To some degree, I am likely beating my head against the wall trying to reach a firm and final conclusion when theologians (real ones, not us “everyday living” theologians) have debated Biblical interpretation and resultant doctrines for over four centuries. So donning the helmet of ignorance, I’ve attempted to assemble the disparate positions and the…
Read moreThe Three Wise Men Weren’t (Three)
Each Christmas I get a little more scrooge-like as I drive past nativity scenes depicting three kings waiting in line to present the baby Jesus with their gifts. Some early church traditions even have names for the robed worshipers, Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, but we have no way of knowing if this was accurate. So,…
Read moreMisquoting the Bible
If there is one word of advice, I’d give to new readers of the Holy Scripture it is “context.” With over 727,000 words in the NIV version of the Old and New Testaments, like fortune cookies, people can easily make up anything using out of context bible statements. Anytime you hear a bible phrase quoted,…
Read moreSins of the Parents and Sour Grapes
I try my best to not look around me and judge others. Far be it from me to fall into the trap of the Pharisee Jesus described in Luke 18:11 “God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.” However, I am susceptible for trying to…
Read moreBiblical Roots
Our vernacular has changed in the last 50 years and I am a first-hand witness. In my youth it was far more common to have phrases and idioms used to make a point many of which had their roots in the Bible. Some of the more popular ones have survived and my guess is most…
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