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Porta Blog
Porta Echo’s Blog explores Christian philosophy, theology, education, and history. Through biographies, essays, and reflections, we connect faith and reason to inspire and equip readers.
What Is Divine Providence? A Philosophical and Theological View
Book Recommendations Providence by John Piper The Providence of God by Paul Helm Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin No One Like Him: The Doctrine of God by John S. Feinberg Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts by Jerry Bridges ...
How the Doctrine of the Trinity Shapes Christian Thought
Book Recommendations The Trinity by Augustine of Hippo Delighting in the Trinity: An Introduction to the Christian Faith by Michael Reeves The Forgotten Trinity by James R. White The Trinity and the Kingdom by Jürgen Moltmann On the Holy Trinity by...
The Concept of Justice in Christian Philosophy
Book Recommendations Justice in Love by Nicholas Wolterstorff The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis God, Justice, and Society: Aspects of Law and Legality in the Bible by Jonathan Burnside The Abolition of Man by C.S....
How John Wesley Influenced Education
Book Recommendations A Plain Account of Christian Perfection by John Wesley John Wesley’s Sermons: An Anthology edited by Albert C. Outler The Character of a Methodist by John Wesley The Life of John Wesley by Robert Southey John Wesley: A...
Understanding Jonathan Edwards’ ‘Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God’
Summary of "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" Jonathan Edwards’ sermon Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God stands as one of the most iconic and influential works of the Great Awakening. Delivered on July 8, 1741, in Enfield, Connecticut, this...
How William Carey Influenced Education
Book Recommendations An Enquiry into the Obligations of Christians to Use Means for the Conversion of the Heathens by William Carey The Legacy of William Carey: A Model for the Transformation of a Culture by Vishal Mangalwadi William Carey: Father...
How Francis Schaeffer Influenced Education
Book Recommendations How Should We Then Live? by Francis Schaeffer The God Who Is There by Francis Schaeffer True Spirituality by Francis Schaeffer Escape from Reason by Francis Schaeffer Art and the Bible by Francis Schaeffer Early Life...
How Cornelius Van Til Influenced Education
Book Recommendations The Defense of the Faith by Cornelius Van Til Introduction to Systematic Theology by Cornelius Van Til Christian Apologetics by Cornelius Van Til Why I Believe in God by Cornelius Van Til The Reformed Pastor by Cornelius Van...
How C.S. Lewis Influenced Education
Book Recommendations The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis God in the Dock: Essays on Theology and Ethics by C.S. Lewis The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis C.S. Lewis: A...
How Elisabeth Elliot Influenced Education
Book Recommendations Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot The Shadow of the Almighty by Elisabeth Elliot Let Me Be a Woman by Elisabeth Elliot Discipline: The Glad Surrender by Elisabeth Elliot A Path Through Suffering by Elisabeth Elliot...
How R. C. Sproul Influenced Education
Book Recommendations Knowing Scripture by R.C. Sproul The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul What Is Reformed Theology? by R.C. Sproul Essential Truths of the Christian Faith by R.C. Sproul Everyone’s a Theologian by R.C. Sproul A Life...
How Dorothy Sayers Influenced Education
Book Recommendations The Lost Tools of Learning by Dorothy Sayers Creed or Chaos? by Dorothy Sayers Dorothy L. Sayers: Her Life and Soul by Barbara Reynolds The Mind of the Maker by Dorothy Sayers Letters to a Diminished Church: Passionate...
How Ken Ham Influenced Education
Book Recommendations The Lie: Evolution/Millions of Years by Ken Ham Answers Book 1 by Ken Ham and others Gospel Reset: Salvation Made Relevant by Ken Ham Already Gone: Why Your Kids Will Quit Church and What You Can Do to Stop It by Ken Ham and...
The Greatest Philosophers and Theologians in Epistemology and Ethics
Introduction Epistemology and ethics have been central themes in the history of philosophy and theology, exploring how we know and how we ought to live. Christian thinkers have long engaged with these disciplines, providing profound insights that...
Timothy George: Complete Biography (b. 1950)
Early Life and Formation Timothy George was born on January 9, 1950, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Growing up in a Southern Baptist family, George’s early years were steeped in evangelical faith, shaping his lifelong passion for theology, church...
John Frame: Complete Biography (b. 1939)
Early Life and Formation John Frame was born on April 8, 1939, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Growing up in a Presbyterian household, he was immersed in Reformed theology from an early age. This foundational upbringing nurtured his deep love for...
D.A. Carson: Complete Biography (b. 1946)
Early Life and Formation Donald Arthur Carson, widely known as D.A. Carson, was born on December 21, 1946, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The son of a Baptist pastor, Carson grew up in a home deeply committed to the Christian faith. His upbringing...
Hildegard of Bingen: Complete Biography (1098–1179)
Early Life and Formation Hildegard of Bingen was born in 1098 to a noble family in Bermersheim, Germany. From an early age, Hildegard exhibited an extraordinary sensitivity to spiritual experiences, which she described as divine visions. At the age...
John Wycliffe: Complete Biography (c. 1328–1384)
Early Life and Formation John Wycliffe was born around 1328 in the Yorkshire village of Hipswell, England. Little is known about his early life, but he likely grew up in a devout Catholic household during a time of significant social and religious...
William Tyndale: Complete Biography (1494–1536)
Early Life and Formation William Tyndale was born around 1494 in Gloucestershire, England, into a devout Christian family. His early education laid a foundation for his future as a scholar and reformer. Tyndale attended Oxford University, where he...
Ulrich Zwingli: Complete Biography (1484–1531)
Early Life and Formation Ulrich Zwingli was born on January 1, 1484, in Wildhaus, Switzerland, into a family of farmers. His parents valued education, and young Zwingli demonstrated exceptional intellectual ability. Zwingli attended the University...
John Wesley: Complete Biography (1703–1791)
Early Life and Formation John Wesley was born on June 17, 1703, in Epworth, England, to Samuel and Susanna Wesley. His father was a clergyman in the Church of England, and his mother was a devout Christian who shaped John’s early spiritual...
B.B. Warfield: Complete Biography (1851–1921)
Early Life and Formation Benjamin Breckinridge Warfield, commonly known as B.B. Warfield, was born on November 5, 1851, near Lexington, Kentucky, into a prominent family with deep ties to the Presbyterian Church. His upbringing in a devoutly...
Karl Barth: Complete Biography (1886–1968)
Early Life and Formation Karl Barth was born on May 10, 1886, in Basel, Switzerland, into a family steeped in theology. His father, Fritz Barth, was a professor of New Testament and church history, instilling in young Karl a love for Scripture and...
Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Complete Biography (1906–1945)
Early Life and Formation Dietrich Bonhoeffer was born on February 4, 1906, in Breslau, Germany (modern-day Wrocław, Poland), into an intellectually and culturally accomplished family. His father, Karl Bonhoeffer, was a prominent psychiatrist, and...
Redeeming Screen Time: How Christians Can Transform Media for Good
Book Recommendations on Media and Christian Living The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport Competing Spectacles: Treasuring Christ in the Media Age by Tony Reinke Amusing...
Balancing Faith and Creativity in the Entertainment Industry
Book Recommendations on Faith and Creativity Addicted to Mediocrity: 20th Century Christians and the Arts by Franky Schaeffer Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling by Andy Crouch The Mind of the Maker by Dorothy L. Sayers Art and the...
Engaging Secular Media with a Christian Philosophy
Book Recommendations on Media Engagement Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling by Andy Crouch Competing Spectacles: Treasuring Christ in the Media Age by Tony Reinke Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman The Tech-Wise Family by Andy...
The Ethics of Media Consumption for Christians
Book Recommendations on Media and Christian Living Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business by Neil Postman Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling by Andy Crouch Competing Spectacles: Treasuring Christ in...
The Impact of Christianity on Art and Architecture
Book Recommendations on Christianity and Art The Beauty of Holiness: Art and the Bible in Western Culture by David Lyle Jeffrey The Story of Christianity Through Art by Timothy Verdon Art and the Sacred Journey in Britain: 1790–1850 by Graham Howes...
The Missionary Movements of the 19th Century
Book Recommendations on Missionary Movements To the Ends of the Earth: A History of Christian Missions by David J. Bosch Christian Mission in the Modern Era by Timothy Tennent The Missionary Movement in Christian History by Andrew F. Walls From...
Christianity and the Enlightenment
Book Recommendations on Christianity and the Enlightenment The Enlightenment: And Why It Still Matters by Anthony Pagden Christianity and the Enlightenment: An Introduction by David K. Naugle Reason, Faith, and Revolution: Reflections on the God...
The Rise of Pentecostalism and the Charismatic Movement
Book Recommendations on Pentecostalism and the Charismatic Movement The Century of the Holy Spirit: 100 Years of Pentecostal and Charismatic Renewal by Vinson Synan Pentecostalism: A Very Short Introduction by William K. Kay The Pentecostal...
The Influence of the First and Second Great Awakenings
Book Recommendations on the Great Awakenings The Great Awakening: A History of the Revival of Religion in the Time of Edwards and Whitefield by Joseph Tracy Revival and Revivalism: The Making and Marring of American Evangelicalism by Iain H. Murray...
The Relationship Between the Church and Science
Book Recommendations on the Church and Science The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief by Francis S. Collins Galileo Goes to Jail and Other Myths About Science and Religion by Ronald L. Numbers God and Nature: Historical...
The Catholic Counter-Reformation: A Response to Protestantism
Book Recommendations on the Counter-Reformation The Counter-Reformation by H. Outram Evennett The Reformations: The Early Modern World, 1450–1650 by Carlos M.N. Eire The Council of Trent: Reform and Controversy in Post-Reformation Catholicism by...
The Protestant Reformation: Causes and Effects
Book Recommendations on the Protestant Reformation The Reformation: A History by Diarmaid MacCulloch Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther by Roland H. Bainton The Protestant Reformation by Hans J. Hillerbrand Institutes of the Christian Religion...
The Development of the Canon of Scripture
Book Recommendations on the Canon of Scripture The Canon of Scripture by F.F. Bruce The Formation of the Christian Biblical Canon by Lee Martin McDonald From God to Us: How We Got Our Bible by Norman L. Geisler and William E. Nix The Question of...
The Early Church and the Roman Empire
Book Recommendations on the Early Church The Rise of Christianity by Rodney Stark The Early Church by Henry Chadwick Persecution in the Early Church by Herbert B. Workman The History of the Church by Eusebius The Apostolic Fathers by Bart D. Ehrman...
Second Council of Nicaea (787 AD): Restoring the Veneration of Icons
Book Recommendations on the Second Council of Nicaea The Second Council of Nicaea (787): Texts and Translations by Richard Price The Icon: A Theology of Beauty by Michel Quenot Iconoclasm: Contested Images, Contested Terms by Stacy Boldrick The...
Third Council of Constantinople (680–681 AD): Affirming Christ’s Two Wills
Book Recommendations on the Third Council of Constantinople The Christological Controversy by Richard A. Norris Jr. The Byzantine Christ by Demetrios Bathrellos Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church by Hubert Jedin Jesus in Trinitarian...
Second Council of Constantinople (553 AD): Addressing Nestorian Controversies and Defining Orthodoxy
Book Recommendations on the Second Council of Constantinople The Council of Constantinople 553: Homilies and Texts by Richard Price The Christological Controversy by Richard A. Norris Jr. Justinian and the Making of the Syrian Orthodox Church by...
Council of Chalcedon (451 AD): Defining the Dual Nature of Christ
Book Recommendations on the Council of Chalcedon The Council of Chalcedon and the Definition of Faith by Richard Price Chalcedon and the Christological Controversies by Frances M. Young Jesus in Trinitarian Perspective by Fred Sanders The...
Council of Ephesus (431 AD): Affirming Mary as Theotokos and Condemning Nestorianism
Book Recommendations on the Council of Ephesus The Council of Ephesus of 431 by Richard Price Mary Through the Centuries by Jaroslav Pelikan The Christological Controversy by Richard A. Norris Jr. The Early Church Councils by Christopher M....
First Council of Constantinople (381 AD): Defining Orthodoxy and Expanding the Nicene Creed
Book Recommendations on Early Church Councils The Nicene Faith by John Behr The History of the Church by Eusebius The Early Church Fathers by Henry Bettenson Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church by Hubert Jedin The Spirit of Early Christian...
Christian Philosophy: History, Books, and Thinkers
Book Recommendations on Christian Philosophy City of God by Augustine Summa Theologica by Thomas Aquinas Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis The Confessions by Augustine Philosophy and the Christian Faith by Colin Brown Click the title to view the book...
Christian Missions and the Spread of the Gospel Through History
Book Recommendations on Christian Missions The Mission of God by Christopher J.H. Wright The Great Commission: Evangelicals and the History of World Missions by Martin I. Klauber To the Ends of the Earth: Pentecostalism and the Transformation of...
The Impact of the Reformation on Modern Christianity
Book Recommendations on the Reformation The Reformation: A History by Diarmaid MacCulloch Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther by Roland H. Bainton Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin The Protestant Reformation by Hans J....
The Great Schism: Causes and Consequences of the East-West Divide
Book Recommendations on the Great Schism The Great Schism: The Estrangement of Eastern and Western Christendom by Steven Runciman The Orthodox Church by Timothy Ware (Kallistos Ware) The Byzantine Papacy: The West in the East by Thomas F. Noble The...
The Council of Nicaea: Defining Orthodoxy and Shaping the Early Church
Book Recommendations on the Council of Nicaea The First Council of Nicaea: 325 and Its Aftermath by Richard Norris The Creed of Nicaea: A Study in Early Church Doctrine by Jaroslav Pelikan Constantine and the Bishops: The Politics of Intolerance by...
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Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God
by Jonathan Edwards
