Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof<\/a> got a mention in my Sunday school class. He was remarkably flexible at times, yet found himself asking how far he can bend before he breaks. Among the subjects we discussed was whether Christian identity is a matter of doctrine, practice<\/a> or both. I also pointed out that conservative Christians and Muslims would agree over against many liberal Christians in believing in the virgin birth. Some in the class were surprised to learn that Muslims believe in the virgin birth. We also discussed whether it makes sense for Christians to think of Muslims as \u201cworshipping a different God\u201d, or whether it makes more sense to acknowledge that the belief in one supreme deity is something held in common, while we disagree about certain doctrines<\/em> and practices<\/em>. Over the coming weeks we\u2019ll be thinking more about the subject of the relationship between Christianity and other religions, and how Christians might\/should view those religious traditions. In the mean time, I got them to take the flaming meteorite test<\/a>.<\/p>\n Also related to the subject of agreement and disagreement, I recently finished reading Michael Bird<\/a> and James Crossley\u2019s<\/a> book\/conversation How Did Christianity Begin?<\/a> Elsewhere around the blogosphere, Theological Scribbles offers (qualified) praise for evangelical pragmatism<\/a>. Internet Monk has a reflection on God knowing us<\/a> and recommends Love is an Orientation<\/a><\/em>. Jim Getz will be hosting next month\u2019s Biblical studies carnival<\/a>, and promises it will be mostly harmless \u2013 so long and thanks for all the blogging! Hopefully Jim will include something by Michael Carden<\/a>. Dr. Platypus asks if the blood of Christ can make you sick<\/a>. John Hobbins discusses Rachel Elior\u2019s contrarian thesis about the Dead Sea Scrolls<\/a>. Drew Tatusko discusses affluence and religiosity<\/a> (or lack thereof). I wonder as I wander\u2026about the way Christians use \u201cGod is good\u201d<\/a>.<\/p>\n What\u2019s New In Papyrology highlights the Centre for the Study of Ancient Documents: Photographic Archive of Papyri in the Cairo Museum<\/a>, which includes texts<\/a> like the Gospel of Peter and 1 Enoch<\/a>. Also, the latest issue<\/a> of Oral Tradition<\/a><\/em> is out. Deinde provides convenient assistance<\/a> with SBL abbreviations<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.assoc-amazon.com\/e\/ir?t=jamefmcgrshom-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1598563416\")
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