

Michael Kruger discusses The Inclusion of the Book of Revelation into the New Testament Canon
How should Christians respond to the anger generated by political tribalism? This is what it means to love our neighbor. Nancy French: Extending Civility in an Age of Tribalism

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Musings (10/22)

Thank You!

The new Riddleblog is one year old (as of yesterday)! Thanks to all of you regular readers! I’ve nearly finished transferring stuff from the old Riddleblog to the new. Once that’s done, the old blog will go the way of all flesh.

Must Listen!

Bob Godfrey on "What's Going On Right Now?" This is the introductory session from Dr. Godfrey’s new series taught in his regular adult Sunday school class at the Escondido URC. Thanks to Abounding Grace Radio for making it available. Hopefully, other sessions will follow—several hints were dropped at what is coming next, and sure whet my appetite for more. Dr. Godfrey is a first-rate historian and perhaps the wisest man I know.

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MusingsKim RiddlebargerOctober 22, 2021Dr. Robert Godfrey, Favorite Podcasts Comments

Musings . . .

God told me to tell you to read, R. S. Clark on the Dangers of "God Told Me"

Sen. Ben Sasse on Tech Disruption, Political Addiction, and the Loss of Community. Sen Sasse is my go-to guy on these issues.

Guelzo's book on Robert E. Lee is finally here! Guelzo is the right historian to tell the story of the “Marble Man” in the post-Charlottesville era. I can’t wait to read it

Athanasius on the Death of Arius:

Granted, there is certainly a perverse temptation to take delight in the affliction experienced by others. But when it comes to the fall of an arch-enemy of the gospel, there is a slight measure of satisfaction when justice finally prevails. It falls to Athanasius to inform us of manner of Arius’ death, the very night before Arius was to be ordained as Bishop.

“When the Bishop Alexander heard this (that Arius had under oath declared that he held the right faith) he was greatly distressed, and entering into the church stretched forth his hands unto God, and bewailed himself; and casting himself upon his face in the chancel, he prayed laying on the pavement . . . . `If Arius is brought to communion tomorrow let me, Thy servant depart, and destroy not the pious with the impious; but if Thou wilt spare Thy Church . . . . take off Arius, lest if he enter into the Church, and the heresy also may seem to enter with him, and henceforth impiety may be accounted for piety.’ When the Bishop had thus prayed, he retired with great anxiety, and a wonderful and extraordinary circumstance took place. . . . Arius . . . talked very wildly, [but] urged by the necessities of nature withdrew, and suddenly, in the language of Scripture, `falling headlong he burst asunder in the midst,' and immediately expired as he lay, and was deprived both of communion and of his life together. Such has been the end of Arius” (Athanasius, “To Serapion, Concerning the Death of Arius,” in NPNF, Vol. IV. (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1978), 564 ff.)

Athanasius, no doubt, felt a measure of divine vindication. “The antichristian gang of the Arian madmen has been shewn to be unpleasing to God and impious.”

Reformed Resources, History and Culture, MusingsKim RiddlebargerOctober 2, 2021Race and racism, God told me, R. E. Lee, Allen GuelzoComment