I like reading the texts before I’ve read the lesson material so that I can see what I can learn from them without the direction of the lesson topic. So why do I call this text “out of context” when I haven’t even seen how it will be used by the lesson material. The reason…
In my Sunday School class yesterday we discussed Mark 15. We’re reading this with Allan Bevere’s Keeping Up with Jesus: A Narrative Devotional Commentary on Mark. In the thought questions for chapter 15, Allan asks both why Jesus is silent at his trial as depicted in Mark, and what it means that Jesus died for…
As a continuation of my series on Theodicy, Steve Kindle interviewed me using the same set of questions I’ve used with all the other participants. This was recorded a year ago, but I just finished the production and posted it yesterday. For more information on the series: Theodicy Interview Series.
In a practical sense, I have to agree on this. I’m not sure if that’s the reality behind everything.
From the late Jacob Milgrom’s 3 volume Anchor Bible Commentary on Leviticus, specifically on Leviticus 4:1-35, Purification Offering: The Priestly doctrine of collective responsibility yields yet another corollary. The “good” people who perish with the evildoers are not innocent. For allowing the evildoers to flourish, to pollute the sanctuary beyond repair, they share the blame….
Summarizing attributes of the assembly of dragons and beasts in Revelation 12 & 13.
Are we making an image to the beast or being the image of Christ?
We need to listen to people with different perspectives in a variety of different ways to improve our own understanding.
An overview and rating of The Passion Translation (TPT)I don’t use generic labels but assess translations based on functional and formal criteria, including how much they reword the original language. Despite critics, I found TPT to be expectedly missionary in nature, combining a dynamic approach with considerable formal elements. While the translation’s charismatic roots and its translator’s claims generate controversy, I suggest that readers approach TPT like any other translation—by recognizing its biases and comparing it with others for a fuller understanding.
The evaluation of a Bible translation hinges on various factors including theological perspectives and language familiarity. Controversy often arises over word choice, as seen in Romans 3:25’s varying translations of “propitiation.” Differing translation strategies result in diverse renderings, which can align with or challenge doctrinal positions. I encourage comparing translations and checking translator qualifications. Don’t assume “literal” means “accurate.” Instead, make use of multiple translations for a fuller understanding.
