Category: Books

Eire, Reformations

Thursday’s Podcast: Could the Reformation Have Happened Without Luther?

October 26, 2017

It’s counterfactual week on The Pietist Schoolman Podcast, as Sam and I conjure up thought experiments in which the Reformation either happens before Martin Luther comes on the scene, or proceeds in a timeline from which he’s been somehow removed. Featured Book Carlos Eire, Reformations: The Early Modern World, 1450-1650 Other Readings It doesn’t touch on the Reformation, but … More Thursday’s Podcast: Could the Reformation Have Happened Without Luther?

"The Pietist Option is to opt in to a distinctively hopeful way of coming back to Jesus"

The Pietist Option Gets a Four-Star Review in Christianity Today

October 20, 2017

I’ve been awaiting this week with bated breath: the first magazine reviews of The Pietist Option have come in… And they’re pretty terrific! This morning in Christianity Today, Hannah Anderson gives our book four stars. The review is behind the CT paywall (and I think will be in the November print issue), but here’s a taste of … More The Pietist Option Gets a Four-Star Review in Christianity Today

Armstrong, Medieval Wisdom for Modern Christians

Thursday’s Podcast: Medieval Wisdom for Modern Christians

October 19, 2017

The newest episode of The Pietist Schoolman Podcast is now available! It features Sam and me talking about the Christianity that lies on the other side of 1517: the faith of the Middle Ages. We covered everything from grace and penance to Incarnation and sacramentalism, plus medievals’ relationship to the past. Our featured book this week is … More Thursday’s Podcast: Medieval Wisdom for Modern Christians

Statue of Martin Luther at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa

Am I a Lutheran?

October 10, 2017

I once wrote a post explaining three reasons that I’m “almost a Lutheran.” But given how Amazon has categorized my latest book, I’m wondering if I need to drop the modifier. I know enough to know that being the “#1 Best Seller” in an Amazon subcategory doesn’t mean that I should start cashing my royalty … More Am I a Lutheran?

Mark preaching a children's sermon in Salem's contemporary service

Why You Should Read The Pietist Option: My Co-Author

October 3, 2017

No more waiting: October 3rd is here and The Pietist Option: Hope for the Renewal of Christianity is available! I’m excited to hear what you all think of it. Please register your opinion at Amazon and other retailers: it only takes a few minutes, but writing a review gives us valuable feedback and helps the … More Why You Should Read The Pietist Option: My Co-Author

Wheaton's logo: "For Christ and His Kingdom"

The Assault at Wheaton… and the Importance of Interfaith Engagement

September 20, 2017

By now, I suspect most of my readers have read about an incident involving students at Wheaton College, perhaps the leading evangelical institution of higher learning. As first reported by the Chicago Tribune, five members of Wheaton’s football team assaulted one of their teammates in March 2016. The victim transferred to another school, while the … More The Assault at Wheaton… and the Importance of Interfaith Engagement

"Pietists actively expect that God will continue to break into the world in unexpected ways"

How You Can Help Spread the Word about The Pietist Option

September 19, 2017

Two weeks until The Pietist Option hits shelves! And I know that our publisher has already been sending out some pre-ordered and promotional copies. So as it starts to find its way into the hands of readers, let me suggest a few ways that you can help Mark and me spread the word about a book whose … More How You Can Help Spread the Word about The Pietist Option

View from the wharf in Coupeville, WA

Where You Can Hear Us Speak on The Pietist Option

September 12, 2017

Three weeks and counting until The Pietist Option hits bookshelves! I’m marking the occasion in SeaTac International Airport, waiting for my flight home after my first visit to the Pacific Northwest. Hard to imagine a better introduction to a region than one that offers these kinds of views: I was on Whidbey Island to give two talks … More Where You Can Hear Us Speak on The Pietist Option