June 16, 2022

“In Christ” in Crisis: Lessons from Paul

by Elie Haddad The New Testament expression in Christ, which was heavily used by the Apostle Paul, has always intrigued me. It is a curious way of describing our relationship to Christ, or to God in Christ. These days, living in a perpetual crisis in Lebanon, the notion of in […]
June 9, 2022

Yearning for Mercy: A Christian Reaction to the Death of Non-Believers

by Nabil Habibi My colleague, Abed, reflected last week on the death of the Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and the subsequent debate among Muslims about whether it is acceptable to wish mercy on a dead Christian. Building on his own research of the effects of attitude on relationships, Abed […]
May 19, 2022

Trapped in the Academic-Spirituality Divide?

By Grace Al-Zoughbi In the second and third centuries, Tertullian asked the following rhetorical question: ‘What has Jerusalem to do with Athens, the church with the academy?’ Have you ever felt trapped in the Academic-Spirituality divide? Although these two narratives should not compete with one another, often it appears as […]
May 12, 2022

Should a Faithful Christian Vote in the Lebanese Elections (or Any Other Elections)?

by Nabil Habibi After terrible years that have brought on economic downfall, the Beirut explosion, and increasing national instability, the Lebanese parliamentary elections this Sunday are of massive importance. Will there be a renewal of trust for traditional ruling parties that have led Lebanon into this malaise? Will opposition movements […]
May 5, 2022

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, Let Our National Borders Grow Strangely Dim

By Brent Hamoud It’s voting time again in Lebanon! The upcoming May 15 parliamentary election gives those who have been blasted, devalued, robbed, and neglected a chance to steer the direction of the state. This is a democratic ritual here and other countries; a testimony to the value of republican […]
April 21, 2022

A Movemental Turn in Missions: Thoughts on New Eras and New Wineskins

by Wes Watkins “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” — Alan Watts Change is a constant in our world. Especially in the last few years, however, it feels that the pace of change is increasing dramatically. […]
April 14, 2022

Easter Reflections From the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary

The Arab Baptist Theological Seminary wishes you a blessed Easter. May the following reflections by members of our community enrich you this season.   Kees van der Knijff, Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the […]
April 7, 2022

Practicing Theology in Ramadan: How Actions Shape Our Talk About God  

By Caleb Hutcherson Another Sunday afternoon and we’re walking home from church, my kids and I, through densely packed streets of Hamra, Beirut. My eldest and I are discussing how Ramadan is approaching and how for our family it means we’ll refrain from eating in public in this neighborhood during […]