Category Archives: quotes

Being Human: A Journey of Being & Becoming

Posted on February 12, 2024 by patrickfranklin

“What if being human means being a cosmic émigré – vulnerable, exposed, unsettled, desperate, looking for a home I’ve never been to before?” And then, “What if that someone [the triune God] not only knows where the end of the … Continue reading →

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Thomas à Kempis: Prayer of the Disciple

Posted on February 7, 2024 by patrickfranklin

A friend recently posted part of a prayer, written by Thomas à Kempis, from chapter 42 of his classic book The Imitation of Christ. It resonates with me, so I thought I’d share it here. I’ll likely post the whole … Continue reading →

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Thoughts on Abortion from Michael Gorman

Posted on June 29, 2022 by patrickfranklin

In the wake of the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade in the US Supreme Court, I’ve seen many posts about abortion on social media platforms. Many are reactionary and unhelpful. A precious few are more nuanced and careful. My … Continue reading →

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Gregory of Nazianzus: The Great Exchange

Posted on October 14, 2021 by patrickfranklin

One of the great themes of patristic soteriology (doctrine of salvation) is that of the “Great Exchange,” which takes the form: Christ became like us so that we could become like him. In its stronger form, it states: Christ was … Continue reading →

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St. John of Damascus: Holistic Salvation

Posted on September 29, 2021 by patrickfranklin

These words from St. John of Damascus (~645-749 AD) describe the holistic effects of Christian salvation, the effects of God’s redemptive work and power through Christ in the Spirit. “Indeed, the worship of demons has ceased. Creation has been sanctified … Continue reading →

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Cone on Jesus’ Solidarity with the Oppressed

Posted on June 5, 2020 by patrickfranklin

“In Christ, God enters human affairs and takes sides with the oppressed.” – James Cone, Black Theology and Black Power

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Wilberforce on the Dangers of Wealth and Privilege to Genuine Christianity

Posted on May 20, 2020 by patrickfranklin

I’ve been reading William Wilberforce’s book Real Christianity and have found it to be inspiring and instructive in many ways. I read this bit this morning, and was both encouraged and challenged: encouraged by the truth, beauty, and redemptive impact … Continue reading →

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Christian Smith on the Weakness of Modern Sociological Theory

Posted on October 3, 2018 by patrickfranklin

“Sociological theory has conceptually *centered* nearly everything imaginable–nearly everything, that is, except human persons. We have centered action and meanings. We have centered interactions, society, and practices. We have centered culture. We have centered social structures. We have centered the … Continue reading →

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Fred Sanders on the Trinity

Posted on July 3, 2018 by patrickfranklin

Nice summary statement worthy of contemplation: “[T]he doctrine of the Trinity is more than just another doctrine on the list of true things we have been taught by God about God. It is God’s self-revelation by way of presence in … Continue reading →

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Bonhoeffer on Eve and Mary

Posted on January 27, 2018 by patrickfranklin

I’ve been enjoying re-immersing myself in Bonhoeffer’s Creation and Fall. Just finished a section of a paper I’m writing on Bonhoeffer’s understanding of community, in which I analyze Bonhoeffer’s theological reading of Scripture. Here’s a wonderful little typological tidbit, reminiscent … Continue reading →

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