The Bible – how do we know it's not a fraud?

February 1st, 2014

I have been considering the implications of Peter Enns’ suggestion that, in the light of the evidence, we should understand the Old Testament differently than we have done in the past. In a comment on the post Interpreting the Old Testament, Brisancian has asked a number of questions about how we can know what’s true. […]

Read more .....

What is the Bible and what are we supposed to do with it?

January 24th, 2014

Before Christmas I reviewed Peter Enns’ book, Inspiration and Incarnation, and checked out his main ideas in a little more detail, finishing with Interpreting the Old Testament. Now to his summing up – what does all this say about the Bible and how we should read it?

Read more .....

Christians, prejudice and love for 'enemies': living in the opposite spirit

January 16th, 2014

Last post I looked at how some studies show that many christians are prejudiced towards groups such as gays, atheists and Muslims, and are less likely than other people to show love to members of these groups. How can we start to bring about change?

Read more .....

Christians, prejudice and love for 'enemies'

January 9th, 2014

Jesus told his followers, quite definitely, to love their enemies, and warned them against hatred. Yet today, the public image of christians is somewhat tarnished – some christians are seen to be loving and caring, but others are seen to be prejudiced and intolerant, especially towards groups like gays and Muslims. What is the evidence […]

Read more .....

Pope Francis – where's the surprise?

January 5th, 2014

Let’s start the year with a good news story! Since he was elected in March, Pope Francis has been making waves and charming friend and foe alike. It’s worth reviewing.

Read more .....

Interpreting the Old Testament

December 30th, 2013

Previous posts on topics related to Peter Enns’ book Inspiration and Incarnation: The Old Testament and Ancient Near Eastern Literature and Variation in Old Testament teachings. Finally, how Jesus and the New Testament writers interpreted the Old Testament. It wasn’t the same way we do it today.

Read more .....

A great light

December 25th, 2013

Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. …. in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan— The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has […]

Read more .....

Variation in Old Testament teachings

December 20th, 2013

I’ve blogged about Peter Enns’ book Inspiration and Incarnation, and about his first topic, The Old Testament and Ancient Near Eastern Literature. Now I want to look at his second topic. There are variations in teaching within the Old Testament. What do these tell us about God and his revelation to us?

Read more .....

Wealth, poverty, inequality …. and Jesus

December 13th, 2013

Try this brief quiz (if you haven’t seen my other blog): Which country is the richest in the world in terms of median wealth? Which countries come close? Which countries have the greatest and least disparity between the rich and the rest? In the richest country, what percentage of people live in poverty? Have a […]

Read more .....

The Old Testament and Ancient Near Eastern Literature

December 10th, 2013

Last post I reviewed Peter Enns’ “Inspiration and Incarnation“. Now I want to look at the first of three main topics in the book. How does seeing parts of the Old Testament in their ancient middle eastern context affect how we think of the Old Testament?

Read more .....

A list of all blog posts, in reverse chronological order, is on the Blog archive page.