Treats of theology and church history that pair well with your favorite cup of coffee.

Welcome to Coffee Table Theology! This we aim to provide articles about theology, church history, and general application of Scripture to our lives. There might also be a few articles about coffee too as I am an avid enjoyer of a good pour over in the morning or while I am reading or writing… but I will try to stay on topic and keep those at a minimum.

Oftentimes, I have had some of my best, most enjoyable, and most memorable theological or general conversations over a cup of coffee. In my undergraduate studies at the University of Mobile I would make a Chemex or two for the weekly Theological Fellowship meeting, and whenever I have a friend over I offer them a V60 pour over which brews as we engage in small talk before the bulk of our conversation is underway.

I see coffee a lot like the Gospel; it is meant to be shared, some find it bitter and off-putting, others might add unnecessary ingredients, but the chosen few are blessed to receive it as it is and love its simple tone with its intricate layers.

This coffee drink hath caused a greater sobriety among the Nations. Whereas formerly apprentices and clerks used to take their morning’s draught of ale, beer, or wine, which by the dizziness they cause in the brain made many unfit for business, they now play the good-fellows in this wakeful and civil drink.

~ James Howell

Yes, I drink it black, but in actuality, I don’t care how you drink it. I too add cream and sugar from time to time. A good dark roast with a bit of cream and a spoonful of sugar… I’m already off-topic. I hope that this blog will inspire you to have meaningful biblical and theological conversations with your friends next time you are out for a cup of joe. Imagine this blog as a book or magazine sitting on your virtual coffee table, ready to be picked up and read as you start or end your day.

If you need caffeine to keep you awake in the morning, I will leave that with your conscience. Maybe that’s why God created it. Staying awake to pray is certainly a better use of caffeine than staying awake for almost anything else

~ John Piper

As far as the general content of the blog, most of my writing will probably have a focus on historical theology. As an MDiv. student at MBTS with a primary interest in church history, I think it is important to study the history of the church and use it in our teaching because it enables us to learn from the successes and failures of those who have gone before us, and it helps us to properly apply and interpret the Scriptures while also aiding us in navigating the challenges of our own time with humility, wisdom, and faithfulness to the Lord. Many of the posts here will be focused around church history but the primary point will be theological. Not only does church history lend us a hand in the application of scripture but it is a helpful tool in teaching Scriptural principles by telling the stories of those who have gone before us. Good stories are memorable after all, and church history has some epic tales that never wear out.

“If Church history teaches us anything, it is that we cannot afford to be a vacillating Church. We minister to a people who are in great need of hearing truth, we dare not make any attempt to soft pedal that glorious truth.”

~ Martin Luther

I hope you will enjoy reading my posts here and that you are edified in your walk with Christ because of them. – Jordan Crane