Jeremy at Hacking Christianity has an interesting post reflecting on present-tense verbs in the Zacchaeus story. Do they suggest that Zacchaeus was not indicating what he would do to show his repentance, but that he was showing himself not to be the horrible human being that public opinion made him out to be? Read more

Thanks to Jim Davila for pointing out the article in yesterday’s Boston Globe about Mandaean refugees and the challenges in keeping them together when relocating them. Read more

Steve Wiggins has posted a reflection on Rep. John Shimkus’ use of the Bible to claim that it is impossible for humans to cause climate change. Here’s a sample: Politicians now feel comfortable claiming God as their ally because “he said so.” Without having ever critically engaged Scripture, or even having read it in its original languages, those in positions of public trust know enough to flaunt it. And it always scores points with Americans. Liberals fear the ramifications of... Read more

Bob Cargill has posted an entertaining and poignant blog entry about charging for projectors at SBL. The images he created for that purpose are delightfully funny – and illustrate how much would be lost if one could simply offer text but no images. Here’s a sample: Read more

An article at IO9 explains why every single individual at the Society of Biblical Literature conference is bound to be unhappy at some point. It is essential reading for all who are planning to attend. Read more

Anyone who has dealt with technical issues related to projection and other mediation equipment at their educational institution will probably be aware that a certain infrastructure of maintenance and technical support is needed to keep projectors and other equipment running smoothly. I can perfectly understand why hotels might not have a natural interest in adding that to their list of services and take on the associated responsibilities. Nevertheless, societies like SBL, when they hold conferences, will really need to identify conference... Read more

I thought this reworking by Randy Olds of a famous Epicurean argument deserved to be shared: Is God willing to put an end to the torments of Hell, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then how can Hell possibly last for all eternity? Read more

An Evangelical biology student reviews Behe’s claims at the BioLogos blog. Read more

I have linked in the past to the series at Two Friars and a Fool about homosexuality and the Bible, providing these materials with the aim of supporting gays, lesbians and others pursuing ordination. Today Shuck and Jive mentioned the series and pointed out that there are two pdf documents that present the key points from these posts in portrait and foldable (two-pages per sheet) landscape format. Read more

Lauri Lebo shared a video of a Republican representative citing the Bible as proof that humans will not be able to destroy the earth. That is wrong on so many levels. Rep. Shimkus said, “The earth will end only when God declares it’s time to be over. Man will not destroy this earth.” Biblical prophecy, even understanding it within its own Biblical and contextual framework, consistently warns of future disaster so that people may change their ways and avoid the... Read more