Gary Neal Hansen

Theology. It's good for you.

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You are here: Home / Archives for Uncategorized

Gratitude, Priority One (Heidelberg Catechism Q94)

December 19, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

Advent is a season of preparation for Christ’s coming. What better time for a little reflection on faith and life. If we were Puritans or Catholics in the Jesuit tradition we might call it “self-examination.” Me, I’m just a 21st Century Presbyterian with a penchant for blogging on the Heidelberg Catechism–that 16th century summary of Biblical […]

Filed Under: Bible, Heidelberg Catechism, Theology, Uncategorized Tagged With: First Commandment, Gratitude, No other gods

Online Class “Prayer for Pastors” and a Special Opportunity for Small Church Pastors!

August 4, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

UPDATE: This class is now over but if you click the button below I’ll let you know when I’m offering another one. [maxbutton id=”3″] Update, Friday 9/12/14: Only FOUR TWO ONE spot left in this class! Just TWO ONE scholarship left! Act now — class starts Monday 9/15… The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, is again offering my five-week online […]

Filed Under: Prayer, Uncategorized Tagged With: continuing education, Kneeling with Giants, Online Prayer Class, Prayer for Pastors

A Better Way to Think About Heaven, via St. Gregory of Nyssa

July 19, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

Christians in our culture have a pretty odd default view of life after death. We call it “heaven” and tell the world they ought to make sure they get to go there, but we portray it as frankly boring. You know the schtick: sitting forever on a cloud holding a harp you don’t know how to play. […]

Filed Under: Saints, Theology, Uncategorized, Vocabulary Tagged With: Apophatic Theology, Cappadocians, Cloud of Unknowing, Gregory of Nyssa, Heaven, Life of Moses

How Can We Make Sense of God’s “Wrath”? A Parable

July 8, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

Once there was, and once there was not, an artist. He was good — very good. He painted beautiful scenes and portraits. He had some wit and whimsy about him: Always, whether at the center or somewhere hidden, his paintings included the faces of those he loved. His wife and children. Or his dog. His […]

Filed Under: Heidelberg Catechism, Theology, Uncategorized Tagged With: Creation, Fall, Image of God, sin, Wrath of God

Knowing the Past is a Great Thing: Thanks, Venerable Bede!

May 27, 2014 by Gary Neal Hansen Leave a Comment

If you forget the past you are not really doomed to repeat it. However, remembering the right things from past can help you find wisdom, live in gratitude, and avoid certain things that would make you look like a doofus. One English monk who knew this, and helped the church remember its past for centuries after his death was “The Venerable […]

Filed Under: Saints, Theology, Uncategorized Tagged With: Bede, Patron Saint of Historians, St. Bede, Venerable Bede

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Theology. It’s good for you.

I'm a Church historian by trade. My writing, speaking, and teaching explores the Christian past to equip today's disciples. Join me here for regular posts on the best of theology, spirituality, community, and ministry. read more…

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