This is part of our ongoing series comparing the perspectives of J. D. Crossan and N. T. Wright on the Historical Jesus. Crossan understands the canonical birth narratives to be theological fictions, as Mark, Q, and the Gospel of Thomas, which he views as the earliest historical sources, do not contain any form of birth narrative.Continue reading “Comparing the Historical Jesus: Birth Narratives”
Monthly Archives: July 2014
Comparing the Historical Jesus: Sources
This is part of our ongoing series comparing the perspectives of J. D. Crossan and N. T. Wright on the Historical Jesus. Of great importance for all historical study are the sources used in forming narrative perspectives. Some historians are relatively inclusive in their acceptance of source material, drawing from a wide variety of disciplinesContinue reading “Comparing the Historical Jesus: Sources”
Comparing the Historical Jesus: Introduction
“He comes to us as One unknown, without a name, as of old, by the lake-side, He came to those men who knew Him not. He speaks to us the same word: “Follow thou me!” and sets us to the tasks which He has to [fulfill] for our time. He commands. And to those whoContinue reading “Comparing the Historical Jesus: Introduction”
Book Review: The NIV Journey Bible
As noted previously on this website, writing a book review of the Bible remains something of a daunting task. Yet reading and reviewing important literature constitutes a central part of what pursuing truth is all about. The Bible we are reviewing today is the New International Version The Journey Bible[1], which is all about “RevealingContinue reading “Book Review: The NIV Journey Bible”
Recommended Reading: July 19-25
Below are this week’s recommended blog posts from across the internet. If you think there’s a blog I need to be reading, please let me know in the comments section. As always, I hope you find these suggestions thought-provoking. Cheers, JP If You Only Read One Article, Read A Line Crossed in the Middle EastContinue reading “Recommended Reading: July 19-25”
A Prayer for Writing
Below is a prayer for writing adapted from a prayer of Walter Wink found in his book Just Jesus (page 23 for those interested). I found Wink’s words a powerful reminder about our need to rely on the “muse” of the Holy Spirit when writing. On this beautiful summer day, Lord, I bring my wholeContinue reading “A Prayer for Writing”
Cultural Differences and Biblical Interpretation
One of the biggest challenges for those studying the Bible involves reading and interpreting the scriptures in a manner consistent with their original context. Modern readers are distanced from the earliest written messages of the Christian tradition not only by time and space, but also by key cultural differences. In their book Understanding the SocialContinue reading “Cultural Differences and Biblical Interpretation”
Milton and the Divine Plan, Part II
This is the second and final post in our series considering John Milton’s conception of the Divine Plan. When thinking about the God and his control over the universe, a topic which weighs heavily on everyone’s mind is death. If God has a plan, why must it include death? Milton addresses such questions in hisContinue reading “Milton and the Divine Plan, Part II”
Milton and the Divine Plan, Part I
Today’s post is the first in a two-post series examining John Milton’s conception of the Divine Plan. The second post in this series runs tomorrow. Few people who have ever learned something about English poet John Milton (1608-74 CE) doubt his incredible talent. Not only was Milton a world class poet (I won’t delve intoContinue reading “Milton and the Divine Plan, Part I”
Book Review: Just Jesus (Wink)
“How does my autobiography affect my interpretation of Scripture? How has my theology come out of my experiences?” These are the driving questions of Walter Wink’s memoirs, Just Jesus: My Struggle to Become Human (Image: New York, 2014). Penned as his reflections upon life and theology during his fatal struggle with dementia, Just Jesus readsContinue reading “Book Review: Just Jesus (Wink)”
Pursuing Veritas 