The idea that the Father commits an honor killing against Jesus revolts most people. Yet, I've heard some people suggest that we could explain penal substitution in terms of an honor killing. Why might someone potentially link these ideas? The comparison isn't helpful. Read more
Why did the people who murdered Jesus kill him? What was their motive or mindset? There are certainly layers to that answer. In this post, I suggest one particular idea that gets little discussion. From the perspective of the authorities, Jesus’s death functioned very similarly to an honor killing. How so? Read more
For the most part, however, Americans have not experienced the pandemic in the same way as people in India and Pakistan. We do well to remember that cultural dynamics impact how people perceive the threat of the virus. Read more
Terranova may encourage those interested in or involved in Kingdom Movements to evaluate their expectations or ways in which their work can produce healthier and more sustainable results in a variety of contexts around the world. Read more
This second post looks at the central question that shapes our introductory book on the topic of oral hermeneutics: Why is it important to know and practice oral hermeneutics in ascertaining and communicating biblical meaning? Read more
Have Western exegetes turned an Eastern book into a Western one? Has our fondness for a fixed printed text, capable of being analyzed with precision and exactitude, blinded us to other hermeneutic possibilities? Does God require all people to be able to analyze grammar to interpret Scripture? Does God assume all people can interpret Scripture through oral means? Read more
The intentions of “purity culture” were honorable. Its methods, however, brought shame. So, what is a person to do? Where people feel threatened, they attempt to maintain control. This response injects a new poison into the social system. As one group seeks to control others, a cycle of oppression and shame begins. Read more
I had the pleasure of speaking with Matthew Bates on the OnScript Podcast. And now, the episode is live and ready for download! Read more
What is the relationship between purity and the concepts of honor and shame? Understanding purity language helps us in several ways. For example, we can discern the broader connotation of such imagery in the Bible and in our lives. We can improve our ability to interpret the Bible and contextualize its message. Read more
I have heard people say that purity culture preached a “sex prosperity gospel.” The basic message went like this: If you don’t have sex before marriage, you will have wonderful marriages with amazing sex. Naïvely, church youth bought the promises of purity culture. And, sadly, unintended consequences followed. Read more
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