Some Thoughts on Bible Reading

Some thoughts on Bible reading for your morning: 1. Never read a Bible verse. Always read at least a paragraph, preferably more. Best is reading a whole book (more on that below). You can make any one verse mean any number of things, but considering the larger context of passage places that verse within aContinue reading “Some Thoughts on Bible Reading”

The Importance of Syriac Christianity

Diversity is fascinating. The world is a big (big) place, full of all sorts of people, places, and ideas. And while certain schools of thought have elevated “diversity” to a buzzword demanding de-institutionalization and the destruction of truth claims, the term does not have to be used in such disproportionate ways. In the historic ChristianContinue reading “The Importance of Syriac Christianity”

Book Review: The NIV Proclamation Bible

Writing a book review on a book of such importance as the Bible constitutes a unique experience regardless of how many times one has undertaken the process. Most book reviews focus on the meaning, implications, and history behind the content of a publication. With the Christian Bible, however, these tasks are insurmountable in a singleContinue reading “Book Review: The NIV Proclamation Bible”

Reflections on Mary: Historically Informed Theology

One of the perils of being a graduate student is constant busyness. For me, this busyness often distracts me from writing about subjects which are interesting and important but which are (unfortunately) beyond my ability to find time to address. One such subject is the Blessed Virgin Mary. In my searching for answers, Mary hasContinue reading “Reflections on Mary: Historically Informed Theology”

Book Review: Why Church History Matters (Rea)

“Every Christian follows tradition. Whether we affirm the canon of Scripture, Trinitarian explanation or even denominational distinctive, we embrace tradition. This is true whether we call it ‘tradition’ or prefer softer terms such as ‘precedent,’ ‘custom’, or ‘common practice.’” As interest in history dwindles in our intensely technological age, reasons for studying the past areContinue reading “Book Review: Why Church History Matters (Rea)”

Thoughts on Reading the Bible

Ten thoughts on reading the Bible: 1. Never read a Bible verse. Always read at least a paragraph, preferably more. Best is reading a whole book (more on that below). You can make any one verse mean any number of things, but considering the larger context of passage places that verse within a more meaningfulContinue reading “Thoughts on Reading the Bible”

On Approaching Difficult Bible Passages

Nothing can be more frustrating (or worrisome) as reading something in the Bible and a) not understanding what is going on or b) finding some sort of apparent contradiction in the text. Below are some suggestions on how to best to approach and make sense of these difficult passages. 1. Context is key. Before tryingContinue reading “On Approaching Difficult Bible Passages”