3 things (theological edition)

I tend to like Roger Olson's blogging. He's one that handles theology, even theology with which he might disagree, with fairness and attentiveness. His post, What if Universalism Were True? A Question for Evangelical Christians Especially, i a case in point. 

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I love this interview with the late Dallas Willard at Renovare. I whole-heartedly agree with Willard's take on the Gospel.

But if your gospel focuses on the gospel of the kingdom, that we are invited to live in the kingdom of God then the basis for discipleship becomes clear. The new birth should be seen as an entrance into the kingdom of God. John Chapter 3 is not a “forgiveness of sins” passage but a new life from above passage. Forgiveness from sins is essential—but it is not the whole package. One of the main barriers is that people see the teachings of Christ as laws that they have to obey. They are not. They are expressions of the life that comes to you, through the new birth and is naturally disposed to develop a new kind of person inside.

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Willard did much to restore the practice of spiritual disciplines among Evangelical Americans. Here's Mark Altrogge's useful summary of Christian spiritual disciplines.