There’s plenty of reflection and discussion taking place about last night’s episode of LOST, Ab Aeterno, in which not only a white rock but the Black Rock were involved. Here are some links: Nik at NightPaul Levinson’s Infinite RegressIO9Galactica Variants In light of this sneak peek from next week’s episode, I wonder whether the smoke monster isn’t what some think of as “God” – one who believes humans are corrupt, judges them and punishes them for their shortcomings, but also... Read more

Tonight’s episode of LOST was, I think, immensely satisfying for both of the major categories of viewers: those who care about the characters most, and those who are more interested in solving the mysteries. SPOILERS FOLLOW. Tonight’s episode answered one major question – we learned just how old Richard Alpert is, and where he came from. After a brief introduction on the island, we flash back to the Canary Islands in 1867. After accidentally killing a man, Ricardus is purchased... Read more

Following Joel’s example, Geoff has now offered a review of me. This is starting to seem bizarre, but far be it from me to dictate to the biblioblogosphere what we should do. And so here is the assignment of anyone reading this (you’ve been tagged!): review another blogger. Not their blog, not their publications, but the person. It can be humorous, serious, surreal – whatever you think appropriate. The one other rule is not to scar the person in question... Read more

Sure, I’ve had my books reviewed, and critical analysis of things I have written in articles, or said in conference papers, or posted on my blog. But this is different. Joel Watts…has reviewed me!!! Read more

Age of the Earthhttp://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=08-ageoftheearth-100323060455-phpapp01&stripped_title=age-of-the-earth View more presentations from John Lynch. HT A Simple Prop Read more

Michael Bird suggests that Gnosticism originated in a Jewish context. I am inclined to agree, particularly in light of my work on the Mandaeans. More should be done to compare Gnosticism with other examples of one group’s god(s) becoming another group’s demon(s). There are examples from Egypt’s history of a deity being demoted or reinterpreted, as well as in the terminology of Indian tradition vis-a-vis Iranian. Chet Raymo looks at the handiwork of the demiurge in creating the mosquito. Jesus Creed continues... Read more

Thanks to Joel Watts (on Facebook) for pointing out that Glenn Beck has recently condemned me. I liked this particular shot most: If you haven’t yet discovered that Glenn Beck has been condemning you, you need to click here. Read more

This is hilarious and insightful at the same time, as usual: The Colbert Report Mon – Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c Glenn Beck Attacks Social Justice – James Martin www.colbertnation.com Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Health Care reform HT Euangelion and Experimental Theology Read more

I’ve been thinking about Acts 9 as I prepare to guest teach a class at General Theological Seminary in New York City on that topic (I’ll also be touching on the relationship and contrasts between Lukan and Johannine Christology). The story of Paul’s Damascus Road experience provides a great opportunity to discuss whether Paul’s “change of direction” should be thought of in terms of “calling” or “conversion,” to compare Acts with the epistles (as well as with itself), and to... Read more

I found myself wondering yet again today what those who speak of the Bible as “inerrant” do with Ecclesiastes 9:2-6. I quote them here from the NIV: All share a common destiny—the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad, the clean and the unclean, those who offer sacrifices and those who do not. As it is with the good man, so with the sinner; as it is with those who take oaths, so with those who are afraid to take them.... Read more