I admit, many theological type words rub me the wrong way when someone throws them into a sentence. The reason for this is that it reminds me how people getting caught up into lengthy, sometimes heated debates regarding some abstract theological point of lesser significance (but which the person argues for as if vitally important).
Category: Bible
What Day Was Jesus Crucified?
(Note: this topic is interesting but not a matter of great significance.) A year or two ago I was introduced to the idea that Jesus may not have been crucified on Friday as is traditionally held. Tradition places the last supper on Thursday night, which is the beginning of the 15th of the month. (Remember
Bible as a Playbook Metaphor
There are some Christians so focused on the Bible that they seem to discount everything else. They want sermons which focus on studying passages of scripture and small groups or Sunday school classes which are Bible studies. The Bible does set the foundation for knowing Christ. I have read and studied the Bible extensively myself.
Brief Overview of Palestine in the First Milena B.C.
In my bible reading I have come to the intertestamental period. It was a good time to try and gain a better understanding of the context into which Jesus was born and did his ministry. I don’t guarantee that this is completely accurate, but the following is my best understanding gained from a couple of
Perspective
One day you are walking along the street. You happen to see something which looks really wrong. A couple of people appear to be planting a bomb. You think quickly, call 911, and report what’s happening, along with the vehicle that the men drive away in. Thanks to your actions, the men are caught. It
The Greatest Faith
Several men stand side-by-side, facing the firing squad. Shots blast through the air, the men fall to the ground. With his last breath, one man turns to the other next to him and says, “Remember me when you become president!” —*record scratching noise* What?! What did this guy say? Remember him when he becomes president??
The Message, Bible Translations
It is my understanding that there are many people who have issues with “The Message” translation of the bible. On one end, some people feel a need to always preface it by explaining “it’s a paraphrase” (in other words, not a “real” translation). On the other end of the spectrum, people feel it is a
The Unforgivable Sin
Recently in church someone asked if there is any sin which God won’t forgive. There is one sin which Jesus said will not be forgiven (Matthew 12:31-32, Mark 3:28-30). The exact sin and meaning of this has been debated. However not long before this, one of the churches I’m a part of read over this
2. How Should The Bible Be Understood?
2. How should the Bible be understood? Common answers from modernity have been that the bible is a manual for life, an answer book for every problem, and is completely historically and scientifically accurate. In other words, the bible is like a text book, where you can go to any section and receive training on
1. What is the Overarching Story Line of the Bible?
According to a friend’s blog, Brian McLaren poses 10 questions in his new book “A New Kind of Christianity”. I believe these questions are given as ones which are being asked by many who both claim Christianity and those who are questioning it. So I thought I would provide my thoughts. First, the questions: 1.