Category: Bible
Literally?
Last week, Justin Taylor highlighted an article on the history of the interpretation of Genesis 1. I almost posted a rapid response, as the history of biblical interpretation is my big specialty. But I feared the appearance of posturing for...
What are Theologians For?
What are theologians for? What are they supposed to do? If the theologians of the world went on a retreat together and made a list of objectives for 2011, what would be on it? I’m not sure how to answer...
Mixing Fibers and Levitical Prohibitions
Mention the prohibition on tattoos in Leviticus 19:6 and it’s 98.7% likely that the immediate response will be, “Yeah, and don’t wear a cotton/polyester blend, either!” Now, I take it that the existence of polyester suits is a prima facie...
Defining the Gospel
Talking about the Gospel is all the rage these days. Everyone wants to know precisely how big it should be–does it include working for justice (which is invariably social justice), or not? With that in mind, I decided to put...
McLaren’s ‘New Christianity’ and its Greco-Roman Narrative
I haven’t yet read McLaren’s latest, mostly because of financial restrictions. But I’ve been keeping one eye on the critiques, if only to see where the perceived weaknesses are if I ever make it around to it. And Fuller New...
The Central Message of the Epistle to the Galatians
I’ve been reading through some traditional evangelicals, hunting for their understanding of embodiment. Along the way, I came across this gem from Andrew Murray: That there is a glorying in Christ Jesus that is accompanied by much confidence in the...
The Gospel to the Phillipians
One of my other pet pseudo-academic theories that I occasionally like to argue is that Phillipians–not Ephesians, not Romans–is actually at the core of Paul’s theology. It’s a crazy thesis, and no NT scholar that I know would ever make...
Stephen Colbert and Bart Ehrman
Ehrman of revisionist fame, of course. And Colbert of late-night comedy show cynicism fame. Best line? “What’s the son of a duck? It’s a duck.” Runner up? “Isn’t it just possible that you’re missing the point, and that Jesus is...
Is the Bible Monotheistic?
Job 38:1-7: “Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me… Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding…. Whereupon are the foundations...
A Biblical Dilemma
Spending ten hours a week in discussion with high school students presents some universal truths about human nature. One such universal truth is that human beings do not like to change (even for the better), and so require some strong...