I’m currently working on an article on “monotheism” for a scholarly dictionary-type reference work, and am glad to have been allowed to submit it after the International Society of Biblical Literature conference in July in London. To find out why, pay a visit to Dan McClellan’s blog, which surveys papers that are to be presented at sessions dedicated specifically to the term and concept of monotheism. I’m glad to have a chance to soak in the range of perspectives, views,... Read more
Some thoughts and links about interaction between scholars (and those wrongly labelled as such) and the media over at the blog’s new location on Patheos. (Includes a video clip of Stephen Colbert on Jesus, Thor, and Harold Camping…) Read more
Here are a few interesting links to other blogs, around the topic of the media and where they turn when looking for well-informed perspectives. As I mention this, I am aware of the attention that some lead codices have been getting, in spite of scholars expressing concerns about their authenticity. The irony is that I know of an instance of a journalist saying they could not use a scholar’s blog as a primary source, yet apparently someone who has no... Read more
Cross-posted from the blog’s new home at Patheos… At BioLogos, Dennis Vennema continues his series arguing against the claims of Intelligent Design regarding biological information. Elsewhere at Patheos, Karl Giberson responds to William Dembski. And at Jesus Creed, RJS discusses missing links. Gentle Wisdom points out news via the BBC that structural flaws in proteins may have assisted the development of biological complexity. Read more
If you’re new to Exploring Our Matrix, I should introduce my “Around the Blogosphere” posts – they are a round-up, sometimes of posts on a particular theme, other times just of anything I thought interesting and worth sharing – that has popped up on blogs that I read. At BioLogos, Dennis Vennema continues his series arguing against the claims of Intelligent Design regarding biological information. Elsewhere here at Patheos, Karl Giberson responds to William Dembski. And at Jesus Creed, RJS... Read more
Go take a look at my post “Why There Will Be No Rapture” over on my blog’s new home at Patheos, in order to see why I think Harold Camping is wrong not merely about when the Rapture will be or whether we can predict it, but whether it makes sense to expect a Rapture at all. Read more
The Internet is alive with discussion of the Rapture, which Harold Camping’s most recent prediction says will occur this coming Saturday. Most people, and I think even most Christians, are at best skeptical. As someone who came to a personal faith around the same time that the infamous pamphlet by Edgar Whisenant was getting attention, 88 reasons Why The Rapture Will Be in 1988, I experienced the hype of such predictions first hand. But that is not why I am... Read more
I was really struck by Wade Berry’s words in a post yesterday on “worship and dissatisfaction with the modern church.” He wrote: Churches need to remember that their job is not to preserve “the old hymns” and pass them along to the next generation – whether that next generation wants them or not. Their job is to provide people with an opportunity to connect with God. It is to challenge the intellect and awaken the emotions. It is to call... Read more
I was really struck by Wade Berry’s words in a post yesterday on “worship and dissatisfaction with the modern church.” He wrote: Churches need to remember that their job is not to preserve “the old hymns” and pass them along to the next generation – whether that next generation wants them or not. Their job is to provide people with an opportunity to connect with God. It is to challenge the intellect and awaken the emotions. It is to call... Read more
Cross-posted from the blog’s new location… Ben Linus and Jesus join forces to fight crime That seemed to me the most appropriate title for the news that I just saw on IO9, that Michael Emerson and Jim Caviezel will be the stars of a new J. J. Abrams show, “Person of Interest,” on CBS this Fall. Jim Caviezel played Jesus in The Passion of the Christ, as well as starring in the science fiction film Frequency. Michael Emerson is best... Read more
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