In the wake of tragedy, we may view things differently. While some at church this morning spouted offensive platitudes (despite the pastor’s explicit mention of the pain they cause and their inappropriateness), I found myself thinking about the text of the sermon, about the massacre of the innocents in Matthew 2. In the story, it is God who alerts Herod to the birth of a king in Bethlehem. The star is obviously not a real star, since it could not... Read more
While some Christians might resist the perspective of an atheist, I think the cartoon makes a point that most will agree with. Treating “God” as the cookie-cutter answer irrespective of what the question happens to be is as foolish as using “God” as the answer to every question on a crossword puzzle. You might be able to have put a letter in every square. But you will have missed the point and much else in the process. Read more
Some mythicists might consider it a major achievement that Rene Salm got invited to speak at the Society of Biblical Literature meeting this year. They would do well to keep in mind that Simcha Jacobovici was also invited to be on the program. 🙂 But more seriously, the only people who get really excited to be on the program are (1) young scholars needing to build up their resumes, (2) established scholars who depend on being presenters for their university... Read more
Quite a number of people are discussing t-shirts like this one (or the wider use of the sentiment expressed on it) in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy: I am glad that fundamentalists are finally being a bit more honest about what they mean by “God.” They clearly do not mean an omnipresent being who cannot be excluded from any place. It’s quite a different notion from that encountered on more than one occasion in the Psalms, for... Read more
I thought this cartoon, which was shared on Facebook, offered a cute perspective on Biblicism. If someone knows who created it, please let me know so that I can give credit where credit is due. Read more
Rev. Jeremy Smith posted some thoughts in response to those who claim that God being “uninvited” from schools has something to do with the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. Randal Rauser did the same. I would go even further than they do, even further than I did in my previous post on the topic. The shooting in this elementary school was not carried out by some elementary-age child who had rebelled against God and, as a result, decided to kill lots... Read more
I am posting a reminder about the giveaway of sets of theologian trading cards as well as signed cards. To enter, leave a comment on that post (not this one). I suggested there the possibility of playing a game with the cards. What might a Theologians Customizable Card Game look like? Could it be like Pokemon? “Arius used Thalia against Athanasius. It's not very effective…” Click through and suggest your rules for how to play a game using the cards.... Read more
Another favorite Romanian Christmas carol, this one written by Nicolae Moldoveanu. Read more
As always, when some individual or groups pull out their guns and mow down innocent victims, as happened today in Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, there are people who will try to profit from it. I'm not talking here about the makers and sellers of guns, although they do indeed profit both at the front end, arming the killers, and then in the aftermath as still more people purchase guns in the vain hope that adding still more... Read more
The folks at BibleWorks let me know about this special offer and asked me to spread the word: 12 day special Through December 25, when you buy BibleWorks 9, we’ll include the ESV Study Bible module for free ($20 value)! This is the full text of the ESV Study Bible, withhigh-resolution images and maps. (Offer does not apply to upgrades.) Learn more about BibleWorks at our updated website:www.bibleworks.com/content/ To take advantage of this special order BW9, the ESVS module, and use the coupon code 12DAYS Read more
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