In a previous post, I responded to Doug Coleman’s question about the meaning of sin, including how “missing the mark” relates to shame and law language. In his reply, I think he really gets at the crux of the matter. Given the feedback I’ve heard from readers, I suspect having this conversation in public helps answer similar questions that other people also have. First of all, I agree when Doug says, “So, I’m not suggesting that sin is simply a... Read more
It is very possible that we do not honor biblical authority precisely by forcing an overly literalistic interpretation on the text. Why? A “literal” reading (from our perspective) may in fact overlook the biblical audience’s cultural context. Accordingly, we might impose our assumptions onto the text, resulting in interpretations that ignore the writer and audience to whom God originally revealed Himself.In The Lost World of Adam and Eve, Walton clarifies what it means to affirm the Bible’s authority. (He elaborates... Read more
Over at Doug Coleman’s blog, he raises a good question about recent discussions of honor and shame. I think others have similar concerns. This post is my response. Here is an excerpt from Doug’s blog post: At one point in the video below, Jayson Georges discusses theological issues related to honor and shame. He notes that “Western” theology tends to define sin as “missing the mark,” but Jayson goes on to suggest that Scripture views sin more in a relational... Read more
When reading John Walton’s The Lost World of Adam and Eve, a number of questions are sure to arise. Throughout this review series, we have seen Walton challenge many of the conventional assumptions people have about the Bible and how to interpret God’s word. How should culture influence our interpretation of the Bible? Well, which culture do you mean? Ancient culture? Our church culture? The culture we presently live in? One can feel tension emerge whenever these questions come up.... Read more
Check out the latest issue of Christianity Today. The feature article is all about honor and shame!! In his excellent piece, Andy Crouch illustrates very well how honor & shame (H/S) particularly influence a Western context. What is most impressive is how balanced Crouch is when discussing H/S. Andy is also very gracious to spotlight and draw upon my work, whether in Saving God’s Face and on this blog. When he and I met last year, I was very impressed... Read more
People sometimes prefer to have two nicely divided categories: good or bad, right or wrong, love or hate, . . . . Similarly, in debates or conflicts, we are prone to label others either “for us” or “against us.” The debate over human origins has been plagued with false dichotomies. Some of the ones I hear most often include: conservative/liberal, literal/allegorical, perfect/fallen. In The Lost World of Adam and Eve, John Walton breaks the traditional mold. He interjects fresh terms... Read more
Over at HonorShame.com, you’ll find two fantastic videos that will equip people very well for doing ministry in an honor-shame context. (In truth, honor and shame are “human” dynamics, so these videos are relevant everywhere.) Honor & Shame 101 In the first video, Jayson gives a summary of ways that honor-shame can influence our ministry. After watching the video, what would you add to the ideas mentioned in the above video? Honor & Shame 201 The second video... Read more
I’m in the midst of a review series on John Walton’s The Lost World of Adam and Eve: Genesis 2–3 and the Human Origins Debate. (Click here for Part 1, Part 2) Today, I will specifically look at Walton’s view of Adam and Eve. What is “Adam”? Walton further reminds us that “Adam” is not actually a proper name for a single individual. It is a collective noun, which refers to humanity. On rare occasions, it points to an individual,... Read more
Imagine how mission agencies, ministry teams and churches would be different if they took to heart Brene Brown’s words in this video. Read more
Previously, I introduced my series reviewing John Walton’s new book The Lost World of Adam and Eve: Genesis 2–3 and the Human Origins Debate. I set the context by explaining what Walton calls a “functional account” of creation (in contrast to a material account). Why tackle this Genesis/creation debate? I’ve been warned by a few people to stay away from this topic on the blog. It’s too much of a lightening rod issue, they say. Certainly so. The truth, however,... Read more
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