Updated October, 5th, 2009.
Updated Bio: I am the proud father of Abigail Brito and the new pastor of Providence Church in Pensacola, Fl. a CREC congregation.
Salutation
The peace of the Lord be with you all. Thank you for visiting this blog. My name is Uri Brito. Above all, my greatest joy in life is to have been elected by a gracious God before the world began and to be united with the communion of saints. As Spurgeon once wrote: ” I am so glad God chose me before I was born, for He surely would not have done so afterward.”
Birth
I was born in Natal, Brazil in 1979. I have lived here in the US for almost 15 years. During these years, I have lived in Greenville, SC, Altoona, PA, Clearwater and Orlando, FL. Now I am currently living in Milton, Fl where I pastor Providence Church (CREC).
Education
I received a Master’s of Divinity from Reformed Theological Seminary and am thoroughly blessed to have studied under Professors John Frame, Simon Kistemaker, Reggie Kidd, Charles Hill and Richard Pratt. These men have been great examples of godliness and have helped shape my catholicity.
Theological Transitions
From 2000-2007 I have experienced many changes in my theological outlook. God has used many pastors, friends and scholars to influence me. In light of this fact, I have gained from many different theological insights. Though I am in the Protestant Reformed tradition (a former member in the PCA), I continue to learn and grow from the wisdom of the Church catholic.
Influential Thinkers
Here is a list of thinkers who influence my thinking and who are helping shape my pastoral/theological and cultural perspectives today:
Pastors
Robert Rayburn
Steven Wilkins
Randy Booth
Mickey Schnider
Theologians
Richard Pratt
John Frame
James B. Jordan
Peter Leithart
Abraham Kuyper (died in 1920)
John Murray (died in 1975)
Cornelius Van Til (died in 1987)
Greg Bahnsen (died in 1995)
R.J. Rushdoony (died in 2001)
Early Church/Reformed/Puritan
St. Athanasius
St. Augustine of Hippo
John Calvin
Martin Bucer
Martin Luther
John Owen
Economists/Political and Cultural Thinkers
Gary North
Lew Rockwell
Ron Paul
Where am I today?
Though I have gone through various theological transitions, I find myself fixed in the Reformed Covenantal tradition. I hold to classic theonomic principles when it comes to the application of ethics. The law of God is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Nevertheless, this ought never to undermine the underlying assumption of God’s law: that we are the people of grace. We live, move, and have our being in the graciousness of our Covenant Lord.
In the area of ecclesiology and liturgy, I find much to be gained from the Neo-Theonomic movement. The writings of James Jordan, Peter Leithart and Jeffrey Meyers have shaped my ecclesiastical and liturgical theology. The writings of professor John Frame have stimulated a healthy interest in Biblical ecumenism.
Marriage
I deeply cherish my marriage vows. God has graced me with a wife who completes me in every way. By God’s grace, we welcomed into our covenant family our first daughter, Abigail. She is our great treasure. We pray that God would grant us a large family and we cannot wait to catechize our children one day.
Children
In the area of education, I favor a classical model as espoused and defended by Douglas Wilson and others, though we intend to home school our children until a certain age. Classical education from a distinctly Christian perspective offers a comprehensive worldview. My wife’s experience as a Classical School teacher has greatly deepened our love for classical education. I believe that the government educational system is an expression of modern secularism and it would be a great danger for covenant parents to place their children in such a hostile environment (not only is my position here based on the Scriptural mandates of Deuteronomy 6, but also on the Libertarian and Constitutional principles of limited government).
Pleasure/Leisure, and Politics
I enjoy writing, reading, playing volleyball, basketball when I am looking to be embarrassed; tennis when I feel I have a chance of beating my wife; and enjoying a beer when I am in a good mood and bad as well. As for politics, I am fascinated with American politics and history. I am a member of the Constitution Party, though if an honorable Republican runs (Ron Paul, as a conspicuous example) I shall support him to the end. I am not a conservative as Republicans define it, but a Biblical Christian who wishes to see godly laws implemented in all spheres of life, including our civil government.
Discipline
I have determined never to spend idle moments, so I am constantly listening to sermons, economic lectures, political discussions, and theological/philosophical talks. In fact, I owe much of my knowledge to my long walks with my iPod.
I pray God is honored in my life of discipline and pursuit of godliness.
Miscellaneous:
Favorite Music: These days, I have been listening to Norah Jones, Adriana Calcanhoto, Derek Webb, and piano classical music from the Romantic Era
Favorite Beer: Blue Moon or Seasonal Beers.
Updated: Favorite Issues to talk about these days: In the last few months I have spent a considerable amount of time on two topics: Covenant Renewal Worship and Preterism. These are two very broad topics, but they are the ones on my radar right now.
18 comments
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November 18, 2006 at 5:15 p11
Rob
nice! Uri in PRINT! thanks for adding me on the blogroll! you are da bomb
January 21, 2007 at 5:15 p01
Timothy Davis
Uri,
I see you chose a good name for your blog
By the way, could you please define the difference between classical and modern theonomy? I know others, like myself, who hold to a form of theonomy more akin to the Reformers and Puritans, but are reticent to call themselves “theonomists”, not only because of the sinful misrepresentation of Bahnsen and others, but also because of the (bizarrely!) antinomian and hyper-covenantalist nature of much of the modern movement (and now the New Perspective on Paul, etc.).
January 21, 2007 at 5:15 p01
Uri Brito
Greetings Timothy, You have a fine blog yourself. I have a feeling though we are in agreement with much, but are in disagreement with much.
You use strong words in your description; that can be a quality and a great flaw at the same time. To say what Dr. Greg Bahnsen thought is sinful is bizzare and to say that the modern theonomic movement is antinomian is strangely contradictory.
The classical theonomic movement has its roots in Calvin (see sermons in Deuteronomy). The modern theonomic movement which grew in proliferation of books in the 70’s is a continuation of the early theonomic movement in the 16th century. The Rev. Joe Morecraft who is utterly opposed to the FV crowd, holds to that classical theonomic view as well.
You may be simply confusing ideas. In my mind, there are only nuances between the Puritans and modern theonomists that are considered different. I apply that same principle with the Puritan view of Postmillenialism and Modern Postmillenialism like myself (Rev. 20 as an example). I hope this helps.
February 1, 2007 at 5:15 p02
Timothy Davis
Uri,
You have defined the historical context of your use of the terms “classical” and “modern”, but I’d be interested in the theoretical distinction between the two.
By the way, you seem to have misunderstood me. Please note that I said that Bahnsen was sinfully misrepresented, not that Bahnsen’s theonomic beliefs are sinful. I have a very high regard for Bahnsen, Gentry and Morecraft, and basically agree with their thesis.
The issue I’m raising is that some are reticent to use the label, lest they be associated with the misrepresentation, e.g. there have been articles filled with error in the main Calvinist newspaper in the U.K., the Evangelical Times, who have persisted in these lies despite letters with clear quotes from Bahnsen and others’ views refuting these misrepresentations.
An example of the antinomian nature of some of the modern movement is the often low view of the 4th Commandment that is exhibited as opposed to the theonomists of the past. The paradoxical nature of espousing a high view of the Law and at the same time having such a low view of some aspects of the Law does indeed seem bizarre to some of us. (Of course I understand that what one man calls “antinomian”, another man calls “being more consistently Biblical”.)
Also some of the views of covenant theology expressed by Rushdoony in IBL, and extended by some more recent men, is in opposition to the covenant theology of ‘Puritan’ theonomists. This hyper-covenantalism has led to the recent opinions that have divided the theonomic movement.
Another major issue is the intemperate and uncharitable statements made by some modern theonomists, which again some ‘Puritan’ theonomists are anxious not to be associated with. We all can get too hot under the collar on occasions (from which we all need to repent), but some have a major problem with it, that undermines the message of theonomy. (Men are too influenced by ad hominems, sadly.)
I know that others who should really call themselves ‘Puritan’ theonomists have an issue with some of the minimalist views of civil government expressed by some modern proponents as well. Government’s role should be restricted by the bounds of Scripture, but sometimes the minimalism of some does not take into account the post-Israel nature of the Church, or indeed appears to be more restrictive than Scripture is itself. The great difficulty is applying the case law in a modern environment.
I guess what fundamentally unites all theonomists, whether they feel comfortable using the label or not, is the belief that the general (or common) equity that continues from the Mosaic Civil Law into the NT age consists in not merely the morality of the civil law, but also the penology.
February 1, 2007 at 5:15 p02
Uri Brito
Yes, I did misunderstand your comments about Professor Bahnsen. My apologies Timothy.
Your final statement is well summarized: I guess what fundamentally unites all theonomists, whether they feel comfortable using the label or not, is the belief that the general (or common) equity that continues from the Mosaic Civil Law into the NT age consists in not merely the morality of the civil law, but also the penology.
I concur. It is the penology that we are mostly concerned about. Of course, even in this area there are some varying disputations such as Murray’s view that the penalty for adultery is now divorce and so on. I would place Murray within the theonomic camp, though he would decidedly differ with some crucial areas of penal sanctions.
As for Bahnsen being misrepresented, it still continues today from Kline’s disciples. Thankfully, Gentry continues to be a strong force in rejecting the flawed presuppositions. Frankly, I think Bahnsen al
ready answered them long ago. I would love to continue this conversation. Do you have an MSN account INSTANT MESSENGER or something like it?
February 1, 2007 at 5:15 p02
Timothy Davis
Brother,
I do have an MSN Messenger account. You have my e-mail, so you can get me that way. Please note that at this precise moment, I’m behind schedule for getting to bed, but do try any other time that I’m on-line.
I still think it would be helpful to define the “classical”/”modern” distinction.
February 2, 2007 at 5:15 p02
Uri Brito
Tim, I am not sure I have your e-mail. E-mail me: apologus@hotmail.com
February 6, 2007 at 5:15 p02
nic paton
Correct me on my sterotypes here, but a Brazilian who is into plainsong??? Maybe you grew up with too much rhythm and needed to get away?
I think Brazil is the world capital of rhythm. But problem is, they are also so good at melody too. So yeah , its obviously too much music that has driven you into the culture of the dark ages. (I joke – it’s all good!)
March 19, 2007 at 5:15 p03
Jeremy
Hans Kung is still alive and well.
March 19, 2007 at 5:15 p03
Uri
Thanks Jeremy. My new website is: apologus.notsorry.net
May 21, 2007 at 5:15 p05
israel tenório brito
well, indeed you have radical positions, but this is important for a man´s life. You have to defend something and make sure you´re living. And about the beer I hope to take some with you next you come to Brazil or in the time that I may visit you…kkkkkkkk…
Of course i´m sure you weren´t expecting my message…..so that´s I good surprise….Don´t forget. I really love you brother. And….I´m happy about your comments….that´s my frogoface brother…
June 22, 2007 at 5:15 p06
Andy Peter
Hi Brrito,
its awesome to see your blog on the net, well its very interesting too.
March 5, 2008 at 5:15 p03
apologus
Thank you Andy. Have we met?
December 21, 2008 at 5:15 p12
donkimrey
Your blog showed up on mine as “other sites in which my readers might have interest.” Not sure how that came about, but I read with interest some of your thoughts some of the responses. You’re obviously a very careful student, with potential as a scholarly theologian. I respect that. My approach is quite different. In my blog (scripturestudent.wordprss.com, for example, my entire approach is committed to being a devotional approach to Scripture. I’m not avoiding or demeaning anonther approach. This just seems to be what I should do. I avoid denominational, political issues and the like. I attempt to avoid controversial or divisive issues and try to use the tools an investigative journalist would use in my approach to the study. Wish you’d take look and feel free to offer any comments or suggestions. You may also want to visit pastormark@grahamfiends.com. He’s pastor of a historic old Quaker Church in North Carolina…but, trust me, very, very astute. If that address gives you any problems, I can be reached at donkimrey@gmail.com
March 2, 2009 at 5:15 p03
Kedric
Uri, found your blog through the Bright Light web site. It was great reading your bio. I’m glad you are in Pensacola. I know many of the churches are heavily dispensationalist and we’re not talking modern-day DTS either. Being in that part of the panhandle, in central time, it really is more like lower Alabama than Florida. The southern hospitality may be there, but some of the bad stuff that often occupies the South are there as well, culturally and theologically.
Three cheers for mentioning any of the guys from Old Princeton! I realized I had a lot of stuff from that era, so I decided to devote a whole shelf (and growing!) to it. I like how you said, “Though I have gone through various theological transitions, I find myself fixed in the Classical Puritan Theonomic position” because too often we’re seeing those who go through transition and don’t ever identify with a position and stick with it. I think McLaren falls into this mold.
March 2, 2009 at 5:15 p03
Uri Brito
Kedric, how is Bright Light these days? Are you still in the Oviedo area?
August 4, 2009 at 5:15 p08
sonsothunder
“Ism Smism” What would Jesus do?
Sorry, I gave up on religiosity and all the theological dead end roads the day my dogma ate my karma. I do enjoy reading your post and I do understand that you have devoted your life to the study of Gods word and I respect that.
Although, a mans outlined view of Gods word is just that, and does not open the truth to those with an ear to hear Gods “Word” or, Logos, Living JESUS. I have done a bit of studying other peoples versions of what He has to say to me in the Bible for many years and came to realize when He spoke through His “Word” to my heart that no man’s religion will ever save anyone.
The 5 point hyper-calvinistic belief is only one of those many far fetched forms of “Denominational Narcissism” built on an out of context view of Gods word.
I implore you to take a closer look sometime, while you are in Romans chapter 9 through Hebrews 13, and listen to see if you can hear the slightest echo to these words:
(The time of the Gentiles:)
(The Fullness of the Gentiles:)
When that fullness is fulfilled the “Scales will fall from the eyes of the part of Israel that were blinded, as the scales fell from Pauls eyes, when God gave the Ministry to him on Straight Street, at the onset, or the begining of the “Time” of the Gentiles.
GOD BLESS
sonsothunder
August 27, 2009 at 5:15 p08
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