Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

by Jeffrey A. Kloha Textual Notes Two phrases are problematic in this text. First, Jesus seems to diminish John in verse 11. So who is the “greatest?” Greatness in the kingdom is the opposite of what is considered greatness outside of it. The greatest are those who serve (Mt 20:26; 23:11) but above all—directly answering…

by Jeffrey A. Gibbs Historically Specific Theology Matthew begins by writing, “and in those days.” Recalling that chapter divisions are later additions and (sometimes) unhelpful, I would encourage the following understanding: there is no “break” between chapters 2 and 3. Even though we know that there is a gap of several decades, Matthew’s narrative flows…

by Travis J. Scholl Socrates summed up the first principle of philosophers everywhere: to know that we don’t know. And perhaps the “not knowing” is what makes the future so maddening. Everything about it is unknown. Except for this: “… your Lord is coming” (v. 42). Yet, even then, despite the prognostications of a thousand,…

by Michael J. Redeker There is famine, poverty, oppression, and unfaithfulness. People live their lives contrary to God’s Word, and he doesn’t even seem to care. Does it really pay to follow God? This is the state of the world today. But this was also the context of Malachi’s ministry. The people were waiting for…

by Joel D. Biermann Thoughts from the Text The end is in sight. Another year is drawing to a close—the church year anticipating the calendar year by a good month. Fittingly, the last words of the Old Testament point to the last “great and terrible day of the Lord” that marks the end of time…

Following up on the Summer Concordia Journal’s focus on our care of creation, an interview with Dr. Charles Arand…and a special tour of Concordia Seminary’s organic and community gardens.