Being in the throes of grading, I am a bit late blogging about the announcement of the discovery of clay model shrines at Khirbet Qeiyafa dating from roughly 3,000 years ago. The Times of Israel has an article on the subject, and the Hebrew University issued a press release. Demotix treats the find as evidence that the Bible is “not to be dismissed as legend.” It is such sensationalist claims that are causing most of the hubbub, and fortunately scholars... Read more
I’ve been meaning to mention the review of Religion and Science Fiction in the latest issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Religion. It is written by Kevin Wetmore of Loyola Marymount University, and surveys the volume’s contents, concluding the review as follows: Overall, Religion and Science Fiction is an eclectic, interdisciplinary anthology that demonstrates the strengths and weaknesses of multiauthor volumes of this type. Given the subject matter, there are some topics that perhaps could have and should... Read more
From ASBO Jesus. It should go without saying, but just in case, I’ll make it explicit. This is not a jibe at religion. There are religious believers, religious leaders, and religious community who welcome, encourage, and promote thinking. But there are also anti-intellectual and even anti-logical streaks in certain circles. Chances are, if you find this offensive, then you and/or your religious community may be part of the problem Read more
I somehow failed to notice earlier that my first book, John’s Apologetic Christology: Legitimation and Development in Johannine Christology, is available for Kindle, at a much cheaper price than even the paperback version, and a significant reduction off even the digital list price. And so I thought I’d mention it here! Read more
Churches have long been instrumental in the establishment of universities. Some of the most prestigious secular universities of the present day in the United States – whether Harvard University, the University of Chicago, or Butler University [wink] – were founded by either churches or people motivated by religion, and had strong religious ties. But it may be that the time has come for those who consider higher education and research important to take a stand and say that education as... Read more
The title of the Doctor Who episode “The Invasion” hints at what the story would be about, but it keeps the viewer in suspense – although with some big hints – before eventually revealing who or what would be doing the invading. Since the cover of the DVD case doesn’t keep the secret, presumably it won’t be considered a spoiler that I didn’t either. This episode, like a number of others during the Patrick Troughton era, had a strong element... Read more
I’m back safe and sound and without delays from Lethbridge. Here’s a photo taken from inside Calgary Airport which scarcely does justice does no justice whatsoever to the view of the Rocky Mountains from Calgary and its vicinity. Read more
I love that the person who has made the YouTube channel with all this wonderful music has superimposed science fiction and other futuristic images on them. Read more
What is a blog for, if not expressing one’s appreciation? I want to publicly thank everyone who participated in the Research in Religious Studies conference at the University of Lethbridge this weekend, not just for making me feel welcome but also simply for being part of this wonderful event. Special thanks are due to: Jim Linville, his wife Mary, and all Jim’s colleagues at the University of Lethbridge; to Anne Moore of the University of Calgary for providing transportation and... Read more
I love music of the late Romantic era, and Swedish composers in particular. Here is Wilhelm Stenhammar’s Symphony No.2 in G minor op.34 from 1911. Read more
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