Dr Paul Allen

So what about Philemon? Often he is trotted out at as the token New Testament slave owner. Godly—after all, the church met in his home—friends with Paul, and most certainly a slave owner. The argument, as some make it, is that because Paul does not command Philemon to release Onesimus, then slavery must be totes cool for Christians. Here is the truth: while the message of Philemon is more profound than simply “slavery is bad,” the book does present some uncomfortable truths for both sides of today’s social justice debate. The background: Philemon was a church leader in Colossae. He owned slaves, one of whom ran away, apparently after stealing something from Philemon. Somehow this slave, Onesimus, met Paul in Rome and was converted, and eventually became valuable to Paul as a ministry partner. Paul then found himself in a bind. Should he send Onesimus back to Philemon, and risk losing one of his ministry partners? Or should he keep him and risk offending Philemon, should he ever fin...

English: An illustration from the Encyclopaedia Biblica, a 1903 publication which is now in the public domain. Map 5 for article "Geography". Image of Israelite worldview during the time 5th century. It would be helpful if someone could add colour to the map (specifically, the oceans and the highlight of the area), to clarify it/ improve the aesthetic. (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Abortion. Euthanasia. Pornography. Same-sex marriage. Transgender rights. Embryonic research. Genetic enhancement. Christians surveying the cultural landscape in the West have a clear sense that things are headed in a destructive direction. While most believers can easily identify the symptoms of decline, few feel competent to diagnose and address the root causes. There are many complex factors behind these developments, but one invaluable tool for better understanding and engaging with our culture is the concept of worldview. The sociological quakes and moral fissures we observe in our day are ...