The theme of providence is actually raised in the Hobbit (and its sequels) in an unusual way– it is called, ‘luck of an unusual kind'(and one might add, to an unusual degree). Bilbo was ‘meant’ to find the ring, and ‘meant’ to bring it back, and ‘meant’ to pass it on to Frodo, who in turn was ‘meant’ to take it to Mt. Mordor and dispose of it. The unseen hand has an invisible plan, but at the same time,... Read more

With the Hobbit frenzy now being at fever pitch, Abingdon Press has done well to publish a book such as Devin Brown’s latest exploration of one of the Inklings works entitled ‘The Christian World of the Hobbit’ (208 pages, Abingdon, 2012). Brown is an accomplished scholar who teaches at Asbury University and he has previously spent a good deal of his research and writing time on the Chronicles of Narnia. Now that the filming of that good ship Narnia has... Read more

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1SJ7yaa7cI Read more

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Here is an interesting article from the NY Times about the attempt to develop big time NCAA football at Liberty University, creating an Evangelical powerhouse longing to rival Notre Dame, or say Baylor. See what you think. Read more

For those who have asked, the way to donate to the Christy Ann Witherington scholarship fund is by going to https://www.asburyseminary.edu/give/give-online , filling out the form and specifying under the “other” category the “Christy Witherington Scholarship”. Of course, you can also mail checks to the Asbury Seminary Advancement Office and just specify the scholarship on the check memo or in a note. Ann and I wrote the following poem for the ebook. WHEN A DAUGHTER DIES… When a daughter dies,... Read more

Oxford Vacation Term for Biblical Study 2013 by larryhurtado The Oxford Vacation Term for Biblical Study (VTBS) is an annual opportunity to take in lectures by established scholars in Biblical Studies, and also offers the chance to acquire and refine abilities in biblical Greek and/or Hebrew. The event is organized by a group of volunteers, and has been held annually for many years. I’ve enjoyed invitations to give lectures, and have been very impressed with the quality of what is... Read more

Since I am now approaching my 61rst birthday, I was thankful for this particular little list my 85 year old Mom sent me. THE PERKS OF BEING OVER 60 01. Kidnappers are not very interested in you. 02. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first. 03. No one expects you to run–anywhere. 04. People call at 9 pm and ask,”did I wake you?” 05. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac. 06. There is nothing... Read more

What is the nature of human nature? What are we intended to be…. and to do? The Feast of the Incarnation, when the Son of God took on human flesh is the perfect time for a meditation on this very subject. Professor K. Scott was giving a chapel address at Asbury last month, and he was stressing that God created our world in such a fashion that we might grow up and grow into our true humanity, like Jesus himself... Read more

Things happen to me that simply don’t happen to “normal” people. So much so in fact, that my family has long ago come to call these events “Dave-ism’s”. It was in the Spring of 2010 in Prattville, AL and I was helping my 23 year old son Jason move into his first apartment. Jason was in the Air Force and had elected to move off base into his own place. As usually happens in such events, he got “donations” of... Read more